CHAPTER 8.5: BREAKFAST TABLE

**Lily**

My daily routine didn’t change that much ever since Kuro’s disappearance. I would wake at the same time. I’d do my chores and supervise the other maids just as usual. And bring Maddie’s breakfast to her room at the time she specified.

“…”

Speaking of time, she didn’t tell me what time I’d bring her breakfast today. But no matter, we had our pre-arranged routine to follow in case she forgot it.

“!!!”

I was almost at the doors of her room when I stopped. It’s because, contrary to what I’ve expected, I saw two of the Nerfes’ royal guards standing by the doorway.

“Your Highness!” they were quick to give me their salutes the moment they saw me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, quite bewildered, “Don’t you know that this place is off-limits for males?”

“Our apologies, Your Highness, but we’re on-duty,” one of them explained, “His Royal Majesty, King James of Nerfes was inside, talking to Her Holiness.”

“Oh…” I continued though, “Well, excuse me. I’m bringing in Her Holiness’ breakfast.”

The two Royal Guards stood in attention and let me pass. I don’t think they had anything to say about my permission since my liege was Maddie and not James.

“Good day, Your Holiness!” I immediately greeted them once I entered her chambers.

“Ah, good day to you as well, Lily!” Maddie replied. She was sitting by the verandah of her room, with James standing beside her, talking.

“Hey, Lily! Greetings!”

“I brought Maddie’s breakfast,” I told them, “Should I bring yours here, James?”

“Go ahead,” it was Maddie who answered, “It’s been a while since we had an occasion like this. It’s a pity that Simon wasn’t here, though.”

“Thanks, Lily!” James winked at me.

“Alright. Just let me fix her table for a moment, then I’d get your food.”

I set the table aside and fix the plates and cups that Maddie would use. Meanwhile, the two continued on their chat.

“Speaking of Simon, why did he come with you?”

“Ah, he’s the one I left in charge of the kingdom as of the moment.”

“Are you sure you’re not needed there?”

“Simon can manage. He’s the 2nd prince, after all. For now, my concern is with my friends, especially you.”

“Thank you for that.”

From the corners of my eyes, I’m looking at those two. This was the first time I saw Maddie with a genuine smile on her face, ever since Kuro disappeared. And James was also happy that she was talking so casually with him. I could hear their laughs while talking about random things, including our childhood moments together.

“Lily!” My senses were brought back by Maddie, “You’ve been spacing out again. Are you fine?”

“Y-Yes…I’m okay,” though I said that, I’m feeling that something’s not right. Maddie’s blooming ambiance. James’ gentle and happy expressions. The general mood between these two…

Don’t tell me…

“Hey, Lily?” it was James, “I thought you’re bringing in my breakfast? Come on! Let’s get together just like the good old times.”

“R-Right.” A little feeling of disgust and awkwardness welled up inside me, “Just let me wrap this up.” I quickly arranged the food and the cutlery on Maddie’s table, before taking my leave.

What are you doing Maddie? I thought Kuro’s yours and you’re his?

----------

Honestly, after witnessing that awkward moment between Maddie and James, I don’t think I’d want to come back to that room. Instead, I asked another maid to deliver the king’s breakfast and tell them I got some urgent matter to attend to.

“…”

I wanted to believe that it’s all a farce. That somehow, nothing is happening between those two. I mean, I knew James had feelings for Maddie for a long time now, and I’m sure that Maddie was aware of it as well. What I couldn’t imagine was that Maddie would abandon Kuro for someone else just because he’s gone.

It’s not like Kuro’s already dead…

“…”

But, those exchange of looks between them, and my strong hunches…I can only wish those aren’t true!

What about the times they spent together? Is that all there is to it? I’m aware of Kuro’s shortcomings as a lover, but I could also see his efforts to change himself. I just couldn’t believe that in just a few weeks and days that he’s missing, Maddie would already forget about him!

I need to talk to Maddie about this…

“Hey!”

“!!!”

I almost dropped the vase that was I currently cleaning when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was shocked to see that it was James who was standing beside me.

“W-What?”

“This is your urgent matter? Cleaning that vase?” he asked, referring to the vase that I’m holding, “I thought you’re joining us for breakfast?”

“I-I…I’m sorry, I just wanted to be alone…” I answered James, trying my best to avoid talking to him.

“Alone? Come on, this is the first time in a long time that we are together!”

“My apologies, James, but I really can’t join you guys…”

At that point, I was about to walk away from him when he quickly shifted himself before me, effectively blocking my path and forcing me back to the wall. The air immediately turned extremely awkward between us, and I couldn’t say anything due to surprise.

“Are you avoiding me, Lily?”

“N-No…”

“Your actions say otherwise.”

“…”

“What, you’re blaming me for that commoner’s disappearance?”

“I said nothing, James.”

“You know I love Maddie,” his eyes never wavered, “And I’d do anything to make her mine.”

“So you admit you did something?”

“Who cares about that commoner? Of course not! What I’m saying is that I’m going to make her happy.”

“Maddie and I had already pledged our hearts to Kuro! Have some respect, James, and fight in a level field!”

“That strange man from the otherworld suddenly came barging into our lives, while I’ve been loving Maddie ever since we were little. And he goes to seduce both of you! Tell me, how’s that fair?”

I suddenly found myself unable to answer James. Indeed, he had been faithful to Maddie, even way back our childhood days. However, she never loved him, no matter how big his sacrifices were for her.

“You would never understand me, Lily.”

“Really? What makes you think that way?”

“What do you know?”

“Oh, I know alright! That feeling of you’re a distant second in your man’s heart?” I chuckled, “It hurts whenever I think about it! Were you not aware that it’s more painful than being treated like a friend at all?”

“Then, by all means, help me—”

“But no, I won’t hurt Maddie just because I feel that way!” I never let him speak, “Don’t you know that, aside from Maddie, it was only Kuro who accepted me for who I am? When everyone, including you, was avoiding me because of my curse? Why would I destroy the happiness of the people who helped me?”

Now it was James’ turn to be silent.

“Have you ever thought of why Maddie never looked your way? Do you even believe in her in the first place? Isn’t it you’re the first to scoff at her idea when she became the Saint?”

“It was my immaturity back then!”

“Do you think you grew up?”

“Enough of this, Lilyhaven!”

“See? That’s what I’m telling you!”

James glared at me, and I, never intending to back down, did the same. While the matter about Maddie’s heart was important, that he’s exploiting her vulnerability while Kuro was gone is just childish and foolish.

“…”

I could tell that James never wanted to admit his own flaws, so I guess I’d stop here. I never intended to hurt him, for he’s also my friend. However, James had to see where he needed to improve, or there’d be a point of no return for all of us…