The Prince's Mate

Keya

"They said there was going to be someone at the door last night, but I never heard-" Cecelia started but then paused and looked at Lifa. "There are a lot of holes in my memory right now Lifa, and every time I think about it I remember you for some reason," She narrowed her eyes and stood then began walking toward the doors. "Weirdo," She commented as she placed her hand on the door, but after pulling it, nothing happened and she looked back at Lifa confused. "What's going on here, why won't it open?" She asked, and Lifa walked slowly until she was beside her and then held her arm out and placed it on the door.

"As you said before, you have no control over your life, even though I am sceptical about what you said earlier about being from another plane of existence I cannot help but see you as indifferent, I do not mean I distrust you, I simply have yet to confirm that you are harmless, after all, you did destroy the reception hall of the royal wedding two nights ago, furthermore, I am the one able to open the door, the respectful ladies in this hall have no control over that, only their helpers, you may claim this power from us once we trust you completely." She explained as she placed her hand on the door and the creases lit up with white light and the door silently opened up to reveal a blonde woman with grey eyes and pale skin dressed as the other maids standing at the side of the entrance with her head lowered.

"Good morning." She said with her head low but bit her lip at the lack of response as Cecelia was looking at Lifa.

"I have a billion questions I want to ask now," Cecelia called back at Lifa and then looked at the maid who guarded her door. "Are you allowed to enter the room you guard?" She asked and the woman looked up at her confused.

"Me?" She asked empty-minded before shaking her head and standing straight as Cecelia took a step out of the room and looked down the hall at all the other maids who stood like virtual statues, what she realised though was that they were all tired, or at least that's what the light circles under their eyes told her. "Did you speak to me?" She asked then looked at Lifa further inside. "Did she speak to me?" She asked.

"She did." Lifa nodded as she looked up at Cecelia. "What are your plans lady Cecelia?"

"How are you gonna stand there and call me that after explaining to me that I'm a prisoner and you're my warden?" Cecelia sneered back at her and she looked away, maybe it was the way Cecelia had said it or the fact that she was rightfully accused, but Lifa felt the guilt of holding back someone she could already confirm was a good person because of orders she had been given. "Whatever," Cecelia shook her head and looked back at the maid outside with her. "Are you allowed to enter the room?" She asked again and the woman stood straight with her hands folded behind her and took in a breath.

"There is no rule against it milady, but I have never heard of a respected lady of the hall inviting any maid inside... Unless you were not actually-"

"Oh no, that's exactly what I'm doing." Cecelia took her by her arm and pulled her in then watched with disdain as Lifa closed the door behind them. "What is your name?" She asked with a frown before catching herself doing it and slapping her forehead. "Sorry I'm not in a good mood right now," She explained and the maid suddenly looked like she'd seen her end, thinking she was about to be abused in some way or another.

"I am, Keya Reinn, milady-"

"Don't call me that." Cecelia sighed and began leading her by arm to the table of snacks and fruits while Lifa watched with intrigue to see what she was up to.

"Cecelia is more than enough." She told her the same thing she had said to Lifa the night before.

"Lady Cecelia, have I done something unpleasant in our exchange?" Keya asked, smiling nervously in anticipation of some kind of punishment for whatever offence she had committed.

"Nothing of the sort." Cecelia gave her an honest smile as she sat at the other end of the table. "I just figured, you have been there all night and would probably be hungry, or at least thirsty." She smiled as she picked up a grape-looking fruit and took a small bite to test it. "You're free to eat or drink whatever you want and even pick something for later, and I'm sorry for some of the half-eaten food lying around, I was tasting a lot of stuff for the first time, but it's all delicious I promise," Cecelia gave her a thumbs up as she threw the whole fruit in her mouth and began chewing it.

"Are you serious?" Keya asked as tears brimmed in the corner of her eyes. "Can I truly, will I not get in trouble?"

"You are still guarding the room, just from the inside now, and as you said before there are no rules that say you could not enter, so I see no reason you shouldn't eat as well, pardon my selfish actions, but I wanted to meet you," Cecelia popped another fruit in her mouth. "Seriously this stuff is delicious, even though I'm completely stuffed I can't stop eating, I might get sick from a stuffed tummy under this corset." She chuckled, and the guard began crying as she sat and took a slice of fruit Lifa offered her. "Why are you crying?" She asked, and Keya looked at her with wide saddened eyes and smiled while she ate.

"I have been in this castle for all my life, but this is the very first time I have ever been invited to dine at a table with someone of higher status than myself, and you did not do it as a joke, or to bully or moc me, you are truly sincere, Lady Cecelia, this is the most anyone has ever done for me, I thank you with all my heart, she said as she put the food in her mouth and began chewing. "Thank you," She spoke as she chewed earning herself a smack on the hand from Lifa.

"Even if you are happy, Keya, please do not forget etiquette, you are still in the presence of Prince Lucas's Concubine," She warned the woman.