⚜️ You Can Call Me Sir Alexander ⚜️ (Alex Turner)

♡ Part 6 ♡

It was still dark when Hazel woke up, just before dawn. She left the dormitory and walked in the obscurity of the palace, carrying a candle to illuminate her step.
When she opened her eyes she felt right away excited and nervous for the first day of her new life and the possibility that she would see Alexander and spend some time with him that day. She was too anxious to lay in bed, and although it wasn't even dawn yet, she decided to go to the kitchen to see if James was already there, and get an early start; maybe he would appreciate that. She hoped not to get lost.

After a couple of wrong turns she finally reached the kitchen. She walked in and she saw not only James, but also a young woman clinging onto him as they kissed passionately. James' hand was under her gown, grabbing her thigh, the other one buried in her loose, long blonde hair.
They noticed her and stopped immediately. Embarassed, Hazel turned around to promptly leave the room.
"Come back here lass," she heard James saying. She cringed and walked back.
The blonde girl was now giggling against his chest. She was small and pretty and had beautiful blue eyes.
"You are here early," he said, a bit embarrassed and annoyed.
"Do not be cross with her, Jamie," the girl whispered.

Hazel stood with her arms behind her back, looking down. "Forgive me, sir, tomorrow I'll wait for sunrise and I'll go in the garden first thing."
"I appreciate your eagerness, but I have nothing for you to do so early. Also...you haven't seen a thing."
"Aye, sir, do not worry."
"Do not tell anyone, I beg. We can end in trouble."
"I will not, sir, I swear. I am very descreet."
"Good. Go now, I will see you in a while."
"Aye, sir."
James grunted. "Stop with that 'sir'. I'm just James."
"Aye, James."
She grabbed a basket and scurried outside through the kitchen backdoor. She sat on the stone steps until the sun peeked out. She sat still as she watched the birds and other critters sneaking out before the humans started their day, and admired the pretty view of the countryside and of the town, beyond it, peaking through the morning mist. She then went to the garden.

She was so excited by the number of useful plants and herbs she found for her medical purposes, but also the culinary ones: clove, sage, bay, garlic, mint, parsley, thyme...
She almost lost track of time scanning through every plant. She also noticed the willow trees behind the garden. Their bark had amazing curative properties and she made sure to collect some.
As she made her way to the palace,
she saw Master Kane walking towards her. They met half way.
"Good morning Hazel! I hope you acclimatized just fine."
Hazel nodded. She hoped he had some news about Alexander.
"How's Alex- ehm...Lord Turner?"
"He ate some supper and despite the pains, your tea helped him to a good night sleep and I thank you."
She smiled, satisfied and glad that she was able to help.

"We spoke last night..."
Hazel gave him a serious look, praying he was feeling better.
"...he was very sorry for his reaction and did not mean to be rude or ungrateful. He's elated of your presence here, of course. He did not want you to see him at his low, lass. He will be in a better disposition today."
Hazel smiled, happy to hear those words.
"I will come to find you here after lunch if he's willing to see you, and I think he will."
"Aye Master Kane. I will be here. I'll bring something that hopefully will help with the pain."

James was sitting at the prepping table when Hazel walked back in the kitchen. He had a hot cup of tea in front of him and a tray of fresh biscuits. He motioned her to sit down and she noticed a second steaming cup for her on the table.
"This is very kind of you, James," she thanked him as she sat in front of him.

James grunted looking at his cup, and slightly pushed the tray towards her. Hazel smiled and picked up a biscuit. It was still warm.
The man took a sip of his tea and spoke. "Her and I...we...we are united by love. It is forbidden to have relations with a member of the staff. If they find out, we will be in hot water. You must not tell anyone."
Hazel suddenly stopped chewing on the delicious treat. She understood too well. "You have my word."
James lifted his eyes on her. "They would send either me or her away. And I cannot deal with that. I cannot fathom it."
"I am- I have been in the same position. I know what's at stake. You do not need to worry."
"I want to trust you."
"You can," she reassured him, looking firmly into his eyes.
"Mmh." Hazel already learned what that noise meant: that he accepted what she said.
"Let's start preparing."