Maximus had just returned from his Journey. He thought of going to see Robellia in Madame Sino's office to check on her, but the thought of having Genevieve around annoyed him, so he decided to take a walk around the palace gardens with Liam as his escort. "The weather today seems rather splendid," Maximus commented.
Liam nodded, "Yes, it does, your highness. You seemed to have enjoyed the trip." Liam indulged him in petty talk.
"I almost forgot to inform you. You will have an associate to share your workload." Maximus informed Liam.
"What do you mean, Your Highness?"
"Little bunny will be my new Personal attendant starting tomorrow."
Liam was taken aback. He was finally going to meet the famous little bunny. A woman who was able to tame Maximus sure deserved a reward of grandeur. He had seen her from afar once, yet he had always been curious about the young slave girl. He had done a thorough investigation of her. She was sent over from Osodia during the first stages of the war and had likely met Maximus while he was around fourteen years of age. Maximus had been so infatuated by the girl to the point that he had Madame Sino send letters to him about her well-being during the war.
"Well, I am honored to-" Liam froze mid-sentence as he heard Maximus's booming voice.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?"
Liam followed Maximus's line of sight and could see three servants seated from a distance. A man who was the stableboy, Maximus, had argued days back. The other two were maids. One seemed to be crying and in a lot of pain.
Hearing Maximus's voice, Felix stood up to bow, "Your Highness."
Genevieve wanted to follow suit, but couldn't as Robellia was still in her arms. The look in Maximus's eyes was enough to have her tremble slightly. Robellia raised her head from the knock of Genevieve's shoulder. He was pissed, and he looked dangerous. "Liya," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Genevieve was paralyzed with fear as she saw Maximus walk towards them. He is coming towards us, Liya. Genevieve screamed through the mind link.
What a grand show. The arrogant mortal finally does something right. Honestly, the peasant boy is a nuisance. How dare he make my Queen cry? One less mortal to worry about. Shadow seemed ecstatic.
Felix, on the other hand, was completely oblivious as to what they had done wrong. He could also sense the deadly aura from the Crown Prince. He knew the glare was directed at him. Felix watched in horror as Maximus drew his sword.
"Don't." Robellia rushed to stand in front of Felix.
Maximus's hand paused as he looked into Robellia's tearful eyes. Robellia didn't bat an eyelid as she looked at him. The sword was dangerously close to her face. Maximus could feel his blood boil at the sight of Robellia protecting this man.
Robellia's breathing is erratic, not due to fear but due to the anxiety of what this man could do.
"Robellia, step away from that man." Maximus's voice came out hard, not his usual playful voice. Robellia stood her ground as she looked at him with pleading eyes.
"I don't repeat myself twice." Maximus threatened.
"Your Highness-" Genevieve was cut short by a glare from Maximus.
Maximus looked at Robellia again, "So, this is how it's going to be?"
"Max, you need to calm down and put down that sword," Robellia commanded. "Put down the sword, Max. I know you are not going to hurt me. You need to calm down, and then we can talk. Please, Max." Robellia pleaded.
Maximus looked into Robellia's eyes and sighed as he lowered his sword, "Now come here, Little bunny."
Robellia knew he was up to something, "Max, He didn't hurt me. A friend of mine just passed. She was more of a younger sister to me. That is all that happened. I am not hurt. The only pain I have is that of mourning. Please,"
"Liam!" Maximus called, and Liam came sprinting towards them. Liam had just stood there in shock at whatever was transpiring.
"Yes, Your Highness." Liam stood between the chaos.
"Take the stable boy back to the stables and give him a year's wages. I don't want him anywhere near my personal attendant." Maximus ordered his eyes still focused on Robellia.
Felix was ready to argue when Liam held his arm in a firm grip, "As you wish, Your Highness." Liam tugged Felix along, "Come along, lad. You should be lucky, you get to see the sun tomorrow."
With Felix gone, Maximus's deadly aura slowly began to fade. Sheathing his sword, he stepped closer to Robellia, taking away her personal space. He didn't care for whoever saw them. His hands reached out to cup her tear-stained cheek, "Now, tell me exactly what happened." His voice calmer now.
Such a disappointment. The arrogant mortal has no spine. Shadow complained.
It's best you shut up, Shadow. Genevieve rebuked.
Robellia held his wrists, "Someone might see us here." She tried to avoid the question.
"I am talking to my new personal attendant. I do not see the harm in that."
"You are too close right now." Robellia tried to move away, only to have Maximus grab her by the waist, pulling her closer to himself, one hand still on her cheek.
"Yet you did not mind the proximity as you stood protecting the stable boy."
Robellia knew she was in a tough spot. "The circumstance was different, if someone were to see us right now-"
"Tell me, then I'll let you go."
"Elenor died. She committed suicide. I believe it was because of a scandal with some baron's son. That is all, now let me go." Maximus could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke, "She was but a child, Max. She had so much ahead of her."
Maximus hugged her, "Justice will be served, trust me, little bunny."
"I hate to interrupt the sweet moment, but I'd like to remind Liya that we are escapees and that Madame Sino will have our necks if we aren't back within the next five minutes. Honestly, just a reminder, no big deal." Genevieve tried to be casual about it.
Robellia pulled back from the hug and went to pick up her plate, "We must hurry. I'll see you tomorrow, your highness."
Maximus sighed, "I am sure you had no intentions of interrupting, Genevieve." He said sarcastically.