CHAPTER 6 :

A blanket was laid for them, where piping hot dinner was served. Zek asked the staff to leave them alone. Hazel settled herself on the blanket without having any clue how Zek would eat his dinner. Her heart stopped beating when he leaned forward to open the foot pads. Placing his feet in front he started to stand straight.

“Zek!” Hazel hand went to her chest. “What are you doing?”

“It’s ok princess. I can stand for about a minute or two.” With that he took small steps, his arms out stretched. Hazel immediately came to his side and guided him to the blanket. He sat with his back rested on a big roll pillow.

She served him on the plate. They kept eating quietly. After dinner ice-cream was served.

Hazel opted for Buttered Pecan flavor with crushed toffee and pecan pieces while he went for Vanilla flavored topped with cookies and cream sauce and Strawberry Boba.

When their ice-cream was finished she started licking her bowl.

Zek groaned, “Zella. Don’t tell me. Are you licking your bowl?”

“I love ice-cream.” She shrugged.

He chuckled, “I wish I could see you Zella.” That simple statement made her emotional. Instead of saying anything she just stared at him quietly.

“I want to see you. I wish I could wipe that ice-cream off your nose.” Hazel hand went to her nose automatically to wipe it.

 Damn!

When the blanket was cleared he took her in his arms laying her cheek on his chest.

“You smell divine honey! Which shampoo is this?” She giggled at that.

“I use shampoo on my wig Zek.”

They both were quiet for some time.

“So you proposed me. Hmm?” There was mischief in his voice. She raised her head to look at his face.     

“I was serious when I proposed you.”

“So what are your plans after marrying me sweetheart?”

“You think I am kidding? I would take care of you Zek, I promise.”

He was quiet for a minute.

“Zella. Don’t you think it should be the other way round? I should be the one taking care of you. Protecting you.”

“We can do it together Zek. And the more I am thinking about it, more I am getting around it.” She sounded excited.

When he took a deep breath she held his face, “I would work. I have ideas. I can start my own business. You can take care of the house. We both can cook, preferably you. I don’t like cooking.”

Instead of replying he just sat there, his body numb. Then he kissed her forehead before clutching her to his chest.

He was nothing. A nobody. Ever since he was crippled almost all his friends had left him except his 4 to 5 special warrior friends.

Even Alicia who was crazy after him and became a warrior just to be with him, had not visited him even once after he became handicapped.

And here this girl was not only ready to accept him, but also to take care of him.

He kissed her head again before smiling to himself. She was ready to live with a butler’s son.

Reaching over he picked a folded quilt and draped it over their bodies.

Zella’s even breathing told him that she had gone to sleep, secured in his arms. She had school next day. He wanted to know more about her. Her family. Her friends. Her eye color. But for some reason she was keeping things secret from him.

And somewhat he knew that she was having a tough time while dealing with her problems and her life.

She stirred a little in her sleep but he tightened his grip around her.

She wanted him to marry her. He chuckled. She did not like cooking and he somewhat had the idea. The moment he took the first bite of his sandwich few nights back, he knew it.

Sometime late at night when she woke up. She helped him to sit on the chair before leaving for her quarter.

The moment she left, he called the man again, “Sir.”

“Take me to my room. And yes. There is this kitchen cook in the palace. His name is Jack. Take care of him immediately.”

 After few moments he heard the man saying, “Consider it done. Sir.”

…    

This weekend she visited Ivy, who was over the moon to see her.

“Hazel. You seem better. So much better. And changed too.” She hugged her tightly. Hazel had to roll her eyes.

“What do you mean better? Changed? Wasn’t I always better?”

“No. It’s about your health. You seem … umm … a little …  curvy?”

“What? Curvy? Seriously!” she laughed

“Believe me Hazel.”

They both were sitting on the couch.

“Where is Alec?” Hazel whispered looking around.

“Out. Since last night.”

“How is he treating you?”

“Better I think. I don’t know the reason but last night he gave me a glass of milk.”

“What?” Hazel almost fell from the couch.   

“Hazel.” Ivy was laughing.

“Are you talking about your husband who also happens to be my uncle?”

Ivy nodded, “I don’t know. May be he is scared of you. He might think that now you have contacts with Royal family so it won’t do him any good if he continues to abuse me or assault me.”

“Hmm. Makes sense.” She said taking off her wig when Ivy gasped.

“What?” Hazel became a little conscious.

“Your hair …”

Ivy pointed towards her head.

“You mean my wig.” Hazel pointed towards the wig on the table.

“No silly. Here.” She took her before the mirror, “See. There are more hair on your head than usual.” Hazel rubbed her head. Ivy was right. There were still patches of baldness, but there was definitely more red hair on the scalp.  

Then she turned to Ivy with a beautiful smile on her face. “Ivy. I forgot to tell you this.” Then whispered near her ear. “I got my period.”

“What?” Ivy was wide eyed. “This goes for a celebration.” They both giggled.

“Let’s have dinner together.”

“Dinner? No Ivy. It would get dark. We can celebrate before that.”

“But Alec can drop you. He is decent now a days. Take advantage.” Ivy winked but Hazel shook her head.

“No Ivy they will wait for me on dinner table.” Ivy frowned a little.

“But you can eat here. They won’t punish you for not eating in the palace. Will they?” Hazel did not know how to make her understand. She did not want to hurt her. When Ivy held her chin to raise her head.

She was observing her face carefully. “What is it? What are you hiding?”

“Nothing Ivy. Really.” Her smile had become a bit wobbly.  

“You can always count on me. You know that. Don’t you?”

“Yes. I know.” Then after avoiding her gaze she nodded. “Ok. I will have dinner with you.” She gave a tight lipped smile.

“Are you sure?” then with a smile she teased her. “I hope it’s not a boy.”

Hazel almost choked but she could not hide the blush creeping on her face. 

“My God! IT. IS. ABOUT. A. GUY!” Ivy was literally screaming.

“Stop! Somebody might hear you Iv.” She looked away thinking hard. She could not tell Ivy everything. So she decided for half-truth.

“He is kind of a butler in the palace. His name is Zek. But Iv, I can’t share anything more than that. Once we would quit our palace jobs then we would think of a future.”

“But why wait to leave palace? You both can stay there and start your relationship.”

“Palace is a little complex Iv. The people working there have to act blind and dumb. I am not allowed to share anything about it outside. I am not allowed to gossip with my fellow employees. Every employee has to sign an oath before starting a job there. Oath for privacy. So it’s better if we start something of our own.”

She did not want to tell much about Zeki’s health condition. Right now she was not ready for it. She was also dreading to go back to palace because of that filthy cook Jack.

“I understand. And I am happy for you Hazel. I always wanted someone to be there for you. To not only take care of you but also see the inner you. The real you. I hope this guy proves himself worthy enough.”

Ivy said while hugging her.

Oh Ivy. He is blind. And still, he knows my worth. He knows the real me.

And I have a feeling. I am falling for him.