ƓƠƠƊ ƁЄӇƛƔƖƠƦ

“The bathrooms need scrubbing, and Lillian’s room needs to be cleaned as well,” Miss. Audrey rattled off. I nodded, and replied with a “Yes Ma’am”. I wouldn’t dare say it out loud but Miss Audrey is a bossy woman. Her stout figure and short brown hair stood out among the slender bodies and lighter colored hair of the other royals.
“Well, off to it girl!”
With a jump, I scurried off down the long halls of the castle and gathered the cleaning supplies I would need. The bathrooms were never quite that dirty, but there are a lot of them. Twelve to be exact. Lillian is another story. Even though she is my age, she acts like she can do whatever she pleases. So I can expect her clothes to be laying on the floor and her bed unmade. Then again, I suppose she can do what she pleases. She’s a royal. Slim, blonde and accompanied with an attitude. Like most of them are.
I nudge open a door to a bathroom. The pearl white tile shines with the sun reflecting on it. Just as I suspected, not dirty. I have to “clean” it anyway. Somehow they always manage to find out. Even though it looks exactly the same. I wipe down the counter and sink, and scrub the floors quickly with skilled hands. I’ve been doing it all my life. Sometimes I think if royals were brought up like maids, they might be a little grateful.
I clean them all without any run-ins with anyone else. I think they are all outside, I heard they just got a new Wyvern. They are dragons, or related to dragons. Its from the Anglo-Saxon word Wivere, which means serpent. Most are nasty, and untamable, and much to big to be a pet. But apparently this one has been bred to be the size of a lilac bush, and has been trained to be well tempered. I wouldn’t trust it.
At the last bathroom, I had to clean the mirror. Someone, most likely Lillian's little brother Tobias, had smeared toothpaste all over it. They look alike but she doesn't treat him like a brother at all. More like a seven year old pest.
“Lucinda, Father wants you outside when you are done cleaning,” Lance’s voice sounded from the doorway. Royal, and Lillian’s older brother, but only a year older. His green eyes were always bright and attentive, and his brown hair by his ears. Looking nothing like the blue eyed Lillian.
“I will be done after Lillian’s room. Do you know what he wants of me?” I asked, curious of what he would want, and worried the same. Lance answered with a small reassuring smile.
“Nothing to worry about. He didn’t sound mad, I might even say he is in a good mood”
He left with a small wave. Well, at least the air felt more positive around me.
I finished up in the bathroom, and moved on to Lillian’s room. White, with elegant carvings framing it. I honestly don’t think she deserves such a beautiful door. Opening it, I saw it wasn’t as bad as I suspected. A couple clothes littered the floor, and the bed unmade. I worked with skilled hands as I cleaned up the mess. As I was picking up a dress from the floor, I saw a piece of paper poking out from under her bed. I reached down, and picked it up. I know I shouldn’t, but curiosity won out.
It was a newspaper from the east side land. The heading read, “Lead on Missing Princess, Gabriela”.

Missing Princess? Why would Lillian have an east-land newspaper? I read on.
Princess Gabriela, who was kidnapped at the age of 4 months was gone without a trace. Now, after 14 years of searching a clue has been found. A ring engraved with the letters ‘HG’ was found in the child’s room, where she was last seen at night, sleeping. Some suspect the western land king, Hugo Gravard. He has denied any part of the accident, but a war is making its way up. King Finnik Tormal has demanded a search of Hugo’s castle, saying “I will not stop until my daughter is found, and will search every land looking for her. I haven’t seen her in 14 years, but I will know it is her when I see her eyes”. Hugo has agreed to have his castle searched, as long as they pay a fee of two-hundred crowns…

I stopped reading there, afraid of being caught. Why would the king do such a thing? He is a mean man at times, but not as cruel to take a child. I haven’t seen anyone that resembled a royal from the east around here.
I put the paper back where I found it, and left the room confused. I put away the cleaning supplies and hurried down the large halls to find the doors to outside. I had this nagging feeling about that newspaper. It said a war was raising, but how could they start it over what someone thought? If I was a royal, I wouldn’t do that. Once again my theory that royals should be brought up as house servants is proved. Then they would learn patience and control.
I slowed to a halt as Lillian came into view, her face in an annoyed expression and her feet practically stomping. Now what?
“What is taking you so long? Father is getting annoyed,” She hissed. Her blue eyes blazed with the hidden power inside her.
“I was cleaning your room. I was on my way there now,” I stated, emphasizing that it was her room I was busy with. I thought about adding the part that if she kept her room clean herself we wouldn’t have this problem, but decided against it.
“Well you could have cleaned it faster, now get to the garden before I tell him that you tried to burn down my room,” she snapped back. She and I both know that I never did such a thing, but who would the King believe, his own royal daughter, or the house help? Exactly. I brushed past her and hurried down the hall.
Why does she have the right to tell lies about me? To lie, cheat, and over all be a snotty brat? The royal title gives her the permission. I’m plenty happy not being a royal, I am glad I wasn’t brought up like them.
I push the big wooden doors open in frustration. They swing out with ease, and the sun shines through, blinding me at first. I blink and let my eyes adjust before traveling through the pear trees and lilac bushes. Those plants were Queen Salvian’s idea. Beautiful , they are. Finally I came to the maze of trimmed bushes, that stood higher than me. I knew these like the back of my hand. I traveled through them, enjoying the sight of the white flowers that grew on the sides.
Then I come to the actual garden, which rests right in the middle of the maze. The king was seated on a white bench next to the sparkling fountain. His face showed no emotion, and he looked to be in deep thought. His face still looked young, despite his old age, only his graying hair showed his true age. Then, seeming to notice me, he spoke.
“Lucinda, I’ve been waiting. I have something for you to do. My new Wyvern, he is being sent up north to be checked for his health. You are to go with him, and make sure everything goes smoothly. You should be expected back the beginning of the new week”
Going with his new dragon, and he trusts me? Before, he wouldn’t even let me watch over Tobias. This is a big deal.
“Yes sir. Are you sure about your choice of me going? I know how much you treasure it..”
“Of course I am sure. Do not question me. Think of this as a test, if all goes smoothly, you will be rewarded as just,” He said, interrupting me.
“Yes sir. When are your Wyvern and I leaving?” I asked, nervous about asking a question, not sure if it counted as ‘questioning him’. His voice is full with so much power, it makes me want to quiver.
“This night, Lance will fetch you when the time comes. Get your things that you will need now, so there is no wasted time,” he said with dismiss. I left without another word, with two emotions clashing inside me. Fear, and joy. Does he finally trust me? Does this mean I wont be treated as a pet? Then the down fall…Will the Wyvern hurt me? I don’t even know how to handle one, let alone make sure it is okay.
Pushing those thoughts out of my head, I started to think of what I would need. I don’t have much to begin with. The beginning of the new week is in five days, so I would need 5 outfits and 4 night wear…Toothbrush, and a book. I would have to hide the book though, I’m not allowed to read. Reading is strictly prohibited to all house help. They say it distracts us and makes us daydream. Lucky me, I can multitask. I remember having secret lessons with Leona, the old maid, when I was little. I remember the first day…
**FLBA**
“Hello little miss, what is your name?” Leona asked, looking down at me with big brown eyes.
“Lucinda,” I said shyly. This was my first day as a maid in training, I’m only five. Everything is so big, and I’m scared. How will I not get lost in such a big place?
“Oh, what a beautiful name! Well, I am Leona, and I’m going to teach you how to work, live, and get away with things,” she said, taking my small hand in her rough- yet soft one. I giggled at the last part.
“Lee-o-na” I said, trying to sound it out. That name reminds me of a queen. Leona led me around the castle, telling me about life around there and what I’ll have to do later on. All of this frightened me, I didn’t want this life. It sounds so hard, getting two small meals, no fun, and no breaks. Leona squeezed my hand reassuringly whenever she felt me hesitate.
“Now, see here baby girl. You must do what the royals-”
“What are royals?” I interrupted her, confused by her word.
“The Queen, King, Princess, Prince, and anyone related to them. Now, hush up so I can talk. You must do what they tell you. If you don’t, bad things can happen-”
“Like what bad things?”
“They might hurt you. Now, don’t interrupt me anymore. If you cant listen to me, then you wont listen to them, and that’s when things get bad. Do what they say, don’t ask questions, and always believe,” she said, almost down to a whisper. She put a finger to her lips when I was about to ask what she meant by, ‘always believe’, silencing me. I nodded, planning to do what she instructed.
First, she stated me off with just picking up trash and throwing it away, then with scrubbing the floors. I hated it so much, I had broke the bucket by kicking it. Leona gave me my two-bits after that. At the end of the day, my hands were red and my knees sore. I was exhausted. Finally, at last we get to eat.
Leona was explaining the routine for dinner. That we eat at the table with everyone else, and clean everyone’s dishes when they are finished. Breakfast, we don’t sit at the table, we just grab something and go to work, then clean the dishes. My head felt like it was going to explode with all the new information. Until this day, I had only known of people, animals, houses, and how to talk.
Leona and I ate quietly while the royals chatted amongst themselves. Leona made me eat a lot, saying I would need the energy later on for tomorrow. Sitting across from me was Lance and Lillian. I smiled at them both, liking Lillian’s crystal blue eyes, and Lance’s bright green ones.
Lillian snorted, and looked at me like I was something gross. “Looks like a gnome,” she snickered. My friendly expression turned to one of hurt. How could she be so mean? Lance nudged her, giving her a disapproving glare, and smiled back at me. My mood only lightened a tad.
“Come on Lucy dear,” Leona said after she washed the dishes, I had helped dry them. I cant reach the sink yet. I followed her without hesitation,, already trusting her completely. We went down long, twisting halls until we come to a plain wooden door with a rose engraved at the top. She twisted the gold colored handle and nudged me inside before shutting the door behind herself.
“Can I trust you?” was the first thing she asked. I nodded, of course she could.
“Good, but you must swear never to tell a soul,” she insisted, dead serious.
“I swear,” I promised. I almost couldn’t hide the smile, this was the most exciting this today.
“I’m going to teach you how to read. This is very dangerous, it can get us killed. We are not allowed to read, or write,” She said in a whisper.
“Why not?” I asked. I barley even know what reading is, but I heard some of the royals making letters into words.
“Because they don’t want us to have fun, they think we wont do any work if were caught up in book fantasies,” she replied, “I am serious, you mustn’t tell anyone. Or I swear, they will kill us both,”
I nodded, shocked, but understanding. Leona walked over to the little night table and pulled a drawer open. She took out a book, pen, and notebook.
“Lets begin,”
****
Leona is gone now. On my 7th birthday, the royals all told me that she “was taking a break” But I doubt that, really. Plus, she told me what was going to happen. She said that they found out about the lessons and that they were going to kill her. The only was they didn’t do the same to me was because she persuaded them not to. Saying that I didn’t learn anything, that I couldn’t pay attention. I learned a lot more than just reading though.
I felt a hot tear run down my cheek, and I quickly whipped it away. I hurried up the stairs to my room, embarrassed by my foolishness. I shouldn’t be thinking of the past.
I opened the door and shut it behind me, and it shut with a bang.
My bed is small, and it’s pillow and blanket are lavender, about the most colorful thing in the room. Other than the other two beds that were blue and orange.
I pulled open the drawer to my white dresser, and pulled out the clothes I needed, taking careful not to put the book hidden in one of the dresses. I grabbed the rest of my things, and but them in the bag I had. After double checking I had everything, I zipped the ugly brown thing shut.
Now, at the moment, I had nothing to do. Dinner would began soon, in little than half the hour. So as long as no one needs me, I’m good. Which is highly unlikely.
“Lucinda!” Lillian’s voice screeched from somewhere in the castle. My point proven exactly. Sighing, I hurried down the hall to check her room for her.
Her door was ajar, and I glanced inside. It was a mess. Clothes spewed everywhere, the dresser tipped over, papers scattered on the floor. That wasn’t the worst sight, though. Lillian had her hand raised, just above a cowering Tobias. My eyes went wide, and I instinctively dived forward, in front of the little boy.
Pain blossomed in my cheek as Lillian’s hand came down. I stumbled back, but quickly regained composure and pushed Tobias behind me. Not even thinking of the throbbing pain in my cheek for a second.
“Look what he did to my room! My room! You’re cleaning this up!” Lillian screeched, nearing hysterical. Her perfect finger pointed straight at me. Anger boiled in side me. I was sick of this little snot-faced brat.
“You better put that finger down before I snap it,” I growled, continuing, “And how dare you hit him. He is only a child! Your brother,” I hissed angrily. I could feel something inside me threatening to spill over, something growing. I just knew I had to put her in line.
We stared daggers at each other for a second, then her eyes flashed red. The air around me seemed to be withdrawn and my eyes went wide. I clutched my neck, unable to breath. My throat stung, and my lungs burned from lack of oxygen. I shouldn’t have said that. Shouldn’t have said anything. What in heavens name was I thinking? I never do that type of thing!
Black dots began to dance across my vision, and the room seemed to spin. “Lillian!” someone’s voice boomed, a second later my breathing was restored. I collapsed to the ground coughing and gasping for air. Tobias crawled into my lap, crying.
Lance stood in the door way, a bewildered and angry expression on his face.
“What is going on?” he demanded. He glared at Lillian, not even glancing my way. I could see Lillian turn from ‘syco brat’ to ‘innocent little sister’.
“It was all her! She destroyed my room! Even tried to hurt Tobias! She’s crazy, and I had to stop her!”
If I wasn’t still trying to breath steadily, I would have laughed. I only hoped he wouldn’t believe her.
“Nu-uh! I-I messed up her ro-room! L-Lil was going to hit me!” Tobias said, still crying. I put my arms around him, hugging him close. He is a brave little boy, if only I could keep protecting him. What will he do when I am not here?
Lillian glared at him, and him and I both cowered back. Lance looked over at me, his hard face softening only a little.
“Tobias, go help mother in the garden,” he said grabbing my arm and heading out the door. I stumbled after him, not quite stable. Tobias scrambled to his feet and ran down the hall to the stairs.
Lance’s grip was tight, and I had to rush to keep up. Finally after we were a ways down the hall, he stopped. He turned his eyes on me, and I looked at my arm, wishing he would let go before I lot the circulation in it. Seeing how tightly he held it, he let go, mumbling “sorry”
A bruise was forming there, and I rubbed it. I still didn’t look up. Embarrassed and frightened.
“What really happened?” he asked, voice softer. I managed to say it without stuttering to much.
“She called, I came, she was going to hit him, I jumped between them,” I touched my cheek, “She yelled at me, and..I got mad…I yelled back, I couldn’t help it, you saw the rest” I said quickly. A moment of silence passed and I focused on the pounding of my heart. Or maybe it was the throbbing in my cheek.
“She hit you?” he asked. I nodded, again touching my cheek. His hand brushed back my long dark-blonde hair from the face while his other hand tugged my chin up, so I was no longer looking down. His soft gaze hardened when he saw the bruise. His jaw clenched.
After a moment that seemed to last forever, he released me. I took a step back, and avoided his eyes. I hated my weakness, my shyness. I cant even stand up for myself. Why am I even alive. Really, sometimes I wonder if I have a propose in life.
“Hey, your okay. Don’t worry. Lillian should not have done that. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you over this, this is all Lilly’s fault,” he said gently, as I started to tremble. Without meaning to, I doubted his words. He doesn’t have a say in what happens to me. His mother and father do. Both would listen to Lillian, despite the Queen being as nice as Lance. It would look bad if he went against the king.
“Its time for supper, come on,” he said, and I fallowed him down the hall, and stairs, and turns. Until finally, we met the dining room doors. They were big and a deep brown, with elegant carvings on the border.
I don’t think I could even bother hoping that Lillian hadn’t told her parents about what happened. Only, it would be her version of it. Fantastic. Sensational, Superb.
Lance pushed open the two big doors, and they swung open with ease. Inside were Marco, Emory, Kalica, and Susanna. The other servants. Also Queen Salvian and King Hugo on the other end of the table, who both looked annoyed. All eyes turned to us and the doors banged shut behind us. I ducked my head down and hurried toward the end of the table Emory was at. His blue-grey eyes looked at me worriedly as I sat in the wooden chair next to him, still looking down. My hair creating a curtain, shielding me from all staring eyes.
“Lance, where is your sister? Tobias has told me about what happened, with detail,” Salvian said, and I felt her gaze on me. I shrunk back into me chair, not wanting the attention.
“Yes well, I haven’t an idea where she might be. But if you have any questions about what happened, I wouldn’t go to her first, mother,” Lance replied, taking his seat next to his father.
“Lance, are you implying that your sister would not be truthful?” Hugo questioned loudly. Its not that he sounded mad, or even annoyed. Maybe a little shocked, and angry…
“Take my words as you will and think of the meaning, father. You will know my intentions,” Lance stated boldly. No one but him and his sister talk to him like that. It’s considered disrespectful and rude.
The doors shutting cut off what Hugo was going to say next, and everyone glanced over to the door. Speak of the devil. There was Lillian, in her red and gold, elegant dress. Looking perfect as always. Her eyes met mine, as cold as ice, and I ducked me head low, avoiding her eyes. Cold and cruel.
Her feet made little sound as she traveled over to her seat next to her mother.
“Mother,” she greeted her and sat down.
“Lillian, we have a matter to discuss after dinner,” Salvain said evenly.
“Yes mother,” Lillian said back, just as even. An awkward silence fallowed suite. You could hear shuffling feet under the table. My feet being one of them.
“Everyone is here, let us eat,” Hugo announced, and small chatter broke out along with the sound of plates moving.
On the royal side, there was a full buffet. On our side however, there was bread, butter, beans, water, and some fruit. I grabbed a piece of bread and some beans, along with some grapes. When I was little, I thought this was a lot.
“Hey, what’s wrong, Luce?” Emory asked quietly, placing his hand over my trembling one.
“Nothing.” I answered without looking up. I pushed around the grapes on my plate. I wasn’t feeling so hungry anymore. Or even excited about the trip, I doubted I would even be able to go now.
“Don’t lie to me. You don’t seem so good. What happened with Lillian?” he questioned further. His hand gripped mine tighter. Why did he have to push it? I know he cares and all….but I don’t want to talk about it.
“I’m fine. Something did happen with Lillian, but its over,” I said, trying to stop his pestering.
“Did she hurt you?” he asked, worry tingeing his words. Spot on. I didn’t answer; instead I put a grape in my mouth. I ate it slowly, using it as an excuse as not to talk. Maybe he would just drop it.
“Leave her alone Em, she obviously doesn’t want to talk about it,” Susan interrupted him as he was about to speak. I silently thanked her eavesdropping. At least she knew how I felt.
Susana is on the other side of Emory, twins, looking exactly the same, including the straight black hair. They even act the same.
Emory sighed. “Sorry Lu,” he said, and released my hand. He’s protective over everyone, as if we were a big family. He has a kind heart, for the most part anyway.
“I just worry sometimes. You know what happened to Leona, I don’t want it happening to anyone else,” he said in a sad voice. I understood what he was saying, and I felt the same. If anyone else died though, we would be expected to ignore it. If we cried, and got sad it would affect our work. Then that would bring on problems. I honestly don’t know what I would do.
For the rest of dinner, we ate in mostly silence, making small talk about what we did today, Kalika was complaining, and Marco was describing what the Wyvern looked like. He said he had caught a glimpse of it when they were letting it out of its cage.
I ignored them, only nodding slightly when I was listening to Marco. I finished half my supper.
A loud bell rang across the whole kingdom, making my ears ring. It’s the eight o’clock bell, meaning supper was done. Everyone in the land can hear it, thou it doesn’t been the end of supper for everyone.
All of the servants quickly finished eating and began to gather the dishes. Mine was the only one with food still on it, so I had to put it on top. My job was to gather the plates, which made it easier. I was able to get them all in one trip, stacking them all on top of each other. As I made my way to the kitchen, Marco joined me. He carried all of the silverware inside a large tin cylinder.
“So, I heard the king himself chose you to go with the wyvern up north”
“Yes, he did,” I confirmed. Marco is one for the animals, he loves them.
“I wish it was me going,” he lowered his voice, “I heard the castle is being searched by the east-land king and his warriors. Apperently, Hugo is being acused of kidnapping King Finnik’s daughter fourteen years ago.”
So he heard too? I was glad I was going to miss that all. The last this I need is a whole bunch of royal east-warriors crawling around me. I could deal with less activity.
“Well, then I am glad I am leaving. Thou, I haven’t the faintest clue who would be a east royal here,” I pondered the thought. If there was an east royal among us all, what would she look like? I heard that east royals look different from west, but mostly the same.
“For all we know, it could be you,” Marco joked with a chuckle. I let out a small laugh as well, the thought made me laugh. I look nothing like a royal, except my eye color, which is a dark blue.
I put the plates down next to the sink, and pushed my hair behind my ears, in attempt to keep it from getting wet.
“Christ,” Marco gasped as his eyes landed on my cheek. I had forgotten about that. I quickly brushed my hair back over it, hoping no one else would see it.
“What happened Lucy?” he asked, clearly shocked. My guess would be that he had not made the connection between what Salvian had to discuss with Lillian and the incident earlier.
“It’s nothing, I just opened my mouth when I should have kept it shut,” I tried to get him to quite down. He gets loud easily, and sometimes doesn’t even notice it.
“Lucy, who did that? It looks like it hurts, have you seen it?” he carried on. Actualy, I haven’t seen it yet, and by the way he sounds so concerned about it, I’m not sure I want to.
“Lillian, and its fine. Doesn’t hurt at all,” I lied.
“Your arm too,” he pointed to my upper arm, where Lance had grabbed me.
“That’s nothing, it wasn’t from Lillian,”
“Just take care Lucy, no one here want’s you to end up like Leona.” He spoke so bluntly about it, as if we were still talking about the wyvern. I guess he didn’t really know her.
I nodded slightly, and cleaned the plates without another word.

Impressum

Texte: All text belongs to me, do not copy any part of the text in this book
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 08.06.2012

Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Widmung:
To everyone who encouraged me to keep writing.