The Lion and The Rose

In the Ever-Changing Maze

Leo looked out to the maze, and wonder how he could lure that monster into the middle of the board. Its Master would not allow it to go anywhere, but the Dead Forest for feed time. He would need a bait to lure the necromancer in.

As he stood watching, the sunrise made him looked ahead to see the Tower. A smile came upon his face, with a slight smirk. He found the bait.

—

"PRINCESS LEYAN!"

Leyan opened her eyes and saw Lady Ning's eyes were glaring viciously at her. Siniang with her head down by the side. Her hands clasped together, but it shook wildly, and she was whimpering.

"WHERE WERE YOU LAST NIGHT?" She screamed.

Leyan jerked up out of bed immediately. She didn't know how she got back to her bed, but she definitely couldn't tell the Nanny where she went last night.

"I thought I told you not to go out at night!"

"I've never seen a maid who scold and shout at their Mistress before. Is this how the custom is like in the Tang Kingdom? I should write a letter and ask them." Said an unfamiliar female voice.

Lady Ning, and Siniang turned back to see a pretty looking woman in her thirty with two younger maids on the sides. Leyan stared at her curiously, and the woman smiled back at her.

"Who are you?" Lady Ning asked rudely.

"I am, Emma. One of Prince Leo's maids. I came to check up on the Princess."

Lady Ning immediately bowed, and tried to explain herself.

"No need. I have already seen and heard enough. I come to send a message to your Princess. I am also here to drop off some gifts. His Highness heard from the guard that you were probably frightened from the ordeal from last night." She signaled to the maids to hand the baskets of flowers and wild berries over.

"Hopefully the soft scent of roses will help you sleep better at night. And these are berries that His Highness likes. They're very sweet and fragrant, if you eat them it should help you feel less stress. Lastly, His Highness said you are welcome to play in the maze any time you want. That is all for the evidences." Emma smiled and winked at Leyan, who's eyes widen.

She recalled that she told that guard, Lei, about leaving evidences for her Nanny, so she wouldn't be scolded. How did he remember? The letter last time too, was it from his help that His Highness sent one? This time too, he put in a few good words for her. If her Nanny knew that she was in the Prince's good grace, then she wouldn't be angry.

Leyan turned to Lady Ning and gave her a small closed lips smile, and a nod. Lady Ning calmed down and bowed.

"If all is well, then I will report back to His Highness." Emma said.

"Yes! Everything is fine, please do not worry. My Nanny is like my mother figure. When I'm away from home, I needed her to be strict like my Mother the most. I grew up with her, so please rest assured, she's just making sure that I am safe." Leyan said, trying to cover up for Lady Ning's rude behavior.

Emma nodded, "I see. It is not my place to give out punishment. I wish Princess Leyan take care. Upcoming days might be a little rough, but once probation is done you'll be able to enjoy a bigger and more free space."

Leyan nodded, she was about to bow but Emma stopped her.

"Etiquette is very important here in Galanthus. If the maids let their Master bows, or if the maids raise their voices at their Masters..." Emma leaned in, and then clicked her tongue with the gesture of her hand across her neck.