Utensils clicked on plates as lively conversation filled the dining hall. That table were Cixi was seated was no different. However, Cixi really didn’t have much to say or add to the conversations being had. She wondered if this was what it was like to be the Seneschal or someone who had the last name, Silvacce. Blathering on about things which were only important to those seated around the table. Cixi believed it all rather dull, to say the least. So, she sat quietly and chewed her food as those around her battled with words and wit.
“So tell me, Young Lady Cixithara, how do you spend your day?”
Cixi snapped her eyes up and over to the woman who had addressed her, being painfully obvious that she had not been paying one bit of attention to the rambling that had been going on since she had sat down. Even with the smile on the woman’s lips, Cixi could tell that the question wasn’t really one of curiosity so much as it was for malevolent intent.
“I am under the employ of House Silvacce,” Cixi answered simply.
From the reaction of the table, the answer had been unexpected. Maybe they had wanted her to say something like she swung from tree branches all day and slept with dragonhawks. Or that she rolled around in mud pits. A part of Cixi had a small bit of satisfaction that she had shocked them.
“Ah, House Silvacce,” the woman continued, that viper-like look still in her eye, “I have some familiarity with that name. Tell me, what does someone of your upbringing offer to a House such as them?”
“What do you mean by that question?” Cixi asked, eyes narrowing.
“Even though we are not known to you, that does not mean you are not known to us,” the woman quipped haughtily, “ It was quite the gossip when your mother ran off to live in that little village with those people. I wouldn’t have expected anyone from there to been able to find any place among any house that has such a renowned name. Unless you clean out their stables, of course.”
Cixi could feel her ears burning again. But this time it was not embarrassment. She hadn't realized that she gripping her knife as tightly as she was until she felt a hand lightly rest on her wrist.
“You are quite bold, Millicent. You would dare open your mouth and insult a guest at my table?”
Cixi hadn’t noticed that Lord Jaias was paying attention to this side conversation. Though his voice was calm and serenely placid, a commanding quality laced around his words. His eyes slowly slid effortlessly over to the woman who Cixi had been speaking with.
“It would be best if you remembered your place while in my house. I hope that I do not have to repeat myself after this.”
Part 4
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