Alcingeria

Chapter Thirty Eight: Anticipation

Chapter Thirty Eight Anticipation:

Wednesday June 30th 1690

I opened my eyes to find the sun streaming through my window, giving the room a warm and inviting glow. Princess Estaire's birthday ball is tomorrow. I looked across the room to find Lawrence standing behind a trolley, silently stirring a cup of tea.

"Good morning sir," he greeted. "How did you sleep?"

"Fine, thanks." I replied. "You?"

He chuckled under his breath quietly, and for the first time, I noticed his fatigued state.

"I did not."

"Wait," I said, "you're serious?"

"I did not sleep." He repeated. "We servants are not allowed to sleep very often, we must always see that our masters are attended to. On top of that, we have other duties expected of us. We are only permitted to sleep once every two days, roughly. However, we all get a little nap in when we can. Granted, we cannot let anyone see us."

"Who says?" I demanded. "I'll have a chat with whoever's running this show."

"I implore you, do not take that attitude any further than this room," he said calmly, handing me the warm little cup. "My technical employer is Queen Yuka herself."

"Queen Yuka forbids you to sleep every day!?" I exclaimed.

"Yes," he nodded, "we cannot disobey the Queen. Her punishments are quite... Severe."

I yawned and stretched. I felt so bad for Lawrence and the other servants. They couldn't go to sleep every night, only every other. How terrible was that?

"Would you like something to eat, sir?" He asked just as courteously as he would when asking about anything else.

I sipped my tea as my stomach rumbled.

"Yes, please." I replied, still disgruntled over what I'd just heard.

"Very well. You slept past breakfast, but lunch should be started by now." Lawrence said.

"I slept past breakfast?" I asked quickly. "What time is it?"

"Oh, about noon."

I nodded and got out of bed. My eyes fell on the clothes on my nightstand. I quickly finished by cup of tea and set it on Lawrence's trolley.

"Thanks for the clothes, by the way."

"You are welcome, sir. It was my pleasure."

I walked over to the door and Lawrence opened it for me. I walked out and he followed. I made my way down the stairs to the main corridor and entered the dining hall, Lawrence trailing behind me. I cast a look at the door to the ballroom. It was lined with red and blue streamers that were studded with red roses. Above the streamers hung a banner with the words "Happy Fifteenth Birthday Estaire Yuka!" I grinned. The banner seemed informal, likely from a friend, if she had any, that was. I hadn't meant that as an insult, but her mother looked like she might be a little protective.

The ball promised to be entertaining nonetheless. I turned back to the dining hall and Lawrence rushed forward and to open the door for me.

"Thanks, Lawrence." I acknowledged.

He just dipped his head. I stepped through into the dining hall and saw all of my friends sitting at the table, accompanied by their servants behind them.