"Yes, mother. I did" I tried to reply politely when my stomach growled again. A pin drop silence fell around, as we made an awkward eye contact.
Yeah, not the kind of start I wanted in a day.
She then schooled her expression from something unrecognized to the same smile, "Let's have some breakfast while we talk."
I thanked her internally while she linked her arm through mine and guided me toward the dining table. "You must have been exhausted after yesterday's....event," The pause gave half confirmation, but I did not care at that point.
As soon as I sat back, my eyes went to the dishes presented in front of me, and oh heavens.
If torture had a visual form, this would be it.
Warm bread rolls lightly browned at the edges, butter already beginning to melt from their own heat. A porcelain dish of golden jam glistened invitingly beside a small bowl of honey. Thin slices of apples, pears, berries, and whatnot. I didn't even recognize half of them, but they all looked painfully fresh, and the smell.
I swallowed the water that almost spilled out of my mouth.
My stomach responded immediately with another grumble as if it was offended by the delay I was causing by just staring and not getting into the action.
I pressed my lips together, willing it to stay quiet and composed while my eyes darted across the table like a starving beast pretending to be a lady.
Focus, Kayla. You can't just eat like early humans. You are a lady, but also a scandalized, almost-jailed, allegedly-beloved one. I told myself.
But the eggs looked fluffy.
The sausages, and were those herbs? Of course they were. This was a noble household. Even their breakfast had standards. A glass of milk sat just within reach, with condensed water just below the rim of the glass.
My mouth started to water shamelessly, which she clearly noticed because the next moment Jenna cleared her throat, lightly snapping me out of the trance.
I moved my gaze up, realizing I had been openly staring at the food like it might vanish if I blinked.
"You can start now, dear." The tone she used was sweet, but I could clearly see the judgment and disgust in her eyes. Usually, I was someone who would have stopped right there and corrected my act, but at that time, my hunger took over my sanity. I didn't care at that time and replied with a polite smile and a nod.
Well, don't mind if I just do that.
I reached for a roll, breaking it open carefully, only for steam to escape and mock my self-control. Butter melted instantly into the soft interior, and I had to resist the urge to inhale it whole.
Jenna also started to eat, but I could feel her throwing glances at me in between her bites. I don't know if she was just looking, judging, or waiting, but I couldn't care less in that moment.
Fine. Let her observe me eating. If this were a surveillance, at least it would be well-fed surveillance.
I took my first bite, and heavens.
The tension in my shoulders loosened just a fraction as warmth spread through me. Hunger had been making me cranky and angry all morning. But now, it felt like reclaiming a milestone.
"So...the Third Prince is quite taken with you," Jenna began casually, lifting her teacup.
I nearly choked on my bread as the words fell into my ear, but I managed to swallow instead. Reaching for the milk, I kept patting my chest.
Ah. There it is.
I dabbed my lips calmly, forcing myself to breathe. "That seems to be the impression," I replied lightly, as it did not affect me, but did the complete opposite.
Internally, I wanted to grab all the food and run into my room. But out loud? I smiled, took another bite, and thought to myself.
Alright, Kayla. One thing at a time.
I think she noticed the tension on my face because the next second, she changed the subject.
"It's okay, that can wait, but before we continue, there's something I wish to discuss," Jenna said lightly, drawing out the word as she set her teacup down, the porcelain clicking softly against its saucer.
I took another bite of bread anyway, keeping my attention on her every detail. She then turned her head slightly and called out, "Mary."
At her call, a young girl stepped forward from near the doorway that I had not noticed her standing there before. Instinctively, I straightened my posture and acted as if everything was fine.
"This is a new hire, and she will attend to you from now on," Jenna said warmly, as if she were presenting me with a ribboned gift, which made me pause mid‑chew.
New… help? Slowly, I turned my gaze toward the girl and took her in from head to toe.
Plain brown hair pulled into a neat bun. She wore a modest uniform. Her posture was normal, nothing new. Hands folded just right, neither trembling nor overly confident. Her eyes were observant but lowered respectfully, the kind that missed nothing while pretending to see little.
Mary looked… normal. Almost like a background character, making me unsettled for some unknown reason.
She bowed as she politely greeted, "It's an honor to serve you, my lady."
I swallowed my bite, giving her a polite nod in return.
"Is that so?" I replied gently, tilting my head just enough to appear pleasantly surprised. Inside, however, my thoughts were already sprinting.
This was unusual.
Irene Solyne never had a personal maid for daily life. Extra help appeared only during balls, banquets, or when Mother wished to show off appearances, and after getting out of a nerve-wracking scandal, I should have been banned from making public appearances.
Also, Xander couldn't be the reason for this, as they haven't got any advantage from this fake lover rumour, then why? I briefly glanced at Jenna.
She smiled back, all serene and satisfied, but something shone in her eyes like a sparkle, and that was the moment it struck.
Ah. Of course, tea and information were Jenna's favorite diet.
Mary wasn't here to help me.
She was here to keep an eye on me, and maybe report on who visited, what I said, how I behaved… especially around a certain prince.
I turned back to Mary and held her gaze this time, offering a warm, almost relieved smile. "Then I am glad to have you, Mary."
Her shoulders loosened subtly, as if a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders, confirming my theory.
"Thank you, my lady," she replied.
Good.
If Jenna had placed eyes on me, then I would make sure those eyes learned exactly what I wanted them to see.
Even Jenna's eyebrows lifted in surprise that I had not questioned her decision, and accepted it in one go without throwing any tantrum. She resumed sipping on her tea, clearly pleased.
As for me?
I took another bite, savoring the warmth as Mary could be dealt with later, but right now, I needed to regain some energy to plan my next step.