From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 14: Something To Think About

Rue ran her fingers through her hair a few times, grimacing when she realized her hair was still a bit damp. She couldn't linger too long on her thoughts, she had to help in the kitchen. She wanted to get there quickly since she had never once been late before and besides, she had the strangest feeling that she was being watched. She couldn't explain why, she just felt it.

She rushed into the kitchen, seeing a group of three maids along with Dina and Sofia. The group turned to her, their eyes wide at seeing the woman. Thankfully, the collar of her uniform covered up the bite on her neck. ''Sorry I'm late. I didn't intend to be.''

''You slept with Lady Dimitrescu didn't you?'' Sofia asked with a dead-pan expression, placing a blueberry in her mouth. Rue flinched at the question, causing the three maids and Dina's jaws to drop. She was suddenly swarmed and bombarded with questions. Each of them asked one question and then immediately followed up with another. This was not what she wanted to be doing when she starts work in the morning.

''Alright girls, back up. Get back to work. Rue needed to help me in the east hall. You can all bombard her with questions this evening, I'm sure she won't mind.'' Sofia said, grabbing a bucket, a mop and a few rags before taking Rue by the hand and quickly leading her out of the kitchen.

''Thanks for that.'' Rue said, sighing to herself.

''You were getting overwhelmed. Of course I was going to help you out.'' she said as they continued down one of the halls. After a while, Sofia let go of her hand and they stopped in front of one of the windows, which was open, letting cold air waft into the Castle.

''Well, that isn't good.'' Rue said, reaching over and closing the shutters, being sure to lock it afterwards.

''No, not one bit. I don't like it.'' the blonde said, crossing her arms and seeming deep in thought.

''What is it? Do you think someone broke in?'' Rue said, her mind flashing back to the man that had broken in to get to Sora.

''Possibly. I'll have to inform Lady Dimitrescu about this.'' the muttered just loud enough for Rue to heard. She was starting to get a bit nervous. She really didn't want to get into another altercation with an intruder again. ''Get started here. I'll be back in a few minutes.''

Rue nodded, watching the Head Maid walk off quickly, leaving her alone in the hallway. Immediately, she began mopping the floors thoroughly. Every maid in the Caste seemed to always try to get every surface to shine so that one could see their own reflection, even if it was impossible. But that didn't mean Rue did her job half-assed. She worked hard to keep the Castle clean as much as she could, especially after working with a blacksmith would was a clean-freak.

The entire time she was cleaning, she felt a pair of eyes on her. A few times, she was tempted to turn around and tell whoever was watching her to show themselves. But she just ignored it, wondering if it was her imagination.

''Hey, I'm back. Are you alright? You look deep in thought.'' Sofia said, startling the woman.

''Yes, I'm alright. I'm just... on edge, I think.'' Rue said honestly, stealing a few glances around the hallway. The blonde quirked an eyebrow and placed her hand on her hip. Rue looked out the window before looking back at the maid. ''I just feel like I'm being watched.''

Sofia hummed, nodding like she understood why. ''It's probably Cassandra.''

''Why would she be watching me?''

''She does this whenever a maid gets close to Lady Dimitrescu. I'm not entirely sure why.'' she said, picking up a damp rag and wiping down one of the windowsills that had a barely noticeable layer of dust on it.