Let's be friends

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Lady Olivia was a respected figure in the castle. She did her work meticulously, always on time all while being a symbol of style and elegance. She wore the finest clothes, lived in one of the most resplendent rooms of the palace, was the king's trusted advisor, and had even caught the eye of the great general Yunan. She seemed to have everything... but a confidant - someone she could get loose around, relax, even if only for a minute.

Another day, another meeting with the king done. Olivia left the throne room, carrying some kind of diary. Finally, some time for herself! Of course, she'd have to go back to work soon, but she still had time to visit the library. It had been far too long since she last borrowed a book. Unfortunately, she didn't always have the time to read nowadays. When she stepped inside the library, Cassidy was lazily lounging on a chair, focused on a book. She quickly fixed her posture once she saw the other woman, trying to appear busier than she actually was.

"Milady! It's been a while since you last came here."

"Well I have some free time, so might as well borrow something. Any recommendations?"

"I have a new book on the life cycle of the hybeena. I know you like to read about fauna."

"That sounds perfect, thank you.", Olivia replied while the librarian walked towards a shelf, bringing her the book. The cover showed a hybeena beautifully drawn on a green background.

"Here, do you need anything else?", Cass asked as the other woman took a closer look at the book. She glanced at the clock.

"Actually, I think I'm going to stay here for a bit, my break isn't over."

"Oh, sure. I was about to make tea, want some?"

Olivia nodded and took a seat, watching her bring back a tray with a teapot, a sugar bowl, and two cups. Cassidy poured the tea and sat back in her chair. The two newts enjoyed the hot beverage for a bit in uncomfortable silence. The advisor wasn't sure what subjects she could bring up that Cassidy would also enjoy, while the librarian didn't want to accidentally ridicule herself in front of her. But one of them had to say something. The ticking of the clock seemed to get louder and louder, urging them to break the silence.

"Oh, what a pretty bouquet.", Olivia finally said, looking at a vase on a nearby table. The vase itself was simple and plain, filled with deep red sweet Williams.

"I know right? Aren't they lovely?", Cassidy happily replied, her tail wagging as she too looked at the flowers

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"I know right? Aren't they lovely?", Cassidy happily replied, her tail wagging as she too looked at the flowers. The advisor took another sip of her tea, curious.

"Every time I come here, there's a new bouquet. May I ask who's bringing them? A secret admirer perhaps?", she playfully asked. Cass giggled, amused by the question.

"Sorry to disappoint, but it's just Andrias."

Olivia stopped mid-sip, carefully putting the cup back on its saucer.

"The king has been sending you flowers regularly?"

"Nah, he brings them himself. Isn't he a dear?"

"Yes, yes.", she replied, intrigued. How strange. Andrias gifting flowers? To her? Could it be...? She opened her diary, checking on her schedule for the rest of the day. Cass couldn't help but take a quick peek. That woman was always so busy -problems to solve, meetings to attend.

"You always have so much to do, I'm impressed."

Olivia blinked, surprised, "Pardon me?"

The librarian looked embarrassed, worried she might have said something wrong.

"You do literally everything in this castle AND you look great doing it. That's really impressive."

The advisor was taken aback, but smiled lightly, "Oh, well... Thank you."

"I just hope you're able to relax from time to time."

"Oh, I do, don't worry about that. But..."

"But?", Cassidy asked as she took another sip of tea.

"... I wish I could confide in someone. People always look at me like I'm perfect. Sometimes I just want to... let it all out!"

The librarian looked surprised, giving her a little grin.

"You know, you can come here whenever you feel the need to chat. Just saying. I can keep secrets too. The only thing I want in return is juicy gossips and book talks."

Olivia laughed -it was the first time she saw her do that- and finished her cup.

"What a generous offer! I just have to accept.", she playfully replied, "But really, thank you."

"Don't mention it. I just want to know about the latest rumors.", Cass joked and pulled out her tongue. The other woman chuckled, standing up.

"Needless to say, feel free to come to me if you need to talk."

The blonde smiled a bit, lightly twirling the tea in her cup, "That's nice of you, milady. I'll keep that in mind. See you soon, alright? And enjoy the book."

"See you soon, Cassidy."

The two women exchanged friendly waves, both going on with their day. The advisor was very pleased with their little conversation, but she couldn't help but think about those flowers. It wasn't about a few bouquets here and there, but multiple a week and they were always absolutely lovely. Olivia had never seen the king develop that kind of feelings. Him, with her... That sure would be interesting.

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