Hael kept the books and cards he used when learning to read. Admittedly, it was a tad humiliating to see the children's book, but we all have to start somewhere. They are certainly easier to read than the monstrosities Hael now takes in. Besides, I even have to learn the basics and so nearly every night after work Hael goes over something new with me.

With Layne back, he is at Lord Makai's side again. In the back of my mind, I'm a little upset, but I choose to ignore it. Layne is the best choice for the job. He is of more help to Lord Makai and, well, I didn't want to work at his side in the first place...(is what I have to keep telling myself.)

In order not to think about that, I focus on the task at hand. When I'm not busy or I'm alone, I pull out the flash cards that make me smile each time. I can read something at least. These little cards that are simply teaching me the absolute basics bring me great joy. The flashcards have pictures of objects so I've found that it helps since I already know how to pronounce it. Hael says I'm doing well considering it's only been two weeks.

I think I'm doing well too. At the very least, I am proud of myself. I can't write a letter or even my full name...but I've almost got Lord Makai's name down!

I flush just thinking about it, remembering the papers in my room where I've written his name over and over in hopes to make it look nice, but my writing truly is chicken scratch. It's horrid squiggles and I keep messing up O and A or M and N. Writing is hard!

But I'll show him one day and...

And what? He'll be proud of me? I can work at his side more? Because I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing this for yet I continue to practice at it the most. The thought of handing Lord Makai a paper simply with his name that I've written and seeing him smile or telling me, "Good job," somehow makes my heart flutter.

Shit.

I stash the cards in my back pocket.

Higra orders me to help some of the gardners out back. During the winter there are few trees that grow, but we've had great snowfall the last few weeks. Apparently a lot of snow has piled up and Higra rather have it shoveled then remain on structures such as the gazebo and fountains.

The air is cold, reddening my nose and ears almost immediately. Though I wear a heavy coat, the wind still has a nip that makes us all shiver. I'm not the only one called, a few other butlers are at work shoveling sidewalks and dusting off fountains. Even in winter, the garden is lovely with ice cicles hanging from trees and untouched snow settled atop sleeping gardens. The fountains are eerily beautiful. Without water the statues appear almost solemn, reaching towards the sky for freedom or settled in a deep slumber. And the pond located around back is completely frozen. A line of rope was put around it just before winter to remind everyone of where it is once the snow falls. It blends in with everything else.

It isn't until we're back inside that Higra thanks us for the work then says, "We must keep an exceptional watch over both the interior and exterior of the estate. In a weeks time, the High Priest and Grand Knight of Aena will be visiting."

What? But Lord Makai never gets visitors!

"No others?" asks a butler with his hand raised.

"Their escorts will be alongside them, so a total of six guests. Each and every room must be spotless. Even the unused guest bedrooms. Nothing will be out of place and no trouble will be caused. We must treat them with the utmost respect and care. Should any of you bring dishonor to this household, know that the best case scenario is your expulsion from the estate, understood?" Higra looks from one to the other, her gaze hesitating on me for a moment.

What's that supposed to mean?

"Return to your duties. Tomorrow, new assignments will be given out, such as who will be in charge of the guests personal rooms."

Higra waves us off, walking away with her head held high. It isn't until she's out of view that the man beside me, I think his name is Eveten, looks towards the group of us to ask, "Both the High Priest and Grand Knight are coming here, what do you think that means?"

"Suppose they're trying to get rid of Lord Makai?" Another asks, shivering in place, and it has nothing to do with our return from the cold.

"They would bring more if that were the case, and I'd like to think they would evacuate us. I sure hope this doesn't mean trouble."

I wish I could partake in the conversation, but I know nothing either. It's as shocking to me as it is everyone else.

Sure, Lord Movell has visited before and Lord Makai clearly disliked his presence, but both the High Priest and Grand Knight? Why? Both are some, if not the, strongest people of this nation and in league with King Baylor. Surely it isn't as Eveten said and they're coming to attempt another assassination on Lord Makai. When will they grow tired of such a ridiculous strategy?

There are no answers. That worries me.

Throughout the remainder of the day, I'm lost in thought. Considering what happened during the business trip, there's a chance that the assassin was sent by the Baylor's. That would explain the visit, they are upset with the failure and wish for another attempt. Not necessarily towards me, but someone in the castle seeing as Lord Makai claims to be upset either way.

Like this, I'm starting to wonder if it's how Lord Makai feels regularly. Always wondering the reason for a visit or someone's concern, assuming it is not what it seems. A friendly face is as dangerous as a dagger. They'll stab you in the back should they get the chance. Such thoughts are nerve wracking, maddening. Lord Makai has to be exhausted, no wonder he's so moody.

Work takes a bit longer today than usual. It's dark when I finish cleaning up the west side of the second floor. Before I make it to the stairs though, I spot Lord Makai at the end of the hall stepping out of the library. Layne must be finished for the day, otherwise Lord Makai probably would have sent him to get it. Or maybe he wished for a walk, who knows, but when Lord Makai raises his gaze it locks with my own.

"Wallace," he says. I hate that I freeze in place because of it, having not heard him in over a week.

Lord Makai is walking towards me when he says, "Appears you've been working hard."

He gestures behind me. I spin around, seeing nothing, but the sudden movement causes the cards in my back pocket to fall. I jump in shock. I completely forgot that I had them.

Leaning down, I swiftly retrieve the cards to stash in my pocket once more.

"Uh, I have been practicing as much as I can, Your Grace," I respond with a bow. He's standing in front of me now. "It's difficult, but quite rewarding."

"Keep it up and you may yet become a valuable butler."

"Have you looked outside?" I gesture to one of the windows. "I helped shovel all that snow. Do you know how exhausting it was?"

"Haven't a clue. I don't tire easily." He smirks and my face warms because...because I swear there's a double meaning there. I'm definitely ignoring it.

"Sorry not all of us have super powers." I cross my arms stubbornly. "But I am very valuable. I think you're just worried I'll be so great after learning to read and write that you won't be able to stop yourself from complimenting me."

Lord Makai snorts. "Even your dreams could not fabricate such a ludicrous situation."

"Using big words won't make what I said any less true."

"Which of those words do you consider to be big?"

"Don't change the subject."

Lord Makai chuckles. Actually chuckles. I thought the sound would be deep or almost frightening, yet it's anything but. A soft, warm, and cheerful action, no matter how small. Suddenly, I want to do everything in my power to hear it again and again and again.

I stare in utter confusion, which Lord Makai doesn't seem to care about because he goes on to ask, "Did you just finish? It's late."

"Uh, yes, I admit I was out of sorts today."

He doesn't ask why, but he doesn't leave either. Lord Makai stands before me with a quiet stare that somehow encourages me to say, "Higra told us that the High Priest and Grand Knight of Aena will be visiting the estate in a week. It worries me."

"Why?"

"After the failed assassination in Isabe, I worry that they are upset and both are coming in hopes to cause you harm."

"I am not someone they can harm," Lord Makai responds like it's no big deal.

"But that does not give them the right to try," I argue immediately with a scowl. "Just because you cannot die that does not mean others have the right to hurt you. That is the truly ludicrous situation."

Lord Makai hesitates to respond. I'm not sure what to make of his expression, it's rather apathetic, yet somehow not. I want to say he's comfortable or relaxed, which is odd considering the topic of discussion. But I don't have the confidence to believe in my own eyes.

"Their visit is nothing you should concern yourself with," Lord Makai finally says with a heavy sigh. Judging by his sudden scowl, he isn't pleased with their promised visit either. Although he's scowling, I know it isn't pointed at me. "It's business, nothing more, although your consideration will not get you a pay raise if that's what you're hoping for."

I growl. "I'd smack you if I could."

"Even if I allowed it, you wouldn't be able to catch me."

"Implying you'd run from a smack? Are you that scared of—"

Lord Makai actually shoves me back by pressing two fingers to my forehead and pushing. I stumble away, laughing while rubbing my head.

"Get something to eat. It's well past your bedtime," he says, waltzing up the stairs afterwards.

"If anyone here gets cranky because of lack of sleep, it's you!"

Lord Makai doesn't respond, but I'm still smiling, so much so that it kind of hurts. I press my hands to my face. Damn, I'm really warm. This is getting out of hand, isn't it? I'm pushing the limits. Eventually Lord Makai won't allow it. I'm not even sure why he's allowing it now. Maybe because so few actually converse with him? Obviously I'm flattered to be one, even if he's an annoying sack of shit (sometimes), but the time will come eventually when this friendly atmosphere will dissipate, right?

Such a thought puts a knot in my stomach. I'm not hungry anymore so I return to my room. Hael is obviously there and we pick up where the teaching left off the previous night. However, as the week drags on, there is little time to practice thanks to the soon to be arriving guests.

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