“Age?” The woman asked, staring at Maya as one would examine new goods.
“17.”
“Favorite colors?”
Quite unexpected, but Maya answered without pause. “Black, white, blue, green, peach, red, gold-”
“Might as well list the entire color chart.” The young butler intruded, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Maya's eyes squinted in a slight smile, “Not really. Yellow is oddly unappealing to me.”
“Prejudice?”
“Preference.”
“Prejudice in disguise.”
“Very much preferable than forcing oneself to like everything and anything.”
“Why neutral grounds exist, Miss. Damaya.” The butler's expression was one of languid intrigue. Like that of a higher being watching ants go about their usual life, with a sudden interest in the lowly peasants.
“Unfortunately, one cannot be without a few dislikes. A human cannot like, be indifferent and have no dislikes. It is a natural course, sir. Neutral grounds exist but cannot cover the areas where one's like is not present.”
The butler smiled, staring at Maya with the patient look of an elder. “Well said.”
Maya smiled in response.
'An interesting butler... I'd love to avoid. Bet he has a superiority complex, is nit-picky and somewhat stubborn. Would clash a lot with this persona, it's best to be careful than be stress-full. My guts rarely lie.'
“Butler?” The woman's voice called for the duo's attention. Breaking the eye contact between the two.
The butler's voice was unhurried. “...A variation would make it more interesting.”
The woman nodded. “Nice skin.”
“And mouth.” The butler added.
“With eyes.” The woman concluded. Looking deep into Maya's eyes with a satisfied expression.
'...Uh?' Maya was confused.
“Miss Damaya Blackrose, we are pleased to inform you that you have passed the first test. Please go forward down the hall, and an attendant would be there to lead you to your room. A personal maid would be your assistant during this period, and details of the contest would be given to you by her. Best wishes, lady.”
The same words said to Arith. Maya was pleased internally, the happiness seeming so unexpected she didn't know how to react.
Her lips curled in a smile, like a kid in a candy shop, very close to getting the long awaited dream candies.
“Thank you.” Maya bowed gratefully, and took the golden card handed to her by the butler.
She followed the instructions and walked down the hall, her heart thumping with excitement. Though Maya had not achieved her total goal, crossing this first step meant a lot, to someone who stood on a trembling bridge. If she could take few more steps... Maya was guaranteed to be safe.
Upon reaching a corner of the hall, a maid in black, white and red uniform stood before Maya.
“Ejunsei, Miss.”* Cute braids tilted slightly with the bow of the maid.
“Ejunsei.” Maya responded. “I am Lady Damaya of Blackrose, and you are?”
“Kitty.”
“Just... Kitty?” Maya's brow quirked up.
YOU ARE READING
Allure of Fate
RomanceBetween surviving as a college student in an institution of deadly Magick, or becoming the hundredth wife to a seemingly fiendish King, which would you choose? Maya Gazi is stuck with one option: Both. But perhaps both is way better than becoming a...
