4.
693 Words
Reaching the dining hall I join all the girls.
The masters are already seated and lady Dalia seems nervous and impatient.
'Where is he Legas? He is late. I know they call him a wild savage but he is still a prince and you would expect someone of royal blood to keep their guests from waiting.' She whispers just loud enough to hear.
Suddenly master Legas stands up. 'Your Highness, Prince Tristan, welcome to our home. Please sit down, eat your fill and rest for a while so that you can continue your journey to the capital tomorrow.'
Lady Dalia and Cecilia quickly stand up and bow their heads, we all do the the same. Looking back up I see the man from earlier entering the room accompanied by an older man with a stern expression and grey hair. He walks up to master Legas and shakes his hand.
'Legas, thank you for having us. This is Nikon, my highest in command and most trusted friend. I see that you have gone to great lengths to make it as comfortable as possible for us. We would have been happy with a simple meal, but be sure that we will enjoy this party as much. After spending so much time amongst men in the castle, I do appreciate the beauty you are showing me.'
His eyes find mine and he sits down without releasing his stare. I feel a little uneasy and when lady Dalia gives me an angry look I quickly look at the emptiness behind him. I've spotted an interesting stain on the wall and I'll be looking at it all night.
The hours pass slowly and there is talk about politics and the festival, but nothing that really interests me.
Right after the desserts are served the man next to Prince Tristan begins to cough and gasping for air. He starts pounding violently on his chest and within seconds his face turns red. Everyone looks at the man and Prince Tristan gets up from his chair. Master Legas just stands there defeated and doesn't know what to do. People start to cry and yell as the man falls from his chair. Tristan tries to keep him straight and starts pounding hard on his back but there is no response. Without hesitation, I rush over to the man and stand behind him. I embrace him with my arms and make one big ball of both my hands, pressing in an upward motion hoping that he would spit out the obstruction.
'5, you're touching a master! Keep your filthy slave hands off him!'
'You can punish me later master, please let me try to help.' I ignore the rest of lady Dalia's yelling and threats and move on. And again up. 'Come on!' When suddenly he spits out a large piece of fruit and starts coughing. He breathes in big tugs of air and starts to recover.
'5...' She warns me. I look at her briefly, bow my head and help the prince to put sir Nikon back on his chair. In silence and with my eyes to the floor I go back to the rest and keep my eyes fixed on the stain on the wall again. I am already mentally preparing for the worst, I have been a slave half my life and I've experienced that there are severe penalties for touching the master if you are not a lover. Some even result in death.
'Thank you my lady' he says while looking at me. I nod and smile lightly, although he can't see that and and I refocus on the stain.
He turns to master Legas and his wives 'and I am truly sorry for the uproar, the fruit is so juicy and tasty that I ate too quickly.'
After the incident everyone ate in silence. I just felt lady Dalia's furious look on me.
'Rana, you have already done many stupidities but you have really done it this time.' I think. But I don't mind dying because I saved someone. I'm ready and I'd rather go with the little dignity I have left than die for serving cold tea.
- Writer
