Maximus glared at Genevieve as she grinned at having Robellia scold him.
Well done, your highness, remind this insolent mortal of his place, and do tell him of how he reeks of foul odor. Shadow couldn't help but be grateful for having the arrogant prince brought to his place.
"The only reason I haven't cut out that disturbing tongue of yours is because of my little bunny. Am sure it would make her sad to see her pet lying in a pool of her own blood just because she couldn't keep her damn tongue in check. Isn't that right, little bunny?" Maximus returned his eyes, glaring down at Genevieve. The murderous intent was clearly brimming in his eyes.
Genevieve gulped as she moved closer to Robellia, using her as a shield.
Robellia sighed and went ahead with serving him his food, "You should eat before the food gets cold, Your highness."
Maximus looked at her, "So no more max?" he asked teasingly. Robellia just looked at him and went on serving the dishes, "Genevieve, say what you have to say and leave. I have plans with my little bunny."
Genevieve gathered her courage as Shadow also hipped her on from the mind link. She cleared her throat and straightened her back, "I have complaints, your highness. Firstly, and in fact, the most important of all." She walked towards Robellia, who looked confused and moved away the collar of her dress slightly to reveal a faint hickey that seemed to be fading, "This has got to stop. Every day there are new ones of these."
Robellia hurriedly fixed her collar, "Genevieve!"
Genevieve seemed unbothered, "Are you trying to get her in trouble, mhmm?" she questioned Maximus.
Maximus leaned back against the sofa he was seated in and smirked as he looked at Genevieve, "It sounds to me that you are jealous. Can your sales boy not accomplish such fine work? If not, I surely can give him a lesson or two. Now begone."
Genevieve let out a surprised exhale, "How dare you go around spying on me? And just so you know, he is very talented in such art, far better than your degraded stunts."
"Of course, I do spy on you. Who knows what you'll be up to? I can't have you busy galavanting around with my woman right next to you. And as far as my skills are involved, why don't we ask little bunny?" They both turned to Robellia.
Robellia couldn't believe these two, and to make things worse, Shadow was going berserk, yelling inside her head. HIS WOMAN! HE DARES CLAIM THE QUEEN OF THE WITCHES LIKE A COMMON PRIZE? I WILL FLESH HIM ALIVE. I WILL FREEZE HIS BLOOD. I WILL RELINQUISH HIM FROM THE FACE OF THISEARTH-
Enough! No one is being relinquished. "Max, have your meal, and Gene. Go back to the kitchen," she seemed rather exhausted this morning. Max could tell he was ready to give in until Genevieve spoke.
"I am not through with my complaints. Your highness, you can't just be summoning Robellia out of the blue, and worse of all, you keep sending Madame Sino. People are talking in the kitchen. There are already about fifteen different rumors circulating in the palace, and by the look on your face, you are just going to make another joke about this, too. Look, I don't like you and all, especially with having to share my best friend, and I am sure you feel the same way, but we both don't want to see her unhappy, so we can agree on that."
Maximus was taken aback. It was the first time Genevieve had ever been serious about something. Maximus looked at Robellia, "Why didn't you tell me anything?"
"Probably because I had no idea it was even happening. I thought the glaring and whispering were just part of their everyday stunts. Why didn't you tell me anything?" Robellia shot the question back to Genevieve.
Genevieve sighed, "You were already stressed as it is, and I didn't want to burden you with more drama. So, what are you going to do about it?" Genevieve asked Maximus.
Maximus sighed, "Madame Sino," he called, reminding everyone of her forgotten presence.
"Yes, your highness," she answered.
"I do recall requiring a personal attendant," Maximus said, taking a sip from his cup of tea.
"Yes. I have already prepared a well-reviewed list of all the eligible candidates." Madame Sino replied.
Maximus smiled, "Good, I've already chosen. I'll have little bunny as my personal attendant."
Madame Sino knew this was coming, "Your Highness, A personal attendant isn't a job to be taken lightly. It requires a lot of experience, and she has to be of noble birth-"
"My decision is final, and to go against it would mean treason." Maximus declared
"Max," Robellia called, trying to bring about his senses.
"Your highness, with all due respect, I do not see this as a solution to our problem but rather a new added problem. " This will make people talk even more," Genevieve tried to argue.
"Genevieve, you have a task at hand. I need a list of the origins of these so-called rumors, every last one. I need them by my desk tomorrow. I am sure after there shall be no whispers in the corners and there also will be no need for poor old Madame Sino to go all the way down to the kitchen to fetch my little bunny, and for the first complaint I shall have to discuss that with my little bunny."
Robellia tried to talk him out of it, "Max, it's not a good idea having me as your Personal attendant. you need someone well versed and-"
"The treason thing also goes for you, too, little bunny. I have made my verdict."
Robellia stayed silent.
"Well, I believe that is it, I almost forgot. because you two are inseparable, then Genevieve can be your assistant." Maximus added.
Madame Sino just inhaled. In all her years, she had never once seen a servant be a personal attendant, and worse, she wasn't just a servant but a former slave. Though she loved Robellia as though she were her own daughter. There were just some rules in society that could not be so easily bent. Maximus had already made his verdict; there was no turning back now.
Maximus looked at the three women standing in his room. The surprise and mixed emotions were totally something he wanted painted on a canvas, "Since everything is in order. The rest of you may leave me to be with my little bunny."
"Sadly, I have to take your little bunny. She needs training, so does Genevieve. We are to begin immediately." Madame Sino burst his bubble.
Maximus sighed, all he wanted was some time with her, "Fine, but she should be ready by tomorrow."
Madame Sino couldn't believe this man. Most people spend years studying to be a personal attendant, and he wants her to be ready by tomorrow. "Of course, your highness. Come on, girls." Madame Sino led the girls out of the room.