At Your Service

Chapter 2- Service Pledge

I've got five minutes to be at the throne room.  How the fuck am I gonna get there? I double time it. I looked at the sink for a second, contemplating my options. Do I have time for my skin care routine? Probably not. But in any case, I lathered my face with Nivea Acne Face Wash (shout out to Florent for putting me on). If I might be late, I'll look fucking amazing when I arrive. 

I already have an outfit that I chose the night before, with Marianne's help thankfully. Awhile back we managed to find some name brands leftover from the royals lying around the palace: a Gucci polo, with some Versace jeans. I threw it on as quickly as I can and I tie it all together with a pair of Vans. I nearly sprinted out of my quarters realizing I had almost forgotten the most important piece of my outfit. I rushed back to my pillow and took out a gold stretch bracelet with emeralds engraved in it, the most precious gem of Elodia. It was my dad's, given to him by the king himself. It's one of the only things I have left of him. I slip it on my right wrist, as I dashed out of my quarters into the hall.

I emerged into the hall. The throne room is on the top floor, the sixth one. I'm on floor one. I check the time again, hopeful that it wasn't to late. 5:58, shit, I'll never make it in time. The staircase is on the west side of the palace, I'm in the center. But even if I made it there,  it would take five minutes at least to get to the top. There's an elevator right next to the knight's quarters but it's restricted access. Only like 5 people people can use it, including the royals.

I sank to the ground. I can't believe it. People lose their jobs over shit like this. I heard the quick pattering of footsteps, from around the corner. I looked to my right and saw Mila turn the corner. 

"Mila?" I called out.

"Baker? Oh my god there you are!" she responded, in a relieved voice. She speed walked toward me, her long, silky, jet black hair was tied back into a ponytail swaying back and forth with every step. She's wearing a pair of Hermès heels and a short, form-fitting blue dress. Mila is the most well-liked person in the palace, probably in the country. It's no surprise she'd look absolutely stunning.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I could ask you the same thing," she scolded. "You're supposed to be in the throne room."

"I overslept," I sighed. "I'll never make it in time," I said, looking at my phone again. She looked around, as if she was making sure no one was in sight. She leaned in closer to me, lowering her voice.

"Look, I'm not supposed to do this but follow me," she motioned me to come with her, I trail behind. Her heels were tapping against the polished wood floor toward the elevator.

"What are you doing? We can't use the elevator," I protested. She reached in her bra, I looked away, my face turning red.

"You can look. I'm not flashing you," she laughed. She whipped a key card from her chest. "I have access. Now come on you've got to be upstairs in a minute."

We step into the elevator, she pressed floor six. The doors close.

...

The elevator dinged open, I step out checking my phone again. 5:59, I just made it. Mila practically shoved me into the throne room.

"If you're going to be a retainer it's important for you to be punctual," she lectured me.

"Noted," I responded.

"I need some champaign," she sighed starting to walk off.

"You sure you're allowed to drink on duty?" I asked.

"Probably not. Just don't tell the queen okay?" she laughed. 

"Can you get me a drink?" I asked.

"You're too young. Try again once you turn 19," she called out walking off. Damn. I look around the room searching for Marianne and Florent. I've seen the throne room before, but this is my first time actually being inside. It's giant, like five times the size of my quarters. The walls are lined with large windows, which allowed for the natural light outside to penetrate the room. The ceiling has glass tiles which help to further illuminate the area. Behind the throne was a large stained glass window depicting the stars and moon. It's been said that Elodia was established as a country under the light of the moon on a clear night. To the sides of the throne were two flights of stairs that curved around to the base of the throne itself.