White Aprons

Chapter 3

 It has been two months now and I still haven't been called aside by a castle guard to declare my arrest. The fear should be melting away as the time passes by, but instead it is building stronger inside my head. Inside my lungs. Inside my heart. I blink, long and slowly, for I am on duty now. It gets quite tiring being a maid. The job requires a lot of standing and waiting. I'm not one for standing and waiting. I like to run and play in forests, and find new adventures. But no. I must be trapped as a servant and forced to stand and wait for an adventure to come. And let me tell you, I don't think I'll live to see the day it does.

 I am especially anxious today, seeing I have some free time on my hands. As an award for being so good at the new job, I got some time off. But not from the masters, don't ever think that. They will never let you go find an adventure. I actually got off because of mother. She's going to work double duty for me. I love her for it.

My hand begins to ache and I resist the urge to set the heavy silver tray I'm holding down on the lacquered shiny coffee table so irresistibly set right in front of me. You'd think I'd be used to the weight by now, after having spent long hours before in my life doing it. I clench my teeth and try to imagine all the fun I'll have in the town when I get my time off. I lick my lips in attempt to taste the salty air and fresh baked bread. I slowly inhale in trying to smell the tasty pastries and the ash from the small glowing fires. I exhale and feel a smile creep across what I hope is a straight emotionless face to everyone else.

 I open my eyes, not realizing I had them closed, and see five sets of eyes all turned my way, one of which is master Eva's stony glare. Master Eva is the oldest woman of the castle who has a most upright sense about her. Though her skin is slowly wrinkling and fading into her white bones, she stands out with bright blue eyeliner, an azalea pink blush brushed gently onto her high cheekbones, and her cream white hair curled into soft waves of perfection. Her eyes are a piercing blue, like her shrill voice, and I shudder just thinking of it. I suck in a deep breath and no longer taste the ingredients of the market.

 "Sarah, I said you are excused." Master sharply directs at me. The words are like a slim rigid icicle going through my skin. She accents on the last word as if I am a foreigner to the english language. I am not surprised at her knowledge of my name, however, like I would have been if it had been Master Wrink or Master Lux. Master Eva knows each and every servant and butler's name inside and out. How else could she call people out into embarrassment?

 "I'm sorry madam," I say politely as I curtsy, still holding the tray on one hand. A pat on the back for me. "My head was off in the clouds I guess."

 "Well, I think it is time for you to grow up young lady and get your head down to the ground and keep it there." That sharp icicle tone again. Master Eva turns to her guests, who are also old and frail.

 "Please excuse her, she is new working here and is the youngest one we have." All her friends look me up and down with a disapproving glare.

 "How unfortunate," a squeaky voice sounds. A lady smothered in pink tisks and stares all the more. Her voice sounds like the smallest pipe on an organ squeaking out its last note.

 "It should be more well trained, no?" I clench my fists and my eyes narrow. It? It?! What am I, a castle hound? I am a human being! It?! If anyone need be trained, I'd say it's her!