n

n

nSylvia could barely sleep for the rest of the night, in fear that the man might regain his consciousness and come knocking in the middle of the night to punish her for inflicting such an injury, or worse to question her about their conversation.

nSylvia had never been a good liar and she was not sure if she could pull off a big lie like this with a straight face.

nBut luckily for her, the night went smoothly and she as well had drifted asleep into a peaceful dreamless slumber.

nSylvia only stirred awake the next morning when Jane barged into her room.

nJane usually knocked on the door politely but she had been so worried about her that she didn't stand on ceremony this time around.

nWhen Sylvia didn't respond to her, she used her spare set of keys and quickly entered inside to check on her.

nAnd only after seeing the girl whole and healthy, peacefully sleeping, she breathed a sigh of relief.

nA warm smile appeared on Jane's face and she was about to duck out without disturbing the sleeping beauty but it was already too late.

nSylvia woke up groggily and rubbed her eyes.

"Good morning. Mrs. Jane.

" She greeted the head maid without thinking much and only then noticed that something was out of place.

nHer expressions quickly changed and she asked, worry painted on her face.

"Mrs. Jane, is something the matter?

"

n

"N… No… NO. Nothing dear. I am so very sorry to barge in like this. I was just worried.

" Jane hurriedly explained.

nSylvia gazed at the middle-aged woman in confusion, and then a warm smile surfaced on her lips.

"Thanks, Mrs. Jane. I am alright.

"

n

"Ok dearie, I will see you in the kitchen then?

" The woman chuckled and left awkwardly.

nSylvia nodded and got out of the bed. She saw Jane's disappearing figure in the long corridor and closed her door.

nShe then changed into a fresh set of comfortable clothes, a simple yellow dress, making her look young and energetic.

nHer hair was naturally straight and well behaved, so it didn't take much of her time.

nIn less than a few minutes, Sylvia as well followed Jane's footsteps and went into the kitchen.

nSince the other two maids took care of most of the chores using magic, this was really the only place she was needed.

nSylvia quietly hopped on next to Jane and grabbed the dough from her hands. One of their daily chores was this painful kneading.

nEven though Jane could use a little bit of magic, she was physically not that strong and hence, the kneading was particularly tiresome to her.

nSylvia knew this and volunteered to do the hateful chore to get the head maid in a good mood.

n

"You a lifesaver, child.

" Jane chuckled at her.

nSylvia smiled brightly and her hands busied themselves.

nShe patiently watched Jane do a couple of other chores and when the woman was finally taking a break, she carefully broached the subject.

n

"Mrs. Jane, is his highness a very powerful mage?

" Sylvia asked, her head curiously cocked to a side.

nAh~~ Jane hesitated for a second and looked at Sylvia, slightly taken aback by the out of context question.

nShe noticed the woman's face and quickly explained.

"Aha Ha Ha. I am only asking because yesterday I witnessed his highness do a lot of magic spells.

"

n

"He looked extremely cool and dashing.

" Sylvia cooed and flattered the man exaggeratedly.

n

"Oh.

" Jane nodded. Now the question didn't seem that weird to her and she casually answered, sipping her tea.

n

"Yes indeed. His highness is very gifted and talented.

" She then paused awhile and added a couple more words as an afterthought.

n

"But dearie, don't bring this matter up again.

"

n

"I think that you are probably not aware of this. His highness is actually… a bit weak.

"

nBANG

nBefore Jane could finish her sentence, a loud noise erupted from the huge iron doors at the kitchen entrance.

nBoth Jane and Sylvia turned around in shock and their eyes instantly filled with dread!

nTalk of the devil and there he was!!!

n

"Your highness.

"

"Your highness.

"

nBoth the women immediately bowed their heads, Sylvia a second slower than Jane, who by now probably had this habit mixed in her blood.

nBecause of this Sylvia had momentarily met the man's gaze and she shuddered from the memory of it.

nHis black orbs were as frosty as ever and she didn't could decipher the thoughts hidden within them.

nSylvia gulped nervously.

nJust how much did he hear now? Just how much did he remember the events of the previous night?

nWas he here to punish her?

nHer heart thrummed as if it was a fish out of water.

nWorse than her, Jane was sweating profusely. She had spoken about the taboo topic and was worried that the Prince was going to punish her.

nMikel was in general kind and gentle but he had his buttons too and those who dared push them most definitely had to face his wrath.

nWhile these two women nervously stood still, their heads bent down and their hands tightly clenched, a small sweet voice squeaked, breaking the deafening silence.

n

"Ah… What a pretty big sister!

"

nFrom behind Mikel, a young boy cheerfully hopped over and stood next to Sylvia, craning his neck upwards and taking a peek at her flushed face.

n