I Wanted to Be Chosen Just Once

Huh?

Oh… it’s just you.

What?

No, I’m fine. I’m just busy. I’m always busy.

You can take those three plates upstairs – and be careful with that last one, chef spent hours making that fruit arrangement the perfect circlet befitting a fae ball. No spills. Oh… and don’t even think about having any, one crumb will put you in bed for a week. I certainly won’t be the one to look after you – you’ll have to get one of these other desperate birds to preen you when you’re poorly.

Now go, before it gets cold.

Why are you putting it down? Did you not hear what I just said – it needs to go up now or you’ll mess up the entire banquet rotation. Go!

You think I’m avoiding you?

Don’t be ridiculous… I already told you I’m fine. Frankly, I don’t care whether you believe me – I said I’m fine, so drop it – and not the food. I’m serious, you need to go. It’s unlike you to forget just how important you are, with all your airs and graces lately. Surely the footman of the Fae Lord’s absence will be noted. You don’t have time to stand here with some scullery maid washing up plates and scrubbing tables – and I told you already, I have a lot of work to do. These floors need washing – again – and after that I told the others I’d help restitch a hole in the Lady’s dress.

That other girl – the lady’s maid, I don’t care enough to know her name – I’m sure she’s free. You seem to enjoy her company a lot nowadays… so go bother her if you’re bored, but at least do your job and take those trays upstairs!

Will you stop looking at me like that and go?

I already told you I’m fine. Go.

You’re back… again.

What is it this time? I don’t have anything for you to take up. I’m sure by now most of the guests have either retired into the enchanted gardens or made their beds for the night.

What? Do you need something? I don’t understand why you’re just standing there.

Oh, for the love of— I’m not ignoring you. I’m talking to you, aren’t I?

I don’t know what you’re talking about… I honestly don’t know what you want me to say. Maybe I am annoyed with you. You’re an irritating person and you refuse to give me any personal space tonight for some reason, so yes – I’m annoyed, I’m frustrated because you keep repeating the same thing repeatedly expecting me to give you a different answer. If you’re so sure I’m avoiding you, that I’m being cold or whatever you think it is I’m being… then you should know why.

So go ahead – enlighten me! Why am I annoyed at you?

Ha.

You… you think I’m jealous? You’re ridiculous…