บท 16: Close Calls and Complications (1)
When Mikael decided to take a bath, the maids were kind enough to move the wooden bathtub around his bed, so he would not be straining himself by walking to the bathroom.
Beth poured steaming water into the tub and neatly arranged soft towels on a nearby table. Then, she stood beside Mikael, helping him as he slowly got into the bath.
"Thank you," Mikael uttered gratefully, taking off his clothes. "I'll give you a call once I'm finished. You're free to go."
Beth exited the room with those words, positioning herself just beyond the door. She waited there, like a promise that she would be there if needed.
As time went on, a maid approached with bath utilities, carrying bath essentials. Beth's eyes did notice her, but she didn't give it too much thought.
Yet, just as Beth's focus drifted away from the maid, a sudden pause of the maid alerted her. She turned her head quickly, a bit surprised, as she saw the maid's hand reaching for the master bedroom's doorknob.
Beth didn't hesitate for a moment; she just positioned herself between the door and the maid, becoming a sort of human shield to protect her master's secret.
Beth's eyes bore into the maid, who seemed a bit older, maybe five years or so. The maid's expression remained unreadable.
"Uh, wh, what are you doing?" she asked. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest, and her voice quivered as she gathered the courage to speak.
The maid's lips curled into a sly smile, making the situation even more puzzling. She answered with confidence, "I'm here to assist the Marchioness."
Beth's eyebrows furrowed as her brain scrambled to try and understand what was happening. Concern painted her expression as she struggled to make sense of it.
Finally, she asserted, her voice steady as she put her hand over her heart, "Help the Marchioness? But 'I' am the one helping the Marchioness–"
The maid raised an eyebrow skeptically before Beth's ears picked up the distinct sound of her tongue clicking, as clear as day. "So why are you out here instead of being in there aiding her?"
"My lady instructed me to wait outside," Beth replied firmly, her confidence growing as she clung to her orders. "And she specifically told me not to allow anyone to enter."
The older maid's tone grew condescending as she retorted, "Little girl, you might not quite get the situation here. The Marchioness has had a night with the Marquess, and she needs my assistance more than anything right now."
Beth was well aware of what had taken place the previous night. She had witnessed the proof with her own eyes just this morning.
However, the term "little girl" grated on Beth's nerves, and she had to react, "Excuse me?"
The maid's demeanor softened slightly, a glimmer of fake regret in her eyes. "Oh, my apologies, dear. I didn't mean to upset you."
Beth folded her arms. "I get that you're worried, but my lo– my lady's desires have to be respected. She asked for privacy, and I intend to ensure she gets it."
The older maid didn't seem to back down. "Well, I have to ask the Marchioness myself," she stated, making a move to shove Beth aside.
But Beth wasn't budging. She stood firm, resolute in her stance. Blocking the doorway, she stared down the maid with unwavering determination. "I'm the Marchioness' personal maid! Turn back, you hag! My lady doesn't need your help!"
Beth's words echoed down the hallway beyond. Of course, she did it on purpose to make a notice to Mikael.
A moment of tense silence stretched back, both maids locked in a standoff.
The maid's face reddened with anger, her fingers squeezing the basket she was carrying until her knuckles turned white. "W, What did you call me? This kid doesn't know how to respect her seniors–"
"Beth." A voice, sounding strained, hummed from the other side of the door.
Beth shot one last defiant glare at the older maid before relenting. With a careful doorknob twist, she created enough space to let herself enter.
"Yes, my lady–"
"Marchioness, I will assist you in your bath," the maid cut in abruptly, pushing her way into the room without hesitation.
Beth was caught off guard and got shoved, stumbling and falling to the floor. Quickly regaining her composure, she shot a panicked look at Mikael, who had his back to the door, facing the other way.
Thankfully, he had his wig on, although it was a bit crooked.
Beth's determination flared, and she stood up, her fists balling at her sides. She glared and stammered, "Y, You!"
"Get out. I don't remember asking for anyone except my own maid," Mikael's strained voice commanded, adopting a slightly higher pitch to mimic a more feminine tone.
The maid stopped in her tracks, taking a moment to process the request. Eventually, she reluctantly complied, "As you wish, Marchioness."
She huffed away, her footsteps echoing as she left through the door. But before she went, she did not forget to cast a resentful look at Beth, muttering something under her breath.
Beth swiftly locked the door behind her before rushing to Mikael's side. "I, I'm sorry, my lord– my lady. That old hag's nuts. She is seriously persistent."
"Yeah, I overheard your conversation," Mikael interrupted, his voice still tinged with the feminine lilt he had adopted earlier.
Deep down, Mikael couldn't stop feeling the invasion from the maid's nosiness. He thought about how she almost found out his identity.
They had to be more careful.
"From this point on," Mikael stated firmly, locking eyes with Beth and wearing a serious expression, "it would be best if you don't leave my side. We can't risk any more close calls."
Beth nodded, and in the background, the water in the bath created a gentle splashing sound. "Um, would it be alright if I helped you wash your back, my lady?" she asked with the senior maid's words lingering in her thoughts.
Mikael hesitated momentarily, then nodded, turning his back to her.
Beth grabbed a cloth and dipped it in warm water, and then, she cleaned Mikael's back. She was super careful, not wanting to scrub too roughly.
She moved the cloth gently across his skin, making sure to be thorough yet gentle. The cloth glided over his smooth, pale skin, with love marks visible like fresh reminders.
Her gaze settled on the painful-looking bite mark on Mikael's nape. She couldn't help but imagine how much it must have hurt. It made her wince just thinking about it.
She had always been in the dark about how the bonds worked on the other secondary genders. Being a beta herself, she had never got knowledge of it.
The room was accompanied by the soothing sound of water splashes as Beth worked diligently, washing Mikael's back.
As Beth was wrapping up, a sudden, loud knock reverberated in the room, startling them both. Mikael swiftly turned his gaze to the door, his heart racing.
"Marchioness, the family doctor's here," a voice announced from outside. It was Secretary Cade.
And Mikael exchanged a quick, worried glance with Beth.
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