Chapter Text
You wake up to the smell of earthy spices. Roseisle. A kingdom of its charm and a vast variety of citizens of species and statuses. Few enter the gates as only those with great talents, power, or riches are welcomed into their nation. If it weren’t for your literature, you were certain you wouldn’t have servants waiting hand and foot like you were. Your words captivated the Countess, Rose Quartz– Whom many would argue is the Lady of Romance. In a short amount of time, the two have grown to be great friends while the Count, Garnet stood indifferent towards your residency. If the pressure of staying in their good graces wasn’t enough, you were tasked to develop a show for the court within three weeks. At least the summer’s ball came to gift much-needed inspiration. Attending in your best attire, you flowered against the wall to observe the other guests. Many arrived only to find suitors while others desired a night in the embraces of Rose Quartz. She’d allow them to follow her lead but never took their advances to the lengths they wished. To her, the dance was all her heart desired. It wasn’t like she had to worry about beggars as Damien, the royal guard kept the distance. He wasn’t a friendly fellow, only engaging in conversation with those who broke bread with him. He’d go as far as to stay silent and depart from people he didn’t desire to speak. A brooding, reclusive, aloof fellow from what you learned. During your stay, you only found one person who got under his skin and that was the head butler, Natas. They were oil and vinegar every time they were in a room together, always finding a way to rub other the wrong way despite constantly being in each other’s presence. If it weren’t for the authority overruling them, you were certain they’d duel.
As you sipped on your hibiscus and blood orange sweet tea in reflection, you were approached by Natas. It came as no surprise, he’d enjoyed talking with anyone– whether the outcome was pleasant or not. You could at least appreciate the company and service, regardless of it being his job. He earned a hospital smile and attentive hum, which you were returned to a hand to his chest and a respectful bow. “Good evening, Dylys.” He greeted you by name. In response, you greeted back, “Natas. A pleasure. How is the dance fairing you?” He sighed dramatically before rolling his eyes and grinning reluctantly, “It goes.” His voice trailed to a falter, carefully choosing his words while he addressed you. He met your eyes, scanning expectantly with vague intent. “My only wish is for a partner to dance with.” You quirk a brow at the proposition, amused yet also flattered. “They gave you enough time to participate?” You lightheartedly teased and were met with an acknowledging chuckle. “I’m so used to seeing you and Damien bend at Garnet’s feet. Are you certain there isn’t anyone else you’d rather ask?” He was quick to dismiss your theory. “Damien has stolen the attention of the crowd tonight. My Countess has been dancing with him for quite some time and like everyone else, I naturally desired a dance with her but it appears unlikely. Before you arrived at the Spring ball, I at least stole her attention then but as her butler, I’ve shared more dances than most. Our Count is also plastered for the night being, I finally managed to get him to rest as he’s feisty when not in his guard’s care.” He explained before going further into detail as to why he came, “You have a delightful intellect and I find myself shaped every time we depart. I’m quite curious what insight dancing with you will share.”
“Well then,” You offered your hand out for him to take, “Shall I have this dance?” Without hesitation, he takes your hand in his tactful, gloved one, “You shall, Dylys of the Wallflowers.” He playfully stated as he guided you to the floor. You both circled one another with your arms rested against the other in an X position. You then moved to handle Natas, spinning him around gracefully before setting him back down. It caught him off guard and there was a pause before you continued. The both of you laughed and the rest of the dance went leisurely. When you made your way to the washroom, you predicted the tension between Damien and Natas would start once Mrs. Quartz was taken to her quarters. The jet from the showerhead didn’t drown out their confrontation. While your morals told you to mind your own business and ignore them, your impulse told you that if they wanted to have privacy then they would’ve moved elsewhere. “You know how he gets when he drinks.” Damien scolded the fellow favored servant regarding Garnet’s intoxication, “When he wakes up tomorrow, he’s going to be asking for my assistance– not yours and complaining to me about missing out on the summer ball. You know that drink is his favorite. Why are you making my job difficult?” There was an amused yet denial-ridden laugh that came from Natas. “You’re telling me how to do my job?! I believe you’ve forgotten your place, sir. I only made the dance as pleasurable as possible for our superiors.” An unconvinced scoff interrupted his defense, “Bully, I’m glad you finally found you a person to dance with. What about the Countess? I’m not daft, Natas. Everyone who lives in this palace knows how badly she’s got you wrapped around her finger.” The head butler’s tone grew unsteady, irritated, and shaken by the allegations, “Easy when you talk about her and me. You know nothing about what you’re saying.”
An amused grin came across your face. The whole situation sounded comical. It was the kind of dramatics most commoners assumed royalty got into. You turned off the running water, now drying yourself off as you listened to them continue to bicker as if you weren’t in the other room. “Then why don’t you tell me why you conveniently made it to where he couldn’t dance to his wife tonight, eh? That’s called conspiracy and people are executed for it.”
“Yet I’m not the one who danced with her tonight, was I? Excuse me, sir. I have to go prepare a room for a guest.”