His Witchy Mate

“Honestly, Bryan, I don’t know why you’re wasting your time on a piece of shit like this girl. I mean, just look at her. Strutting around like she owns the place, as if she’s the most attractive maid in the palace.” Ena’s words stung, a familiar pang of humiliation rising within me. I struggled to maintain my composure, my eyes flitting between the two of them.

Bryan’s raised eyebrow signaled that he was poised to respond, a flicker of amusement dancing in his gaze. It was the first time I found myself wishing for someone’s words to provoke Ena. I held my breath, hoping that Bryan’s response would land a blow. And just as I dared to hope, he delivered.

“For those who have a beginner-level skill in seeing, Alicia is, in fact, the most beautiful maid in the palace.” The words tumbled out of his mouth, carrying a sharp edge that I hadn’t anticipated. Relief washed over me as I suppressed a surprised smile. For the first time in a while, someone had managed to dodge Ena’s barbs with a well-timed retort.

Ena’s reaction was palpable, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she shifted the topic hastily. “It’s time we set the table and call Lucian, don’t you agree?” Her words were an attempt to regain control of the situation, to divert attention from the previous exchange.

“I agree, yes. Love can wait. Hunger is here.” The man’s response was accompanied by a smile, perhaps a wink aimed in my direction. My brow furrowed, puzzled by his words. Love? What did he mean by that? There was nothing at all romantic about the circumstances we found ourselves in. The mere notion of love seemed out of place amidst the tension that hung in the air.

“Get back to work, you, Quim!” Ena’s abrupt shout broke through my thoughts, a harsh reminder that I had been playing with the food tray in my hands. Gathering myself, I moved toward the dining room, hoping to escape the glare and find a momentary reprieve. As I passed Bryan, I took a deep breath, seeking relief in the faint scent of alcohol that clung to him. It was a temporary wish, a desperate longing for something that would numb the edges of this reality. But the faint aroma was not enough to offer any respite.

This man, Bryan, was sober, fully aware of his surroundings. It was trouble, that much was clear. An uneasy feeling settled within me, giving me the sense that life in the palace would only grow more challenging. I couldn’t help but long for the simplicity of my past, the days spent with my best friend. Together, we got lost in the freedom of staying up all night, lost in board games, and carefree conversations about anything and everything.

In those times, there were no outfits to adorn, no meals to serve to power-hungry individuals drunk on their own authority. I didn’t have to endure the insults of a jealous woman who deemed herself superior. But that chapter of my life had closed. This new reality demanded that I handle the complexities with cleverness, seeking refuge in my room whenever possible. I knew that political games and power struggles would become a backdrop to my existence.

As I set the table, I let my mind wander for a moment, seeking comfort in memories of simpler times. The ache for the past was undeniable, but reality called me back. This was a new world, a new role, and I would need to tread carefully if I hoped to navigate it without losing myself in the process.

After a brief five-minute wait, Lucian made his appearance, walking down the stairs to join for the meal. My gaze remained fixed on him, curiosity biting at me as I observed his interaction with Bryan. Their connection was strong – was there more to their connection than meets the eye? Bryan’s earlier mention of love still echoes in my thoughts, stirring a mixture of unease and curiosity. Could it be possible that Lucian had lost his sanity and traded me away like a piece of property? The thought was ridiculous; I was not an object to be traded between wealthy men. My affections couldn’t be bought or sold – they had to be earned.

I lingered in the corner, my eyes tracing their movements, my ears attuned to their conversation. A silent eavesdropper, I hoped to glean insight into the nature of their relationship. As they ate, I paid close attention, searching for clues in their words and interactions. Bryan was more vocal than I had initially anticipated, yet his wit seemed to falter in the face of Lucian’s reactions. Each mention of my name drew a reaction from Lucian, one that didn’t reflect comfort. His demeanor was tense, and I couldn’t help but recognize the undercurrent of threat that simmered beneath the surface. It was an unexpected revelation, unsettling in its implications.

The pieces were slowly falling into place as I continued my observation. It became evident that Bryan had an interest in me – his flirtatious remarks were hard to miss. Yet, Lucian’s responses hinted at something deeper, an unspoken connection that had yet to be fully understood. My mind raced, torn between the two possibilities that presented themselves. Did Bryan’s bold advances mean I was destined for his pursuit, or was Lucian’s protective demeanor indicative of something he refused to acknowledge?

With the meal concluded, the moment arrived to clear the table. A maid moved forward, but I intercepted her with a gesture. “Don’t worry,” I assured her with a small smile, “you’ve worked hard enough. Go take a break, and I’ll cover for you.”

Grateful for the short break, the maid retreated to the quarters, leaving me alone with the task. As I reached for the plates, a sense of tension hung in the air, each movement laden with unspoken possibilities. I couldn’t help but wonder who would make the first move, what action would set the course for the interactions to come. Bryan’s flirtation came as expected, though it didn’t escape my notice that Lucian remained quiet, his hand rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.

In that moment, I found myself facing a complicated dance of intentions and emotions, all poised on the edge of uncertainty. The relationships were far more complex than I had anticipated, and I was left to deal with their complications with a mix of anxiety and determination.