Child of Arvis

The schedule was tailored to be finished within four days at the least, but Duke Herhardt was able to finish it all within three. To do that, he took on more work within shorter time frames, and even less breaks over the past few days.

Mark Evers had never felt as exhausted as he did as soon as he sunk into one of the hotel's plush chairs as he waited in the lobby. His master was currently in a lunch meeting, which was the last of their meetings.

He glanced out of the hallways' window, looking outside.

The Duke had received invitation after invitation from prominent businessmen and nobles located in the city. Oddly enough, he made sure to instruct them to make his time free after his schedule was done. Though it didn't take long for Mark to figure out just what he planned doing in his free time

Or rather, who he was planning to spend time with.

The answer always pointed back to Leyla Lewellin.

Just this morning he received summons from his master, commanding him to send a car over to Arvis with specific orders to be discrete, and bring the gardener's foster daughter to him. He didn't know what it was for, and Mark wouldn't dare question his master.

It wasn't proper after all.

The car would have reached Arvis by now, so it won't be long until Leyla would arrive.

Mark didn't know why he had to be discrete, and he didn't want to assume anything. Though he wondered how long he could hide his master's activities? He can't help but be filled with nervous energy at how precarious his current situation was.

Bill Remmer was a force to be reckoned with, and Mark was intimidated by him, but he doubts the gardener knew what his foster daughter had been up to. The same could be said for his mistresses, the Duchesses Norma and Elysee, along with the soon-to-be-duchess, Lady Brandt.

The recent events were nerve-wracking!

What should he do if they were to be found out? What should he say? Was he even supposed to say anything?!

It didn't even seem like his master was at all concerned about being found out though. He might have been told to be discreet, but overall he had been calm and relaxed when giving the order. What had Leyla gotten herself into?

Mark knew this thing happened all the time, but it was a different thing knowing about it, and becoming unintentionally involved because of employment. Additionally, this was Matthias von Herhardt he was talking about!

He had been the perfect gentleman all this time and now Mark was seeing a growing scandal in his master's clean slate! He'd known him long enough to believe he had nothing to worry about on his master's behalf, but now he was utterly so!

Mark couldn't help but chuckle to himself softly in despair. What a predicament he'd entered. He leaned his head back to rest against the back of the chair as he looked up at the ceiling.

His master would be fine, Mark was sure. But the one who would take the brunt of the scandal, should it be revealed was Leyla. If his master was planning on exposing themselves, what did he plan to do with Leyla?

Mark pushed himself forward, and hunched in on himself, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the ornate pillars around him, and the marble sculptures being displayed. His gaze landed on a green patch in the garden.

In the flowerpot, fresh green leaves bloomed beautifully, despite it being in the middle of winter.

Bill was just around his father's age too. They aren't really close, so to speak, but he was well aware most of the servants employed were in good standing with the man. He was in no doubt the same could be said about Leyla.

After all, among them servants, she was dubbed as the beloved child of Arvis.

A little too grand for a mere orphan who ended up being raised by their well-respected gardener, but it wasn't like anyone minded. Never mind, Leyla wasn't the only child who grew up among their community. There were plenty others.

But no other servant's children were as highly regarded as they were with Leyla.

They grew up together, raced and played in the muds of the garden and forests; bathed in the river and ran through the fields of Arvis together. She was beautiful though, Mark could faintly admit. He sometimes thought of her as a fairy whenever they'd run into each other as children.

He vaguely remembered wondering if she found happiness in the prospect of marrying Kyle? Would she be happy living as his wife? But then things went wrong, and their engagement broke off.

He remembered voicing his thoughts on the matter with Hessen.

Choose your words carefully, Evers, Hessen had softly warned him back then, It is not in our place to hold judgment over their actions.

And Mark never brought it up again.

Shortly after, he was appointed as the Duke's attendant, by courtesy of Hessen's recommendation. But when he met with his superior, Mark knew what Hessen really meant, and why he was placed as the master's latest attendant.

Do nothing but your task, Evers. Hessen had reminded him once more, Nothing more, nothing less. The ominous warning rang through his head, and he'd kept it to heart even to this day.

Did Hessen know? Was this what he meant when he implored Mark to not ask questions?

Suddenly, the group of men he had been waiting for entered the lobby, and Mark immediately stood in attention and walked over dutifully to the Duke's side. The last meeting was finally done for the day.

Mark could tell his master was also feeling quite fatigued, despite his cool and calm demeanor. Matthias turned to him, quirking up a brow, wordlessly asking for an update about his task.

I sent for Miss Lewellin just before lunch had begun, master. He quietly informed. I expect them to arrive around tea time.

Matthias gave him a terse nod. Mark thought he saw some color return to his master's cheeks, but he wasn't too sure.

I'll send her up to meet you in private as soon as they arrive, master. Mark quickly added, Why don't you take this time to rest your feet as we wait? he calmly suggested.

Matthias swiftly bid his companions goodbye, before nodding back to answer Mark's question. Send her up to my room, where I'll be waiting for her then. he ordered, to which Mark bowed to him in acceptance.

As you wish, master.

He must have been more tired than usual because of how hectic the last three days had been, yet Matthias remained tall and proud as they returned back to their place. Mark couldn't help but feel a little bit ashamed at thinking badly about his master.

Perhaps this wasn't anything but a casual meeting between acquaintances?

This was Duke Herhardt and Leyla he was talking about after all. They were both respectable people in their own fields, they couldn't be doing that. It was downright insulting to even entertain thoughts about their perceived infidelity!

Oh, that's right, Evers. the Duke interrupted his thoughts, bringing Mark back to reality as he hurried closer to his master's side, I have one more request for you.

Leyla's eyes had turned cold as she looked outside the window as soon as the car rolled to a stop. She expected something would happen with the Duke when he returned, she just didn't expect him to send over for her.

The chauffeur had come with instructions from Mark Evers to bring her over as soon as possible. And so when all was set, he drove as fast as he could to return without garnering any attention from the onlookers as he delivered his cargo

And that cargo was Leyla.

When he first arrived, Leyla was ready to get into an argument, and even refused a couple of times to go with him. Unfortunately, he also came bearing a letter from the Duke, which left her with no choice but to comply in the end.

What neither Mark Evers, nor the driver knew, were the contents of the letter, and how it convinced Leyla to go along.

The chauffeur had been curious initially, but that curiosity soon went away as he rushed through traffic on the road back to Carlsbar. He didn't know how soon was too soon. The attendant never specified.

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Mark waited anxiously for their arrival, wondering why they took so long to return. When he finally saw the car rolling in, he hurriedly met them at the bottom of the steps. The chauffeur immediately got out of the car.

Mr. Crook, I was getting a little worried because you were running late! Mark exclaimed, Where's Leyla? he asked right after. The chauffeur only bowed to him in apology.

I'm so sorry Mr. Evers. he then opened the door, to reveal Leyla in the back seat.

Leyla had been amazed by the extravagant sight in front of her, quickly thanking the chauffeur for opening the door before she resumed sight-seeing.

Mark on the other hand, felt flabbergasted by the sight of Leyla.

She was dressed poorly! He couldn't help but internally scream aghast at her state of dress!

First off, it was winter, hence it would be colder than usual. So what wasn't she in a coat? Instead, she only has a small, flimsy shawl wrapped around her shoulders! And the apron, don't even get Mark started on the apron. It was visibly dirty, having dark stains across its yellowed white fabric!

It seemed even the driver was embarrassed at how poorly she was dressed, to meet with their master as he avoided the attendant's gaze.

Miss Lewellin Mark trailed off, unable to voice his disbelief. Leyla seemed unbothered by her clothes as she finally looked at Mark with a steely gaze.

So this is the place he wants me to be in? she asked Mark, who was still too stunned to speak, Am I even allowed to enter the premises?

Mark had to reluctantly give her an affirmation, still worrying about her clothes.

Well, then, what are we waiting for? Leyla asked no one in particular and just began to walk towards the entrance. Mark almost cried in despair as he hurried after her.

Wait, Miss Lewellin! he urgently exclaimed, wincing when his cry garnered the attention of the doorman, who also looked flabbergasted by the state of Leyla's clothes.

Mark wasted no time in removing his long coat, and hurriedly draped it over Leyla's clothes. It wasn't that Leyla didn't look like she could be royalty, it's just that she wasn't dressed at all appropriately to enter the premises.

He thought she would have at least changed out of her work clothes before coming over, it was only proper. But at least, wrapped up in his long coat, she at least looked a little more respectable with it on.

The doorman at least had a little decency to say nothing about what he'd seen, and allowed them to enter, before giving Mark a questioning stare. Mark only bowed apologetically before rushing to lead the girl up to his master's room.

Leyla was nervous about being in such a high societal place, but she couldn't back down from Matthias.

Mark proceeded to expertly dodge the crowds, carefully making twists and turns in a way that hid Leyla from the view of any passerby, and made sure to cover her face with some of the attention she caught.

In no time at all, they reached the Duke's hotel room.

Mark Evers straightened up, and knocked on his master's room.

Master, we have arrived. He called out softly. He listened in on the door, lightly pressing his ears against it, and heard a faint murmur coming from inside. Master? he called out once again, a little more loudly, but enough to not disturb any nearby tenants.

Come in. His master's voice sounded through the door. Mark straightened up, and took his copy of his master's door key and let themselves inside the room.

Upon their entry, they saw Matthias lying haphazardly on the couch, with his eyes shut, before he opened them to look at his new guest. Mark could tell he was still a little drowsy from his sleep.

With a sigh, Matthias then sat up on the couch, before he swept a hand from his face, and up to his hair, trying to rub the sleep off his face. When he looked up, he locked eyes almost immediately with Leyla.

He frowned upon seeing another man's coat wrapped around her.

Mark's eyes darted nervously back and forth from his master, and then to Leyla. He could tell there was some tension between them, and he could also tell he didn't want to be anywhere near them when it blew up.

With a gulp, Mark bowed to Matthias in an attempt to excuse himself. After all, he's done his task, Hessen told him to do nothing more than what was being asked of him. He could finally leave right?

I shall leave you alone now, master. he politely informed, before slowly backing up and turned to leave the room.

Oh, Mr. Evers! Leyla called out, halting him from his retreat. Mark reluctantly turned back around, just in time to see Leyla removing the coat around her, and handing it back to him with a smile. Thank you for this. she said to him.

Mark blinked back as he internally screamed. He tried so hard to keep her presentable for his master. But the Duke has seen it now, there was no point in keeping up with further pretenses.

You're welcome, Miss Lewellin. Mark replied with a stiff smile, before successfully leaving them both to their own devices to escape the thick tension in the room.

As soon as they were alone, Leyla reluctantly turned around to face Matthias, who was still looking at her with a deepening frown. She felt blood rush to her cheeks in embarrassment, and clasped her hands in front of her.

Forgive me for my clothes, but you said to come immediately. she haughtily excused, refusing to appear nervous in front of him. Unfortunately, she couldn't hide the way her hands shook under his gaze.

Matthias took a deep breath as he leaned back on the sofa. He placed a hand beneath his chin as he continued to look at her.

Aside from the less than presentable clothes she had on, her hair was also wrapped in a loose braid. There were even a few strands that managed to escape its hold. And her apron, well, it hardly matched the cleanliness of her current surroundings.

His eyes trailed down, and saw the creases on the bottom of her brown dress. Further down, on her feet she wore loose woolen socks, sagging around her ankles, and stained leather shoes. He couldn't help but chuckle in amusement over her poor state of dress.

Leyla winced at the sound of his laughter.

Matthias languidly got up from the couch, and stood on unsteady feet as he walked towards her. Even in his less than perfect gait, Leyla couldn't help but freeze in intimidation.

You never really fail to surprise me Leyla, he told her in a husky voice as he stopped just a step away from her, That's what I like about you.

He could clearly see the fire in her eyes as she stared up at him. Her face was less pretty with a frown on, but he still found himself pleased to see her.

You think this is funny?! Leyla hissed at him, and Matthias shrugged before humming in agreement. She wasted no time in throwing the letter he sent her in his face. Matthias scooted away in immediate response, and watched the letter fall onto the floor.

Now, now Leyla, Matthias tutted, How could I not find you fun? You're so pretty all riled up, after all. he teased. Leyla scoffed at him, her body now shaking with brimming rage at him!

How dare he smile as if it was nothing!? She wanted to swipe that smirk off his face permanently!

Matthias then moved forward to touch her when she slapped his hand away!

Don't you dare touch me! she exclaimed, stepping away from him as she looked up at him with tears in the corner of her eyes. She had been shocked at how she managed to do that, but she couldn't let that stop her.

How can you stand there smiling at me as if it was nothing!? she asked him, As if your threat was nothing but a joke to you!?

Matthias blinked at that, before looking down at the crumpled letter on the floor. He frowned, before looking back at Leyla.

What threat are you talking about?

Leyla barked out a laugh hysterically.

What do you mean 'what threat'? she asked him incredulously, Those threats you made in that letter!

Matthias could only stand in front of her as he stared at her raging form.