A few months later (after I had started my work at the manor), I took a short break and traveled to the neighbouring country. The land was very different than from mine I had grown into. This country had more gigantic cities, none the likes that I have seen before. I was very beautiful. But, the whole time, I hadn’t lost thought of my dear Victoria.
I adjusted my hat and looked around the market place. The hustle and bustle nearly overwhelmed me. The air didn’t smell as fresh as our home though. The air smelled rancid and stale with smoke. The buildings towered over me, making me feel miniscule. The sound of people shouting and bargaining filled my ears. My mind wandered to Victoria again. I should get her a gift, she would love that I thought to myself. I searched the vendors for a suitable gift.
The most I found was cheap food and alcohol. The food didn’t even look safe to eat. I sighed deeply and pressed on. I hike through the crowd and found a decent fruit vendor. I smiled and dashed over. The great array of colorful foods shined against the sun. I picked out an Apple, Orange, and, what the vendor called, a Leak. I payed the vendor and started to walk off. As I did, the wind picked up and blew off my hat. “Damn!” I cursed to myself. I dropped my bag and dashed after my cap. I paced on through the crowd, then stopped at a beautiful sight. A girl with hair the shade of Autumn, and a face pale as snow. She looked around nervously. In her hand, my cap. I hesitantly walked forward. “Goodmorning, Ma’am,” I say, with my gentlemen side showing. “But, good sir, it is nearly evening.” She said, laughing lightly. I looked up to the sky and see the sun’s past it’s half way mark. I turn back to her, mouth agape. “So it is,” I smile, “But, I believe that is my hat there.” I nod to the brown cap in her white palms. She turns to the cap then to me.
“This hat suits your commoner style, sir.” I smiled, her bright blue eyes meeting mine. I adjust my overcoat and grin to her. “Welcome thank you, Ma’am. never thought the commoner look was my style.” I said to her. She giggled lightly and handed me my hat. “Say, what is your name?” She asked me. I bow slowly, “Lain,” She tilted her head and smiled to me. “You’re not from around her, are you?” She said. I shook my head, “No, I am from the neighboring country.” She smiled and offered her hand. “I’m Helen,” She lean over and whispers, “I’m the Duchess of this country.” I back away slowly and smiled. “Well,” I cleared my throat, “It’s an honor, Duchess.” She giggled then looked to me. “Care for a walk?” I asked. She smiled and was about to answer, but, a man shout her name, “Helen! there you are!” The man was bold and look sturdy as a brick wall. “Oh, Adrian, i’m fine! Just because i’m your fiance doesn’t mean you have to look over me all the time.” She said, jokingly.
So this was Duke Adrian; The most feared in our country. He had short, curly brown hair and eyes that shine green.
I felt myself get weak. Helen motioned to Adrian. “Lain, this is my Fiance, The Duke.” She said. He glared at me and snorted. I bowed quickly, “Good to meet you, Duke.” He ignored me and turned to Helen. “Come along, Helen, We’ve been looking for you.” He said. They both walked away, but not before The beautiful Duchess Helen waved me off. I stood there to myself. I felt my heart pounding in my chest. Not from fear, but, from something else. Love, could this have been? I Questioned myself.
I headed to my carriage on the outskirts of town for the long journey home. The whole time, my thoughts rushed with memories of Helen. Her smile, her laugh, her beauty; I couldn’t take it. This is love I thought to myself with a smile on my face. Then, I remembered Victoria, and how I had forgot her gifts on the street back in town. I cursed to myself. I brushed off the gifts and laid down for a rest. I dreamed of me and Victoria as children. I remembered everything we did. Our parents never really paid attention to us. But, we paid attention to each other, because that’s all we had. Eachother.
I woke up when the carriage stopped. I looked outside the carriage window and noticed the darkness. The sun had set. I opened the door and stepped out into the cold night’s air. I peered up at the manor. The window to Victoria’s room was lit. I suspected she wanted to await my return. I headed inside, walked up the staircase, and down the hall to my sister’s room. The door was closed, so I knocked. “Guess who’s back?” I said through the door. I heard the quick patter of feet then the door swung open. “Lain!” She jumped up and hugged me tightly. After a while, she finally let go of me.
“How was your trip?” She said, she eyes twinkling. I smiled, “Good! I met someone very special today.” She beamed to me. “ Who?” She smiled. “I met the Duke and his Duchess.” I beamed. Her face face repulsed back a little. “You mean,...Duke Adrian?” She asked, her voice quieter than usual. “why yes, actually.” I said, smiling. “Oh,...” She sighed. Then, she walked back to her bed and sat down. “Sister?” I asked, reassuringly. She pulled something out of her desk drawer and hugged it to her chest. Then, I heard faint weeps.
I walked over to her and saw what she was holding. It was a framed picture of the Duke. “Victoria…?” My voice slowly said. “I love him,...so much, now she’s in the way.” she said to herself, “I want her gone! She need to be erased from the world!” I swallowed hard, then hugged her tightly. She held onto me tightly and sobbed. My thoughts wandered again, this time to my oath. I devote my life to serve and protect you. As a Servant, and as a Brother. I let go of her, then look to her. “Everything will be alright.” I said, smiling to her. “Get some sleep, you’ll need it.” I draped the blanket over her, then blew out the light. I left the room and shut the door.
I stood there, sorting through my thoughts. I would gladly turn Evil. The phrase rang in my head. “I shall do as the Duchess says,” I said to myself, “For her.”
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