My heart was pounding it's way to an attack at that thought. I ran my hands down the face to release a shaky breath.

The last thing I'd thought was my eye colour to create a problem.

But the guard had told that Julian was looking into the matter. And judging by his skill to catch culprits, the truth will be out soon.

Also, as long as I'm in his palace, safe and sound, it shouldn't be a problem.

Assuring myself, I trudged down the stairs and reached the concubines little garden. I still had to find a way to make it up to Armonia.

There was no one except a small boy who was playing with his toys. As he heard my footsteps, he turned his little face to me, "Roseme!" he exclaimed, running away from his toys to clutch my leg.

I ran a hand through his soft brown hairs, "What are you doing alone, Leo?" I asked as he looked up, showing me his milk teeth. Leo was Dimitra's four-year-old son.

"Mama say she wu come, but no," he shook his face, gripping my robe in his tiny fists to look at the empty garden. I hugged him back.

Dimitra must've left when he was asleep, and now he came here with his toys, only to find no one.

"Roseme, wu you take me to mama?" he looked up to me again, making me smile. He couldn't pronounce Althea or Rosemary, so he had settled with calling this cute name.

"Why not, baby boy," I bent down to kiss his cheek, "Let's go," Holding his little hand, I led him to the end of the ground floor's corridor, from where it was split into several ways.

Choosing one of the broader lanes which were lined by red stone pillars, we walked down the hallway and stepped out into an open area.

This was an open field kitchen where large vessels burnt above clay stoves. They'd made it by digging a small pit where burning coals and woods were kept to assist with the fire.

Men and women worked under the afternoon sun, some cutting vegetables, others moving the mass of cooked food in the vessels. In the centre stood Dimitra, onlooking the work.

"Ah, yes, I left him sleeping," she laughed when Leo ran to her. "With these hot vessels around, it's dangerous for him," she rubbed his head, "He's always running around."

We talked some more and after she sent him to play in a safer area with the kids of the workers; I started hesitantly.

"There was a... something I needed to ask you," I fiddled with my linen.

She held my arms to face me, "I'm like an older sister, dear. Ask without a doubt," she smiled.

I eased a little, "Mistress Armonia is... upset from me, I guess," I sighed.

"And I know it's selfish of me to come now but..." I looked up to her, "I want to do something else too, other than just writing."

She listened patiently, moving her head in understanding, "First, don't feel bad about your work, hm," she placed a palm over my cheek.

"It's just that she is older than us and thinks we should follow, what she had to follow when she was young, no?" she smiled, "So you want to impress her, right?" she asked.

"Yes," I beamed.

When she asked, I explained what all I knew, "And I can cook too!" I added, then looked around the working people, "Can I... work here?" I asked hopefully.

She waved a hand, "Oh no, you don't need to work here. The kitchen in the palace would suit you, but... have you taken His Honour's permission?"

A shook my head, "It's mistress Armonia I need to impress, so it won't be a problem," I recalled what he'd said, "He told me even he couldn't help if she gets furious." She laughed at that.

After she was done instructing the workers, we walked to the royal kitchen on the third floor. This was the floor, which maintained a large dining area for the royals and the members of the palace.

"Hm, so as for the cooking, you won't do anything for now because I need to test you first," she winked, "you can help with the preparations, though."

The concubines had the work of preparing food for the palace people. They were already working. Chopping vegetables and making various stuff from hands that were to be deep-fried or baked.

The burning vessels and clay stove were placed below the window while the two adjacent sides of this stone made room had groceries and meat, fishes, eggs etc, respectively.

"Alright ladies," She clapped her hands, "Since the winters are arriving, we'll have soups before every meal. Agnes, did you soak the white beans for fassolatha, which we..."

I stood at one corner, looking around in unease. The concubines glanced suspiciously at me, thinking why of all times had I come here now. It reminded me of the time in my dream when I was passing the secretary desk and they'd glared then too.

Two women waved my way. I spotted Phoebe and Zurin giving me an excited smile. I waved in return, happy that I had at least someone friendly.

"Hey! So finally you got bored with your writing?!" Phoebe asked enthusiastically. I managed a nervous smile.

"Not that we have any problem but, I think writing's kinda boring thing to do? I mean, just writing all day..." Zurin sniggered beside her.

I was contemplating what to say when they zapped in again, "Anyway, most welcome to the royal kitchen, dear writer!" They squealed, "Let's start now!" And they dragged me to a corner having loads of vegetables.

"So, we have the duty of making the side dishes," Phoebe explained, fetching some cabbages, "And today's recipe is the Athenian cabbage!" She handed me a sharp iron blade.

"Till the time we prepare the seasoning, can you cut them?" Zurin smiled sweetly. I nodded eagerly. After all, I wanted any possible work to do.

But I didn't know they would make me cut ten cabbages.

And instead of preparing the seasoning, all they did was toy with the coriander leaves and chatted away.

After washing, I placed it near the stove. They were quick to hop in, "Oh no, it's not cooked, dear," Phoebe smiled, placing the coriander and some yellow flowers.

"They have to be chopped again with coriander and rue, as finely as possible," She spoke as if they weren't chopped to smithereens already, "You know it'll be served to the royals. So we have to be perfect!"

"But you said the seaso-"

"Yeah yeah, it will be sprinkled on top once you finish chopping them," Zurin gave a wide smile.

Oh well, okay. You bullies.

Dimitra stopped by to inspect, "Athenian snack hm? Cabbage in honey and vinegar is a delicious starter. Good work girls," she praised.

"Thaaaank you!" They sang on. I snorted.

I had to be careful because the blade was so sharp, it could cut my finger if not handled properly.

"Well then, it's done. Now, as Dimitra said, you'll have to sprinkle honey and vinegar for the seasoning," Phoebe instructed, resting her hands on her waist, "You can find it near the left corner of the window, Althea," she cheered.

I gave a small smile that hid my gritted teeth underneath.

Picking up the platter of chopped cabbage, I placed it on a little table to sprinkle the vinegar and honey. It was surprising to know that sugar wasn't invented yet, and they used honey for sweetening purposes.

"I knew she would spread her arms in every area possible..." I heard a woman whisper.

"Exactly, what was the need to come here?" Irritation trickled from the voice of another woman, "Who knows if she would poison the salad? The foreigners always carry strange potions with them..."

I continued my work, now sprinkling the vinegar in a way their senseless eyes could see. Noticing their faces, I remembered them to be Caspara's sidekicks who hadn't talked to me the day I met the concubines.

"But His Honour favours her already!"

"Don't you know she goes to his room every night with the pretext of her book? No wonder, she would've spread her legs for h-" I stopped listening, my body simmering up with anger.

I didn't want to start a fight. I seriously didn't.

But they had crossed the average decency of a woman.

"Dear ladies," I faced them with a smile, "I have ears and you have eyes, so you can check for yourself," I waved to the salad.

"Also, it's inappropriate to think that a woman enters a man's room just to do the unholy," Unless you are a concubine, I wanted to add but stopped myself.

That would belittle them, and I knew better than to create everlasting bitterness.

"It's a request to refrain from such thoughts for a woman who intends to remain chaste," I smiled further. Their faces twisted again.

"Shoo shoo, shoooo..." Phoebe came beside me, waving her hands at them, "Althea is a hardworking woman and doesn't have time gossiping around like you, so shooo," With a pout, she continued to shoo them away like some animal.

Zurin cracked up at my bewildered expression, "Incessant bitches only go when they are shooed," she tched, "if you reason out with them, then it's you who is mad," she shook her head.

I rubbed my temple. Though the women's gossip made me feel awful, I hoped they weren't taking me for a rival. What should I do to clarify that I am here only to write, and not for pouncing on their beloved king?

The chain seemed to be growing. Impressing Armonia, then these concubines, and who else? This way I'll end up working to please everyone, which was impossible.

"You made it perfectly!" Phoebe clapped at the sweet tangy flavour which had her mouth scrunch in delight, "Now, just a bit of silphium," She took a different yellow flower and crushed it on the salad for a final garnish.

It was a relief that the concubine Caspara wasn't here, who would look at me as if she was plotting my murder.

"Ta-da! We are done, Zurin!" Picking the large platter, they dashed towards Dimitra, "We completed our recipe, Dimitra!"

Exhausted, I closed my eyes. Women were a work to deal with. Much more than a man. It would be good if I have at least Phoebe and Zurin, so I'm safe from the nastier women. I wouldn't mind doing their part of the work if I have them on my side.

Since lunch wasn't a grand affair and it's the dinner that had elaborate dishes, they prepared the food in no time.

It was more like a brunch with quick foods. Half boiled eggs, Fassolatha soup, and Athenian cabbage. For the dessert, they had made Delian sweets, which was yet another Greek recipe and red wine.

"Althea, you will start the main serving tomorrow," Dimitra informed, "But," She came closer to whisper, "to impress mistress Armonia, you'll serve the women today. For that, just stand by the door and learn how men are served, alright?" she smiled. I nodded happily. If only other women were half as good as her.

The concubines placed the drinks first, arranging the plates and cutlery. It was customary that men and women should not sit together to eat. They either ate separately or after the men were done.

Important generals and ministers began to enter, settling in the wooden chairs placed around the long oval table overlooking the garden below. They sat talking amongst themselves, sipping on the wine or water as preferred.

I watched silently by the doorframe of the kitchen. The concubines inside were busy arranging the sizzling dishes in terracotta bowls.

Though the corridor had started to buzz with people, I still caught on his deep voice, causing me to hide further behind. I glanced at the entrance of the hallway.

He had on a grey-white fur mantle. Below was a royal red attire for Greek men and his face that was set in a serious note, as he talked to his comrade. I looked on until he settled in one of the chairs, giving a once over to everyone.

"Watch on carefully," Dimitra winked as she passed me. The concubines followed her with the dishes.

Every concubine was assigned a particular person to serve. Carefully, they placed the bowls and eggs on their plates, going round the table to serve.

Although Caspara didn't contribute to the cooking, she was surely there, standing beside Julian. Pouring wine in his goblet with her face lowered to his level. He whispered something to her, and she smiled, nodding at his words.

When he started eating, she gazed at him intently and bit her lip. As if he was the food. Lowering her head again, she whispered something, making him chuckle.

I hadn't realised the increased thud of my heart, which was like an alarm to my ears. The alarm that reminded me,

That they would make a perfect couple.

Yes, they would definitely make a beautiful couple, I brought a smile to my face. My heart ready to twist but I kept it chained at its place.

I can already imagine their kids, having sleek black hair like their parents with grey or brown eyes. They would be cute princes and princesses and maybe... maybe Julian would ask me to babysit them.

And then... I would write about them too, I nodded to myself, gripping the doorframe. I would be their sweet aunt, or maybe,

I'll be gone before they are even born?

No one knows what the future would bring, and I'm too scared to stay here long.

Long enough to know the future.

"Ah!" I pulled my hand from the wooden door frame as I'd pressed too hard, causing a splinter of wood to get stuck in my finger. Carefully, I plucked it out to rub my sore skin.

What am I even thinking about? I sighed. I was here to watch the serving, not to ogle at them.

Peeking again, I concentrated on what Dimitra did. She stood patiently, smiling at what the warrior talked about whilst eating. He waved for something and she immediately put some cabbage on his plate.

Oh, so one had to keep listening to what the eater wanted, then act accordingly. Alright.

I skimmed through the other women, who did the same. Listening and having small talks with the men and serving them when needed. I crossed over to Phoebe, Caspara, and then, again, my gaze landed on him. But this time,

He was staring right at me.

I couldn't move, even when I wanted to hide back in the kitchen. I was too stunned to look anywhere else. He raised a brow and though he was chewing, I could make out a secretive smile playing on his lips.

I ran back inside the kitchen.

Facing the window, I clutched my chest for the heaving breath to go. My heart used to be rich. Why are you making it so poor, Julian?

Hearing some shuffling, I turned around to see Thalia arranging some plates from the cupboard. My shoulders fell. Maybe Armonia had scolded her for roaming with a woman like me. I meekly walked up to her to apologise.

"Oh, you are here!" Her bright smile returned, "Haha no, mistress didn't say anything about you. She had called me to pack some of her things."

"Pack? Why?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, don't you know? She would be leaving for Greece in a couple days."

I should be happy, but the thought made me more anxious. If she's gone, how would I impress her? I didn't want her leaving with a poor impression on my name.

Soon Dimitra entered with the empty dishes, asking us to hurry for preparing the women's serving. I did as told, glad to know that Thalia would serve with me.

All the concubines and the palace women, mostly old, were now seated in the dining area. I held the dish firmer when Armonia walked in, her beautiful face doing nothing to give her a warmer aura.

I shivered. She was an eagle while I was a dove.

Sucking in a breath, I stepped behind Thalia. I walked slowly, just so I don't trip over my own leg. Gently, I placed the plate of Delian sweets and started distributing the cabbage.

When I came across mistress Armonia's plate, I pressed my teeth to stop my shaking hand. I expected her to give a snarky remark or why I was here after all this time, but she said nothing. Just calmly sat on her chair.

I felt extremely awkward.

Next to her sat Caspara who looked like the most obedient person. Thankfully, she said nothing when I served her.

"It's g-good to see you here t-today, Althea dear. A woman should fulfil her d-duties too, with other w-work," One of the old women gave me a toothless grin when I placed the salad on her plate.

I love you so much, grandma!

"It's an honour to hear, mistress," I bowed gently with a smile and moved onto the next.

Unlike men who were laughing as they ate, the women were dead silent. Only a few old women mumbled to themselves or with Armonia who'd just nod or give them small replies.

I pressed my lip to a thin line when it was the turn to serve the concubine who was gossiping about me. As I leant forward to put the cabbage, I backed off immediately.

She had pushed down the goblet of red wine.

The noise of metal clattered in the silent area. Blood-red fluid spilt on the clean floor, causing a few droplets to splash on my dress. Hadn't I stepped behind, it would've left a big stain on my sky blue linen.

I closed my eyes to recover from the shock. It wasn't a school cafeteria where I could empty the cabbage on her head.

"What is this behaviour, Danae?" Armonia's stern voice broke the silence. I peered up to see her dangerous eagle eyes pointed at the concubine.

Ms. Danae was a chicken now, "M- Mistress I wanted to t- tell her-"

"No excuses," Armonia raised a hand for her to stop, then resumed eating.

I was panicked to think, what should I do now? Hesitantly, I spoke in a small voice, "I- I would clean this," Saying I bent to pick the empty goblet.

"It's not required, Althea," I heard Dimitra speak, "The servants would do that," she smiled.

I nodded. I still hadn't given Danae the cabbage. What the hell should I do?

"Would you... want some?" I asked the seething concubine again, just for the sake of it.

"No," Came her sharp reply.

Before I could ask the next concubine, she raised a hand for me to stop, "Me too," She flipped her hair behind her shoulder and continued with her food. I kept the small smile on my face. This was humiliating.

At the end of the meal, Thalia distributed the sweets, and I kept myself behind Dimitra. Even though I reminded myself that this was no big deal, I had to bite my lip constantly to prevent a treacherous tear slipping from my eye.

I never came here, always eating in my room with Thalia, since she served the women and ate at the last. I would wait for her and together we'd eat, chatting.

But I had to do it now. I glanced at Armonia, who was quietly finishing her food. She didn't give away any reaction to me being here.

I couldn't guess what she must be thinking, she was so unreadable.

Gingerly wiping her mouth with the cloth napkin, she pushed her chair to stand up. Except for the oldies, everyone stopped eating to stand, their heads bowed.

"Dimitra," she started, "You are the head for a reason." Dimitra stuttered a yes.

"I won't tolerate personal vengeance from any women of this palace next time. Make sure," she warned in a deadly voice, her eyes sweeping through everyone.

"Y- Yes, mistress. My deepest apologies f- from the ladies," Dimitra bowed her head further. Everyone held their breath until the royal lady walked out of the dining area.

* * *

As Dimitra had told earlier, I had to prepare dinner for the women as a test of my cooking skills. A small portion of it, since the men, Armonia and older women had already eaten.