Page 47 of Fake Fae-Ancée
"Er…" I said, scrunching up my face. milady? I was pretty sure that ladies never wore bulky sweaters over their pajamas.
"Master Yuri said you might be hungry." The butler put the tray on the little table next to the window.
"Master Yuri?" I repeated.
Bates just nodded and started pulling the curtains open, and the bright light of day flooded the room.
The tray held a breakfast they would probably serve in an imperial hotel. There was tea and fruit, toast and butter, and strawberries with whipped cream in a little silvery bowl. And, like the centerpiece of the crown jewels, sitting on a creamy white plate, fluffy as a cloud, there also were two pieces of French toast, looking all crunchy and delicious, topped with powdered sugar. A mouthwatering scent got into my nose and my stomach gave an approving growl.
"Master Yuri made a point you don’t take coffee for breakfast." The butler turned to me expectantly. I shook my head. I needed stronger stuff in my line of work.
With a flourish like a magician, Bates produced a can of my favorite energy drink out of nowhere. My eyes went wide.
"I hope this will meet your taste, milady," he said. "Please, sit."
He pulled out the chair for me and I sank down as he poured tea into a delicate, snow-white cup.
"Are you really a butler?" I asked sheepishly. I wasn’t used to being served breakfast. The hotels I stayed in for business trips and the like, were mostly buffet kind of deals or served dinner from vending machines.
"I am." Bates cracked a little smile.
Fidgeting with the napkin, I tried to not be in the way as Bates handled the tea. I was probably already breaking imperial breakfast etiquette by breathing wrong or something.
"How come an English butler is serving a Bear prince in exile?" I asked, reaching for the energy drink.
The corners of Bates’ mouth twitched. "An excellent question," he said. "My family has been in the service to the family Kalinin for centuries."
I cracked the can open, the whiff of sugar and chemicals kicking my senses awake.
"I guess any noble family would just love to have service staff from merry old England?"
"You can’t blame anyone for striving for the highest quality possible," he said drily.
"I guess you’re right about that," I mumbled, taking the first glorious sip from the can. My tastebuds exploded in bliss as sugar rushed through my veins, kicking my systems awake. Oh. God. Yes.
Bates gave a slight bow. "Please know, milady, that I want you to feel at home here. For the duration of your stay."
Setting the can down, I blinked at him.
"That’s very kind of you. But why do you call me milady?"
There was a beat before the Butler answered.
"I am aware of your… situation. Of the fact that you and Master Yuri are still married. Albeit involuntarily and in secret, I might add. And that you wish for a divorce."
"You don't say," I muttered, quickly sipping on my drink. This butler was surprisingly well informed.
"Also, I am aware of the attack on your life. Rest assured that Master Yuri will protect you by any means necessary. Furthermore, the Honorable Witch Yli-Pekkala Baba has instructed me about the plan to make the world believe you are betrothed to each other."
I almost choked on my drink. Hearing him saying it made the entire affair seem that much more absurd.
"That's why I address you with milady, and not Your Royal Highness, as would be more appropriate to your station, as you are, in fact, still married," Bates finished his little lecture with another slight bow.
"Okay," I croaked.
Bates cracked a slight smile. I was a little unsure where to put him. He didn’t give me any hostile vibes or anything. Still, there was a little ripple of unease.
"Please come to the living room when you are ready," Bates said now. "We are awaiting the delivery of your belongings around…" he took a look at a silver wristwatch, "… ten-thirty. I’m sure you’ll want to be there, milady?"
