Teresa silently walked in the pathway leading to her office.
As she walked, the aura of authority surrounded her, as it should.
She offhandedly greeted the maids who gestured smiles in hopes of favor. Her mind was far elsewhere; in the annex located near the forest.
Cäcilia; a child that was like a thorn at her side.
The child was found staying here after the previous Grand Duke was overthrown. It was obvious the family had been taking care of her, though she did not know why. But she disliked the child the moment she saw her. Once she became the head maid, she had her thrown into the servant rooms, and had the room she had stayed in given to Calder's youngest, Katina Delacroix.
She turned her into a maid. In Teresa's eyes, a child like her was already too unworthy for that position. She made sure to turn her into nothing more than the lowest a maid can be; a meager scullery maid.
A disgusting job that even the grown workers could barely handle, especially with a family as filthy as the one she served.
Against Teresa's dreams and evil hopes, she thrived in that work, and that only fueled Teresa's hate.
Over the years, an indescribable hate for the child blossomed in her heart.
Her hatred for her had no meaning. She did not need a reason to hate her.
In her eyes, Cäcilia's very existence annoyed her.
She never felt her anger soothe until she made the girl miserable.
It was a foolproof plan; the girl had trauma induced because of that annex. It had been five years since that 'incident', but the punishment induced on her because of it was sure to remain etched in her body.
Cäcilia would most definitely come back running, and she would use it as an excuse to call her incompetent and chase her out of the duchy.
If she had her way, she would have killed her if necessary.
When she had come to visit her, she was sure she wanted to leave. She remembered her hands trembling in delight at how quick she was. Yet, all her spirits dampened when she came here, not trembling, not requesting to leave.
Instead, she came for food.
She was right to lock the kitchen; given that child's previous antics, she would have most definitely taken food from there.
'It doesn't matter,' she thought, clenching her hands into fists, 'Soon, either I will drive her out, or that poisonous child will kill her for me.'
***
I cleared the kitchen counter and placed the fully stocked basket on it . I opened it. Inside, there was bread, a huge slab of butter, a bottle of milk, ham, some apples and cheese.
I sniffed the scent of the bread in delight.
'Marie, you are a savior!'
It was enough to make a hefty sandwich dinner and even some for lunch tomorrow for him.
I was relieved he would not starve.
'He must be hungry now.'
I quickly made two ham and cheese sandwiches. I spread butter on the bread, then added the ham and cheese. I then cut the sandwiches in half and placed them on a plate.
Next, I sliced up some apples and placed them on a bowl. I also poured a glass of milk.
I gathered everything up and placed it on a tray.
I took a step back and admired my efforts. I grabbed the tray and wasted no time heading up to his room.
It felt like the path to his room suddenly became longer than usual. And when I eventually reached his door, I knocked with my foot in enthusiasm.
"Young master? I have brought you something to eat."
There was no answer. I knocked again, and then waited a few more seconds. Still no answer.
I hesitated. Should I just go in? I didn't want to intrude and get hit in the face with those pillows, but I couldn't go away.
Such appetizing sandwiches… they should at least reach his belly!
'I'm just going to give him this and leave.'
My precious male lead must eat after all.
I took a deep breath and turned the doorknob. The door was unlocked, so I opened it slowly and stepped inside.
"Young master?"
"I thought I told you never to come back here!" a voice came from underneath the sheets. "Get out! Now!"
"Young master," I said, ignoring his words, "I have brought you delicious sandwiches. Come try some."
I placed it on the only table in the room. It had some dirt, so I pushed it away.
'I really should come clean this room.' I thought, mentally making a note to do it as soon as possible.
I looked towards the shivering figure lying atop the bed
The bed appeared fit for nobility, but years of neglect dulled its shine and dampened its wood.
The sheets were no better. They had already turned brown, completely worn out and had holes. He didn't even have any proper bedding, and I couldn't help but wonder how he survived in winter.
Poor thing. He had to sleep like this all this time.
'I should also buy some sheets. Hmm, perhaps a new cover for him.'
"Young master."
There was no response, as usual.
"I will be going to the market tomorrow to buy some supplies for us. Perhaps, would you like anything? Something you like to eat?"
"…"
"Young master?"
"…just go away."
It was a weak, strained voice. Perhaps he was tired, or he was in pain.
It was most definitely the latter.
My heart swelled, as I approached his bed.
"Look, I know you aren't feeling well," I began, fumbling for words, "But-but it's good if you eat. A healthy body can fight anything. And-and, milk is good. See, it helps greatly, with.. er… poison-"
He flung a pillow at me before I could properly finish my messy sentence.
"Oh! Good idea! Shall I wash it and bring it back to you?"
When I got to see is face that had popped out of his hiding, my cheery attempts dissipated.
The corners of his lips were stained with blood, along with the shirt he wore. He seemed exhausted and weary, and he couldn't stop trembling.
I moved towards him, but he took a worn-out cup and aimed it, ready to throw at me if I came any closer.
"Hey, what's wrong-"
"Leave. Now! Don't come back in here!"
If I pried any further, he would never open up to me.
"Here is some food. Make sure to eat it, okay?"
I pointed at the glass of milk. "Drink this especially. it will help a lot."
Milk was said to be good in diluting poison. I was counting on it to at least ease any pain, even if it's minuscule.
"I'll be going to the market tomorrow, so I'll find you something to ease your pain."
I took the pillow and left before he said anything further…or before he threw that dirty cup at me.