Chapter 197 - Foreboding (1/2)

Olivia together with Tammy and Yana were walking the length of East Wing that would lead to the household staff quarters just outside the mansion.

The 'Quarters' as it was called, was a three-story building with dormitories that housed at least seventy to eighty percent of the household staff of The Highlands with men and women living in separately.

To reach their destination, which is the Quarters, they had to exit on the East Wing of the mansion and climb down a short flight of steps.

All the while they were walking, Olivia's eyes wandered on the oil in canvas paintings that adorned the hallways. Some paintings were portraits of a deceased Sui family member while some were paintings from famous artists known to land.

As she drank the images through her eyes, Olivia trained her ears to listen to Tammy's rundown on the dynamics of the royal household and the responsibilities of each department.

Slowly, Tammy's voice softened and blended along with the humming of birds outside the windows that lined along the hallways and illuminated it with natural light.

She walked and walked until she rounded up a corner, and that's when she looked over her shoulder.

”Slowing down, slowing down,” Olivia said in a singsong voice. She was at least ten steps ahead from Tammy and Yana.

”It's quite a workout walking with you, Your Highness. I love it,” Tammy commented, huffing as she stomped a foot upon reaching Olivia.

”Where are we headed next again?” Olivia asked, passing a bottle of water to Tammy who shook a hand, refusing it.

”Our last stop is a place which you're all familiar with.”

”The kitchen.”

Everyone in The Highlands knew how familiar Olivia was with the kitchen. She was a regular in the place, often cooking or baking for the family to clear her mind from all the stress that came with running her own company.

Although royals couldn't enter the kitchen for their safety, King Alistair gave Olivia a permission to come and go as she pleased as long as she wouldn't interrupt on a meal service.

”Good morning, Princess Olivia,” the staff greeted them as they entered the massive kitchen. Tammy formally introduced Olivia to the kitchen staff, which was for appearance's sake as they all knew who she was and even had a chat or two with the newest addition to the Sui family.

The royal chef gave her a formal tour of the kitchen and brought the entourage outside, where a garden brimming with fresh herbs and vegetables were at the kitchen's disposal.

Their tour ended in the security quarters where Shadow stood in attention upon seeing her boss.

”Are we leaving now, President? Got word from His Highness to escort you at Rockaway after your morning engagement.”

Olivia halted and pivoted on her heel to face Tammy. ”Are we?” She gleamed.