Chapter 23 - A Mess of Wine

Lilith peeked over Raymond’s shoulder as she placed his food down on his desk.

“Again with the Shakespear book?” she raised an eyebrow.

Raymond closed down the book next to the tray and he shifted it in front of him. “What would you have me read instead?”

Lilith was stumped for a moment. She didn’t expect him to ask her that. “I have read many books. There are so many to choose from. But in all honestly, I would have you read a book I know you will find weird just to see your reaction.”

“And what classifies as weird?” He picked up the knife and fork and began to cut into the steak on his plate.

“Something like a historical romance that’s completely wack. The most predictable plot ever with the most irritating characters.”

“Wack?” The Duke gave her a confused look.

Right. Wrong era. “It means crazy.”

“Is that the language used back in Martease.”

Lilith hummed. “You could say that.”

Going to the smaller table that was located in the back corner of the room. Lilith took the chair from there and put it in front of Raymond’s desk.

“Don’t you have things to do? I’m sure there is always something that needs to be done.” He placed some meat in his mouth, the sauce staining his lips.

“Making sure that you have at least ten minutes of human interactions is one of my duties now. It seems that you are still not fluent in the ways of conversation. And yet you are someone who speaks so eloquently.”

Raymond grumbled. He was fluent in the way of conversation. He just did not like to engage in it. If he needed to, and he has, he could chat for hours in a room of people and be able to hold a decent conversation with all of them. At balls and other gatherings, such things have been required of him.

“I can. I just don’t want to,” he said, drinking from the cup that was next to the plate.

Lilith watched Raymond’s reaction as he drank the juice. He was expecting wine like she would serve him, but this time she thought that juice would be better. As soon as the liquid passed his lips he reeled back and then looked down to see Lilith looking at him with shining eyes.

“What is this?” he demanded with a threatening glare as he put the glass down with a thunk.

“Excessive drinking can cause headaches and seeing as those are the bane of your existence right now, I would try to cut back on the wine if I were you, Mr. Cavill.”

“You are not at the liberty to decide that.” he almost snapped.

Lilith’s gaze hardened and she leaned back a bit. Has he become dependent on alcohol? Is that why he’s upset?

Raymond always had wine with his meals because it calmed his head. He was used to it and that was something he did not want to change. And yet, Lilith thought differently. At the rate this was going, she was going to make changes to his whole life before he even got a say in it. He’s been too lenient with her until now. Maybe it was because he was impressed with her help that he unconsciously treated her differently. And it seemed Lilith stepped out of her place because of that.

“I am just trying to help you. All of this drinking is not good for my health.”

“And what do you know about my health?”

“I know that it’s deteriorating. I know that I need to help you stop drinking so much.”

“Although you are my servant and do help me with my medication it does not-”

“Your Grace.” Lilith stood up from her chair. “You are not in the position to be so irresponsible about such things. Moderation is needed in everything and adding drinking to the list of things you cannot do in moderation is not something that needs to happen.”

Raymond gritted his teeth, his patience was slipping. “Who told you, you could speak to me like that. I could have you beaten for your tone.”

“Is that your only defense? Using the fact that you are the great Raymond Cavill and that I, a lowly servant does not know any better?” she asked incredulously.

“You should know your place,” he said lowly.

My place is in the twenty-first century. My place is not being anyone’s servant.

“You’re right,” Lilith laughed. “I should. I guess caring about your health and trying to do what’s best for you is just too much for me to do. I guess I should just let you drink yourself to oblivion or let you get enough headaches that you give yourself a tumor. Sorry for trying to help. Your Grace.”

“How dare you!” Raymond shot up from his chair.