The Spare To The Throne

Chapter 22: 21 Questions

The sound of the door opening causes me to turn over. Alice walks in, her eyes light up when she sees me awake.

"Good morning, I hope I didn't wake you."

I shake my head. "Morning." I greeted. The truth is, ever since Romeo brought me back to my room, I haven't been able to sleep.

Alice gets to work immediately, running me a bath and grabbing brand new clothes for me to start the day with. I'm suddenly overcome with guilt with how I snapped at Alice the other day. Her statement, "Give Romeo a chance," didn't sit well with me. And so I said some things I didn't mean.

"Alice," I called, walking into the bathroom. I lean against the door frame, watching her.

"Yes?"

She looked up from the soap she was adding into the bath.

"I'm sorry," I start. "I shouldn't have snapped the way I did the other day, and I just want to let you know-"

She put a hand up and I stop talking. Then she starts laughing, her eyes even watered a bit. I squint at her and give an awkward chuckle, feeling out of place.

"You're still on that? Oh dear, I knew you meant well," she waved me off. "I was in the wrong too. I know how his highness-" she stops and start to cough. She bends over, clasping her throat.

My eyes widen. "Oh my god, Alice are you okay?" I ask, concern in my voice. "Sit down." I instruct and she sits on the edge of the tub. I pat her back. "Breathe, its okay. Do you need to water?"

She shakes her head no and waves me off. As if nothing had even happened, she stands back up, clearing her throat.

"Sorry dear, it must be weather."

I give her a muddled look. 

"Anyway as I was saying, I know how Romeo gets. I don't know what that man has put you through but I have seen part of it. And it's not good. And so I'm sorry. I was just speaking off the Romeo that I know."

I stay silent, nodding my head. I don't know what else to say.

I took my bath and got dressed. The clothes laid out for me was a jean skirt, and a black high neck long sleeve top. I quickly get dressed.

Downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafted in the air.

"Good morning, how was your sleep madam?" Edwin asked.

I do a double take, making sure that he was talking to me. "Oh, it was okay," I lied. "Thanks for asking."

Edwin nods and continues to sip on his tea. I take a seat at the counter, and Alice slides me my breakfast. I quirk a brow at the food. Not that I wasn't interested in what this was, I just didn't know what it is?

Alice notices my expression and quickly explains. "Petits Plains au Chocolate," she says. "It's a puff pastry bread with chocolate. So basically chocolate bread."

"It's actually pronounced Petits Plains au Chocolat," Edwin corrects. "I first suggested that Madam Alice over here make them, and ever since she can't seem to stop," Edwin and Alice look at each other. "They're almost as sweet as her."

Alice blushes, quickly turning away.

"No but seriously, you need to try it." Edwin persisted.

I laugh and pick up the pastry. It's outer layers was a beautiful golden brown and the pastry was flaky. I take a bite. The flakes of the bread melt instantly onto my tongue, followed by the taste of a chocolate layer.

"Oh wow." I say, with a mouthful.

I chew slowly, savoring the delicious treat. "It's so good."

"Thank you." Alice says.