A Plead Of Affection

DEKAPÉNTE

Arriving at the Schleswig Lodge, nothing felt ordinary; it was still the same old place; however, it felt lively this time. "Adam," He called out, which soon appeared the Master-Servant of the House of Schleswig, "She will be staying with us from now on. Lady Eva Maria Del Mar Rabellino," I subtly curtsied.

"Greetings, Lady Rabellino, it is my pleasure to serve you. I am Adam Valleas, the Master-Servant, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call me," I nodded, "Explain everything to her, Adam,"

"You will stay in a private room, if you don't want it, we've prepared a room with the Noble, you can sleep in the same room, Lady Rabellino," My mouth swung open in an instant, I soon composed myself, "N- No, that won't be necessary," I stepped back.

"You can live here comfortably," He continued, "Please live as if it is your own house, Lady Rabellino,"

After a subtle nod, he soon guided me to the common rooms. Dinner soon commenced with different dishes served at the table as we were having a feast. Never in my life did I feel free; it is as if I escaped from the shackles that once restrained me.

I took a bath with essential oils, the greenhouse filled with flowers I adore, and a vast chamber that was too good for me to sleep in. "How's your stay here?" Someone appeared behind me, "I never felt this comfortable before," I took a deep breath and continued to lean on the railings as the man stood beside me, going nearer.

"Come to think of it, at the ball, the scenario was also the same, you approached me as I was taking a breather," He chuckled, "You will get used on staying here, Eva. You won't do anything, just stay beside me,"

No one spoke after until he started a conversation, "Eva, I will be working tomorrow briefly. I'll just tend to a certain matter in the morning," He said to me, "Should I visit you at work?"

His eyes widened in shock, "Will you really do that?" His expression brightened, "Of course, since I am away from the Rabellino's estate, I do not have work to do tomorrow. I can go to you,"

He repeatedly nodded, "What would be the perfect time for me to go to you then?" I questioned; the man then thought of what he will reply, "After you tea time, it would be the ideal time to visit me,"

A knock soon interrupted us that made us look back, "Forgive me for interrupting, Noble Schleswig, Lady Rabellino," Looking at the glass windows was the Master-Servant, "It's time for bed, I'll see you tomorrow then, Alexios,"

After the Lady left to her chamber, the Master-Servant spoke, "Has Father sent a note?" The old man shook his head, "None of us has heard of him, Noble Schleswig,"

He laughed out and looked at the moon, "That man is as cold as a corse," Alexios made his way to the office, "What have I done to receive such treatment from Father?" He asked the servant.

His Father always cursed the Noble for being a shameful monster who took away his wife as a child. Due to childbirth, he lost not only his wife but also his beloved. He always remembered the curses of his Father. He felt that nothing remained as his Father called him as the boy who took everything. It was traumatizing living as Nobody treated him differently and always showed him that he was a vile creature who took someone's life.

All the expression he would always witness was the looks of distress and abhorrence that showed on the faces of the people around him. He dared not to make any mistakes further because people might detest him. Growing up with that mindset, he felt as if he was always at fault for everything that happened around him. The pain and discomfort that they felt were all because of him. Alexios only yearned for love and wanted love from someone.

Upon entering the academy and university, he soon built up acquaintances from other Houses that brought him peace and delight. However, even having friends was not enough to suffice what he learned as he grew up. After the encounter with Eva at Herald Station, he sometimes sees himself looking at the Lady and observing as she goes by. They would often exchange gazes. However, he knows deep in his mind that there would always be a boundary between them.

That he must not hope, believe, nor desire someone, especially of that of the Rabellino. However, seeing her in front of him at the ball made the Noble break what he promised to himself as he could not hold himself back in front of the Lady. Instead of pushing her away because of how their Houses differed from each other, he reached out to her and held her in his arms. He could not send her away after he felt such emotions after Eva looked like she had given up everything because of him.

He knew from the start and experienced it first hand that nothing could be beneficial in dealing with the Rabellino. However, after tasting a love that he always yearned for and learning that it was addicting, he could not let go any further and wanted more. Alexios could not let her go easily because of that; it was an opportunity that he could never let go of, especially if it opened itself up. Eva always gave her best, even if she fell over and over again.

The Noble Schleswig soon realized that that night's mistake that Eva made was not a mistake anymore for him. What happened that night made him want to hold the Lady endlessly, never to separate them repeatedly. They might be born as eternal rivals because of their Houses and might lead a complicated life, but nothing will happen if you will sit idly because if you have given up, that means you never wanted it in the first place.

"I will hold on to her; that is my only desire," He continued, "Even for a second, minute, hour, day, week, year, decade, just a little longer."