His Witchy Mate

~ Alicia ~

I had just finished adjusting a delicate porcelain vase when suddenly I heard someone calling my name. It was one of the maids who motioned me to go to the main hall.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The voices of the other maids echoed down the hallway. Something was happening in the main hall, and we were all summoned there.

Setting down my work, I joined the group of maids making their way to the main hall. We walked in a steady rhythm on the polished marble floors. I exchanged nervous glances with some of the other maids, but none of us had any idea what was going on.

As we entered the main hall, I caught sight of Lucian standing near the grand staircase. The mere presence of this man was enough to attract attention. The mere presence of this man was enough to attract attention.

The room fell silent as we gathered before him. As usual, he looked as intimidating as ever, his piercing gaze moving over the group of maids before landing on me.

“Listen carefully,” Lucian’s deep voice resonated through the hall. “My sister is coming to visit, and I expect everything to be perfect during her stay.”

He went on to give instructions about the preparations that needed to be made. The other maids nodded in understanding. They began to disperse, each taking on their designated tasks. But I couldn’t move. I felt rooted to the spot, my heart pounding in my chest.

You see, I had a history with Lucian’s sister, one that filled me with dread as soon as her impending visit was announced. Years ago, she had caught Lucian and me in a situation that we hadn’t been able to explain away. She had warned us to stay away from each other, to keep our forbidden relationship a secret.

And now, she was coming back, and I couldn’t help but fear that she hadn’t forgotten. The memory of her disapproving gaze and stern words haunted me. What would she do if she saw me again? Would she reveal our secret to the world, or would she simply make my life miserable?

Lucian’s voice brought me back to the present. “Alicia, you will oversee the arrangements in the guest wing,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I swallowed hard and nodded, my voice barely a whisper. “Yes, sir.”

As I turned to leave, I couldn’t help but cast a glance back at Lucian. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, and in that silent exchange, I saw a flicker of understanding and concern. He knew how worried I was about his sister’s return.

Everyone started working and was preparing for her arrival. She was Lucian’s elder sister and Lucian cared for her the most in this world. I should stay away from her otherwise I don’t know what she would do to me. Would she hold a grudge against me?

“She is here! Everyone gets to the hall.” A maid yelled while I was working in the kitchen.

In an instant the maids started moving and everyone went to the main hall to welcome Lucian’s sister.

I didn’t want to go but did I have any other option? If any of my superior saw me here, I would be punished so it’s better I just go with the flow.

Soon I was there in the hallway. All the maids stood in a line including me with our heads bowed. Lucian came and stood in between the hall and soon the doors were opened and Lucian’s sister Elara entered.

My head was still bowed down but I just pushed it up a little so I could peek at her, my curiosity getting the best of me. I couldn’t help but admire her beauty. She was the perfect definition of a princess. A long blond gown that swung down her body and perfectly hugged her body made her look majestic with her long blond hair falling down her back.

Yet I could still see a hint of sadness on her face. Her eyes had some unshed tears but when she looked towards Lucian, her tears started falling freely out of her eyes.

~ Elara ~

My return to the mansion after years of being away was an upheaval of emotions. Lucian, my brother, stood on the grand staircase, his authoritative presence filling the hall. As I approached, a mixture of joy and sadness overcame me, and tears welled up in my eyes.

“Lucian!” I exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace him. It had been so long, and the weight of my past experiences had made me yearn for the comfort of my family. He held me tightly, and I couldn’t hold back the tears that streamed down my face.

“Elara,” Lucian said softly, his voice filled with understanding. “I’ve missed you so much.”

As we pulled away from the embrace, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for having such a caring brother. He was always there for me, even when life had taken us on different paths.

“Thank you, Lucian,” I whispered, wiping away my tears. “I needed to come back.”

He nodded and gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re home now, Elara. You can rest and recover. Let’s get you to your room.”

Just as Lucian was about to guide me away, a maid approached to assist me. I was just about to go to my room with her when suddenly my eyes fell on a familiar figure.

The moment our eyes met, a shock of recognition coursed through me. It was her. I remember her. She was Lucian’s lover. I told them not to meet but… what was she doing here now?

Alicia’s expression mirrored my own surprise and unease. I had never forgotten her face.

Lucian, sensing the tension in the air, looked between us, oblivious to the past. “You.” He pointed towards the maid who was about to take me to my room and continued ordering, “Help Elara to her room. She’s had a long journey, and I want her to be comfortable.”

The maid nodded, my gaze still fixed on Alicia.