I Realized

When I woke up, Bianca and a few maids rushed into my room without hesitation. I wondered why not until I found out they were dressing me up. I'm not saying I don't like or don't want to. Is it alright for me to wear such gorgeous clothes?

"Now, Miss Flora, please choose one," smiled Bianca looking ready to rush me into the dressing room. 

"Uhm…" I hesitated, not knowing what to choose until one dress caught my eyes. It was a white, blue long sleeve with a black skirt over the tights. I've seen this type of clothing while window shopping but never had the money to buy them. 

I turned my head at Bianca after hearing her laugh for reasons I didn't understand why. "You seem to like this type of clothing," Bianca picks the dress up and nods her head in approval. "It looks nice. Please try it on."

"If you don't mind," I muttered softly, walking to the dressing room. 

I stood in front of the tall mirror while swaying my skirt side to side. I still can't believe I'm wearing it. It feels like a dream. I sat on the chair after being pulled by Bianca. She combed my red-brown colored hair then tied it into a neat twisty bun. 

For the first time, I looked different from what I looked. I knew how to tie my hair into a bun, but my hair ends up in a mess. But to be honest, this is enough for me. After all, this wavy hair represents me. 

"It seems like you're pleased with it," said Bianca taking a step back after putting the final pin into my hair. 

"It's amazing. I've never tried tying my hair up or dressing in beautiful clothing. Thank you, Bianca."

"Don't thank me. I didn't buy the dresses for you. The one you should thank is Master Kaeden. I'm just doing my job," Bianca shook her head. 

"No, even if it's your job. I want to appreciate you," I turned my neck to look at her.

"Then if you say so," Bianca bows her head. "That reminds me. Master Kaeden has asked for you to eat with him."

"How can I decline is offer? Of course, I'll attend," I answered.

"Then I will deliver your message to him," said Bianca as she bowed her head before leaving the room. 

The maids who entered the room earlier left one by one, leaving me alone in the room. I took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to relax. I felt nervous for some reason. It's either because I haven't seen his face in a while, or I'm scared that this might be the last time I'll be living in this place.

I walked to the balcony and rested my palms on the white railings. I tried searching for my village from where I stood, but just as I feared, I couldn't see it. I miss the village but not my aunt or my cousin. I don't want to go back to that place, but then it feels like I'm freeloading in a person's house. 

I waited in the room until a servant called for me and escorted me to the dining hall. To my surprise, once I got there, it was still empty. There weren't just two plates but at least three more others. 

My attention turned when the doors opened once again. I watched the black-haired man enter the dining hall and casually sit in his seat. He called for a servant, asking them to remove the other three plates and serve the food. 

"Take your seat," he said, and I moved to sit beside him. "You don't have to be this tense."

"I-'m not tense, just nervous," I corrected. 

"Nervous about what?" Kaeden asked. 

"Just nervous for some reason."

"You don't have to be. I'm not going to harm you, and neither am I planning to."

"No… it's just, I never had a meal in a dining hall," I said, watching a servant place the food down.

The fork he held in his hand lowers, and he strangely looks at me. I lowered my head not until he asked, "Then where do you eat?"

"I usually eat one meal a day, but if I'm in luck. I get to eat at least two meals," I answered. 

"Starting today, you'll be having at least 6 meals a day," He said, drinking a cup of wine that was recently poured by a servant. Kaeden glared at me as I was about to decline. He said, "No excuses."

I nodded my head feeling forced to do something, but then I guessed it was for myself. I never really cared about my health since I didn't have time for it. But then, having someone to care for me feels different. 

After eating my meals, Kaeden and I headed out to the pagoda in the middle of the gardens. The scorching sun made me feel tired than usual, and at the same time, Kaeden took giant steps while walking.

Our steps gradually grew apart from each other. I tried to call his name out loud as possible, but he still didn't hear me. As I was about to call his name once more, he turned his head backward, and our eyes met. 

Kaeden rushed at me, saying, "I apologize. I didn't know you were all the way back here." His lips were pursed as he rubbed the back of his neck. By his actions, he looked embarrassed, which made him a bit adorable when his ears were slowly turning red. 

I shook my head and giggled, "It's alright. It's a bit of my fault since I didn't call your name loud enough." 

"No, I should have known so that I can match your pace," He insisted as he shook his head. 

Seeing him embarrassed enough, I accepted his defeat. Though on the inside, I didn't want to accept it. 

"I forgot how much our paces didn't match before," He muttered, which I didn't hear but when I looked at him. I saw a smile that I'd only seen in my dreams. 

It hit me that Kaeden really is the man I have been dreaming about.