Beneath The Veil of Deception 8
Episode 8: A Quiet Evening Away.
There was Filet of Fish - baked trout with a creamy and citrus-based sauce. Zander cut it expertly and exchanged with Jacinth's plate.
Zander Von Edrington
I am not aware if you like it. But have a taste—it was my weekend dish while I was in France.
Jacinth Ashbourne
Your Grace, I can do it—
Flush crept on her face. The Prime Minister smiled warmly at subtle affection through Zander's gesture.
The dining room exudes elegance, with a long, polished table at its center, adorned with an embroidered ivory tablecloth. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft golden glow, reflecting off silverware arranged meticulously beside bone china plates. Crystal goblets for wine and water sit beside neatly folded napkins.
The atmosphere is formal yet warm, with quiet, polite conversations filling the space as attendants discreetly serve each course.
Nathaniel De Valory
I have come to accept that I am no longer as capable as I once was. Age has a way of humbling us all.
He continues, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of pride.
Nathaniel De Valory
But I am fortunate.
He casts a glance at his daughter, who is seated beside him. Jacinth observes her in return. Since their arrival, she has maintained a quiet demeanor, except for the exchanged greetings.
She is the 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙯𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 as she is rumored to be, I suppose. Cold, capable and composed— Jacinth thinks.
His words carry admiration, though a shadow of frustration flickers in his gaze.
Nathaniel De Valory
People still balk at the idea of a woman wielding authority.
His daughter offers a polite smile but says nothing, her composed demeanor a reflection of her strength. She passed the plate to her Father, ensuring his lamb was properly trimmed of fat.
Zander Von Edrington
They see gender before they see merit. I am glad you do not think that way, Lord De Valory.
The Prime Minister offered a courteous smile, acknowledging Zander with a slight nod of appreciation.
Zander Von Edrington
I must say you are lucky, Lady Alexandra.
She inclines her head graciously, her expression calm but composed.
Alexandra De Valory
I agree with that, Your Grace. I only hope I can continue to meet his expectations.
As Alexandra turned to Jacinth and offered a smile, she returned the gesture with a polite acknowledgment.
Alexandra is the only daughter of Prime Minister De Valory. His wife passed away soon after she was born. However, he didn't remarry, raised her as a single parent, and managed the affairs of the Kingdom at his prime.
Amid the soft clinking of silverware and the quiet hum of conversation, Alexandra coughs lightly, a sudden but sharp interruption. She raises a gloved hand to her lips, composed even in discomfort.
But before the nearest servant can react, her bodyguard, steps forward. His movements are fluid and practiced, yet there’s a flicker of something unguarded in the way he sets the glass of water before her—concern, perhaps.
Alexandra De Valory
Thank you. My apologies, Your Grace, Lady Jacinth.
Alexandra says, her tone measured, as always. She takes the glass without looking at him, her focus entirely on maintaining her composure.
Jacinth Ashbourne
Not at all, Lady Alexandra. It was hardly a bother. I hope you are feeling better.
Zander leaned back slightly in his chair, one brow quirking as he observed the scene. He noted the faint tension in Luca's shoulders as the man stepped back, his gaze lingering on Alexandra more often than necessary.
He stands at a towering height. His sharp features are framed by tousled hair, and the coolness in his pale eyes gives him an air of quiet intensity. A subtle tattoo snakes along the side of his neck, half-hidden by his collar, while a piercing in ear adds to his unconventional appearance.
His presence alone commands attention, a stark contrast to the polished elegance of the time—he carries an aura that feels out of place in the 90s, yet fittingly formidable.
It seemed Lady Alexandra’s fabled icy demeanor had melted one heart, at least—Zander mused silently. It wasn’t love, perhaps, but something deeper, more complicated—and clearly unnoticed by Alexandra herself.
“ 𝖱𝖾𝗌𝗁𝗎 𝖺𝗌 𝖠𝗅𝖾𝗑𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗋𝖺 𝖣𝖾 𝖵𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗋𝗒
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗌 𝖭𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗂𝖾𝗅 𝖣𝖾 𝖵𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗋𝗒 ”
Comments
Cara De Clare — Reverie! 🌈
That's some caring daughter... I miss my Baba... How I used to make food for him, checking if there was much oil, salt, sugar that he shouldn’t have consumed. How I used to inject insulin on him... How I had to give him medicines every day, thrice. May Allah grant him jannah... I miss him. Every interaction between father and daughter makes me miss him.
2025-03-19
1
Cara De Clare — Reverie! 🌈
Women in this CS seem ignorant of their admirers —
2025-03-19
1
ɖɛ۷ıι
"I know you can do it but let me do it for you" mannnnnn...he is....😭🤌
2024-11-23
1