Rodrigues

"Have you been waiting long, Rodrigues?"

"Not really."

"Sit down, I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"It is I who apologize for coming at this time of night."

"Is there something urgent?"

"Hmm! I want to say goodbye, Matias!"

"What? Where are you going, Rodrigues?"

"My uncle asked me to come to a Mediterranean country, he recommended all my paintings for the end of year exhibition."

"Really? When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning, I will go to my uncle's house. I'll spend the night there. And the next day I'm leaving directly there with my cousin."

"How long will you be gone, Rodrigues?"

"I don't know! Probably for quite a long time."

"You... really! You know, me and Nivea are in a relationship."

"Really? You're... not dreaming are you?"

"I'm talking seriously, Rodrigues! And we already have the approval of duke Eduardo and his wife."

"Well... I congratulate you, Matias! You've managed to get the girl of your dreams all these years."

"Hmm! Thank you, Rodrigues. I also congratulate you on the luck you got through your uncle. I wish you good luck with your paintings."

"Thank you, my friend! I hope we can exchange news through letters in the future."

"Of course, Rodrigues!"

By the next day, news of the empress's alarming health condition had spread throughout the country. Most of them thought that what happened to the empress was normal. A mother's psychological state was shaken because her son had to undergo punishment as a consequence of his despicable actions.

Moreover, she was unable to see her son for an indefinite period of time.

Since regaining consciousness from her stupor the other day, the empress had been trying to summon all her strength to rise. To push away the pain in her chest. However, every time she thought of her son, her emotions were stirred up again.

"Your lunch is here, Mother. Let me feed you."

The Empress simply nodded and smiled faintly at the face of her daughter, who was sitting at the end of her bed. She had already started her first bite by daughter Nicole.

"I'm so glad you want to eat, Mother. You must be strong and cheerful again.", they chatted in between Nicole's daughter feeding the empress.

"Hmm. Thank you for taking care of me and keeping me company, Nicole. Your demeanor has matured."

"You don't need to thank me for that, Mother. I should be doing it for you."

"You sound very sincere, Nicole. I'm glad to hear that."

"I am very grateful if I can make you happy, Mother. At least, now I can be a useful daughter."

"What are you saying, Nicole? Don't talk like that! You have always been precious to me.", as she gently rubbed one cheek of her daughter.

"Then, don't get sick again, Mommy. Even though big brother is not here, he will be back. And we can wait for him until then, Mother."

The empress nodded, acknowledging daughter Nicole's sweet words. The princess was beginning to succeed in sowing a new spirit in the empress' soul.

"Well, your food is gone, Mother. Now... here is the medicine."

"Thank you, Nicole."

"Hmm... Mother, if you've been getting better these past few days... would... you like to think about... inviting Prince George to visit the palace?"

"What? You... want him to come visit?", with a frown the empress seemed quite surprised by the question.

Princess Nicole nodded, "Hmm... But, if it seems troublesome... there is no need, Mother."

"No, Nicole. I will arrange it for you."

The girl smiled slightly in response to her mother's words.

***

"My job is done, Seri. If it starts getting crowded, you can ask Clara to help you serve. Let David do his own thing.", Nivea stopped her steps beside the ordering table, she appeared from the direction of the kitchen. Ready to go with a pretty hat perched on her head. And a rattan basket tucked in her hand.

"Alright miss. You... look cute in that hat."

"What? Are you insulting me, Seri?"

"No, miss! How could I possibly mean to insult you. You... are rarely seen wearing a hat. And that hat makes you look more elegant."

"Ah, I see. Alright! I... go first, Seri. Wait until Mr. Willy and I return."

After finishing her work of making bread, it was early in the morning that Nivea left the shop. The girl with short hair intended to meet her boyfriend at the vineyard.

She had also brought some sweet bread and two bottles of lemonade in her bread basket. The flowers in the garden of her heart were blooming, eager to see her lover's face. Under the clear sky and quiet city, the carriage continued to move.

Within minutes, Nivea had arrived at the vineyard. She slowly treaded the red, gravelly soil, which spread out before her eyes. Raising the front of her simple dress slightly, Nivea began to stride along the left side of the estate.

As she neared the plantation manager's office building, Matias looked up at her. The man squinted, assuring himself that he wasn't looking at the wrong person. A beautiful smile curved his lips as he realized that Nivea was the girl carrying the rattan basket. His feet began to move forward, eager to welcome his girl.

"It's a surprise, Nivea!"

"Ah, of course Matias! I brought bread and lemonade for us."

"Really? Wow. I'm so lucky.", the two continued walking hand in hand.

"Can... we sit at the edge of the plantation to enjoy the snacks I brought?"

"Sure! Would... you like it if... we looked like we were having a picnic?"

"Ah, how stupid! Why didn't I remember to bring a place mat?"

"No problem Nivea! I can borrow Mr. Carlos' rug."

"Really? He keeps it here?"

"Yes! I've seen it stored in his study. Let's go to his office."

Matias walked first, directing their steps towards a simple white-walled building, with three blue wooden doors on the side.

"Ah, you're Matias!", Mr. Carlos nodded with a wide smile when he noticed Nivea's presence behind Matias' body. Likewise, Nivea smiled kindly back at him.

"Sir, this is my beloved... Miss Nivea Del Castano."

"Ah, well. I am Carlos Alberto. Nice to meet you, miss.", he bowed slightly in greeting.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Carlos.", Nivea also bowed in his honor.

"Mr. Carlos, do you still have the rug here?"

"Ah, of course! Would you like to use it?"

"Yes, sir! I'd like to borrow it."

"You can take it from that cupboard, Matias.", pointing politely to the cupboard in the opposite corner.

"Ah, all right. Thank you, sir!"

"Yes, use it casually."

"Thank you sir.", Nivea added. "Ah, here is a sweet bread for you, Mr. Carlos. I hope you like it.", as she placed a bag of bread on the man's table.

"Ah, thank you ma'am. I will eat it later."

"If you'll excuse us, Mr. Carlos.", Nivea said and turned around as Matias was about to leave.