Dinner time was approaching, and Helena was taut with anticipation. She knew that Alex would choose to dine privately in the company of that witch. That had become the new normal. Which, in turn would render her plans for sabotage useless.
She had to find a way to separate Felica from him. If only for a brief period. That's all she needed to slander that bitch!
She had already pleaded with the Duke to force Alex and Felicia to join them in the dining hall.
"It's not right, father. We are family! We should have our meals together. Felicia has been selfishly taking up all of Alex's time and attention. I miss my brother so much! We live together yet, it feels like I rarely see him anymore! I don't wish to be a bother or impose myself upon them, but for meal times can't we all be together? If not, then what is the essence of a family?"
The Duke had been moved by Helena's tears and agreed with her request. When Bonnie and Dixie got the order from the Butler that the Duke demanded they come down for dinner, they were puzzled.
Why? The Duke didn't seemed bothered with them not being present for the past month or so, so why did he suddenly require them to attend?
They did not suspect Helena of anything since the Butler was a fair man who was only loyal to the Duke. Neither Helena nor her mother could cajole him into telling lies on behalf of the Duke.
Besides, Dixie didn't think Tyren would be so bold after the warning she got. The Duke had made it clear that if she spoke on his behalf without his knowledge ever again, she would be punished.
So what was this? The Duke suddenly had a desire for unity? Or was it just Alex? Did he just want his precious son and heir back? Naturally, he knew that Felicia and Alex were essentially two peas in a pod so he had to extend the invitation to both. That made more sense.
Neither sister suspected anything.
Dixie had just turned the key and double checked the lock on her door before leaning against the wall, waiting for Bonnie to show up so they could head downstairs together.
Humming a tune, her eyes spotted an unfamiliar maid approaching her. The woman smiled at her politely and bowed.
"Good evening, Lady Felicia. Young Master Alexander instructed me to inform you that he will be attending dinner a bit late. He doesn't wish for you to stay hungry waiting for him so I was sent to escort you downstairs." The maid's tone was very polite.
Dixie suspected nothing. "Alright, but I do not need an escort, thank you." She turned around and headed down the corridor.
A cruel smirk transformed the maid's face as she watched the first miss walk away.
Lady Helena is the Saintess, little witch! How foolish of you to think you could ever be on top. You will be back in the annex by tomorrow morning."
She quickly dashed away, knowing Lady Helena's plan was not yet fully set in motion. Reaching the Young Master's door, she glanced around to ensure nobody saw her.
Bonnie, who was preparing to head to her sister's room stiffened in shock when she opened her door to find a maid passed out only a foot away.
"What the fuck?" She knelt down and grasped the woman by the shoulder. "Hello? Are you alright?"
The maid groaned in fake pain as she lifted her lids and stared at the Young Master. Her cheeks flushed which immediately caused Bonnie's brows to furrow. Was this the response of someone who just fainted? How odd?
"Girl, are you alright? Why did you faint?" Bonnie pulled the maid into a seated position and placed a hand on her forehead.
The maid blushed even more. She had expected an awkward encounter with Young Master Alexander when Lady Helena had instructed her to do what she did, but she had not expected this kind of gesture from him.
She certainly did not anticipate herself enjoying it.
Bonnie patted her hand against the maid's face and neck, frowning when she didn't sense any kind of coldness or fever. Being a woman, she wasn't even aware of how intimate they looked. Especially with the way she was holding the maid against her.
Thankfully, there were no prying eyes or the gossip would be sensational! The maid would have been subjected to 20 lashes for daring to seduce the Duke's son!
"I am alright, Young Master Alexander. I simply got dizzy and collapsed. I have been working without properly resting for a few days now...it's my own fault." Her voice was soft and meek.
Bonnie found this girl to be quite adorable. She looked like a white kitten. Feeling a sudden maternal warmth, she brushed the girl's hair away and tucked it behind her ear.
The maid gasped, her heart thumping. What was Young Master Alexander doing?! Did he wish to bed her?!
Pulling the kitten onto her feet, Bonnie spoke with warmth. "Go get some sleep, then. You're relieved of all your duties for the night."
The maid nodded happily. "Thank you for your grace, Young Master."
The sweet moment was shattered by a sudden scream..
Both women jolted on the spot.
Bonnie's eyes widened. "Oh my god! What was that--that was Felicia's scream!" She immediately darted away.
The maid, who had been distractingly enamored, suddenly remembered what Lady Helena had intended to do.
She quickly ran the same path as the Young Master.
But wait!? Why was Lady Felicia the one to scream?!