𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬// 𝐀 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

«𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆»

«ꜱᴏʀʀʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴍɪꜱᴛᴀᴋᴇꜱ- ᴀ/ɴ»

     ESTELLE'S weary eyes swept throughout the dining hall, attempting to locate an area to slump her enervated body onto. She deemed herself too anxious to solicit with some person. She discerned her throat constricting and the platter wavering with her hands—she felt foolish.
     "Something wrong?"
     Startled, Estelle's head jolted to the person who now stood beside her.
     "Huh?"
     "Is something the matter?" The man queried, his tawny eyes examining Estelle questioningly.
     "Oh, I was pondering where to sit." Estelle answered, timidly.
     A vague smile pulled at the man's lips, "come sit with me and my friends!"
     Estelle's mood enlivened, "are you sure?"
     "Of course," The man chuckled.
     "Thank you," Estelle thanked.
     The man held his hand out, "Kaz."
     She clasped her hand around his and gave a brief shake, "Estelle."
     Without him releasing Estelle's hand, Kaz gingerly ushers her over to a solid dining table that seated at least eight persons. Three of the seats were already taken, supposing the three people to be Kaz's friends.
     Kaz led Estelle between him and a stubbly man; he was a burly and intimidating man, towering over Estelle even when he was seated—she had never seen someone so…large?
     The man glimpses down at Estelle before eyeing Kaz.
     "Who's the new girl, Kaz?" He asked, elbowing Estelle with a toothy grin.
     "This is Estelle, Estelle this is cozen!" Kaz acquainted them, scooping a spoonful of soup and wolfing it down.
     "It's nice to meet you," Estelle spoke feebly.
     "No need to be shy, I don't bite!" Cozen teased, smirking.
     He was abruptly shouldered away and replaced with a woman, her thick-curly hair ebony and her skin a rich brown.
     "Don't let him fool you, he does!" The woman disagreed, rolling her eyes lightheartedly.
     Estelle chortled before sipping at her soup
     "I'm Circe," She introduced herself.
     "Estelle."

     Estelle's eardrums rattled at the jarring clangor, the sound of the bell reverberating. She stared confusingly at the others, having the faintest idea what the bell meant. "Why was the bell rung?"
     "It informs us that our break is over, and that we need continue our chores." Kaz replied, gesturing for Estelle to follow him.
     The both of them gather their dishes and disposed them into a sizable tub.
    "This is where we get rid of our dishes when we're finished with them," Kaz stated.
     "I'm very grateful, without you I would be oblivious!" Estelle sighed, carefully sliding the dishes into the tub.
    "Anytime!"

𖥸

     Estelle nudged the door of the kitchen open. The chef, Archie, peered over his shoulder and simpered. "There's the king supper!"
     Estelle smiled appreciatively and retrieved the salver from the counter, "Thank you."
     "Your welcome, lass!"

     Estelle's knuckles thrummed against the entrance of the king's chambers. She stepped away and waited forebearingly to be welcomed in.
     "Enter."
     Estelle caught her breath and opened the door. She tread closer to the king and rested his evening meal before him, then backed away.
      It was quiet between the two as Estelle stood by, waiting to be sent away.
     His hooded eyes glanced up at the tense woman, "aren't you going to ask how I've been?"
     "How was your day, my king?" Estelle faltered, her thumb rubbing at the dorso of her hand.
     "Reasonable, but delightful now that you're here." He exulted, swooshing the spoon around in his tea. 
     The king spoked once more, "I must add when we are alone together, address me as Zuko. Understood?"
      "Yes, Zuko."
     An amiable smile came to his sultry lips and then silence appeared, abiding until Estelle accumulated enough courage to voice herself.
     "Am I dismissed, Zuko?"
     "Hm, I guess so." He nodded, scooting the dishes away.
     Estelle's shoulders sagged, relieved she wasn't bashed for speaking out of turn. She fetched the dishes from his work surface and left the room.

     Coming into the kitchen,  Marley rested alongside Archie; her leg swayed as she babbled with him, smiling radiantly—undoubtedly having feelings for the older man.
     Marley whirled around, acknowledging Estelle's presence.
     "I assume you did well?"
     "I believe I did," Estelle guessed.
     Marley bobs her head, " I'm sure you did since you're not crying or injured. But, certainly you're worn out. Wash those dishes and I'll assist you to your room."
    "Yes ma'am."

𖥸

     "You'll retire here." Marley intoned, easing the door open with her forearm.
     The both of them stepped into the room, "there you're uniform and nightwear."
     "Question, where may the showers be?" Estelle questioned, pinching at her dress.
     "Down the corridor, to the right!" Marly answered, lifting her finger.
     "Oh okay, thank you!" Estelle appreciated, her lips curving upwards.
     "My pleasure, I'll be taking my leave now."
     Estelle flopped on to the unpleasant bed, reminiscing, and released a rickety sigh as she repressed her tears. Estelle felt deja vu grasp at her hand, aware that she was going to be repeating days like these until her death.

____________________

Wattpad is making my work look weird, so I apologize!

//Written: October 18, 2021//
//Total of words: 841//