Naroaika

Chapter 6

With a few days left for the garden party, the Celeste household was busy after a long time. It was just a small party but the preparations being made, didn’t make it seem so. I sat under a tree as the mansion bustled with activity; it was peaceful here. I was temporarily banned from horse riding for a week or so after what had happened and I couldn’t say anything against it. One by one, I went through the list of the names of the invitees; there were ten of them. Juliette said that they were all from good backgrounds so I could slightly be at ease. I was excited yet so nervous. 

Sometime later, a carriage stopped at the main gate. I went back to see who had come since it was rare to see somebody come to the Celeste Mansion apart from Juliette, who visited almost every 2 weeks.

I asked the maid, who just happened to walk out of the visitor’s room.

“It’s Lord Keilan. He said he came to meet the duchess.”

My heart jumped when I heard his name and allowed the maid to leave. I took a deep breath, composed myself and entered the room.

“Good afternoon Lord Keilan. Welcome to the Celeste Mansion.” I greeted him as I made a wobbly curtsy. I was definitely nervous!

“You’re shaking. Are you all right?” he asked as he stood up.

“I-I’m fine, all fit and fine. All fine, just as how fine you are.”

“What?” he asked.

“What?” I said quickly.

What the hell did I just say?

“I-I mean how fine the weather is, is how fine you are.” 

I wanted to disappear at that moment.  Just when I couldn’t deal with my embarrassment, mother came in. Saved!

I prepared to excuse myself and walk out of the room when my mother glared at me and made me sit there. I wanted this talk to end quickly.

“I’m sorry I came here without prior notice. Here’s is a gift from the House of Ascian.” Mr. Keilan handed over a gift to mother that looked quite expensive.

“Oh my, you didn’t have to do this but thank you very much.” Mother said as she accepted it.

“I also came here to formally thank you for the invitation to the party.” He said as he bowed.

Mother and Mr. Keilan talked for some time while I sat there in embarrassment, thinking of ways to make myself disappear. 

“I’ll take my leave then.” Mr. Keilan said. 

I could finally get away from here but mother asked me to accompany Mr. Keilan till his carriage and I did not have the guts to say no to her.

As we walked towards the entrance, Mr. Keilan spoke. 

“Al wanted to come over today but he was given orders by father to go somewhere else in his place.”

“I see.” I replied.

Why was he even telling me this? Every time he spoke to me it was always something or the other about Al. Does he think I’m interested in Al? Hell no! I’m interested in you, you breathtakingly attractive man.

“Do you have any one you’re seeing right now, Lord Keilan?” I asked. I know it was weird but I had to know.

“Ah.” He blushed.

‘Omg did he just blush? Does that mean he h-’  

My thoughts were interrupted as he spoke.

“I don’t have anyone that I’m seeing right now.” He smiled. “I didn’t expect you to ask me that, Lady Jerinah.”

“Oh, I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable” I apologized.