Book Two: The Larkspur's Longing ~ A tale of deep obsession and devotion

Chapter Nine: Expectations

"I believe that I instructed you to provide me with all the information you gathered about Her Highness," Callidus stated, his commanding tone reverberating off the walls of the study. Mint's body quivered as she tightly clasped her freckled hands together, her gaze fixed upon the mahogany floorboards.

"Mint. I need to understand why you chose not to inform me."

"I... I apologize, Your Highness," Mint stammered, her voice barely audible. "It... it didn't seem relevant to share. After the late Prince F-" Mint abruptly stopped herself, and Callidus was satisfied to see that she remembered his distaste for hearing Ferox's name.

(Especially now.)

She continued, hesitantly, "...The...the engagement no longer mattered the moment he passed."

"What are your responsibilities?"

Mint flinched. "...I beg your pardon, Your Highness?"

"Your responsibilities," he reiterated. "Recite them to me."

Mint swallowed nervously, gathering her thoughts before answering. "As Her Highness's Lady's maid and member of your staff, my duties include attending to Her Highness's personal needs, ensuring her comfort, assisting with her daily routines, and maintaining her privacy and confidentiality."

Callidus's eyes narrowed, "And among those duties, Mint, is the responsibility to keep me informed about any matters that concern Her Highness. Matters that could impact her well-being or the well-being of our relationship. Do you understand?"

Mint nodded, her voice still trembling. "Yes, Your Highness. I failed in that responsibility, and I sincerely apologize."

"You will show your remorse through your actions, not your words," he demanded. "In an hour, I expect a detailed list of anything else that you thought was not 'relevant' to share with me."

"...yes, Your Highness."

Callidus began to direct his attention back to the documents on his desk, before he paused, another thought bubbling to the surface.

"Did she tell you not to inform me?"

Mint paused, before shaking her head, "No, Your Highness. I...simply, ah..." she trailed off, hesitantly, "I...was attempting to fulfill my duties, by keeping her confidentiality."

Callidus regarded Mint for a moment, "I appreciate your loyalty to my betrothed, but above all, you must be loyal to me. Is that clear?"

"...betrothed?" Mint squeaked in genuine surprise. "...I... I offer you my congratulations, Your Highness."

Callidus's jaw tensed, overwhelmed by a sudden mixture of joy and bitter pain. His demeanor grew colder.

"I do not need to be congratulated on something that was evident from the start," he said, coolly dismissing the reminder of his failed proposal. "I expect your loyalty. Is that clear?"

Mint bowed her head, her mouth shutting closed as she quickly nodded.

"To make my union successful, I need your complete allegiance and dedication," Callidus continued, "I expect you to inform me of anything else she confides in you. You will be my ears and eyes. Do you understand? Nothing shall be kept hidden."

Mint fidgeted with her skirts, and Callidus honed in on her hesitation. "What is it?" he asked sharply.

"...I..." Mint stammered. "...It is, um, a trivial matter, Your Highness."

"Everything concerning Cressida is of great importance to me."

Mint took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "It's just that... well, sometimes Her Highness confides in me about personal worries. Her private thoughts and emotions, and I...I am afraid that relaying every detail might violate her trust."