3 Maria and Leopold

It’s hard to believe I am working on our country’s renowned landmark. I really can’t believe it. My mom says I am the most beautiful girl in the land. Well, not to mention my fair skin tone, I have a silky brown hair with a small face, yet with long lashes and small round brown eyes. A not that tall nose and red kissable lips. I have the most beautiful feet, my mom says and a slim body that covers everything for my good-natured stature. I love movies and a hopeless romantic at that. I am strong willed and a hardworking girl. And being one of the best artist dubbed to win an award for the restoration of an international landmark, was the milestone that started my career in the restoration business.

It’s three thirty in the morning and I can’t sleep. I tried to check on my team but they’re all sound asleep. Nica is talking in her sleep again, hi hi!. Sheena woke up to put a pillow on top of Nica’s mouth so she won’t have to hear the blabbering. I closed their door behind me and head for the stairs. Below I heard a commotion. “Sir how are you!?, Rolando patting a young man, on the shoulder, about my age, though I can only see his back and his silky wavy hair. I’m good Olan, I’ve been here and there, I’ve missed this side of the palace!, the young lad said with a laugh. Oh! Ms. Pio, Maria, please meet Lou…ah Leo!, Rolando exclaimed with pride seeing me standing on the stairs. Ah! Yes, I was just going back up, I wanted to get a glass of water, I replied shyly. Okay, you can join Leo, for the tour!, Rolando explained. It’s pretty late though. that’s okay! I said. No, I like to see the palace one more time, Leo said joining me to the kitchen. Alright! , I said walking beside him. Leo!, I kind of remember that name, it sounds familiar, are you the Leopold of St. Paul Vill, I grew up here….wow! I said surprisingly. Oh! Really! Yes, Hmm! I remember this place alright and you! Not much!, he said coldly. Okay! We were very young then!. So where are you headed, are you staying in the palace for a while or…? I asked changing the subject when I felt he was trying to escape my eyes. Okay, you don’t need to answer that!, I added quickly. No, it’s alright!, I will be here till morning and leave for my travels. I am into recording historical sites for a magazine, I take pictures and publish them to help conserve especially the extinct ones, like the baby chimpanzees of the land. Aww!, he is so cute!, I replied when Leo handed a magazine with the animal as if posing for his camera. And then I looked on his face, catching his eyes, when he swerves his gaze on the picture. So! I better be going, It was nice meeting you Ah!, he said hesitatingly. Maria, Maria Pio!, I said as explaining. Okay, See you again?, he said. Bye!, Okay!, See you! Bye?, I added half asking why he wanted to leave so sudden. Leo walked out of the kitchen and he was gone like a flick of a finger. Hmm!, I poured me a glass of water and head back to my room. While going upstairs, Leo was keenly watching Maria from the outside through the large windows of the castle.

Leo head back to his room and arriving in the dungeon, he breathed heavily. He was thinking about how he and Maria met once again. He will never forget the first time they met when he was nine years old so as Maria. He saw her shouting happily while he and his family paraded the streets of St. Paul Vill. How happy she was seeing us in our grandeur. But now what! Though my face is the same, my heart isn’t!, After Aunt Beatrice, who was an adopted child of my great grandparents, locked my parents and kin to this castle, we could no longer get out and live like normal people. As if we’re trapped in a cage, until my parents, the king and queen died of heart break and disappointment. I swore to myself to show my vengeance to Aunt Beatrice’s kin, and Maria is one of them. Lady Beatrice’s son, married Maria’s grandmother, Helena (a commoner) and had a daughter named Victoria, Maria’s mom. I arranged everything so Maria can work here and restore the castle. Now she’s with me at last, it felt so different. I want her to pay for my miseries. I want to take out my anger, but how? how come it’s hard….Why, she? I admired her and still do until now!...

All through the years I asked for people to follow Maria and her where abouts, her teen age life, her studies, accomplishments and her fears. I wanted to let her feel the power, the happiness and then reap them all out when the time comes, just like what her family, her great grandmother, Lady Beatrice did when I was very young. Because of her selfishness, Lady Beatrice wanted to be part of our kingdom which she can never be since she was just an adopted child. My father, the king, never, treated her different but family. Yet, Lady Beatrice still wanted the seat on the throne and now all was gone. Where is the throne? Where is my throne? Anyway, it’s all long gone and over. I need to start anew. But where do I begin, where? Yes, with Maria. Now is the perfect time. It’s already the 15th day, and I still have 15 days to go to do what I needed to do.

Good morning guys! Maria greeted her team and one by one said their good mornings, while continuing with their responsibilities. Maria, here’s what we’ve done so far of the ceiling, is it all good for you?, Mike pointing on the furnished ceiling and Maria looking up. Oh, wow! Amazing you guys!, I said honestly, very happy with the outcome. We’re almost done guys! I want to thank you for your efforts. I guess we just need ten more days to finish this end. And I’ll be taking over the dungeon or the left side of the palace where Louis is residing. Okay guys! Let’s take 15 minute break!, See you later!, Maria said authoritatively.

Good work, Maria! Tessa said. You’re welcome Madame, I mean, Tessa. I replied. So, where are you headed after this job? Tessa asked. Oh! well, I need to get back home to my mom and rest for a bit. Then head for Europe, there is an opportunity for me there, since the church we worked on needed someone to supervise restoring their old monastery, the walls

needed refurnishing and painting. Maria gasped. Oh! So you’ll be leaving us then, Louis invited you to join him for dinner we’ll be setting it next to the garden later, is it okay? Tessa asked but with hesitation. No problem! I will be there, what is it about, though? Maria asked half questioningly. But Tessa didn’t reply and went ahead passed her to the sitting room toward a long hallway and room smaller than the dining area, yet warm and full of historical books. I’d like to invite you for a cup of tea or coffee? Tessa asked. Tea please! Maria added. Tessa poured a hot one for Maria and then hers. Maria, I’ve been with the family for decades and Louis is very fond of you…and your work. So, I have a proposition for you. Louis would like you to accompany him in his place, of course you will be working on his paintings, but he wished for your assistance on something else! Tessa explained. Alright! What would that be? Maria asked. Louis will be the one to ask you later at dinner!, Tessa advised. Okay, I will be there! Maria said anxiously. Tessa smiled and went on her way.

The night is very beautiful, the stars and moon are still like in a painting, The wind silently sharing its breeze, touching my face. I wore the simple dress my mom bought me when she travelled to France last year. I never wear elegant dresses anyway, I never need to since I’m more comfortable wearing long sleeves, shirts and worn jeans or pants when painting. This baby blue tube top dress in silk with beaded linings of small diamonds sparkling in the night.

Very beautiful!, Louis shouted, Maria surprised while thinking about the dress she was wearing. Thank you kind Sir, Maria said smiling. Why did you invite me here? She asked, while Louis walked towards her and they met in the middle of the table, the angel fountain on, flowers dancing in the wind, in the garden so peaceful this time of night. “I wanted to surprise you”, Louis taking off his mask, and… Leo…pold, Leo! You? Maria said in shock. Why, you’re alive and you’re the guy last night?. Yes, I’m here for good and I want to invite you to work for me!, Come let’s sit!, Leo while pulling the chair for her, and then sitting in front of her in the table. I let them prepare chicken, pasta and jello, your favorite!. Louis or Leo said smiling. Ha ha you remembered!, Maria said happily. I am Louis Leopold Montfort III ( playing with the British accent). So you can call me whatever you like, Louis said confidently. Alright, Louis then! Maria replied. So, now that I’m here what is the catch?, Maria questioned. Well, I’ve been thinking lately and as a friend, I hope you are treating me as such, this is the picture of the villa. It’s my parent’s home when they wanted to spend time together away from the stressful life in the courts. So, will you help me? Louis said while munching on the pasta. Alright!, I’ll think about if first. I still need to finish your place first and we’ll see, Maria said eating the last fork of pasta on her plate. I had fun tonight! Thank you for the dinner, Maria said giving her hand for Louis to shake, but Louis held it and pulled her to him, then kissed her on the lips. Maria tried to stop him but not able to do so. She gave in and it felt …wonderful. Uh! Louis, please! Maria said pushing him away!. Louis then, Sorry!, I’m so sorry!. Louis added not knowing what has happened. I need to go now, goodnight!, Maria said running away from Louis surprised with what he did.