An unexpected surprise

Castle Croix was alive with activity. Each carpet had been taken outside and beaten until free of dust and every inch of the castle was scrubbed until it was gleaming. The normally immaculate gardens were now bursting with flowers that were every hue of the rainbow.

Even the staff were buzzing with joy, despite the increase in their workload. The news which had recently broken promised hope to everyone.

Dalia smiled happily to herself as she stirred the stew, which was heating over the fire, as several maids chatted nearby while kneading dough.

"I'm so excited! I can't wait to see the lady's dress. Do you think we could sneak in to catch a glimpse of her?"

"They'll be plenty of wine flowing, it shouldn't be hard to poke our heads in for a few seconds."

"What about you Dalia? Are you up for it?"

Dalia jumped slightly at the sound of her name. Her mind had been picturing what was to come later that day. She smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"

The other maids glanced at each other and grinned.

"Where's your head at? Are you thinking about that handsome knight you seem particularly fond of?"

Dalia rolled her eyes as the maids burst out laughing.

"Girl, you have it bad. Tell us, what is it you like about him? Anyone with eyes can tell he's good looking, but what's he like in the bedroom? He must be amazing for you to have that look on your face!"

They once again dissolved into fits of laughter as they wiped tears from their eyes. Dalia shook her head and sighed.

"You lot need to get out more, my life is not that interesting."

"Oh come on, let us play. We don't have gorgeous knights clambering to get into our beds. Let us live vicariously for a bit."

"Fine, he's hung like a horse and he can bring me to orgasm with one look. Are you happy now?"

"Aww you're no fun..."

One of the maids pouted slightly as the rest turned to resume their conversations. While Dalia generally liked her colleagues, she didn't go out of her way to form close relationships with them. She liked her own space and found people digging into her personal life tiring.

Glancing out of the window, Dalia saw the faint glow of dawn just peeping through the trees. She quickly threw her apron off and ran out of the kitchen, ignoring the glances of the other maids. As she hurried to the roof of the castle she ran her fingers through her long black hair, making it as neat as possible.

She dodged and weaved through other members of staff, who were preparing the castle for another day. She ascended the stairs as fast as her legs would carry her, and by the time she burst through the door onto the roof, her lungs felt as if they were on fire.

Dalia didn't stop for a second to catch her breath. Her eyes scanned the horizon as she looked for something, but to her bitter disappointment everything looked how it always had done. The village was beginning to wake from its slumber and the forest was alive with early morning bird song.

She sighed to herself 'I really thought that today was going to be the day... maybe tomorrow...'

Just before she turned to leave, she glanced out over Croix dutchy one last time. She had come to this land dreaming of a better life but the vitriol and hatred she had encountered had been far worse than she had ever expected. He was the only shining light in her otherwise dreary existence.