"Iviyana,carry these,we don't want the Lord to wait." No sooner had I stepped in the kitchen that Mary ushered me out with a plate laden with food.I wanted to say no but the grumpy look on  Berovin's face didn't let me.I was hustled out with the others carrying the food.I took a deep breath and ventured further in the dark hell of that silvery demon.I must behave.

Papa is there.My beloved is there.Papa.Beloved.Lord give me strength.

I entered with my head down.Not ready for Papa to see my face still contorted with resentful annoyance.I had to bite my tongue down earlier when he whispered those dark words in my ear.Threatening me.The nerve of the bastard.

I walked slowly and kept the food on the table.Bowing my head, I was about to make my escape when the bastard opened his mouth yet again.

"I would like you to serve." The irritating voice wasn't directed at me,was it.?I raised my eyes a bit in his direction only to find them glowing back at me.He nodded his head for me to move on and carry out his command.Yup,he meant me.

I smiled to hide the boiling hatred I felt inside.Very slowly I unfurled my fingers from my tight fist.Letting go of the anger.I served him food with his eyes drilling holes on me the entire time,waiting patiently for me to make a mistake.I didn't give him a chance.I swear I could see the sulking.Faint however it was, on his face.

"Here it is ,master.Enjoy your meal." I said in clear voice with my saccharine smile still on face.He dismissed me with another glare .I walked back to the kitchen stiffly,burning in my own fury.

Mary yet again, handed me another tray to be carried out."This is Lord Xaki's soup.Take extra care." She didn't wait for my reply and went to her husband who was busily decorating and ladling another tray full of meat.

"Marylenne,I can take it." Feyna enthusiastically snatched the tray from my hands.I let her.Who wants to serve that uppity bastard.?!

Both Mary and Berovin turned back in horror."No,no.It is Iviyana who must go.Not you." Mary rushed towards us frantically, Berovin was looking a little pale.Mary took the tray from Feyna and gave it back to me.

Feyna huffed and grumbled under her breath,scowling at me.Hey,it's not like I want to carry it.I dismissed her and turned to Mary."Mary,if Feyna wants,she can carry it.I have no problem."

"Iviyana,it is you who has to take Lord Xaki's food.Only you."She looked nervously back at Bero  who was watching the exchange very keenly.It looked like everyone in the kitchen was looking at us,very much interested.My eyes fell on Genie questioningly.She averted her head as soon.Just what is going on here? I stood my ground and looked back at Mary.I won't move an inch until I know what is happening here. I believe she got the vibe.

"Please go, Yana. Lord Xaki would be very angry if you don't take it.He has personally ordered .."Mary gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.My eyes widened at the words that slipped from Mary's mouth or rather the words that didn't slip.

That cheap bastard.?!The already burning fury blazed in my heart.

First he dare threatens me and now this?!He wants to humiliate me in front of everyone,letting me know my place. It's becoming too problematic to deal.I have to do something or else that bastard will play me over and I'll be at his mercy..... just like now.I cannot let it happen.I won't let him treat me this way.

He thinks he can mess with me. Ha!?

The small bottle of salt on the table caught my eye.I swiped and hid it in my hand as I made my exit out the kitchen.Letting the other maids take precedence.I slowed my gait and finding the perfect opportunity poured the whole bottle of salt in the soup.Satisfied with my artwork,I resumed my pace again.Let's see who'll mess with who?

Peace.At last.With joy flowing in my veins.I hummed under my breath and reached the dining hall.I smiled big as I saw him.

Very gently I placed the soup in front of the chameleon.He looked at the soup and then at me.I didn't let anything show on my face."Master,here's your favorite soup. Berovin made it specially for you.Please have it."

I stepped back and waited for him to sip the soup with anticipation gleaming in my heart.Take it.Drink it.Come on,just one sip.

He lifted the spoon and filled it with soup.My heart started beating faster.Yes,do it.Just as I was about to shout in happiness,the spoon fell back in the bowl.The bastard looked at me,at the smile on my face and to Papa."Here,Nastur." 

"Yes,master."Papa swiftly took the spoon and filled it with soup.What?Just what is this now?

Papa was about to drink it when I shouted."No." The movement of the spoon stopped.The sudden noise jarred everyone.All of their eyes on me now.He turned to me with worry lines creasing his face."Iviyana?What's wrong?"

I laughed shakily."Papa,really.You cannot eat that.I mean how can you just disrespect master like this?"

Sudden silence and then a hearty laughter on the dining table."Mistress Iviyana,are you joking perhaps?" My beloved asked with laughing eyes.

What joke?I am serious here.I conveyed the same with my blank face.My beloved then informed me of the harsh reality I lived in.

"I believe you are not aware yet.Lord Nastur is the official taster for Lord Xaki.It is a rule that Lord Nastur insists on himself.For as long as I can recall,Nastur has always offered to taste the food presented to Lord Xaki to ensure his safety."

I looked at Papa to confirm the same.He was busy dipping the spoon again. Noooo.

I rushed forward and took the spoon from him.Papa looked at me confused."Iviyana,what is going on?"He asked irritated."What is wrong with you today?"

"I-I'll taste it Papa." I willed my brain to think something."I mean you'll be eating meat later,so you won't want to ruin that taste.It means the same thing if you taste it or I do,isn't it..?"

Papa seemed bewildered.Befuddled at this strange display of his daughter,no doubt.I gulped in nervousness.If Papa were to taste the soup,he'll know for sure who has meddled with the soup.And then there will be hell to pay.

"Nastur,let her,if she wants." The bastard relaxed back in his chair,his eyes narrowing at me in suspicion.He was onto me.I could feel it.He knew something was wrong.I have to hurry and do something before more doubt fill their minds.The tension in the atmosphere was elevating as more time passed.Papa still continued to grill me with his eyes.My beloved sat with his face in his hands on the table looking between me and Papa and the bastard.The unforgivable bastard just stared at me in a curious manner,questioning my motives and intent.

I took the bowl with both hands,trepidation filling my nerves.Why does this always happen to me? 

I closed my eyes tightly as the sweet-sour  vapors of the soup filled my nose.Just get it over with.I steeled my nerves and prayed hard for my tongue to be numb for this moment at-least. I lifted the spoon and sipped it.The bitterness that exploded in my mouth as soon was so sharp that it brought tears to my eyes.I gulped it down quickly.I made sure to not grimace.I cannot let them know.I waited for the taste to pass but it stayed stuck on my tongue.

Clearing my throat after a moment,I conveyed cheerfully."I have never tasted such a delicious soup.Please have it.It's safe to eat as you can see." I shoved the bowl in front of him again.Eat it ,you bastard.

He was looking at the soup very intently.He then turned to me.A slow grin surfaced on his face.His eyes glinting."If you like it so much,please have it.I can always eat it another time."

"W-what?No, you have to drink it today." I sputtered indignantly.

"Iviyana?" Papa was getting wary.

"Papa,Berovin has made the soup specially for him.It'll be a waste if he doesn't eat it."I tried making Papa agree to all this.If not,everything I worked for and drank for would be for nothing.

"Here drink it,master." I said through gritted teeth.My eyes narrowed at his provoking ones.

Don't make it difficult. Just do it. I ordered.

Make me . His challenged.

"Iviyana,don't force master." Papa said at last."If it is that important to you,let me have it.Let me enjoy Berovin's delicacy."

I whirled around to Papa horrified.Papa didn't wait for me to argue anymore.His hands reached the bowl.I reacted faster.Taking the bowl I drank directly form the bowl.The soup burned my throat but I didn't stop.Taking a huge sip,I sputtered indignantly."I'll have it."

The saltiness of the soup made me cough.I maintained as much dignity as I could.

"Yana,where are your manners?" Papa glowered at me.I didn't pay heed and turned to the smug bastard who sat there with evil glint in his eyes.He tsked and shook his head,making me want to pour the contents of the bowl on his head."Iviyana,answer me."

My eyes fell across the table where my beloved saw my embarrassment yet again.

Humiliation like never before.I didn't wait any longer.I rushed out the dining hall with Papa's voice and the hearty laughter of the bastard chasing me.I kept on running ,cursing the bastard to fiery depths of hell and annoyed at Papa for his interference.

Not realizing what the coming days had in store for me.