The Courtier

23

THE COURTIER
♡ Josephine ♡

Mr. Chesire left early this morning with a purple nose, it had me struck with wonder, but I do not dare question anything. I was happy to know that he was gone and out of my view, and more so, for Ugene. I noticed Ugene had been on edge ever since his father showed up, and it was a relief to know that things could possibly go back to normal.

But Ugene had a lot of explaining to do.

I still remember the moment I met Ugene Chesire when Arabella asked me to become her courtier.

Arabella had her hand hovering over my back, lifting any nerves that covered my body. Jaxson and his own courtier stood in front of us, wishing for Ugene and I to finally meet.

"Josephine, meet my right hand man, Ugene Chesire. Ugene, meet Josephine Castings, Arabella's courtier. She will be staying with us from now on," Jaxson greets the two of us, and I bow to Ugene's presence with my head down.

Lifting my head, slowly raising myself, my breath hitches in the back of my throat as I am met with the iciest blue eyes that caused shivers covering me instead of the nerves now.

He holds my stare, his emotions never showing. No, which terrified me. This was the gentleman they spoke of when compared to the greatest soldier of the King's. He wore a black suit, his mustache gelled nicely and he left no creases in his suit. He stood like the tall soldier he is, his jaw set in tight, his eyes lingering on me.

"A pleasure to meet you," my small voice greets him, and I cannot seem to take my eyes off of him.

He nods. "Welcome to the Lockwood palace, Miss. Josephine."

Those were the last words we ever spoke to each other until I decided to ask him to teach me German. I never looked back at him and I never caught him doing the same. We acted as if we were strangers, and I did not mind the simple act. Ugene Chesire terrified me to the core.

The maids and I were cleaning the kitchen for the evening as the sun had died down, and the moon took over the darkened sky. No word from Ugene still, and I tried ignoring the hurt that came crawling from within, and it soon left me distressed.

"Good evening, Josephine. Thank you for the help," a lady had spoken to me, drawing a lantern near her face and she sent a sweet smile, letting me know she truly appreciated my help.

"Good evening." I sent a warm smile, taking my candle, lighting up the hall in the palace in front of me as I walked.

The palace had grown rather quiet; eerie quiet. All of the other maids had gone back home for the night, leaving the palace nearly empty just besides the Queen and King whom were in their room. I hold some of my dress so I would not trip from the staircase, and continue my journey upward.

A creak behind me startled me, and I hastily turned around to find anyone behind me, but no one seemed to be present. My heart pounds against my ribcage when I hear another step, like someone was near, but I wave my candle around to find anyone, and there was nothing but the dark.

Again, I make my way upstairs and towards the lone hall that only has Ugene and I's room. I cannot help my eyes as they drift over the door of Ugene's room that is shut and no light from underneath has shown that he is up at this time.

Something in me hates that, and wishes to ask him about how everything went with his father's farewell.

My back faces his door now, my hand holding onto my door handle and freezing when I hear another creak, and it is so close to me. I feel breathing down my neck, goosebumps appear on the skin. I can feel him, I know he is near.