LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: Insulted By The Maids
A sharp knock interrupted his actions, followed by a maid's cold voice slicing through the tension. "Lady Aria, you're expected to begin your assigned duties. Do not make us wait."
The interruption shattered and broke the spell, bringing Eric to his original state.
A look of shame and regret washed over Eric's face, and he quickly took a step back, his hand falling away from her arm. "I… I don't know what came over me," he muttered, his voice laced with guilt. "I'm sorry, Aria. That was uncalled for."
Aria's gaze hardened. The amulet he had taken from her rested in his palm. Without a word, she grabbed it and clasped it around her neck. A strange comfort washed over her as the familiar weight of the amulet settled against her skin. Despite her outward composure, her thoughts churned in confusion.
"Eric," she said sharply, interrupting his apology. "You should leave."
His eyes filled with remorse. "Aria, I know things are… complicated between us now, but we can still—"
"Leave!" she snapped, her voice rising with anger. "Stay away from me. I don't want anything to do with you."
Her words were like a dagger to her own heart, the betrayal still fresh and raw. How could her fiancé, who she was bethroted to now all of a sudden be betrothed to her stepsister, Helena?... worse still no one seeked her opinion, clearly stating that she was insignificant. Even though Eric wasn't to be blamed for everything..the pain and anger that had consumed her wouldn't allow her to reason.
Eric opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it again. Bowing his head, he whispered, "I'm sorry," before walking out of the room, his footsteps heavy with regret.
As the door shut behind him, Aria's shoulders slumped. Her hands trembled as she adjusted her dress, hastily smoothing out the creases. The maid's cold summons echoed in her mind, and she knew all too well that ignoring the call would only bring her more trouble.
Aria arrived at the bustling kitchen, where the other maids were already at work. The scent of freshly baked bread and herbal tea filled the air, but the tension was palpable. Whispers flitted through the room like venomous arrows, and she caught fragments of their gossip.
"She thinks she's still a princess."
"Look at her, acting high and mighty even after falling from grace."
"Her own fiancé left her for her sister. That says everything."
Aria clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She pretended not to hear them, though the words stung more than she'd ever admit.
As she approached the workstation, one of the senior maids, a haughty woman named Martha, sneered at her. "You're late, Lady Aria. I suppose punctuality is too much to expect from someone who's used to being served rather than serving."
Aria's jaw tightened, but she refused to let Martha's condescension go unanswered. Lifting her chin, she retorted, "And I suppose you find comfort in belittling others because it distracts from your own inadequacies?"
The other maids froze, eyes wide with shock. Martha's face flushed red with anger. "You dare—"
"Yes, I do," Aria cut in sharply, her voice calm but firm. "I may be nothing more than a disgraced princess now, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate disrespect from anyone."
The room fell silent. Though the tension was thick, Aria's unwavering stare made it clear she wouldn't back down.
"Enough," another senior maid interjected hastily, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Martha, assign her a task."
Martha glared at Aria, then huffed. "Fine. Brew a pot of tea and deliver it to the second princess. And don't take all day about it."
Aria turned away without another word, her heart heavy with bitterness. As she moved forward to brew the tea.
As she brewed the tea, her thoughts spiraled. Helena, her adopted sister, had always been the shining star in the household, loved by everyone and adored by the people. And now, she had taken the last shred of happiness Aria thought she had left, Eric.
Behind her, the whispers continued.
"Imagine being tasked to serve your own sister after losing everything."
"She deserves it. She's a good for nothing princess who brought it on herself."
"If she was half as good as her step sister Helen, that would have done the trick"
Aria swallowed hard, refusing to let their words show on her face. She poured the tea into a polished silver pot, arranging the tray with meticulous care. After she was done she walked over to Helen's chamber.
The ornate double doors to Helena's chambers loomed before her. With a deep breath, Aria pushed them open. The sight that greeted her made her heart sink.The tray trembling in her hands. The sight was like a dagger twisting in her chest, adding salt to the raw wound of her heartbreak, and her saddened state.