A maid in the castle

Eight

Rose's POV

I let out a sigh of tiredness as I collapse on my bed. Today was completely busy and exhausting especially with guests coming in from far and near. I was mostly asked to work with food and other stuff and so, there was a lot of running around.

"Finally, I can go to sleep". Fawn exclaims as she collapses on her bed beside mine.

"Seriously". Jade concurs.

"Well, it's time for me to shower for the night". Lucy says as she grabs her bag of toiletries.

"You really do have the strength don't you? I swear if I could, I'd have my bathe three times a week, twice if I feel a lot lazier". Fawn yawns sleepily. Lucy rolls her eyes and walks out.

It's no secret that Lucy and Fawn are completely different. Lucy is completely clean and well organized while Fawn is the opposite.

"Do you even wash dishes well? Considering you're dirty?". Jade asks Fawn. Fawn scoffs.

"My personal hygiene has nothing to do with my work hygiene. I do what I have to do as long as I'm paid for it". She waves her hand lazily before slowly closing her eyes.

"Oh God no. Get up Fawn. My mom left me at a young age but I still know a good amount of information about personal hygiene and if you don't want your own brand of personal body odor, then you'd shower right after work to wash away all the sweat". I nudge her but she swats me away. I mentally pray that none of them ask about my mom. I'm not ready for questions.

"Go away Rose". She grunts. I sigh in relief when she doesn't question me.

"No, you go away to the bathroom. You sleep just beside and so please help me by not killing me with your stench". She groans and stands up.

"Well, that was just unnecessarily rude". She grabs her bag of toiletries before leaving.

"I'm coming in after you!". I call after her to which she waves me off.

Jade sighs before clearing her throat. Without her saying anything, I already know she's going to ask a question.

"Uh, Rose?". I turn to her. "What did you mean when you said your mom left you at a young age?".

I tense up a little. I hadn't expected her to ask that question. I'm not an open person, at all. It'll take a while to get used to all of them and be able to talk about my past but for now...

"Oh what? It's nothing really". I wave her off dismissively hoping she takes the hint. But of course, she doesn't.

"Are you sure? You make it seem light but nothing like that can leave a child happy, not even you". She says softly and I almost give in. But then, I remind myself that not everyone can be trusted and plus I just met her, I can't just go ahead and tell her that it was my fault my mom had died.

"It's nothing Jade. I don't want to talk about it so please, let's not talk about it alright?". She contemplates then nods her head reluctantly.

Thank God. Now, to escape the sudden tension.

"I'll be right back. I'm thirsty". Before she can say a word, I leave the room and head to the kitchen.

As I'm about to enter into the kitchen where a few other people are still working, Rachel steps in front of me.

"What Rachel?". I ask completely annoyed.

"Where are you going? It's late and you're not supposed to be here". I have to keep myself from snorting out loud.

"I'm thirsty and I came to have water so if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do what I came to do". I push pass her and walk into the kitchen but not before seeing the smirk on her face.

She walks away afterwards, probably planning something.

"Stay away from Rachel and her mother as far as you can. They'll ruin you any chance they get". A pretty blonde girl says as she steps aside for me to grab a drinking cup.

"Excuse me?". I raise an eyebrow.

"I'm Gwendolyn. I have a twin sister who worked side by side with me. She was a no nonsense person and so always got into arguments with Rachel. She always got punished for things she didn't do. Now, she works by the farm, always dealing with animal smell and poo. She literally cleans it with her hand. She's barely allowed to come home because overnight, she works for Anne and a few other women who are just like Anne. They've done worst to other girls. A guy was executed because apparently he raped Rachel.  Ashlyn, my sister, is lucky to still have a job that pays her if not...we'd be living on the streets with our sick father. What I'm saying is, be careful". She smiles at me before leaving.

I stand there frozen, taking in all the words that Gwendolyn just said. Wow, our very own version of Voldemort, just a bit less evil, I guess. Executed for rape that was in no way true. Anne and Rachel are truly the epitome of evil.

I shake my head before drinking the water I had fetched absentmindedly. Once I'm done, I walk out of the kitchen to make my way to my room.

"Rose!". I stop in my tracks and turn around.

"My Prince". I greet Damien. He walks up to me and stops a few feet away.

"How are you?". He grins.

"I'm good thank you. How are you?". He shrugs.

"Better now that I've seen you". He grins wider once he notices the my flustered face.

"Oh...I...th.. thanks?". Wow, thanks. Well done Rose.

"Don't thank me. I'm assuming you're about to call it a night?". I nod unable to speak.

"Okay. I know you're tired from all the work you've done today. It was quite busy, wasn't it?".

"Yes, it was. I'll be fine once I hit the bed.". He chuckles.

"I bet you will be". Then, we just stand there, me gazing at the suddenly interesting floor and him staring at my face.

He clears his throat and I look up at him.

"I should go now. I'll see you tomorrow Rose. Goodnight". He grabs my hand making me shiver  in surprise. Kissing my knuckles, he winks at me and walks away leaving me frozen.

What. Was. That? The Prince kissed my knuckles. Okay, maybe I'm overreacting. It was just a sign of respect? No, chivalry is certainly not dead. After all, he must have been taught to always give women the respect they deserve.

Smiling to myself, I turn around to head back only to find a glaring Rachel.

How long has she been standing there? Oh God!

"Okay now you're getting on my nerves". She chuckles humorously shaking her head.

"Let's see what my dear mother is going to say about you completely disobeying her and talking to the Prince and even going to the extent of kissing him, shall we?". She turns around to walk away and all the blood in my face drains.

"Wait! Rachel!" I grab her hand to stop her from walking away.

"You must have interpreted it wrong—".

"Are you saying I'm a liar?".

"What? No! It was the other way around. He kissed my knuckles. Just my knuckles Rachel. He asked to speak to me. I'd never disobey your mother. I swear it won't happen again". I plead hoping she'll see a fellow girls pain.

She clicks her tongue and eyes me. "No. You deserve what she's planning on doing to you". She pushes me aside and walks away.

Of course luck is never on my side.