“What’s wrong?” I asked, slowly walking up to her.
Sylvia shook her head and smiled even wider. “Nothing.”
I looked into her eyes, trying to find the truth. She lowered her head and tried to avoid my gaze.
Following her eyes, I looked down and saw some hair scattered all over the floor, making me suspicious.
“Your Highness, please forgive me. I was combing Miss Todd’s hair very carefully. But because her hair was a little dry and brittle, some had fallen out,” the head maid spoke up.
This maid had spoken without my permission.
I felt a little displeased. She seemed to like butting in. This was already the second time today she had cut into our conversation. But with Sylvia in the room, I didn’t want to scold the maid in front of her for fear that she would get scared of me again.
“Is that so?” I turned to Sylvia, hoping to get some confirmation in her eyes.
Sylvia averted my gaze and stood up, shrugging. “It’s no big deal. It doesn’t really matter.”
When Sylvia said that, I noticed in the corner of my eye that the maid smiled mischievously. My face darkened in anger, finally piecing together what really happened. Why didn’t Sylvia tell me immediately that she was being bullied?
“Your Highness, the banquet is ready.”
A guard came through the door, interrupting my thoughts.
“Okay, let’s go.” Sylvia nodded and walked out first. She seemed to be in a hurry, perhaps afraid that I would ask her any more questions.
Her reaction made me feel a little helpless, but I could not help feeling angry at the thought of her getting pushed over.
“Guards, take that maid away. Demote her to a slave and assign her to pick up after the horses.” I looked down at the maid who had knelt to the floor after hearing my words.
“Your Highness, please forgive me. What have I done wrong? Whatever it is, I will correct my mistake. Please give me another chance. I worked hard to be a head maid,” she begged desperately.
“A head maid?” I sneered. “Well, whoever promoted you to that position can come and work with you at the stables.”
“Sire, please! Spare me!” The maid tried to rush up to my feet and beg more, but the guards had already dragged her away.
I didn’t bother looking back at her. Instead, I turned to the rest of the people in the room and said, “That is what happens to whoever dares disrespect their master.”
Sylvia’s POV
“Why don’t you just tell Rufus that the head maid is belittling you?” Yana asked in confusion.
I walked around the long corridor and paused. “If I complain to him, it will only make people look down on me even more.”
“I don’t think so. If they see that Rufus is protecting you, who will dare to bully you?” Yana said playfully.
“It’s not that simple.” I continued to walk forward aimlessly, feeling more and more depressed. Then I suddenly thought of something. “Haven’t you ever wondered how that head maid knew my background?”
Yana was stunned by my question. “Yes… You’re right. How did she know?”
“I’m afraid that the news that I’m the daughter of a traitor has already spread all over the imperial palace. No matter how Rufus defends me, I’m just a humiliating accessory in the eyes of others. And when I am no longer useful to him, I will be thrown away.” I smiled wryly as my heart had already sobered up.
“What should we do then?” Yana asked anxiously.
“I don’t want to go back to my old life, Yana. I want to survive here on my own.”
“Whatever your decision is, I will support you. But wait! You have been walking for a while. Where are you going?”
“I’m going to the banquet,” I answered casually and lowered my head.
“Dear, do you know how to get there?”
“What?”
Yana’s question brought me back to my senses. It was only then that I realized that I had got lost. I was in the middle of nowhere, and there were no guards around.
The sky was already slightly dark, and the wind was cold. The lights on both sides were dim, and the shadows of the trees under the eaves were swaying, giving off a sense of gloom.
My heart tightened, and I got goose bumps on my arms, so I walked back. But the identical arched doors made me feel like a fly that couldn’t find its way. This place was too large.
“Sylvia!”
I heard Rufus’ voice. I was so happy that I hurriedly ran in the direction where the voice came from.
“Rufus, I’m here!”
When I saw Rufus’ tall figure, I instantly calmed down.
“Where have you been?” Rufus asked. His brows were furrowed, and he pulled a long face.
“I…” I stammered. I knew that I had caused him trouble again, so I lowered my head in embarrassment. “I got lost.”
At this moment, I heard a slight sigh above my head. I looked down at the hemline of my dress, not knowing what to say for a while.
“Let’s go.”
Rufus patted my head gently. I looked up at him in surprise. Wasn’t he angry?
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing…” I murmured. I really thought that he would be angry.
Rufus pursed his lips and stretched out his hand. “Let’s go. Hold my hand, so you won’t get lost this time.”
I stared blankly at the slender and beautiful hand in front of me, and finally pinched the corner of his sleeve. My face couldn’t help burning.
Rufus didn’t say anything anymore. He just turned and led me out.
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