✔ Masquerade | England [EDITING]

e l e v e n

Chrysanthemum Tea

-Continued-

"Tell me, landlubber, what think you of him?" 

You gulped and averted your gaze, not sure why you were feeling shy at the question. You looked back at Alfonso through narrowed lids. Would he tell Arthur about what I said if I told him? But it's no secret to the Commander that I don't think most highly of him.

Alfonso smiled at your hesitation and suspicion and said, "I beg you to not worry. I am tightlipped,"

"Tightlipped or not, it's not as if the Commander is unaware about how I feel about him," you replied.

"You're a pure and honest woman," he chuckled, "Now please, your speech,"

"The Commander is uncouth, boorish, foul-mouthed, short-tempered, and unable to handle children," you said in a tone of complaint, ending the list with an annoyed grunt.

Alfonso was about to reply, but you continued speaking, and he closed his mouth.

"However, I suppose he's not a very bad fellow," you exhaled, crossing your arms, "I must acknowledge his prowess in sparring, navigation, and weather prediction,"

The man was intrigued. His smiles only widened.

"What is your name?" he asked. You told him.

"Your surname sounds familiar..." He hung his head down and mumbled. 

"What did you say?"

He looked at your face searchingly for a moment, and then smiled.

"It's nothing," he got on his feet, "Pardon me, but I must go back and attend to the records."

"Very well then," you nodded.

"It was pleasant talking to you, young landlubber," he said with a cheeky grin, "And make sure you don't forget to continue sweeping,"

"Right. I have not forgotten," you snorted. 

-----

After a lot of cleaning, settling disputes and other random things, you resorted to the little library for rest. That was the quietest place anyone could ever be in and it was a huge blessing.

You stretched your arms and walked into the library to a scent of an unknown flower. There was Arthur, sipping some tea like the royalty he used to be.

"What are you drinking?" you inquired, peering into his teacup to see a clear bright yellow liquid and some little yellow flowers floating in it. 

"Chrysanthemum tea," he sipped, not bothering to look at you.

You sat down across him awkwardly, also wanting to try some, but you didn't ask. He didn't look like he wanted to share.

"You seem dull," he eyed you as he took another sip.

"I'm tired from today's work,"

"A true landlubber," he scoffed, "Some of this tea shall invigorate you,"

"Are you really willing to give me some?" you asked, "I know you're particular about not sharing your teas,"

"Only if you say yes." he took another sip, "I am well aware that I do not like to share. I share only with those who are worthy,"