Ruthless

Intrigue

Eden's POV

Today we were delighted to see delicate snowflakes falling on the ground underneath us. Months had passed in a blur, Fall came and went in a blink of an eye, now we are here, watching as the snow fell gracefully. I was jealous of the way they were so free; simply gorgeous.

Our uniforms changed at least, I believe Keana was behind it, providing us with more warmth just didn't seem important to the queen, she could not care less if we froze to death, but lucky for us Keana's stay has been a long one. Hopefully she will decide to stay. My hair was up in a ponytail after having it free for so long, it was that way that I could see all the weight that has left me looking sick. My collarbone was showing as well as my thinner looking neck. With a heavy sigh I descended the stairs to serve with fake pleasantries the mistress of the palace. 

She walked in gracefully dressed in warm fabrics designed to fit her perfectly and to allure those who might stare for too long. She took a seat at the end of the table without much disruption. I went to serve her warm decaffenated tea but her hand gently took hold of my wrist.

"Not today." She spoke relaxed. Her fingers were colder than my body heat, yet it was not enough to make me jerk away. After all I've been through in this place, a touch to my wrist is nothing.

"What may I serve you?" I asked unsure, her eyes were fixed in yet another book with a different leather bound. It was to say the least, intriguing to see her so lost in the world of words. I had forgotten how that feels. After a minute or so, her breath taking eyes lifted to meet my own. The sun was reflecting on her porcelain features which made her eyes look all more alluring. Almost as if one of Poseidon's seas was in them.

"A very strong coffee." Today her accent sounded deeper allowing her voice to sound raspy. It suited her perfectly, all the elegance yet firmness of the world in just the sound of her voice. Her hair was flawlessly braided, the braid falling over her left shoulder to the middle of her stomach. She only braided her dark mane when she was about to go ride her black stallion to heavens know where. Especially with this cold ambient. But of course Rhea is everything but ordinary, the cold might not even bother her at all.

I made a fresh pot of coffee, the aroma was dancing in my nostrils alerting my stomach of a rich abundant taste ready to be consumed, I saved enough for when the queen left I could be able to at least sneak in a sip of it.

I poured the dark liquid in a delicate handled cup with silver lettering going around it. Embarrassingly in that moment my stomach decided to come to life, awaking with a loud grumble only ogres in caves could make. My cheeks turned slightly pink upon noticing turquoise eyes curiously on me. After serving her cup, I quickly went to disappear into the kitchen, but her voice made me stop.

"Come here Eden." She spoke. Gulping simply air, I headed back towards her.

"Sit." Was all she said once I stood by her side. My eyes growing big, clearly I must have misheard her so I stayed glued on the spot. When her eyes left her book and focus on me daring me to walk away I came to understand that she had meant those words.

Hesitantly, I took the seat besides her own. I believe this was going to be one of those torture techniques she uses, allowing me to sit here as I watch her eat the mouth watering buffet she is served every day.

I was once again surprised when she asked another servant to fill my plate. To say I was immobile was an understatement. Especially because the other young servant looked at me with what appeared to be envy. If only she knew I was not even aware of what was happening. For all I knew she could ask the same servant to poison my food.

The young servant placed on the plate before me perfectly looking scrambled eggs, with potatoes bathed in melted butter with freshly made bread covered with a honey glaze. Not to mention a cup of that delicious warm coffee.