Chapter 5 Tea is for Trick

"So, Ingrid, my dad is willing to place a handful of cash about the crowning ceremony. Just name your price." Miss Georgina trailed off in the middle of their breakfast. The girls are all present in the long table, with Madame Ingrid to the royal seat, while Lila and I are serving them.

"Is that an insult, Georgina? We don't need your money. I would like to remind anyone that a true and deserving wife does not play unfair." the authoritative voice of Madame Ingrid silenced Miss Georgina. She then look at my direction and ordered me to fill her goblet.

"You think this is funny, new face?" she snickered at me.

"I- I wasn't laughing, Miss." I bowed and showed respect.

"You sure are, in your head. Well, news flash, I can still won Constantine's heart even without buying my way to the selection! " she declared to everyone.

Miss Georgina is rumored to be the wealthiest girl in the mansion. Her family owns the newly established mall uptown. Yet, it is nothing compared to Lord Constantine. His wealth is unmatchable. They basically control Haugen Town.

"Your money won't save you, dear," Madame Ingrid, scoffed and rebutted meaningfully.

"Are you threathening me, old lady? Your ass will be sorry if I am crowned as wife." Miss Georgina managed to stay confident.

"There she goes again!"

"A little bit of delusion for breakfast."

"Stop it, Georgina. This is not a competition."

The other girls murmured and laughed, causing commotion. Madame Ingrid raised her goblet and tapped it gently with her spoon, taking the attention of the girls.

"Is this what you girls are? Petty? Unsophisticated? Crude? I expected better manner from you, ladies." she shook her head in dissapointment.

Silence took over. We, the maids continued on pouring water and wine to their goblets to ease the tension and awkwardness.

With irritation, Miss Georgina speaked, "May I be excused? I am full."

"No way. I want you to finish the servings on your plate. Try to be more appreciative of what's in front of you, alright?" Madame smiled.

"You know what, fuck it! You don't own us! You are a nobody in this mansion. I am sick of you!" Miss Georgina is out of control, leaving everyone shocked, but not Madame Ingrid; she remained calm, with a hint of amusement on her face.

"I knew it. As expected from your type." I heard her whisper.

"I should've done this a long time ago. This whole place, this is a shitty school." Georgina exclaimed.

"Then leave. Do whatever you please, Georgina. Go back to wherever you belong. Because one thing for sure, you do not belong here. Your filthy blood do not deserve Lord Constantine." Madame Ingrid pointed out.

"Argh! What are waiting for, new face? Pack my things. I'm getting the hell out of here!"

"R-right away, Miss Georgina." I trembled.

The meal continued like nothing happened. Madame Ingrid is till savoring her gourmet cheese. I put down the pitcher and went upstairs to her room to prepare her stuff.

In a spark of an eye, one student is leaving the mansion. I called the pier to schedule a sail to the island to come pick up Miss Georgina.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Miss Trudy. We are not allowed to sail since we are expecting the landfall of the storm. However, we can make quick adjustments when the coast is clear." a man's voice over the telephone.

"I appreciate the news but it's urgent. Miss Georgina demands to go home tomorrow."

"Then, you are gonna have to wait. What you are requesting is dangerous. We are just following the safety protocols."

The call ended, so then I put the telephone down, quite afraid to tell Miss Georgina the bad news.

Storm? I didn't know there is a storm. I swayed the curtain to see what it looks like outside. It is normally gloomy looking in this island. It's always cloudy and cold as if the heaven hated this place. The waves are crashing on the rocks. The birds are crying. Even the people in this mansion seemed to be very disturbed.

Later that day, I was called to Madame Ingrid's office. In my confusion, I appeared and asked the problem.

"Is there something wrong, Madame?

"How's your neck, dear?"

I remained standing, not answering her question. I was too focused on her face. She looks unusual; like she is stressed out or something. Her eyes are deep and tired, her lips are dry, she has a creepy, faint smile.

"Here, have some tea. It is special. Made with love..." she offered me a cup.

"Uhm, what is this for?" I humbly asked. I couldn't understand the special treatment.

"I apologize for what you witnessed earlier. It was quite a scene with Georgina. Now, why dont we just talk?" her manner of speaking is gentle and slow, and the way she stirs her own cup– the way her golden spoon echoes on every tap she does– it is hypnotizing.

"You did not answer my question. How's your neck? Still hurt?" she repeated.

"A little bit." I sat down.

"Do you like your tea?" she asked again.

I slowly nodded and took a sip once more. It tastes expensive and heavenly. Like you're in a cloud. Like the sparkles of sunrise. However, every sip turns bittersweet. Until it tasted like metal.

"W-what's in this tea?" Madame Ingrid did not answer. Instead, she just continued on stiring her porcelain cup. The same hypnotizing sound rings in my ears.

"What did you put in my drink?" My breath is shaky, yet I managed to speak, even my vision gets kinda blurry and feeling a little lightheaded.

"Just tea, my dear." she hushed and smiled.

I looked at my cup, my eyes widened when I saw the crimson red liquid, so I blinked, trying to collect myself.

"Blood... it's blood!" I wasn't able to scream, only a faint weakening voice came out of my mouth.

My ears felt like they shut down, leaving a high-pitched ringing sound. My vision is about to black out when Madame Ingrid looked up, while the sky made a loud, thunderous noise. She raised both of her hands and sang, "Thunder, thunder, we will see you slumber."

My heart felt heavy, I was unable to speak and move. She spoke one last time, "You left us no choice, Ma'am. You have to take a rest for a while now."