Doing what you love

Jerome approached the kitchen and handed over the bundle of herbs to Sydney. Some of the maids set the kitchen abuzz with whispers and curious glances directed toward him. Some even entertained the idea of approaching him, they have heard how the third friend loved women and he can take them to his bed anytime. But they refrained when they saw Sydney's warning gaze.

"Thank you, Sir Jerome," Sydney said with a smile as he received the herbs from him. "I know you must have hurried to get here so that King Drey would get his herbal tea prepared in time."

"We wouldn't want a gloomy castle, do we?" Asked Jerome.

"Sir, Jerome!" Sydney couldn't believe they knew how they talk about the King when he missed his tea.

Jerome nodded in acknowledgment and was about to leave the kitchen when he heard Sydney fall behind him. "Sydney are you doing what you love most?"

"My apologies Sir Jerome," Sydney said feeling embarrassed as he picked up the scattered herbs. He bowed respectfully as Jerome chuckled.

"Where are you rushing off to?"

"To you, Sir."

"I'm here," answered Jerome turning to face the fallen butler, folding his hands on his chest, and watching him stand with much difficulty after he tripped.

"Your dinner..."

"I'm full, Sydney. You can all take your rest." Jerome dismissed the maids with a wave of his hand. The maids obediently proceed to the maid's quarters.

"Goodnight, Sir Jerome," they all chorused in unison.

As Jerome turned to leave he was intercepted by Kira.

"Good evening, Rome?"

He let out a deep sigh. Ever since Kira arrived she had started calling him "Rome" the name reminded him of his past and the loss of his parents and sister.

" Why aren't sleeping, little Kira?" asked Jerome

"How could I sleep with all the shouting coming from you and Sydney?" she said as she walked over to pour herself a glass of water.

"Good evening, milady?" Sydney greeted her still rubbing his bottom.

"Good evening, Sydney." She replied taking a sip of water while glancing at Jerome. "Did Sydney have another tumble?" Jerome giggled at Sydney's misfortunes. Still rubbing his bottom Sydney bid them goodnight.

"What was life like in Vinita?" Jerome inquired sitting with Kira at the kitchen counter.

Kira signed heavily. "It was harsh. A life that many wouldn't dream of. If you don't have a substantial amount of money success seemed unattainable. And if you were born into a low-income family, your future was already predetermined," she explained wiping away the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.

They were silent for a long time long enough to hear each other sad breathing. She took a long sip from the glass and swirl the water in her mouth. The memories were still fresh every time she remembered Vinita. She stared into space until she had Jerome talking.

"It seems Rosario and Vinita were brothers in crime."

"At least you had someone you call family. I only had Chard." Kira said as she fidgeted in her seat, the painful memories of Anna's cruelty were replaying in her head.

"Rico and I are half-brothers, we have been there for each other," Jerome stated looking at the wide-eyed woman.

"He is your half-brother?!" questioned Kira surprised at the two being blood-related. They are polar to each other.

"Yes, we are," Jerome confirmed.

She nodded still she couldn't bring herself to come to terms with it. Jerome continue,

"Being in close proximity to royalty and working for them can be both a blessing and a curse."

Kira reflected. "How did you manage it."

"Crowned prince Drey was always there," Jerome answered.

Hearing that her thoughts turned to the prince of Vinita, a notoriously mad figure. She couldn't help but greet her teeth at the memory of him. The prince had caused the loss of many lives, but she still wondered about those whom he took after her.

After a while, she asked, "Why did King Drey choose all of you over the crowned?"

Probing was not her thing but Drey had many chances to secure the crowned.

"It's a complex issue," replied Jerome thoughtfully. "Drey had his motivations for choosing us over the royal title, but ultimately, it came down to his longing for freedom and autonomy. He was tired of the strict regulations and expectations that come with being a member of the royal family. Instead, he chose to forge his own path and make a difference on his own terms, even if it meant giving up the perks of royalty."

Kira nodded in understanding.

"Then little Kira tell me how did Drey help you out of Vinita?"

"Oh, Jero," Drey walked in, hands in his pockets interrupting the conversation. "You're still on it with the gossip, I see."

Jerome didn't appreciate the interruption and asked curtly," What brings you here, Drey?"

Drey responded with a smile, "I overheard my name being mentioned and wanted to see what was going on."

Jerome appeared uninterested, but Drey remained unfazed. "Are your chambers the last on top, why are you all hearing people talking on the ground floor?!" He wondered looking at the two who had shared water from the same glass. Drey and Kira both gave each other a knowing look.

"I couldn't fall asleep without her," he walks over to where Kira was sitting."Where have you been, my little troublemaker? You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you." He gently takes her hand and helps her rise from the chair.

Jerome felt nauseated as he listened to Drey's flirtatious words. "Drey you are the best in interfering with mine and Kira's conversation."

Drey sniffed Kira's hair and held her tightly in his arms.

"Good night, Rome," said Kira bidding him farewell as she walked towards the kitchen exit. These two will never leave each other neck.

Jerome smiled at her and then replied. "Good night, little Kira." He then turned to Drey and smirked.

"Looks like the old man was in a good mood tonight, even giving you time for some idle chatter," Drey said, quickly following Kira.

Jerome chuckled and responded. "Yeah, he must have been feeling generous."

"He sure was."