Blame Yourself

Those blue eyes of his sparkled with joy as he skipped through the colonnade. In his hand was the last piece of chocolate, given by Odette, and he grinned at the delicious taste as he placed it inside his mouth.

The delicacy melted into his mouth instantly, leaving behind a bittersweet aftertaste and him craving for more.

However, that expression of his fell when he was about to go down the stairs and slipped. He could hardly control his movements when he went crashing down, his face hitting the ground. A cry escaped from his lips immediately.

The pain made tears glisten at his eyes, and the uplifted mood he had was now replaced with agony. Pressing his hand on the ground, he was about to sit up as sharp pain jolted through his ankle. This made him shriek.

He then ululated, "It hurts!"

His loud wailings alerted the maids working nearby, and few of them made their way over to the scene. One of the maid leaned down and questioned, "What happened, Adrian?"

Staring at the maid with tear-filled eyes, he poured out his grievances into words: "It hurts. My leg hurts badly."

The maid realized that he tripped down and scolded, "What were you even doing here, Adrian? Don't you know that this place had just been cleaned? Of course, it would be slippery."

Adrian pouted. Dennis told him that a senior maid called for him in the west hall.

The maid shook her head and applied pressure to Adrian's ankle. This made him break out into cries at the pain, and he attempted to push the maid away.

"Don't touch me! It really hurts! Please!"

The maid was nervous while saying, "You must have sprained your ankle. Someone should go and call for Lady Odette. Be quick lest she gets angry."

Because Adrian was her personal servant, no treatment can be done upon him without her orders.

Although none of them had the courage, one of the brave maids volunteered, not wishing to face Odette's rage later on if delay was done.

"I will go."

Apprehension showed on her features, but mustering up her courage, she rushed over to Odette's chamber.

After that, the other maid picked up Adrian in order to carry him to the infirmary, and all other maids scampered away, not wanting to be involved in this case.

Dennis, standing afar, watched the entire scene unfold whilst remaining inconspicuous. He felt nauseated due to the guilt and fear inside him. Taking in a deep breath, he clenched his hand into a tight fist, knowing that this was needed to be done for a secure future.

Moreover, the ugly jealousy inside him that twisted his guts these days made it easy for him to swallow the situation.

"Blame yourself for winning Lady Odette's favor," Dennis mumbled.

Now, all he hoped that Odette wouldn't be getting mad at him for this. Although according to her words, methods didn't matter— dirty or clean— the lady showed special attention towards Adrian. As much as aggravating that was, he had no strength to cross her.