(RAYA'S POV)
I was putting away a stack of papers when Lisa came rushing, “My Lady, you received an invitation from Her Majesty,” she handed me the letter with the royal seal.
I open it and look through its content, “It seems her Majesty is throwing a tea party tomorrow. She even told me to bring Eryx with me,” I mumble reading the letter.
“That is wonderful news. Shall I ask for Lady Fischer to come? It's a royal tea party, you must dress the part,” she says enthusiastically, moving around excitedly.
“Go ahead and tell Viktor to forward the news to the Lord,” I get up and carefully store the invitation, wondering if I'll meet His Highness tomorrow.
Lady Fischer comes around soon enough, we pick out a peach coloured dress that compliments my skin tone. I picked out an outfit for Eryx as well, since it'll be his first outing.
The next morning, I meet the Lord in the dining hall, “Greetings, I hope you're having a fine morning,” he nods at my greeting and gestures to me to sit down. I obey and sit down.
“Viktor told me about the tea party. I hope you know your limitations and wouldn't tarnish our family's reputation,” he says in his usual stern demeanour. “Understood, my Lord,” the interaction was brief, but his warning was clear. I excuse myself from the table to go get ready.
Dana did my hair and makeup as Lisa helped me put on my dress. I'm grateful to Lady Fischer for making the dress in a way I wouldn't have trouble feeding Eryx. After getting dressed, I pick up Eryx and change his clothings for his first outing.
“You're growing up so fast,” I coo, playing with his chubby cheeks. He giggles happily, seemingly happy about his first outing. I instruct Dana to gather all his necessary items.
We mount the carriage carefully and it takes off, watching Eryx look out the window amazed, makes my heart melt. So small, yet curious. The motion eventually makes him fall asleep. The way he grips my dress in his tiny hands is adorable.
He's the one keeping me sane, his smile is my driving force. Our estate is the closest to the royal properties, we reach the gates in no time. The royal maids escort us to the garden where the tea ceremony is being held.
The garden is exquisite. The fragrance of the flowers is out of this world. Eryx woke up when we were getting off the carriage. He babbles excitedly, trying to touch the colourful flowers.
We enter the secluded space and spot her Majesty. I approach her gracefully and bow, “Greetings, your Majesty. I hope the Gods have blessed you with good health.”
“Oh my, Lady Atticus, it is great to see you. I hope you're healthy,” she looks down at Eryx, “Is that your son? Such a lovely child. He resembles you so much,” she says sweetly, leading me towards the table.
We all exchange pleasantries with smiles. No matter what happens in our lives, we must honour the family by pretending as though all is fine. I hand Eryx to Dana before sitting down. She goes to take a stroll in the garden with him as we discuss things and get to know about each other's lives.
Her Majesty clears her throat, everyone goes quiet and pays attention to what she's about to say, “Some of you might not know this, but my lady-in-waiting has fallen gravely ill and cannot attend to me further. I hosted this tea party to choose a new lady-in-waiting.”
Everyone waits with bated breath, it is an honour to be able to serve the Empress. Her eyes take over everyone and lands on me, “Lady Atticus, I've chosen you. I have heard good things about you managing your estate alongside the Lord at such a young age.”
She smiles at me and continues, “the Atticus estate is also the closest to the Castle.”
I stand up respectfully, “Your Majesty, will I be able to assist you properly? I have a young child that needs my nourishments. I may not be able to provide you with required assistance.”
She smiles at my words, “Oh dear, don't worry, I am a mother too. I wouldn't dare separate an infant from his mother. I'll provide a nursing room in my quarters for the child. You won't be required to come to the castle everyday as well,” she gives me a motherly smile.
I've always heard of her kindness, but now that I'm experiencing myself, it is indeed comforting.
“If you're comfortable with me, I shall assist you,” I bow respectfully and smile at her.
“I've always been fond of little children. I'm looking forward to playing with the little man,” she says playfully. That's when his Highness comes in, he stops in his tracks and gives us a once over, his gaze lingering on me for a bit and clears his throat, “Mother, I didn't know you were hosting a tea party today,” he says adoringly, it is obvious that he's very fond of his mother.
Her eyes beam with joy as she looks up at him, “My Son, you should visit your old mother more often,” she says teasingly.
He chuckles at her teasing tone and replies, “I apologise for my carelessness. I'll make sure to visit you more often.”
He turns towards us and gives a charming smile, “Greetings to all the beautiful ladies present.” We all bow respectfully and greet him.
Her Majesty suggests we take a walk around the beautiful garden before we leave. Dana gets busy gathering the nursing items brought for Eryx. As I'm walking around with Eryx in my arms, his Highness joins us. His gaze goes to my wrists and his expression darkens seeing me wear a long sleeved dress to cover up the marks.
“Are you feeling better now?” He asks softly and looks down at Eryx happily playing with my hair. “I'm fine,” I replied curtly. He gently caresses Eryx's cheek, making him look up at him with his big blue eyes. Eryx giggles, touching his big hand with his much smaller ones.
“It seems the little man is fond of me,” he chuckles at Eryx's antics, he has his hand wrapped around the Crown Prince's thumb.
“He's a friendly child,” I mumble as I see how comfortable Eryx is with him. “Are you really content with having a man like that raising this little angel?”
My steps halt at his words, feeling the heaviness settling in. Will I really be able to protect my child from the teachings of this family? Or will he simply turn into a monster like him?
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Flower
Fantasi"Your Father has chosen your husband. He'll now lift your veil. So behave yourself," she squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. I keep my gaze down as I wait in anticipation, clutching my hands tightly to stop my body from trembling. Mother has always t...
