The bell chimed, and the banquet officially began.
Rufus held my hand and led me to the main table along with the king and queen. The king sat at the head of the table wearing his traditional court dress.
Rufus pulled out a chair like a gentleman and gestured for me to sit down.
I looked up at him and smiled gratefully. When I was about to sit down, Laura spoke, “Not everyone can sit at the main table. A slave belongs in the kitchen. Don’t stain the good wine and dishes on the table.”
Laura raised her glass and took a sip, shooting a disdainful look at me.
My body froze; I didn’t know where to rest my hands and feet. My face flushed, and I couldn’t contain my embarrassment. That was Laura’s sly way of asking me to get out.
However, Rufus placed his hands on my shoulders and gently thrust me on the chair.
I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Laura. The anger and hate on her face seemed to embarrass me even more. I wished the ground would open and swallow me alive to save me from the humiliation.
Laura snorted and opened her mouth to say something, but Ethan interrupted her.
“It’s a family dinner today. We don’t have to be too formal. Just sit down and wait for the dishes,” Ethan said softly. His voice was hoarse, and he coughed from time to time. Perhaps the rumors were true – it seemed like he was in poor health.
Laura couldn’t disobey the king’s orders. Therefore, she drank the red wine as she continued to shoot daggers at me.
We were the only ones sitting at the main table. I was sitting with Rufus; Laura and Alina sat opposite us. The two were chatting happily.
I didn’t bother uttering a word or showing my presence in any way after what just happened.
“Where is Richard?” Rufus suddenly asked.
The air grew thick with tension. I was confused because it looked like Laura and others didn’t want to mention Prince Richard.
“I was supposed to preside over the army running today.” Ethan smiled awkwardly. “But I was not feeling well, so I asked your younger brother to do that. He hasn’t come back yet.”
Laura put her glass down, looking a little dissatisfied. “Rufus should be responsible for big events like these. You should just postpone the banquet and let Rufus go. How could you let Richard go instead?”
“When will the dishes be served?” Rufus interrupted Laura.
Sensing his annoyance, I subconsciously reached out to grab his hand under the table to comfort him. But soon, I realized it was inappropriate for me to do so. Therefore, I withdrew my hand. However, Rufus quickly grabbed my wrist.
He looked calm and composed; his vice-like grip stopped me from withdrawing my hand. The warmth of his fingers seeped into my body.
Just then, the main dish was served. I looked at the succulent piece of steak and gulped.
My gaze involuntarily flitted to Alina. She exuded grace and poise. After cleaning her hands, she tucked the napkin and gracefully picked the knife and fork.
It was not until then that I realized I had no clue about dining etiquette.
Sylvia’s POV
I bit my lower lip and looked at the steak. I had no clue what to do. It once again made me feel that I didn’t belong with them.
I stole a glance at Rufus, who was sitting beside me. He was cutting the steak and didn’t seem to notice my embarrassment.
The royal family followed stringent table etiquettes. I had learned a bit about it before. But I was too young back then. I don’t remember any of it now. I had become a slave after my mother died. Therefore, I never got to attend such occasions.
I would have been a happy and elegant lady if my mother was still alive. I would give anything and everything just in exchange of my mother being with me.
Thinking about my mother seemed to depress me even more.
However, now wasn’t the time to get immersed in sadness. I tried to ward off the negative emotions and carefully sliced the steak.
Perhaps because I was too nervous and exerted more strength than necessary while cutting, the metal knife scraped against the plate, making a harsh noise.
My face flushed with embarrassment, and I didn’t dare to look up.
“Do you need a maid to serve you?” Alina asked considerately. Her voice was soft and mellow, making it impossible to find fault in her.
Knowing that everyone was staring at me, I buried my head lower.
Laura sneered at me. “You better call a maid over. Lowly slaves like her are just filthy,” she ordered coldly.
Although she muttered the last sentence, it was still audible to everyone.
“No, thanks,” I hissed through my teeth. I endured the embarrassment and picked up the knife and fork to eat.
Just then, the plate in front of me was suddenly taken away. I looked up, my eyes widening in surprise. Rufus placed his plate of steak he had cut in front of me and exchanged it with my steak.
“Eat.” Rufus patted my head.
I looked up and saw the smile on Alina’s face vanish right away. Her eyes were full of disbelief.
“Rufus! What are you doing?! How could you cut steak for a lowly she-wolf?” Laura was seething with rage. She threw the knife and fork on the table and sprang to her feet.
“Your Majesty, please calm down.” Alina walked up to her and persuaded in a soft voice.
“Laura?” Ethan called, and everyone instantly fell silent. He took a sip of red wine and looked at her. “The steak is delicious. Don’t you want to try more?”
Although it was a simple statement, one couldn’t miss the warning in his voice. It looked like he wanted to let this matter slide without embarrassing Laura.
Laura also sensed Ethan’s dissatisfaction, so she didn’t continue making a fuss. She nodded and sat down sullenly.
I felt the queen would never forget me after what happened today. I guessed I would have a hard time living in the palace.
I stole a glance at Rufus; he was calmly cutting the steak as if nothing had happened.
“Don’t bother about it. Just eat,” he said calmly as if he had noticed my gaze.
His calmness set my mind at ease. I picked up a piece of steak that Rufus had cut and slowly ate it.
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