Chapter 69: Eyes on me

I shuffle in my chair forcing my eyes open as the silence continues. I don't want to answer, I really don't but I also don't want to draw attention.

I take a deep breath propping a smile on my face, "It makes me more mysterious, I just prefer not to be known. Also, I prefer not to look people in the eye because I don't have to. It's a choice and I prefer not is that so hard to understand?"

Lady. Bellum narrows her eyes at me, and I gulp hoping she would buy the excuse. She glances down at her cup, taking a long bitter sip. "I suppose but even still you can't hide for long Lady. Victoria. Someone is bound to uncover your secrets soon, and it will be displayed all for the public of your opponents to come and reap, so…" She glances at me with a wicked smile, "Be on guard."

Is that a threat? Is she saying that if I slip up she will catch it? I shuffle in my chair again scooting back. I sigh, this tea already feels like it's been hours and it is incredibly tiresome. Sir. Bertram clears his throat, "Um well since no one asked me I would say that I enjoy coffee more than tea. Tea is kind of bitter." Isn't that a rather late answer to the question?

Lady. Bellum glares at him, "That is what sugar is for brother, while coffee has a nice taste Tea is the subject for this matter. So please stick to it." She slams her cup down somewhat hard and surprisingly the glass doesn't break. "Now as I was saying, just be careful Lady. Victoria. We aren't the only ones looking at what you do, there are many behind. Just not all of them compete as we do. We are second only to you, but ahead of the ones behind us."

She eyes one of the biscuits and looks toward one of the servers, "Can you fetch us all a lemon biscuit please?" I shake my head, "Oh I think I'm fine, not exactly hungry but thank you." She sticks a hand up, "Please, we are getting older Lady. Victoria and like I said soon our estates will belong to us, so let me be kind today. Take the biscuit and enjoy it, I know you haven't eaten today."

A frown appears more presence on my face as the server picks up the biscuits with their tongs, and gives each one our own. "Why the long face?" I glance toward the flowers feeling a pain in my chest, "I just wonder why you keep reminding me of that. It is apparent, so why do you feel the need to remind me every chance you get."

"Does it bother you?" "Yes a little bit", she tastes a bite of the dessert taking a sigh of her own, "I see good to know then." My chest gets tighter and the uncomfortable gaze of Sir. Bertram doesn't help one bit. I need to take a second to myself, just for a moment.

I scoot back in the chair again, no one seems to notice much but the conversation strikes again, "Lady. Victoria how about I change it to a happier topic, like what is something you enjoy doing much of?" "Reading but I don't indulge in it as much anymore." Dancing is honestly my favorite activity but I don't want to let them know that so I changed it to one of my second. "I see what type of subjects do you read? I partake more so in etiquette and small business books. I do admit I have a soft spot for mystery." He puts a hand on his face, "So many twists and turns, not the mention adventure all throughout the story. If I wasn't second in line up and awaiting suitor and I myself would like to partake in a bit of mystery."

He gives me a soft smile now seeming to want an answer out of me and I gaze back awkwardly rather unsure what to say, "Well that seems wonderful I think Mystery is rather nice too. Haven't read too much of it though." "Is it your favorite as well?" I'm silent for a second, is mystery my favorite subject of books? I'm not sure it's been so long since I've really read one. "Lady. Victoria?" He waves his hand in the air and Lady. Bellum rolls her eyes, "It seems you've stunned her Bertram, she is lost for words searching for an answer."

His head swivels to his sister confused, "Did I really sister?" He turns back to me, "I'm sorry Lady. Victoria you don't have to answer if you have gotten stuck with the answer." Lady. Bellum snickers, "Yes don't blow a fuse in front of us now, I fear your servers wouldn't know how to react." She leans into a whisper, "But judging by their faces now it probably will be the same reaction, don't you think?"

I shut my eyes scooting back my chair once more, "I suppose, now if you would excuse me." I get out of my chair, "I am going to take a light stroll, please enjoy your tea and biscuits." "You didn't even eat yours, oh don't tell me I hit a nerve?" I didn't say anything to her question, "By the way it is Dark Fantasy, I said it has been a while since I really read so you can understand why it took me a second."

I take a deep breath feeling the air take over my lungs and my eyes sting a bit from the impact of my emotions. I want to cry again, I don't feel welcomed in this garden, in this space. I want to leave before I break down in front of them, I don't want to give them something else to judge me for. "I will be right back, I just want to enjoy the garden, please sit and enjoy I would rather take this stroll alone."

I try to hold my face up as I walk away, their voices raising in the background, "Sister did you have to talk to her like that? I think that was uncalled for." "Hush, brother lower your voice and second this is a test of character. I want to see how strong she really is, especially if you like her so much."

The voices blur out as I walk further into the garden, being left with just me and my thoughts.