章節 11: A Feast of Delights
"My lady, you have emerged from your bath looking enchanting," Lydia said with a warm smile as she approached Eliana descending the grand staircase.
Eliana's eyes sparkled with gratitude and awe at the luxurious silk dress that clung to her frame like a second skin. "Thank you for preparing such a beautiful garment for me," she murmured, her voice soft and musical like a songbird.
Lydia's eyes shone with affection as she replied, "It was my pleasure. Our lord specifically chose this dress for you and entrusted me to assist you."
With a gentle hand, Lydia led Eliana through the sprawling mansion.
As they walked through the halls, Eliana's footsteps echoed softly against the highly polished marble floors. Their footsteps were the only sound in the silent passages, the air thick with anticipation for what would come next. They passed by intricately carved wooden doors, each one leading to a new wonder within the mansion. The scent of fresh flowers wafted from open windows, infusing the otherwise stale air with a sweet aroma that made Eliana feel slightly dizzy.
They entered a grand dining hall filled with long, wooden tables adorned with fine china and gleaming silverware. The walls were lined with paintings of past dukes and duchesses, their stern gazes seeming to follow every move they made. A team of servants scurried about, preparing a feast fit for royalty. The aroma of roasting meats, baked bread, and rich wines filled Eliana's nostrils, making her stomach rumble in anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder how it felt to have such luxury at your fingertips every day.
Lydia led her through winding corridors and up a grand staircase, where they finally arrived at an ornate door decorated with gold leaf and intricate carvings. She handed Eliana a handkerchief, saying it would be useful later. With a gentle push, the door swung open to reveal a lavish boudoir with canopied beds draped in silk curtains and vanities laden with precious gemstones. Lydia whispered about the various items found within, from rare perfumes to exquisite jewelry.
Finally, they entered the garden, a lush oasis filled with colorful blooms and the chirping of birds. A stone fountain bubbled merrily in the center, its waters cascading into a crystal-clear pool below. "Here you will find peace and serenity when needed," Lydia said, her voice hushed like a secret shared between friends.
As they walked back through the mansion, past servants who looked upon her with envy, Eliana couldn't help but feel both awed and out of place. This world was so foreign to her - one of opulence and luxury that she had only read about in fairy tales. The thought of living here, being treated like a princess, filled her with both hope and fear.
In the kitchen, they sampled freshly baked pastries and warm bread still steaming from the oven. The taste exploded on Eliana's tongue, sweet and buttery with a hint of cinnamon. She couldn't help but moan in delight as she savored each bite. The cooks giggled, pleased with her reaction.
Finally, they returned to the dining hall where servants laid out an elaborate feast before them.
"Welcome, Eliana. It seems my home has caught your interest," Sebastian greeted her as he walked into the room. The others in the room immediately bowed in unison, treating him as they would a king entering his throne room. "You don't have to do that," Sebastian waved off their gestures as he settled down at the head of the table. "Please continue with your tasks."
Eliana looked around the dining hall, mesmerized by the beauty surrounding her. The table was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with fine china and sparkling crystal, each fork and knife reflecting the light of the massive chandelier hanging overhead. Servants in elegant livery hurriedly placed dishes before them, filling the air with the scent of freshly cooked meats, spices, and herbs. Eliana's eyes widened as the aroma drifted to her nostrils, making her mouth water uncontrollably.
Lydia took a seat beside her, her silken gown rustling as she settled in. "This is truly a feast fit for a king," she murmured under her breath. She helped herself to some roasted duck, delicately tearing off a piece of tender meat with her fingers and placing it in her mouth. The juices dripped down her chin, and she licked them away with a soft pink tongue, looking almost like a cat enjoying a treat.
Across the table, Sebastian watched them both with an unreadable expression. He reached for a goblet of red wine, swirling it gently before taking a sip. His long, slender fingers caressed the smooth glass as if it were a lover's skin. A servant appeared at his elbow, ready to refill it, but he waved them away impatiently. "I'll do it myself." His voice was calm and controlled, but there was an edge to it that made everyone in the room tense.
Eliana took a deep breath, trying to mask her nervousness as she reached for a slice of golden-brown toast. The butter was soft and creamy, melting into the bread as she spread it while savoring the warmth against her fingertips. She took a bite and let out a contented sigh, closing her eyes as the flavors exploded on her tongue.
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. "hmm," he remarked, his voice low and resonant. "You seem to be enjoying yourself." There was an undeniable undertone of curiosity in his voice, making Eliana's heart race. She swallowed hard, trying to find the right words.
"It's... beyond anything I've ever experienced," she admitted quietly, taking another bite of toast. The sweetness of the jelly danced on her tongue, its tartness cutting through the richness of the butter. "This is all so... overwhelming."
"I can only imagine," Sebastian replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But know that you are welcome here. My home is your home now."
The food was divine, each dish more exquisite than the next.
Eliana couldn't understand why Sebastian was being so kind to her. "Why are you doing all of this for me?" she asked.
"Because you deserve it," he replied with conviction and kindness in his voice. Eliana felt her cheeks flush as she didn't know how to react to such a sincere response.
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