Chapter 357: A Bizarre Demand
Rosalie guided Elis into a comfortable guest chamber, where she arranged for the young woman to take a refreshing bath and change into a lovely nightgown.
As Elis went through the preparations, a solemn expression clouded her face.
Sensing her distress, Rosalie inquired, "What’s troubling you, Miss Canton?"
Elis shook her head sorrowfully.
"I don’t think this is right, Mrs Foster. I’m not the person Kiev believes me to be. He would be repulsed by me if he knew the truth about my identity."
"Why would you think that? His Highness publicly declared his favour for you. He even won the duel for you, and I can see that you address him by his first name. I believe it’s safe to say you have feelings for him, too," Rosalie remarked.
"He ordered me to address him that way. So, I have no choice. I understand what he said about me, but the truth is, I wouldn’t dare to reciprocate his feelings. He holds a prestigious position, and I..." Elis paused, her voice cracking.
"I don’t believe he is bothered about your past. I can see that he genuinely cares for you. The way he healed you, treated you... I doubt any other man could compare. I know you’re close to Sir Skyler, but the connection with His Highness is different, isn’t it?" the chief maid stated.
"But Mrs Foster... I’m not the person you think I am. When I was bathing earlier, I’m sure you saw the scars on my body. It’s humiliating! If Kiev sees them, he’ll be disgusted and hate me. I’m hideous and full of shame!"
Elis began to cry.
Rosalie reached out, pressing her hands on the back of the young woman’s palm.