House Makai is in a state of organized chaos. Higra is more than stern. She’s down right vicious, having no issue scolding us for spotting a speck of dirt or a single cobweb in the corner of an unused room. Nothing is left unpolished or wrinkled. Every sheet and blanket is tucked in neatly. Every window, chandelier, and mirror glistens more than the freshly fallen snow. The estate somehow blossoms into a cold beauty that probably damn near perfectly resembles the day it was given to the Makai family. It’s that spotless.

I’d say I’m proud, but hearing that I will be attending to Lord Movell’s room only makes me more exhausted. Suppose it isn’t odd since I did it last time, but that is not only more work for me when I am already exhausted, but I’m also working for a man that is a possible threat. He and the royals, even the Grand Knight, could be threats to Lord Makai, to all of us on the estate.

Never would I have imagined that I would come to fear those that are meant to protect. It leaves a cold feeling in my gut, an anxiety that will not simmer down. Though I tell myself not to worry, that isn’t how nerves work. The closer the day gets, the more anxious I become.

When the entourage finally arrives, pulling up to the estate while we servants line the corridors dressed immaculately, anxiety turns to sudden dread that overtakes me; enough to make my knees shake. I take a deep breath to calm the nerves. Again, it doesn’t work.

The doors swing open. We all bow at the sound of heavy footsteps and Lord Makai’s presence at the top of the stairs.

Wouldn’t they normally greet each other in the foyer? I wonder if Lord Makai situated himself on high ground as a sign of superiority. That’s a thing, isn’t it? I don’t know, but it feels like it is.

“Lord Movell, Lady Connte, welcome to House Makai,” says His Grace, although he doesn’t sound all that welcoming.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Your Grace,” Lord Movell responds. “And we apologize for visiting under such short notice. Your kindness to grant us entrance is much appreciated.”

My back is starting to ache, but the servants are not to raise their heads until the nobles walk by. Their feet are in view. As Higra said, there are six in total, each strutting by with clear determination. Somehow even their walking gives off confidence that many don’t dare show before His Grace.

When they are out of my personal view, I may rise, and my eyes immediately fixate on their silhouettes heading up the stairs.

Lord Movell sticks out like a sore thumb with his deep blue hair and golden eyes against pale skin. As the High Priest, he is dressed in royal robes of white with golden trim. The silhouette of Goddess Aena rests on his back, reaching up with her hands outstretched to form a glowing orb above her. The train of the robe flutters behind him when he walks and his golden earrings glisten with every turn of his head. He walks with a white staff, slightly gnarled with a golden gem perched within twisted roots at the top.

The gem gives off a soft white light. Lumen is clearly seen coursing through the crystal. While Lord Movell himself doesn’t make me feel at ease, the magic surely does. While vilis has a negative affect, lumen has the exact opposite. It makes the room feel just a bit lighter.

With him are two men in similar robes but far less gaunty; without the gold and Goddess Aena on the back. They are simply white with a mere golden sash around their necks. One man is tall and lanky, the other short and rather plain. Neither accompanied Lord Movell during his last visit, but based on their attire they are obviously Priests of Aena as well. The tall one wears a sword on his back while the other holds a staff as plain as he is, brown and nothing more.

The woman though, I can only assume she is Lady Connte, the Grand Knight, for she is dressed with a heavy jacket a deeper red than her hair. A sword is tethered to her side, grand and beautiful, a similar depiction of Goddess Aena etched into the silver handle. Her boots are made of fine leather while her eyes are narrow and cold, as cold as Lord Makai’s I’d dare to say, and nearly white in color, contrasting greatly with the deep brown of her skin.

With her is one male and one female knight, dressed in light leather armor. The male appears rather anxious while the female is almost jittery in nature. But their eyes hold an air of confidence even in an unfamiliar environment while also standing before a man that could kill them all if he so desired.

Having such visitors is truly stressing me out. They could likely wipe out the entire estate one by one. No one other than Lord Makai can use magic here. I doubt if someone gave me a book I could even cast a basic spell.

“If you are aware of how short of a notice it was, perhaps next time you should handle your affairs more professionally. This is not a hotel you may frequent whenever you wish,” Lord Makai says without batting an eye.

“As rude as ever, Your Grace,” Lady Connte responds with a roll of her eyes. She presses her hand to her hip, lips pulled back into a snarl to rival Lord Makai’s. “May we speak in your study? I’m sure you wish for us to get out of your hair as quickly as possible.”

“I wish for nothing more.” Lord Makai gestures behind him. "This way.”

With that, the nobles ascend the stairs, disappearing moments later. Higra and Layne follow quietly behind, after Higra reminds us all to be on our best behavior, of course. But even without the nobles in view, I’m anxious.

Why are they here?

Lord Makai said not to worry, but I can’t keep myself from doing so. Perhaps if they brought mere butlers or maids, I’d be able to take a breath. Instead, the Grand Knight brought two warriors and the High Priest was followed with two priests. They’re all fighters, regardless of Lord Makai’s immortality, they must be able to defend themselves against the best of the best.

It truly seems the royals and the military are more harmful than the so called murderous vampire. Really, what have I gotten myself into?

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