Pearls and Roses

18. Between Us

LEILA.

The drive home was in a constricting silence. I was much too nervous to breathe properly or make any movement that could break it.

  Not waiting for him counted as disobedience, not only to him as a person, but to his authority. How could I have missed his car? You didn't search hard enough, be honest with yourself.

    I swallowed, hugging my bag closer against my chest. My dress would be ready in a few days. He would not be around, so I could come here once more.

Without a job or any form of duty, what was to become of my life? My time? Now, I was aware of my situation; there was nothing to run home to about my lifestyle but, I derived satisfaction, some sense of purpose from this job. It enabled me to be my person at the very least.

Out here, I could be. The disrespect I suffered at the hands of Sandy, Mr Burton, or a few customers was trivial. I was useful here, not just some lady who was a disappointment in the status quo.

  "Did you hand in your resignation later?" As always, his deep voice surprised me.

  "I could not, sir. Mr Burton sacked me." I swallowed. Mr Burton had been breathing down my neck all day after His Highness' appearance. Complaining at every turn till I was pink-slipped.

  His Highness cleared his throat and turned his head toward his window. An apology would've been nice, but dare I demand one?

    When the car rolled into familiar surroundings, I felt sick. What will Lady Annabelle and Sir Hooley say if they see us together? I looked down at my clothes. If they see these clothes? My usual dresses were much too difficult to take off and time consuming.

"I...." I swallowed."Sir?" This is futile. He turned his head toward me. I tried to read his face, for any clues of anger or disapproval. There was no frown, but his eyes were as cold as usual. His calm expression scared me more.

 "I spoke out of turn. Forgive me, sir." I looked away through my window.

"Miss Somers."

    I exhaled slowly and turned to him.

   "What is it?"

      Deciding against asking for favours, I shook my head again. What was the point? Let this day pass and my punishment come swiftly. Then I can put all this behind me.

   "Miss Somers," his voice was stern this time, "speak."

Speak? When did this become an interrogation? "It was nothing, sir." I swallowed.

No words passed between us. He only beheld me awhile, then sighed. "Very well."

The silence resumed as he looked out his window. I did the same. My thoughts were running amok, creating worst-case scenarios and how I could face them. The royal family must be quite strict, or so rumour has it. I never paid attention. Most ladies believed it because of Princess Eders' and His Highness' relationship.

   They had been together for about two years now and yet, there was no public announcement of courtship or engagement.

       The guilt of coming between them will forever eat at me. That was my punishment.

The driveway to the manor wasn't long. We had decorative gardens on either sides of them. The high three tiered water fountain ahead was on and warm lights kept everything visible.

But do not be fooled. The warm ambiance stopped right at the door. It was a cover to the harshness of the people inside.

   I opened the door when the car stopped.