Crown of Deception

Chapter Five

Candles flickered softly in the dining area as Dalia, Noah, Alicia, and Cesar sat down to dinner, the warm glow casting gentle shadows on their faces. Alicia frequently glanced at Cesar, who sat beside her, absorbed in the meal.

"Noah, we're going to the mines tomorrow," Dalia stated, her voice firm as she pushed her plate away, signaling her completion of the meal. Without waiting for a response, she rose from the table and made her way toward the office prepared for them. The modest house offered only one office, and Dalia needed to gather her thoughts before the next day's challenges.

As she walked away, Noah exchanged a look with Cesar, a knowing smile on his face. "Dalia's determined, isn't she?"

Cesar nodded, his gaze drifting toward the door through which Dalia had exited. "It seems like she always is."

Alicia, still focused on Cesar, couldn't help but interject. "She's too focused sometimes. You should enjoy the moment, Cesar," she said, her tone light but pointed.

Cesar shrugged, glancing back at Alicia. "Moments will come and go, but what My Lady is doing is important. We can't lose sight of that."

Noah chuckled, sensing the tension. "Well, let's not dwell on serious matters tonight. We have a big day tomorrow, but we should enjoy our dinner first."

Alicia smiled, but her gaze kept drifting back to Cesar, who got up as well, seemingly unaffected by the silent tug-of-war for his attention.

Dalia navigated the dimly lit halls, the soft glow of candles casting flickering shadows on the walls. She entered the office, and Cesar followed closely behind, likely leaving the dinner table shortly after she had.

"Cesar," she began, her voice earnest. "About Alicia's comment regarding those women earlier, I'm really sorry. It was shocking for all of us, but she took it as an offense. Please forgive her; I'll make sure it doesn't happen again." Dalia felt the weight of her words, especially knowing this was Cesar's home. They were all outsiders, and Alicia's disrespectful remarks had been uncalled for.

Cesar's expression remained stoic. "I understand it must have been a shock for her," he replied bluntly, the coolness in his tone making it clear he held no illusions about the situation. Dalia couldn't blame him; she felt the same frustration.

Sitting at the desk, she pulled out the blueprints for the seamstress workshop, spreading them out before her. "Here are the blueprints," she said, glancing at the detailed drawings. She picked up the stamp on the desk, pressing it down to approve the plans.

"Cesar, I know I said you didn't have to look after her, but she is my cousin. So, please look after her whenever you have the time," she requested, her tone shifting from authority to a more personal appeal.

Cesar nodded, his expression softening just slightly. "Of course, My Lady. I'll keep an eye on her."

Feeling a surge of gratitude, Dalia got up from the desk and walked over to him, her heart racing a little. "Thank you. I know she can be... challenging sometimes, but I truly appreciate your help."

"Helping you is the least I can do," he replied, a hint of warmth in his voice. "Besides, I might even enjoy the challenge of keeping her in check."

Dalia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Is that your way of saying I'm the easier one to handle?"

Cesar leaned in slightly, his gaze playful. "I wouldn't say that. You both have your unique... charms."

Dalia felt a flutter in her chest, her cheeks warming. "Oh, charming, am I? I'll have to remember that."

"Absolutely," he said, his tone light. "And I can't wait to see what you come up with for the workshop. I have a feeling it'll be as impressive as you are."