Chapter 3
1318 Words
Chapter 3
Adele POV
“You are Lady Liora right?,” Draven questioned.
I wanted to ask him why he didn't attend the wedding but not in this tight situation.
“What brings you here?” Draven said, his stare cutting straight through me.
Draven sat in a high-backed chair at the end of the room, holding a thin folded document, untouched for several seconds. A single candle beside him threw light across his sharp jawline.
His face stayed unreadable. It made it harder to tell what he thought
“Uhm..,” I stammered, fidgeting with my fingers. I looked everywhere but at him. “I lost my way. I was looking for the kitchen because I'm…hungry.”
“You are far from the kitchen,”
“I must have taken a wrong turn,” I said, faking a laugh. “I'm still new that's why,”
“Or are you spying?” His eyes narrowed a fraction.
“No, no…” My words rushed out. I shook my head and stepped back half a pace. “It is not what you think.”
“Good, I do not tolerate lies.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. I forced my breathing to slow as I needed him to see calm, not panic.
Sweat began to form on my forehead due to his intense stare. Finally, he pushed back from his desk. He picked up a covered plate and held it out.
"This should be enough for you," he said.
I took it, my hands shaking so much the plate rattled. "Uhm... thank you," I whispered, keeping my eyes on the floor.
We both stood there, locked in silence. My attention slipped to his glossy olive skin and his Adam's apple that moved when he swallowed.
“Anything else you need?” His question woke me from my trance. I turned fast and left the room. My steps quickened as I got away from him.
I did not stop until I reached my bedroom, shutting the door quietly.
I set the plate on a small table. Opening the lid, my stomach immediately twisted from the rich scent that came from the toasted bread and steak.
I stared at it, remembering his words about not tolerating lies.
I wondered what he would do if he found out I'm not Liora. I hoped I could maintain it till my mom's treatment was done, then I would find a town to escape to with my mother.
I cut a piece of the bread and slowly placed it into my mouth, enjoying the spices that touched my taste buds.
I let out a breath I did not know I held and ate in small, careful bites. When I finished, I wiped my hands and lay on the bed
A loud bang broke my sleep. I jumped, shielding my eyes from the morning glare hitting the walls. The shadows were gone and it was already day.
“Open up, Lady Liora. We brought things that you may like,” Jasper called.
I pushed myself up and crossed the room. My hand missed the latch once before I found it.
The door swung open. Jasper’s smile slipped for a second. The maids behind him went still, their eyes flicking over me, then away.
They moved in at once.
Fabric is split over chairs. Boxes thudded onto the table. The room filled fast.
“A glass of milk and cinnamon cookies for my lady.” Jasper set the tray down with care and stepped back.
My stomach tightened. I stared at the tray. Steam curled from the cup. I pushed the plate to the very edge of the table, my lip curling in disgust as the scent of the spices hit me.
I looked up at Jasper, trying to keep my voice steady. “Take them away.” I wasn't trying to be bossy; I just needed that smell out of my sight before I grew sick.
“Why?” he inquired.
“Morning milk gives me a tummy ache and I can't stand the smell of cinnamon.” I rubbed my stomach, already feeling the ghost of the pain I knew that milk would cause.
“But they told us that you don't like missing your morning milk and cookies,” His words hit me like a bucket of ice water. Of course. The real Liora loved these things. I almost gave out my biggest secret.
I quickly stuffed one of the cookies in my mouth, took a large sip of milk, and I was ready to face the consequences later.
“Sorry… I'm just feeling grumpy today,” I let out a shaky laugh. I was grateful he didn't push further.
He turned to a rack and pulled out a gown of heavy silk. It looked expensive. The kind that costs more than a house.
“Here. Help her try this on,” he said, nodding to the maids.
They led me behind a tall screen and then the struggle started at once.
They pulled and tucked. Their breath brushes my neck but the fabric refuses to move over my hips.
I held my breath. The silk scraped my skin raw.
R-r-rip!
The loud sound cut through the room.
“Uhm... I think the dress doesn’t fit, sir,” one of the maids whispered staring at the ruined seam.
“Why? We sewed it exactly to the size we were given.”
"I... I must have gained a bit of weight on the journey here.” My stomach gave a sharp, angry twist. I don't know if it was fear or if the milk had already started to react.
I could feel Jasper’s silence on the other side of the room.
He then spoke. “I will tell the tailors to bring their measuring tapes. We wouldn't want to suffer the same fate again.”
“And where should we place the daisies?”
I peeked from the dressing screen. Jasper was holding a bunch of white flowers, all tied up in a bright yellow ribbon. They looked cheerful, but to me, they looked like trouble.
Almost instantly, a tickle started deep inside my nose. I scrunched up my face, fighting the urge to rub it.
Why did the real Liora have to love all the things I hated?
I finished pulling on my clothes and stepped toward him. I forced a smile and reached for the bouquet.
“Wow. They’re beautiful. Thank you,” I said in a tight voice.
Achoo!
The sneeze tore through me and jolted my shoulders.
I blinked up with watering eyes.
Jasper and the maids stood frozen, staring at me in silence.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, wiping my nose quickly. “The cold air yesterday must have gotten to me.” I shoved the flowers back into Jasper’s surprised hands.
I took a step back, trying to get away from the pollen. “The sun doesn't really reach my window anyway. Why don't you put these in the garden with the other plants? I’ll go visit them there.”
Jasper looked at the flowers, then back at me. “If you say so, My Lady. I will send for a physician to treat that cold of yours,”
He bowed and then turned to leave as the maid followed behind.
The door clicked shut behind them, and the silence that followed was heavy.
They noticed too much today. The milk. The flowers. The dress.
Each memory pressed harder in my mind.
I swallowed.
Draven’s voice began to echo in my head. “I do not tolerate lies,”
If they see through the lies. They would probably have me executed or throw me shamefully in public.
I need to have escape plans, so if that day comes, I won't be caught unaware.
- Writer
