As Robellia walked back to the kitchen, her head was filled with thoughts of Pamela. She had asked Maximus to help her keep the necklace safe, and if Roselyn ever saw that necklace, she would go ballistic. After the slaves were freed, Robellia wanted to return to Osodia many times, but Roselyn said it was safer to stay here, where no one knew their history. Robellia stopped in her tracks as she saw Roselyn walk out of the seamstress's room. They hadn't spoken since their argument.
Roselyn smiled at her, "Did you have lunch?"
Robellia just flatly answered, "Yes," ready to leave.
"Liya, wait." Roselyn stopped her, "Look, I know you think I'm going a little too hard on you, but it's for your own good, my child. I want to see you safe and happy."
Robellia looked at her, "I know, mother, but the fact that you didn't tell me you were going to die. That's where you took it too far. And you still think it was right, that's the problem. You don't get to keep things like that from me. It's you and me against the world, and you were selfish enough to go after the light, leaving me alone in this wretched world to face all my demons alone."
Tears were at the corner of Robellia's eyes. "Liya....." Roselyn started, but Robellia just turned and left. When she got back to the kitchen, she got back to her duties. Genevieve noticed her best friend was down, but no matter how many times she tried to cheer her up, Robellia wouldn't budge. She could only guess that Robellia had probably argued with Maximus.
Soon it was nighttime, and they were wrapping things up in the kitchen when Madame Sino walked in, "Liya, My Dear."
Robellia turned to her, already guessing the reason for her sudden appearance in the kitchen, "Yes, Madame Sino."
Madame Sino smiled, "Prepare a tray with a jug of wine and some grapes. You know where to send them."
"Yes, Madame Sino." Robellia prepared the tray and headed off to Maximus's room. When she got to his door, she paused, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. A maid opened the door, and two maids came out of the room. They looked at Robellia with disgust as they walked past her. Robellia sighed that was the way Cora would always look at her. She was getting kind of used to it, but with her foul mood right now, she just felt even more agitated.
Robellia walked into the room and saw Maximus standing by the French window, admiring the moon and stars in his black silk robe. Robellia put the tray on the table, "Your wine, Your Highness. I shall take my leave." She was in no mood to speak with anyone, including him. She sprinted towards the door.
"Robellia," Maximus called in a dead serious tone that made Robellia halt in her steps as she slowly turned to him.
Robellia knew he only used her name when he was serious or super pissed off. "Yes, Your Highness."
Maximus indicated to the sofa, "Sit," he said it more as a command.
Robellia didn't think twice and went to have a seat. Maximus came towards her and poured a wine into a chalice before offering it to her. Robellia immediately declined, "Trust me when I say you wouldn't want me anywhere near that chalice. I can't handle alcohol all too well."
Maximus was ready to insist, but he thought of the consequences of her walking drunk to her room. "Very well," he took off his robe and took a seat on one of the sofas, taking a sip from the chalice. Robellia stared at the half-naked man before her. Dressed only in his sleeping pants. "I need a massage, my shoulders feel tense."
Robellia sighed and went towards the dressing table. She took the necessary oils and went to stand behind him. She began to give him the massage as he sipped his wine, "Did you have dinner?" He asked.
Robellia answered flatly as she remembered her mother asking the same question earlier, "Yes."
Maximus hummed in response, "How is your mother?"
"Fine," he got another flat response.
Maximus sighed and held her hand to stop her. "Come here," he pointed to the spot in front of him. Robellia went to stand in front of him. He patted his thigh, indicating she should sit. Robellia shook her head, and just like that, he pulled her onto his lap. Maximus gently moved away a strand of her hair, "What is the matter? Who upset my little bunny?"
Robellia looked away from him, "I don't want to talk about it." She was ready to get up.
Maximus pulled her back," Was it Genevieve? mhmm? You know I won't let you leave until you say something. So tell me what happened."
Robellia felt it all bubbling up, "She just gets on my nerves, max. She is so overprotective to the point that she can't notice some of the things she does that hurt me. And she can't even apologize. Do you know I had no idea she was terminally ill? And those maids right now....." she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "I just need some time away from her right now. I'll probably sleep in Genevieve's room.
Maximus gently patted her back, "And what did those maids do?" he asked ever so calmly and persuasively.
And Robellia almost started speaking when she realized something, "it was nothing."
"Is that so, little bunny?"
Robellia nodded, still on his shoulder, eyes closed, enjoying the warmth and scent of his body. Maximus's hand moved to caress her face. "All you have to do is say a name you know."
"mhmm! I know you well, and I don't have a name for you. So let it go, max." Robellia snuggled closer into his arms.
Maximus chuckled, "Then I have an idea that would be a good stress reliever." his hand moved down and gently cupped her breast.
Robellia sat up straight, "Max, we can't."
Maximus grinned, "We can't what?" he squeezed her.