Disgrace
1118 Words
AGATHA'S POV
"What the hell is she doing?" Lirith asks, her brow furrowing as we watch a kitchen servant patiently show Aileen how to fold the fluffy, golden bread and arrange the other cutlery on a tray.
"I have no idea." I reply, shaking my head. Neither of my stepsisters has ever cooked or shown any interest in cooking before. Back home, I was the one who cooked and served the whole family every meal.
"Grab those trays and follow me,” Aileen commands and we pick up the two trays carefully and follow behind her as she strides out of the massive kitchen.
"Why do you boil flowers? They decorate better when alive." I ask Lirith glancing down at the content of one of the bow on the tray I'm carrying. I have seen servant serve similar dish many times before, mostly to royals. That's why whenever I eat I always select the food that closely resemble human dishes.
"That's a delicacy. It's not for decoration." She expounds laughing. "You're not used to mermaid foods, but trust me they are delicious."
We follow Aileen towards the palace side reserved for king's officials and other employees. The paved paths are full of uniformed servants in haste and crowds of nobles and courtiers. Most murmuring respectful greetings and make way for her so we have no fear of the precious food we are carrying being knocked down.
"Agatha!” I suddenly hear a familiar voice call out from behind. I turn to see Adrian weaving through the crowd to catch up with us. Great. Just what I need right now, especially after what happened yesterday.
"Looks like someone’s smitten,” Lirith teases with a smirk just as Adrian comes to walk by my side.
"I'm working, Adrian." I point in irritation now that I know he doesn't like me. Je’s just interested in whatever idea he has of who I am.
“I know, but I wanted to see you later,” he replies, his tone begging.
“I don’t think I’ll have time today,” I say firmly, trying to put some distance between us. I don’t want him convincing me that I’m something I’m not.
He nods, a hint of disappointment flickering on his face “By your sarcastic tone, I’m guessing you’re still not buying all that I told you.”
I halt so Lirith goes ahead of me and doesn't need to hear all this madness that Adrian insists is truth.
“I’m trying.” I really am. “But how do you expect me to accept something that sounds so…crazy.”
He eyes me over. “Sometimes the craziest things are the most real,” he says. “You just have to open your mind to it.”
"My mind is pretty full Adrian."I say before starting to walk away, he grabs my arm.
"Just please give me a chance to show you all the evidence I have, then you can decide weather to believe or not."
"Fine. I'll look for you. " I say knowing it's the only way that he'll let me go. He nods and smiles. I walk away quickly to catch up with Lirith.
“Why are we carrying food towards the council rooms?” Lirith asks, her eyes wide with concern as Aileen struts confidently toward the two guards stationed at the entrance of one of the rooms. They bow to her.
"There is definitely a meeting in there,” I say, hearing the sound of murmured discussions from the inside.
“I wish to see the king,” Aileen declares and the guards exchange puzzled glances, as they look at the trays piled high with food.
“Apologies, my lady, but we can’t let you in. There’s a very serious meeting happening,” one guard replies, trying to maintain a very respectful tone.
“My king won’t mind! In fact, he’ll be furious if he finds out you refused to let his love see him," Aileen warns and the guards look at each other, one of them shrugging. With a reluctant nod, they swing open the heavy wooden and in goes Aileen. We have no choice but to follow in.
The men seated round the mahogany table turn to us in surprise, their conversations halting abruptly. King Atticus raises an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?”
Ignoring the king's unpleased tone, Aileen turns and takes the tray I am carrying and strides forward. And to everyone's shock she falls to her kneels before the king, presenting the beautifully arranged platter of food.
Should we also kneel down? Respect can be shown through other gestures that do not involve kneeling, right?
"I made your favorite dish, I thought it might brighten your day and remind you how much I and my sister love you!”
The men in the room burst into laughter.
"Are you serious? In the middle of a council meeting?” King Atticus snaps, his face turning a shade of red. "And get on your feet before I have you escorted out!"
Aileen, still on the floor, smile disappear and she slowly rises to her feet, looking like a scolded puppy.
"Excuse us, gentlemen," King Atticus orders and the men quickly gather their belongings and make their way to the exit, casting curious glances behind.
Once the room is cleared, he turns his attention back to Aileen, his eyes narrowed. "What was the meaning of that?"
I have never heard him raise his voice at either of them before. He must really be pissed.
“Your Majesty, I thought kneeling would show you my subordination." she tells.
King Atticus pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a long sigh. "You do realize that you've just made a complete fool of yourself before the council, right?"
Aileen nods sheepishly, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I just thought it was a great way to show affection."
The king's expression softens, and he reaches out to take her hand. "Next time, try to find a less disruptive way to show your affection, hmm?"
Aileen nods. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll keep that in mind."
“Leave,” he orders, his tone returning to authoritative.
"I have never witnessed a more humiliating scene. She should be thankful it was only a meeting with traders." Lirith whispers as we turn to follow Aileen out of the council room.
"The Human, remain behind." king Atticus rough voice calls before we reach the door.
I freeze in shock. Lirith glances back at me, her expression puzzled, but she continues on her way out, leaving me standing in the doorway.
My heart racing, I slowly turn back to face the king.
- Writer
