•♠️•A Heart's Shadow is a Spade•♥️•

Chapter 2

♥️A lunch meet with the Princes♠️

Two days after the arrival of their unexpected guests, on the day of a Royal summit, Theo had his hands full with his charges that had yet to awaken. Their fever, fortunately, had broken through the night before so he was expecting them to wake up soon. He pushed a trolley with light refreshments dutifully, prepared in case if they had awoken, when a young man dressed in the customary regalia of Altaria gave him a friendly wave. "Hey there, Theo! Working hard?"

Theo gave a polite smile in turn with a semi-customary bow towards the light caramel-haired man. "Yes, Your Highness. Will you be heading towards the audience room?"

"Yeah, another meeting with the others about the usual affairs." The young man laughed, his brown eyes twinkling with his usual humour. He eyed the trolley with curiosity. "Is there, by any chance, guests staying over at Nobel Michel?"

"There are," Theo confirmed, keeping his answer vague like he was taught. He gave another semi-bow towards the Prince. "Now if you will excuse me, Your Highness, I will need to be on my way."

"Sure, seeya around then!" The Altarian Prince gave a wave towards Theo as he continued on his way.

Theo did the same, heading towards the room containing the two guests. He gave a knock out of habit and awaited for a reply. Surprisingly, a reply came. "Who is it?"

The voice was distinctly male, a little hoarse due to the fever but overall wasn't entirely cautious as they were drawled lazily indicating that they had only just woken up. Theo opened the door and pushed the trolley further into the room, acknowledging the male who spoke with a nod. "You're awake,"

He poured a cup of chamomile ginger tea into one of the China teacups while starting small talk. "You've both been out since arriving here and had only broken through a fever last night, it's best not to move around immediately."

The young man struggled to sit up, releasing a content sigh when he managed to do so. His pale teal eyes drinking in his surroundings before settling onto Theo.

"This tea will help you calm yourself as well as stimulate your body," Theo handed the saucer to the young man.

He brought it to his nose and gave it a whiff. "...chamomile?"

"With a dash of ginger," Theo nodded.

The young man took a careful sip, his muscles relaxing almost immediately, and smiled as he let the warmth of the hot beverage waft onto his face. "It's brewed wonderfully,"

Theo gave a smile, momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to say in this situation so he gave a nod. The young man turned his attention back towards the young steward, his pale teal eyes filled with curiosity. "And who might you be?"

"Pardon the late introduction, I am Theo a butler in training," Theo gave a customary bow. "I've been instructed to serve both you and the young Miss from this day forward."

The young man nodded with a more childish smile as he greeted Theo in turn. "It's nice meeting you Theo, I'm Lev,"

Lev, in turn gestured towards the still sleeping girl by his side. "And this is my sister, Minerva, it'd be great if we got along."

It was then that Minerva stirred awake, her blue eyes bleary with sleep. Lev focused his attention towards his little sister, giving his finished cup to Theo. "Minerva, you awake?"

A soft sigh passed through Minerva's lips as she closed her eyes again, her equally soft voice tinged heavily with sleep. "Ten more minutes... the cake is going to burn..."