I thought it was an awful lot to remember, but I tried my best, repeating the directions, and the list of things to do in my head again and again.
Once we were in the kitchens I was handed a ridiculously large silver platter filled with exotic fruits, juicy meats, and a rather expensive looking wine along with a fragile glass. I tried my hardest to balance it all and began ascending the many winding staircases to the third floor. By the time I arrived on the right landing I had a sharp pain in my side. The platter seemed to be getting heavier by the second, and I was walking slowly so I wouldn’t drop or spill any. Panting, I made my way down what I presumed was the correct hallway to the last door. It was closed, so I balanced the platter precariously in one hand and knocked loudly.
“Enter.”
I thought I might just start hyperventilating at the thought of being in the same room as Noah Forsythe. Still balancing the platter I turned the heavy brass doorknob and pushed it open. I stepped inside to the handsome, well lit room. I let my eyes take in the new surroundings of the room I had never been in before. Much of the furniture was a light, polished wood; the walls were a creamy white with gold borders. A large bed with an enormous wooden frame dominated most of the room. Its sheets were white with gold trimmings. The other side of the room was host to a large working desk cluttered with books and parchment. Noah’s new golden quill sat in its box on this desk. It must have been left there for him. Only a second had passed during my study of the beautiful room. Noah stood by his desk, rearranging parchment. He looked up as I entered and nodded to me when I bowed. I saw curiosity flicker behind his eyes, though I couldn’t be sure. I refrained from looking at him at all.
“Sorry to bother you. Where would you like to eat, sir?” I spoke in a small, shaky voice. This was the first time I had ever spoken to a member of the Forsythe family. I felt my cheeks burning, and my palms grew unintentionally hot as they held the platter. I hoped I didn’t boil the wine. That would be most embarrassing.
Noah watched me for a brief moment, his brow furrowed before indicating to a low table next to a comfy looking white sofa in front of a pair of great arching windows that gave a lovely view of the outside snow.
“Just by the window.” His voice was deep and rough.
Gulping nervously I crossed the room, past him, past the giant bed towards the low table that barely came up to my knees. I placed the platter down carefully. As I straightened up I noticed that Noah had crossed the room towards the window also. He looked down at the platter and nodded. I bowed again and turned to leave. To the right was a door that led off to his bathroom where I would need to heat the bath.
“Wait.”
My heart stopped. I turned slowly on the spot to face the man who was now staring at me.
“Is there something wrong?” I panicked, “Master.” I added grudgingly.
Noah folded his arms. He seemed to be struggling with something. His eyes were narrowed like he was concentrating.
“I don’t remember you.” He mused.
“No, sir.” I confirmed. Why wouldn’t he let me do my job and be on my way? I felt nervous and queasy in his presence, although I felt that way around any of his family. Why would he remember me anyway, even if I had been here for years? I thought no one took notice of the staff.
Noah pouted, “New?” He wondered.
“Yes sir. Two weeks and two days.” I took a step back, indicating my desire to complete my job and leave.
He bent down and popped a grape into his mouth, chewing slowly, “What’s your name?”
My heart pounded uncomfortably, “Avalon Redding, sir” I breathed.
“Humph.” He said sitting down upon the white sofa and eating another grape. “Pretty.”
My palms felt sweaty and I rubbed them inconspicuously on my dress. He liked my name. I felt light headed.
“Sir?” I said unsure, taking another step backwards.
“Thank you Avalon Redding.” Noah said turning away from me.
“T-thank you sir.” I gulped, turning abruptly and hurrying into his bathroom. I heated the water as quick as I could, my mind racing. With a last bow I hurried from Noah’s room. Once I was back in the hall I felt shaky and wanted very much to see Hawthorne.
I ran into Jack on my way to the kitchens. I was quite glad to see him, and he agreed to accompany me to the stables. I wanted to tell him about my encounter with Noah Forsythe but something was stopping me. I wanted to think about it a little more before I went off on a rant, and jumped to the wrong conclusions.
I sat on a stool in the middle of the stables, Hawthorne sitting loyally beside me. While I was there, Camryn permitted him to roam free, though I knew he wouldn’t get up to any mischief if I weren’t there. I said goodnight to Hawthorne and gave him a spare rug that were usually used for the Pegasi. I hoped he would be warm enough.