Chapter 196 - Uptight Gargoyle (2/2)
Placing her palm up, Olivia requested, ”Can I borrow your phone for a minute? Something's wrong with my phone's reception.”
”Sure,” Yana complied, frisking her back pockets to dig up her phone. She unlocked the screen and handed it to Olivia, who swiftly dialed a number.
”Hey, is it true? Okay. Can I go out then? Just a quick trip to Rockaway. Hmm. I'll meet you there. Love you too, Max.” Olivia smiled and her eyes lingered on the screen until it locked and the lights dimmed.
She beamed wider upon seeing her reflection on the dark screen, smiling like a high schooler in love. ”Thank you,” she mouthed, handing Yana back her phone.
Inhaling the aroma coming from the steaming food which wafted together with the sweet scent of florals that lined up the balcony, Olivia enjoyed the feast on the table and celebrated the end of their almost week-long confinement.
Just as scheduled, a knock rapped on the door followed by a helper announcing Secretary Abbott's arrival.
Walking beside him was a lady in her sixties. Her burgundy hair curled and sat above the planes of her shoulders and bounced as she took one step after another.
Unlike Secretary Abbott, who wore a straight face and pursed lips, the lady beside him was all smiles, beaming brighter when Olivia met her gaze and smiled back at her.
”Good morning, Princess Olivia,” Secretary Abbot and the lady greeted in unison. While Secretary Abbott slightly bowed, the lady did her best to curtsy but stopped midway when Olivia rushed to her aid, cupping the lady's elbow to keep her from doing the ridiculous protocol.
”It's the 21st century. Aren't we in the modern times to be doing curtsies and bows?” Olivia asked, smiling sweetly at the lady who sent her a thumbs up.
”This is why Isla was crazy about you.” The lady clapped her hands and c.o.c.ked a brow at Secretary Abbott. She then faced Olivia and introduced herself, ”I'm Tamara Eddy, Mistress of Household, but you can call me Tammy for short, Your Highness. About the curtsy, don't worry about me. I'm not as uptight as this gargoyle.” She snorted, patting Secretary Abbott's back.
”Oh, I'm sure Secretary Abbott knows how to have fun too. He's just following the rules. Am I right, Secretary Abbott?” Olivia fanned her eyelashes towards the man's way and had a field day enjoying the scowl on his face.
”Princess Olivia is absolutely correct,” Secretary Abbott agreed and cleared his throat.
He immediately dove into the details of their schedule that morning, which includes touring The Highlands' grounds and meeting all the hundred and fifty staff that help maintain the massive estate.
Secretary Abbott then left Olivia under the care and guidance of Tammy who oversees the hospitality, catering, and housekeeping of the royal family. Olivia listened as they walked the long and never-ending halls of the mansion.
From time to time, Olivia would look over her shoulders just to check if Tammy and Yana were catching up on her.
It was a known fact in The Highlands that Olivia walked faster than an average person in Nisia, and the protocol of royals walking ahead of anyone often left some staff catching their breaths as they matched her pace.