Burning Embers of Desire

chapter five

"Ladies, please take your seats; lunch will be served in one minute." Paula stated while supervising the new maids with a smile that never left her face.

Paula led them to a tiny dining room and explained that this is the staff's private dining area, and it is close to the kitchen and the larger dining room where their employers dine. Ella chose the chair at the table's corner because it was the most remote and she desired solitude. The unique introduction that Miranda gave her was not particularly appealing to the other hired maids. But truly, why on earth did the priestess consider it a good idea? She should have spoken up sooner, but respect and terror for Miranda came first. This is just wonderful, a new workplace and adversaries. Ella hasn't even been here for a week yet.

"Is this seat currently occupied?" Ella raised her head and spotted one of the maids, specifically the only one who had previously smiled at her.

"No." She responded by shaking her head. "You can take it."

"Sweet." The maid replies while sitting near her and extending her hand. "My name is Jude, by the way. And you are?"

"Ellaria. However, Ella will be okay. Pleasant to meet you, Jude!"

"Also, nice to meet you!" Jude beamed. "My true name is Judith, but I despise how feminine it sounds, so my wife came up with the nickname Jude."

Ella grins. "You're married, and to a woman? That's really lovely! How long have you been married?"

Jude opens her lips to say something else, but another maid abruptly grabs her wrist, causing her to divert her head.

"Why are you here, Jude? You ought to be seated with me and the girls. Now, let's go." The maid forcibly dragged Jude, rendering her incapable of even protesting.

Ella saw Jude's regretful gaze at her, and she answered with a grin. So much for making a friend. A sigh escaped Ella's lips. This will not occur if Miranda did not give her a dramatic entrance sooner, but she was certain that she would still be despised even if it did not occur. Her current appearance is a true curse. She heaved a tiny sigh at the notion of having to suffer her coworkers' hatred once more. A lunch dish was then placed in front of her, containing the food for their meal. Grilled meat and chicken are served with mashed potatoes topped with gravy. At least the meal is fancy. Fortunately, there was a napkin on the table, as Ella could not eat without placing one on her lap. This has been a habit of hers since she was a child, and nobody even taught her how to do it. After setting the napkin on her lap, she began to eat in silence, satisfying her empty stomach and ignoring the buzzing she heard from the other maids because she was certain they were talking about her.

"I hope having company won't bother you." Ella looks upward upon hearing a female voice. It was Paula, the head maiden of the castle, sitting down next to her and laying the plate of food on the table. "Did I startle your deep thinking? I'm sorry."

Ella shook her head and sheepishly smirked. "I wasn't really thinking."

"What were you doing at that time? Imagining things?" Paula raised her eyebrow and smiled as Ella giggled.

"You may... state that. I attempted to separate myself from reality."

"Not even twenty-four hours have passed, and there is already a problem." Paula disappointedly gazed at the maidens that were sat a bit far away from where they are. "Jealousy is constantly being a whore garnering attention again."

"Well, it is practically my fault. I should not have agreed with Mother Miranda's plans earlier."

"Uh, darling?" Paula laughed. "What the hell are you talking about? You are not responsible for that unique and special introduction. I've known Mother Miranda for years, and to a woman like Queen Birdy, you can never say no. Stop placing the burden on yourself; if I were in your position, I would remain silent and simply nod in agreement with whatever she says. Like a dead damn robot."