Chapter 12: The Reception

Tilda had to run some quick errands before she would be able to wait upon Cosaria at the reception in the garden. With the castle full of guests, every servant was needed for the maintenance. Tilda had been assigned to changing out the sheets in a few of the guest chambers. As Tilda headed towards the laundry hatch with arms full of old sheets she could see through the windows the guests arriving below.

They each wore such fancy outfits, all prim and proper. Tilda even spotted a lady with peacock feathers. Commoners would never be allowed such fashions.

Tilda arrived at the laundry hatch. She opened the cover and dropped the laundry down the hatch as she announced, "Load coming down!" The sheets fell down to the first floor and landed in the laundry room. Tilda had to appreciate whoever designed the castle. It was both functional and practical.

Then she took a moment to look out the window into the servant's courtyard. Maids and servants were busy bodying their way around, hanging up sheets, scrubbing fabrics on washboards. It was grueling work. You'd never find someone like the peacock lady doing tasks like these.

Tilda sighed as she remembered Cosaria's words, "It just doesn't seem right for you to get treated differently."

Only she would have the luxury to think that way, Tilda thought, She doesn't even realize how different we are.

Tilda couldn't stop herself from comparing:

Cosaria with a multitude of dresses made from the most expensive fabrics, designed by the top tier designers and in the most luxurious fashions. It could take her hours to get ready in the morning.

 Versus Tilda, with her simple maid's outfit; A black frock with a white apron.

Clothes, food, duties, even the things we worry about, Tilda thought, It's all different. 

Cosaria, surrounded by fake nobles trying to butter their way into her life in search of higher status and position.

 Versus Tilda, gossiping in the servant commons with the maids over frivolous, "who do you like" conversations.

Cosaria, being abused by her noble family.

 Versus Tilda, having a roast duck with her commoner family, all laughing and joking together.

Dozens of jewels and accessories being showered upon Cosaria.

 Versus Tilda, owning nothing fancier than a simple wooden bead bracelet with butterflies painted on it.

Cosaria, entrapping the obsessive affection of the brooding, cold and mysterious Duke Delrik.

 Versus Tilda and the bright Knight Felux, who openly showed special attention in obvious and healthy ways. Being around him was like being around sunshine.

Tilda smiled.

Honestly, I wouldn't change it for anything.

༻✧༺

In the castle gardens the Duke and Duchess Arquix stood side by side greeting their guests.

Sauntering up, with the airs of great pageantry, was the Baxarte family. They clearly felt they had the upper leg in this public setting. Little did they know, Delrik cared less about public settings than he did private.

Lady Baxarte spoke first, "My precious Cosaria. How beautiful you look. And the ceremony was so exquisite."

Lord Baxarte agreed, "Yes, quite indeed."

Manipulation leaked through Lady Baxarte teeth as she said, "My dear, I'm so worried about you, starting your new life here. I was thinking we would stay a few more days, just to help you adjust. Isn't that what you want? Wouldn't that help you?"

Cosaria started shaking. Shocking Delrik, Cosaria grabbed his hand to steady herself.

"No," Cosaria said, "That's quite alright."

Lady Baxarte pretended she didn't hear, "Of course we will be so grateful for your hospitality."

Delrik said, "That's not what the Lady said."

Lady Baxarte said, "Excuse me."

Cosaria tightened her grip on Delrik's hand as she held her head high and said, "I would like it if you left and did not come back." Delrik's hand was like a conduit of strength, giving her the power to stand firm in her resolve.

Melodia said, "What did she just say?"

Lord Baxarte said, "Really Cosaria, listen truly. It's your duty."

Cosaria said in a voice like a brave bunny, "Please leave."

Lady Baxarte said, "We'll come back when you're more reasonable." A tactical retreat seemed most appropriate at this time. Especially since their conversation had started to gather unwanted attention from the other nobles.

"Don't." Cosaria said.

Melodia, who could not believe what she was hearing, asked, "What?"

Cosaria said, "You are not to be welcomed here."

Melodia said, "You brat."

Delrik smiled. Maybe there would be blood after all. He said, "The Lady has spoken." He wanted to goad them into doing something rash that would justify their public execution.

Lady Baxarte was very aware that everyone at the wedding was staring at the unfolding scene. Even Tilda, who had finished her chores and was pouring tea for a noble woman at one of the tables.

Lady Baxarte said, "But, I'm... I'm your mother. How could you? Humiliate me in front of everyone like this? What kind of daughter are you?"

Cosaria squeezed Delrik's hand again as she said, "What kind of mother starves their daughter for an entire week?"

That comment was societal murder. Brutis could not stay silent, he barked, "What kind of absurdity is this! What do you mean by all this?" Was she trying to start a stream of unwanted gossip directed towards the Baxarte family?

Lord Baxarte demanded, "Answer him Cosaria. Surely you don't mean to cut off your family."

Cosaria said, "I want to no longer give you power to hurt me anymore."

Delrik laughed.

He said, "This is the most fun I've had in a while."

Lord Baxarte said, "But-"

Delrik's demeanor altered to deadly serious as he said, "Get out. Before I make you."

Like scattering chickens, the Baxarte family left.

Cosaria, who had been holding in all her anxiousness, was ready to collapse. She grabbed Delrik's arm and said, "I think I maybe need to sit down."

As her legs gave out, Delrik caught and lifted Cosaria into his arms, to the shock of the guests.

Delrik said, "If you'll excuse us." Then he took his bride and left the area.

Tilda had been so glued to the scene that she completely forgot she was still pouring tea. Luckily, the blushing noble ladies didn't notice how the overflowing tea had completely spilled out over the cup and was collecting into pools on the table.

When Tilda noticed her mistake she said, "Crap!" and ran to escape the situation. She found Bess and gestured to the spill on the table as she said, "Clean up on the third table." Bess nodded as Tilda hid behind a tree and watched Delrik enter the castle with Cosaria still in his arms.

Tilda fist pumped in full epic glory.

"She did it!!!" Tilda exclaimed in the loudest whisper she could muster. She was so invigorated with energy she felt like she might burst.

Tilda startled as she heard a laugh. She turned and saw Felux. As excitement bubbled out of her she grabbed his hand and rambled, "Did you see that! She did it. She threw it right back in their face!" Tilda imitated Cosaria as she said, "What kind of mother starves their daughter?" 

Tilda threw her arms around Felux as she exclaimed, "This is legendary!"

Felux laughed, enjoying Tilda's exuberating presence.

Tilda sighed, "She was so amazing."

Felux pulled back but kept Tilda in his arms. Tilda finally noticed how he was staring into her eyes. His eyes moved to focus on her lips. She blushed but didn't look away. She was locked in place.

"You're amazing," Felux said.

Whatever happened next was only inevitable. Tilda closed her eyes and leaned forward. Then Felux kissed her.

After a moment of pure bliss, Felux tore himself apart.

He said, "I... I'm sorry."

Then he hurried away. Tilda stood there in shock. She had been completely swept up in the emotions of the moment. Apparently, they both had. She leaned her back against the tree.

"Why?" She murmured, "What just happened?"