Drunk Dahlia
In the tranquility of the night, the bustling kitchen became a hub of camaraderie as maids and guards alike indulged in much-needed respite. Laughter filled the air as they gathered around the table, savoring their meals and reveling in each other’s company.
Dahlia, feeling drawn to the jovial atmosphere, walked into the kitchen with quiet surprise. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her—maids and guards mingling together, sharing drinks and having fun.
She hesitated for a moment before taking a seat next to Adala, the warm smile on her face reflecting the relief she felt from being included. Adala, noticing Jade’s hostile gaze, furrowed her brows and excused herself, stating that she would be right back, leaving Dahlia to observe the surroundings on her own.
Dahlia’s eyes glided across the room, taking in the lively atmosphere of maids and guards coming together, reveling in each other’s company. The colors and scents from the various dishes filled the air, tinged with laughter and merriment. Her gaze landed on a group of maids clustered around a table adorned with a vivid blue beverage that seemed to glisten under the warm light. The sight was so alluring that Dahlia couldn’t resist the temptation to have a taste.
With intrigue pulling her closer, Dahlia approached the table, her hand gently resting on the smooth surface. Assessing her surroundings, she picked up a glass and carefully poured the deep blue liquid until it nearly spilled over the rim. A maid who sat beside her held her concern, urging Amour to exercise caution with the potent concoction.
“Careful! The drink is highly alcoholic. Maybe you should reduce-“, The maid began, her words laced with worry.
But Dahlia’s confident smile brushed away the warning, dismissing any caution. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” she assured the girl, gazing into her eyes with a reassuring sparkle. With that, she delicately brought the glass to her lips and took a tentative sip. Immediately, her eyes widened, and a burst of delight danced across her features.
“Mm, it’s sweet,” she murmured, her voice filled with sheer pleasure. Dahlia took another sip, allowing the taste to envelop her palate, causing her smile to widen into one of pure joy. The vibrant flavor sent a wave of contentment through her, momentarily forgetting the looming challenges that awaited her.
***~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~***
Frustration etched across her face, Jade forcefully extricated herself from Adala grip, her eyes blazing with anger. They stood outside, not too far from the bustling kitchen, shadows cast upon them by the fading light of the setting sun. Ruby exhaled sharply, her gaze refusing to meet Adala’s..
“What is it that you want from me?” she demanded, her voice laced with defiance.
Adala sighed, her frustration mirrored in the other girl’s eyes. “You’ve been avoiding me lately. What’s going on?”.
Jade looked away from her.
“You know what you did”.
Jade’s accusation caused Adala’s eyebrows to furrow, her eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and defense. She braced herself, unsure of what Jade’s next words might hold.
“I saw you with Ponce,” Jade spat out, her tone laced with confrontation.
Adala’s breath caught in her throat, her mind racing to retrace her steps, desperately searching for any interaction with Ponce that could have been misconstrued. She felt a surge of frustration rise within her, suffocating her voice as she attempted to respond.
“So?” Adala questioned, her voice a mix of defiance and uncertainty.
“He was holding you, and you two were so close to kissing,” Jade fired back, her eyes burning with accusation.
Adala’s face contorted with disbelief, her brows furrowing as the weight of Jade’s words registered. “What?! Kissing? I was on the verge of losing my life! How could you even think I would be doing that?” Adala retorted, her voice heavy with exasperation.
As Adala recalled the embarrassing comment she had made about Ponce’s anatomy, regret washed over her, the memory intensifying her frustration. She let out a frustrated groan, feeling the heat of embarrassment flush her cheeks.
“Gosh! That was so embarrassing!” Adala exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of embarrassment and resentment.
Jade’s confusion deepened, her curiosity piqued by Adala’s outburst. “What?” she asked, her mind swirling with questions.
Sighing heavily, Adala collected herself, composing her thoughts as best she could before addressing Jade. “I’ll tell you about it someday. But for now, just know that there’s nothing…absolutely nothing going on between Ponce and me,” she explained, her voice laced with conviction. She desperately hoped that her honest words would ease Ruby’s concerns.
Jade’s lips curved into a small smile, relief washing over her features. “Really?” she questioned tentatively, her voice tinged with hope.
Adala nodded, grateful to see a flicker of understanding in Ruby’s eyes. “Yes, really. Can’t believe you acted that way because of him,” she murmured, rolling her eyes playfully.
“I’m sorry,” Jade whispered, her expression now adorned with a cute pout.
Adala’s heart softened, her fondness for Ruby overriding any lingering frustration. She reached out and gently said “It’s all right. We should head back now”. Jade smiled and they turned to walk back into the kitchen.
Adala’s eyes widened as she entered the kitchen and laid eyes on her friend, Dahlia, standing on top of the table. The room was filled with excitement as the others cheered and encouraged her dancing antics. It seemed that Dahlia had transformed into the life of the party, wielding a spoon as her makeshift microphone.
“What’s my name?” She shouted, her voice filled with drunken enthusiasm.
“Dahlia!” the others responded in unison.
Buoyed by the positive energy around her, Dahlia cranked up the volume, repeating her question even louder. The kitchen erupted with louder cheers of “Dahlia!” as she continued her hilarious performance.
Adala let out a sigh, a mixture of amusement and concern. She approached the table, determined to bring her intoxicated friend down before she hurt herself.
“Let me go! I want to dance more!” Dahlia slurred, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Jade, who had been observing the scene, chimed in with a sigh. “I think she’s drunk,” she commented, her voice filled with worry.
Adala shook her head, a touch of exasperation in her voice. “Gosh! I leave you for just a few minutes, and you’re already drunk?” she scolded Dahlia lightly, trying to hide her concern.
Realizing that it was time to take charge of the situation, Adala turned to Jade. “Let’s take her to her room,” she suggested, her tone laced with determination.
Jade nodded in agreement, both of them understanding that Dahlia needed a safe space away from the party atmosphere. They gently guided her off the table, offering support as her unsteady steps threatened to send her tumbling.
Just as they began to make their way towards the door, two unfamiliar men burst into the kitchen, their expressions stern and focused.
“Boss asked us to bring the thief,” one of them announced, their voices devoid of any room for argument.
Adala’s eyes widened in surprise and confusion. “I’m sorry, but she’s drunk, and we were about to take her to her room,” she quickly explained, hoping to reason with the men.
“It’s Boss’s orders,” the man declared firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Adala felt an uneasy knot tighten in her stomach as they forcefully began to separate Dahlia from their grasp.