Chapter Four - Unexpected Encounter

Vera felt in a daze, here mind wandering back to that stranger with the crimson eyes. He didn't make her scared, in fact he was refreshing but that's something else she found alarming. The only other person to escape her Eyes of Truth was Nikolai. She couldn't trust her senses anymore. She had to treat him on par with Nikolai until further data was acquired and she just didn't have the time to spend on it. Her mood began to brighten as the carriage pulled up to the Orion Café, a quaint café catering to all classes. It was run by a young bright eyed business man and his elderly grandmother.

        Vera rushed out of the carriage in excitement as the smell of freshly baked goods and fragrant teas wafted through the open door. She rushed inside with her companions in tow. Inside was as cozy as her memories recalled, warm welcoming colors with simple lovely décor hanging orderly along the walls, the café stood at four levels and each layer became more and more exquisite with colors and décor tailored to class. The first story catered to the common folk, simple and inviting while the second floor was similar colors but finer decorations for the middle class, further up was the nobility with elegant cooler colors and the most lavish settings with decorations to match and finally the floor of the five families was split by the stairs, on one side was the males side and the other for the ladies and children. The males' side was more masculine and tailored to the men with fine brandy and whiskies and tables for cards while the ladies lounge was more for comfort for idle chatting and allowed a comfortable place to be ones self.

   She looked around curiously, her letter never specified what floor they would meet but a small servant approached with a letter. Vera opened it and headed up to the top floor. She had no problem getting past the middle class floor or even the noble floor, there was a guard with a friendly attendant blocking the way.

   "Hello, may I see your credentials?" The attendant was friendly but Vera could see her distain inside. She thought Vera was a filthy lower class trying to go past her station. Vera looked irritated but hid it with a forced smile.

    "Of course!" Vera reached into her jacket pocket for her family crest and had the horrible realization. She left it at home. She stood there completely stunned. Vera looked at Minnie with a nervous grin. "Minnie. Do you have my credentials?"

    Both girls were blank faced as they knew the credentials were at home. The woman was visibly annoyed and condescending. "No credentials, no entry."

    Vera sighed. "Can you deliver a message to young Duke Vivian for me?"

The woman laughed haughtily. "I wouldn't waste the time humoring such a request from a commoner!" Vera could feel a vein pop out as she tried to maintain her calm smile. Minnie was raging but before she could speak up a masculine voice broke the silence. 

"She's the only daughter of Duke Everwyn, any fool could tell by her eyes." Vera looked up to see the man with the crimson eyes, he was irritable but Vera couldn't tell for sure why. "It's also funny how you treat guest of this establishments, I can guarantee your employer would not be so happy to hear of this incident."

The woman trembled and looked at Vera who just stood with a smile. The woman threw herself at Vera's feet, "I beg of you! Have mercy milady! I would never disrespect your grace!"

Vera felt disgusted, "You say if you knew who I was you would have been courteous and accommodating but as you perceived me as a commoner I should be treated with contempt and blatant disrespect." Vera hated people like that most. Those thoughts of crushing the perceived weak based on status always made her unhappy, more so from people whose status is no different than those they trampled. "I will let the owner know personally of this incident."

The woman broke down in tears while the guard dragged her away. Leaving the two alone until a new attendant appeared. She was more friendly but she was the same inside. Vera thought she had hardened her heart but the truth of humanity still pained her. The man looked at her and cleared his throat.

"Not everyone is like that. Don't be too disheartened." He looked away in an act of indifference when Vera looked at him but she could see her was trying to be comforting.

"Thank you kind sir." Vera bowed respectfully, revelling in his shy expression. The new attendant led Minnie and the guards to a separate tea room close by before guiding the pair the stairs. When they reached the top Vera turned to the man. "May I ask your name?"

He blushed and took her hand in his, he looked at her and kissed her hand sweetly.

"Asher Rykiel."