Mask

Unexpected Guest

We didn't say anything for a while. The silence wasn't thick or strange. It felt welcoming. My growling stomach broke the silence as he chuckled. He politely asked for some refreshments. I gladly got up and went to the kitchen. No one was around, which was nice. I quickly made a sandwich and added some celery, grapes and apples on the side. I filled two glasses with ice and filled a pitcher with peach ice tea. I grabbed a silver tray and put the food and drinks on top of it. I even decided to grab a couple of cookies.

Walking back, I made sure not to drop anything. I wasn't a clumsy person but the mask made it difficult at times to know if someone was coming from the side. I took my time and entered the living room. Yaro was looking around and stood up once he saw me. I could tell he wanted to help me but I shook my head.

"Don't you know it's impolite to have the guest assist? Just relax for a moment."

He shrugged. "Don't say I never offered a helping hand."

I put the tray down on the side of the coffee table and began to serve him. I grabbed a glass and filled it with tea. I put down the pitcher and placed the glass in front of him. I poured myself a glass and grabbed my plate. The sandwich was good and the sweetness of the grapes were so good. I could feel myself feeling happier already.

"This is really good. Did you make this?"

It hit me. Was it okay for him to eat something I've made? Did he believe I wouldn't try and poison him? I stared up at him in disbelief. He was enjoying the food I gave him. I nodded as he smiled.

"I didn't think I'd get to try your home cooked meal today. I'm glad I made the decision to leave and come here."

I could feel my face flush a bit. For once I was happy to have the mask cover my face. I've never made anything for anyone else so it was pleasant to know it wasn't as plain as I thought it tasted. We didn't talk again until we finished.

"I was wondering, why didn't you have the servants answer the door when I came? Not that I wasn't pleasantly surprised, just curious."

What do I tell him? The truth? A Lie? They normally never answered the door, unless mother told them someone important was arriving. If they thought the guest was for me, their reason to stay away would be even greater. I took a sip of the tea.

"I do it so I don't feel lazy. I can't stand sitting in one place for very long."

Yaro chuckled. "I noticed."

Good thing he believed the lie. I didn't want to go into detail about how living in this household could be. The knocking of the door gave me comfort and a way out of this conversation. I put my glass down and walked over to the entrance. Once I opened it, a disheveled man stood in front of me. He had red hair and green eyes with a pale complexion. He wore a black suit with a white shirt. His tie was tie, indicating he was high in the court.

"Is his highness - I mean, is Elijah here?"

I put a hand to my mouth and stifled my laughter. "Is that how he goes by when he's out and about?"

The man in front of me stiffened up. I could tell he was trying to figure out what to say when his face paled even more. I felt something behind me as I looked up. Yaro was leaning against the frame and smiled at him.

"Mark, I see you've found me. Did mother send for you?"

Mark looked relieved. He straightened himself and slightly bowed with his right arm across his chest. "Yes sir." Mark looked up at me. "Is it okay for her to know who you are? What if your mother -"

Prince Yaro put a hand up. "Another word and you know what will happen."

Mark stiffened up again.

I couldn't help but feel empathy for the poor man in front of me.