The Triton

Chapter 19: Vivien

The next day's training with Rosann was even more brutal, and I loved every single second of it. Bruised, battered, sweating and smiling, we returned back to my room to find two blue-scaled maids standing outside, one each side of the door. They bowed as we approached.

Rosann bowed his head. "I'm one mirror shatter away, if you need me."

I smiled. "I'll be more creative this time."

He smiled back.

The maids moved with practiced grace, their footsteps almost silent as they followed me into the room. Each wore the pristine uniform I'd seen of nearly every merfolk who walked the halls of the palace, pressed to perfection.

"Hi, nice to meet you both." I said, my voice as warm as I could make it. "What are your names? Do you want some tea? How long have you worked here?"

The maids exchanged glances, their eyes widening slightly. Their lips pressed together as if unsure how to respond, the younger one shifting her weight from foot to foot. The silence stretched, their discomfort palpable.

I frowned, a flicker of frustration igniting at their lack of response. "Come on, you must have names," I pressed, trying to coax some reaction. "What do you do when you're not working? Do you have families here in the palace?"

Again, they only looked at each other, their expressions unreadable. The older maid finally gave a slight shake of her head, a gesture so subtle I almost missed it.

"Okay," I said, faltering. I turned hesitantly, heading into the bathroom. They followed close behind.

The gleaming marble tiles of the room felt too small for the three of us. I turned to face the maids, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my stomach. "Thank you for your help," I said, trying to keep my voice polite. "But I can manage from here."

They exchanged a quick glance.

Before I could protest, they moved towards me, their hands reaching to unfasten my clothes. The sensation of their hands on me, even through the fabric, was jarring, a sharp reminder of the boundaries I wasn't ready to cross.

"No, wait—" I began, but my words were swallowed by the efficiency of their movements. The older maid started to undo the clasps of my tunic, her touch light but insistent.

"Stop!" I snapped, stepping back abruptly. "I said I can manage. Please come back later."

The maids froze, their hands retreating as they looked at me with wide eyes. A flicker of confusion crossed their faces but they quickly composed themselves, bowing their heads in unison. They turned to retreat from the bathroom, the young one leaving a silk undergarment on the vanity, their movements as silent and smooth as before. They closed the door behind them.

Great. I couldn't even barter peace with my maids, let alone the Ring of Gold, or Viscount Trevill.

As I began to undress, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The reflection that stared back was still my own, even covered in gold scales and with purple eyes. There were differences, too, notably the tightness of my muscles and an unfamiliar hardness that had taken root in my eyes.

I stepped into the tub, the cold water enveloping me. I closed my eyes, trying to let the cold ease the aching of my body, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the maids, to the strange, surreal reality of my new life.

My thoughts drifted back to Rosann, to the way he moved with such effortless strength and precision. Even when he pushed me to my limits, there was a grace to his movements, a quiet power that seemed to pulse beneath the surface.