9. Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Ashe r
A s I scan the sea of guests, their laughter and chatter filling the air, I can't help but feel a twinge of unease. My eyes dart across the garden, eventually settling on Lilly as she moves gracefully between partygoers. I wonder if she knew about the poison in my tea, or if her spilling it was truly an accident. It was only after the liquid seared my skin that I noticed the telltale burn of the toxin.
"Your Highness," a voice interrupts my thoughts, snapping me back to the present.
A nearby guest raises their teacup in greeting, and I offer a polite nod before returning my attention to Lilly. Is it possible she knows something? Her demeanor seems too innocent to harbor any ill intentions, but something tells me that there is more to her than meets the eye. The way she carefully avoids conversation with the other servants, choosing instead to focus on her duties, intrigues me. Though her actions could be chalked up to mere shyness, I find myself observing her every move. She is a wild card among my staff in a way I had not expected, especially considering the main core of my staff is of the more colorful sort.
"Prince Asher," someone else calls out, pulling me from my thoughts once more.
I smile and exchange pleasantries with another noble, all the while keeping an eye on Lilly as she continues to skirt around the edges of the party.
Her refusal of refreshments and cups of tea when they are offered catches my attention. Is it deliberate? Does she know something about the poison that I don't? I need information, but I can't confront her directly without arousing suspicion. I need someone to keep watch over her, someone who can blend into the background and report back to me.
“Rendfield,” I whisper under my breath.
Within moments, my loyal butler appears at my side.
"I need you to keep an eye on Lilly," I instruct him in a hushed tone. "There's something... off about her behavior, and I want to know what's going on."
"Of course, Your Highness," Rendfield replies, his face betraying no judgment as he nods in understanding. He melts into the background, positioning himself where he can keep a watchful eye on Lilly without drawing attention.
I return to mingling with the guests, talking and laughing while maintaining a careful watch on both Lilly and Rendfield from the corner of my eye. As much as I want to dismiss my suspicions as unfounded, the nagging feeling that there is more to this situation than meets the eye refuses to dissipate.
"Prince Asher, your garden is absolutely delightful!" Lady Elspeth gushes as she fans herself with flourish, her emerald eyes twinkling. "And the tea is simply divine."
"Thank you, my lady," I reply, dipping my head in acknowledgment. "We take great pride in our gardens, and we're always pleased to share them with esteemed guests such as yourself."
Even as I chat with Lady Elspeth, my attention remains divided. Out of the corner of my eye, I continue to observe Lilly as she moves through the crowd, her steps seemingly lighter than before but still deliberate.
"Tell me, how do you manage to keep the roses so vibrant at this time of year?" Lady Elspeth inquires, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"Ah, that would be thanks to our dedicated team of gardeners," I answer smoothly, gesturing toward the abundance of blossoming flowers. "Their tireless efforts are what make this garden the jewel of the kingdom."
"Indeed, they have outdone themselves," she agrees, nodding appreciatively .
As our conversation flows like the gentle breeze that rustles the leaves above us, I steal glances at Lilly. There is something captivating about her, a mysterious allure that draws me in despite my many unanswered questions.
"Prince Asher?" Lady Elspeth's voice pulls me back into the moment, her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you feeling all right? You seem... distracted."
"Apologies, my lady," I say, offering her a sheepish grin. "I assure you, I am in excellent spirits. It's just that..." I trail off, not entirely certain how to explain my growing fascination with the peculiar new maid.
"Ah, say no more," Lady Elspeth replies with a knowing smile. "I believe I understand. The heart is a curious thing, is it not?"
"Indeed, it is," I agree, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
"Your Highness," Rendfield murmurs later, sidling up to me with a discreet update. "It appears that Lilly is avoiding the kitchen. She has not consumed any food or drink herself, only serving it to others. Additionally, she seems to be disposing of certain items without offering them to guests."
The news only serves to deepen my suspicions. Does Lilly have insight into the poisoning attempt? If so, why didn’t she talk to me about her suspicions? The questions swirl around my mind, but I know I can't press her for answers just yet.
"Keep watch," I instruct Rendfield, "and report anything else you find.”
"Of course, Your Highness," he says, melting back into the crowd.
I take a raspberry tart from the dessert table. The sweet, tangy flavor of the raspberry filling does little to dispel the unease churning within me. Lilly's strange behavior gnaws at my thoughts, and I know it won't be long before I have to confront her directly, consequences be damned. For now, though, I will play the part of the perfect prince, smiling and laughing with my guests while keeping a watchful eye on the mysterious maid who has captured my attention.