He Strikes at the Hotel

Chapter Four

I retired to my room after my days work, letting go a sigh of relief that the day was truly over. As much as I enjoyed working with Nerissa and having accommodation at the hotel as long as I work here, but the guests can be so rude and demeaning that I use the majority of my energy holding back the urge to slap some sense into the ignorant gnats, as I suppose that would be frowned upon and would not fare well for my employment.

I kicked off my shoes, leaving them scattered by my dressing table like two lost children who were sitting, waiting for a place to belong, and then I pulled my uniform off eagerly; leaving them in a heap close to the two lost children; redressing myself in my evening clothes (not the fancy ones that I am seen in, but the ones that could quite possibly pass as laundry bags) and beginning to feel comfortable for the night. I walked towards my chair, grabbing a book on my way, and sat down to enjoy the pure silence for the first time today.

My room was small but modest, and was well equipped for my needs. From the entrance I had an oak wood dressing table which was big enough to house all of my essentials plus some luxuries, then just beyond that there was a lovely little sitting area which even had its own miniature fireplace, and its defining feature was that it had an old dark red leather chair in, which made you feel important just by sitting in it. I had often sat in the chair and pictured myself writing important letters to council members, writing my memoirs and planning meetings, all whilst holding a tobacco pipe.

My bed was not far from the sitting area, and was quite large for one person, which took up quite a lot of space, but it was heaven to fall into after a long day; justifying all the space it needed. My bathroom was hidden through a door near the entrance to my room, but it was just an average bathroom painted a dismal cream and powder green colour. My room always felt like my safe place. It had thick, long, deep burgundy curtains which shut out the world; a grand carpet which was a dusty yellow and beige; and rich brown walls which managed to make you feel warm even without the fire. It harboured the affection of a friend, hugging you after a long time being separated, and suggested a reliance on you like a child who craved for your approval.

The only thing that could make this better is having a cup of tea beside me, but sadly my kettle I had in my room is being fixed by the maintenance men, so in reality I will need to invest in a new kettle. But this didn't bother me, as the kitchen was only down the hall from my room, so I could pop out and make a drink before settling down for the night. I may also have a sneaky peak to see if there is any of the ridiculously overpriced wine left that was ordered in for the Duke's arrival...

At that thought I swiftly put on my robe and went on my way down to the kitchen, stepping softly without a sound through the quiet hallway, which by this time was dimly lit by the lanterns on the walls, giving the hall a yellow buzz with the occasional amber flicker, but was compensated by the bright lights coming from the main rooms down the hall which had not yet closed. One of these was the kitchen, which made me nervous momentarily, as I most certainly didn't want any of my colleagues seeing me in my night robe; unless it was Nerissa having the same idea as me.

Having spent so much time together, Nerissa and I often ended up having these types of similar ideas, which has led to many late night kitchen encounters; resulting in a large amount of desert and wine going missing the next day, which we of course faked utter bemusement towards, and subtly looked at each other knowingly.

Reaching the kitchen, I was disappointed to see no sign of Nerissa wandering around, which awakened the concern I felt previously. However, the kitchen was deadly silent, not even a sound from the kettle cooling down, which meant no one had been in here recently. This diminished any unnecessary worry from my mind, as I continued over to start a pot of tea for myself.

Whilst the water began to bubble away excitedly, I thought I'd check on the wine situation, as I felt today were a day where I deserved the delicacy slightly more than Duke Zachery and his kingsmen. The wine stack was just round the corner from where I was, behind a long line of shelves holding items from bread, eggs and flour, to exotic spices which burnt my nostrils even to look at.

Suddenly there was the sound of someone fumbling about around the area I was heading, and I stopped like a rabbit at the sight of a fox. I had been waltzing around the kitchen quite merrily by myself and had put on a pot of tea; surely whoever was in here knew I was here from my noise? I never claim to be graceful, and I know I must of made myself known. A piercing recollection of the event earlier today in the laundry room struck me, and I felt all the air leave my chest faster than I thought possible, and I felt the colour drain from my already pale complexion.

Whatever it was earlier seemed pretty protective of the laundry room, and I can't imagine it would leave it's space for the kitchen; where people are in and out all day like headless chickens.

I thought about it logically so that I didn't give myself any more reason to panic, trying to raise my confidence to investigate, which was something I promised myself I was going to do. I just didn't think it would be so soon.

I cautiously snuck round the shelves, readying myself for whatever was behind it. I took two deep breaths in... And out... I was just about to step forward, when a familiar voice broke my composure. "Your attire gets better each time I see you. Did you come in here looking for this?" And there he was. The Duke stood there in front of me, still very well suited, holding a bottle of Chardonnay at his chest, motioning his hands as if he were presenting a prize.

His tone sounded bitter, but he held an amused smirk on his face which made me think otherwise. "Would you care to join me? Or would you prefer the tea I heard you put on?" He glanced across the kitchen towards where my tea was practically hissing in anger.

I was suddenly aware the kettle was close to exploding, so I ran to take it off the hob before I made myself look any more ridiculous. "What are you doing in here exactly?" I asked, whilst looking down at the drink I was preparing, ignoring any amusement he was gaining out of me being so thrown off. "Well," He began, "it gets terribly boring being monitored by my guards all day, so when they retire for the night, I like to... Explore, shall we say?"

He was speaking so casually, yet his manner was still very much royalty, as if he were making a speech. He had his guard up for sure. "I feel for you sir, but I must go back to my room now. Have a lovely evening. Goodnight, Duke Zachery." I said this in the politest and calmest manner I could, considering I still had the adrenaline rushing through my veins from him sneaking about. "Please, call me Zachery. No need for formalities now that I've practically seen you in your bed clothes. Plus you have seen me without my guards, which is almost the same level of indecency." He said this mockingly, but not in a malicious way, I think.

And with that I left the kitchen and hurried back to my room without looking back. This day is truly testing me.