Chapter 9

Fifteen years back in Oxfall, and I hadn't faced the kind of dilemma I was confronting that day. My dream was clear - I had hoped to join the Duskwick army all my life, and that's all I ever wanted. However, on my hands, I held the responsibilities of my father and mother.

As I sat on the bed, pondering Willette's revelation, I responded as my father would have wanted.

"Okay. I will keep you safe, Princess Willette. I will protect you, and I hope you play along too with my game," I answered.

"Thank you, Miss Lyle. I promise," she replied with enthusiasm.

"You are to stay as Maximus Simmons. Does Mr. Edward know about your disguise?" I asked.

"No. He doesn't. I don't believe your father wanted to make him aware."

It became clear to me that Edward wasn't the loyal friend and servant to my father because even those living outside the villa seemed to know more than he did. Despite his belief that he knew it all, or maybe he wanted me to believe he did, there were evidently many things he was unaware of.

"I want you to always stay by my side. Every time. I want you to be my all-time companion," I explained.

"As you wish, then it shall be."

"You can also drop the formalities when you're alone with me. Only when we are around people. Call me Tara."

"Alright, Tara. I'm really grateful," she answered.

"Now, have some rest because tomorrow, we are heading to Smallhaven with Mr. Edward. Early as soon as sunrise. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she replied, getting into her covers as I turned off the light in her bedroom and locked the door behind me, then went straight to mine.

I changed into my nightgown and led to my bed, lost in thought about the whirlwind of information I had received in just one day. In the soft light of the sky, I was graced with sleep that I woke up from with a knock at my door.

Rubbing my eyes as I rose, I opened the door to find Simmons waking me up.

"Good morning," she greeted.

"Good morning, dear. How are you?" I replied as she made her way inside my room and closed the door behind her.

"It's late; you need to get ready. I shall prepare your bath."

It was either a shock to me or a surprise that she was playing along. She wasn't supposed to go all the way into action, but I had to see it through.

Back in Oxfall, I used to prepare my own aunt's bath, and I knew exactly how it was done. As I sat on the bed, distressed about my life, she called me holding onto a pail of water.

"Come," she said, and I walked towards her, taking off the nightclothes to bare myself. "Get into the basin."

Gently, I sat into the hot water she had prepared for me, watching her pick up the bathing sponge and soap. She poured a few drops of soap onto the sponge and started scrubbing my back carefully, then around my neck, to my breasts, down my thighs, ending upon my feet.

I noticed her every touch, making me quiver, and the way she passed her hand upon my body felt like a sort of threat covered with her innocent gaze.

She then picked up the pail of clean water and rinsed my body thoroughly.

I jumped out of the basin, trying to pick up the towel for myself when she suddenly grabbed it, walking behind me.

"Willette?" I called softly with a sneer in my voice.

"Yes, Miss Lyle. Please call me Simmons."

"Are you comfortable with what you're doing?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Lyle. I am very comfortable," she answered.

The truth was, I wasn't comfortable myself, for I had never been at anyone's mercy for a bath. Even though she made me feel awkward in a good way, I was still uncomfortable.

"Let me dress myself," I said as she was trying to get me into my clothes.

"As you wish," she replied, stepping away.

I started dressing up as she stood right in front of me without blinking. Not even once did she stop gazing at me until I was done.

"You're weird," I uttered at her face.

"Why would you say that?" she inquired.

"You don't feel somewhat embarrassed looking at me? Isn't it weird?"

"Not that I've known. My servants always did the same with me. And well, I wouldn't gaze, but I think your body is beautiful."

It was clear to me. She had fluttered. And that was the first time someone flirted with me or complimented my looks.

"Thank you," I replied. "We should head on downstairs, please."

"Sure."

We walked out, finding, to our startle, Mr. Edward, who was leading his way up.

"Wow. You look ready, Miss Lyle," he stated.

"Good morning, Mr. Edward," I greeted, and he smirked.

"Good morning, child."

"Good morning, Sir Edward?" Greeted Simmons too.

"Good morning, Simmons. You seem to be of use too," he implied, smirking weirdly. "That's our ride," mentioned he, on the sound of howling horses. "He's coming along?"

"Yes, he is. I appointed him my close companion, Mr. Edward. I hope it doesn't anyhow bother you."

"How would it?" chuckled he. "Simmons could be just a useless boy as a nut peel."

"It might not be of concern to yourself, Edward, but I want to demand your respect towards the young man. And I hope you can apologize."

"Eeh. Okay, then, my apologies to you, Simmons," wiggles he, leading the way with his golden stick as he murmured to himself a couple of words none could hear but his ears.

"Shall we?" said I to Simmons as she smiled excessively with approval.

"Yes, of course, Miss Lyle."

We walked down, and out we led, finding Benedict starting the horses off for our ride.