In desperation, Y/N accepts a job as Commander Lexa's handmaiden with hopes of earning enough money to buy her father some well-needed medication. But the Commander makes it very clear how much she doesn't want nor need a handmaiden, only making Y/N...
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The Nightbloods were training again - archery practice and sword fighting. I watched on the sidelines, curious and intrigued by the way they moved like they'd done this all their lives, which I guess they had.
As I was admiring their work, I noticed Titus approaching me.
"Y/N," he greeted with a quick nod. "Do you know where the Commander is?"
"She's in a meeting," I answered respectfully. "She said she'd be a little late to training today.
He nodded before going back to training with the Nightbloods. I continued to standby, becoming engrossed in their training once more. Not long later, Lexa finally showed up, finding my gaze and approaching me. Titus, who was still with the Nightbloods, glanced over at us before narrowing his eyes. I wondered what he could be so suspicious of, but didn't get chance to think on it because Lexa stopped by me with something to say.
"Can I have a word?" she asked nonchalantly.
"Of course," I said, straightening up to face her.
"In private," she added, glancing out at the Nightbloods.
I tilted my head curiously but nodded. She led the way, away from the training grounds and around the corner into a quiet grassy area.
"Is everything okay, Lexa?" I asked with mild concern because she was acting stranger than usual.
She rested her hands behind her back as she stared at me with focused eyes. "You've been a very hard worker as my handmaiden. Excellent at your job."
I furrowed my eyebrows as I nodded slowly. "Thank you..."
"You're dedicated, loyal, thoughtful. All excellent qualities, truly," she continued.
Something about the way she was talking made me feel uneasy. "I appreciate that, Lexa, but this doesn't sound good... it actually sounds like– wait." My eyes widened. "Are you firing me?" I swallowed hard, looking away with concern. "I know I can be unprofessional sometimes, but I can change. I just– I was getting a bit too comfortable with you, but I can dial it back easily–"
"Y/N, no," she interrupted with a quick shake of her head. "I'm not firing you."
I paused, glancing at her and feeling instant relief when I realised she was serious. So, I wasn't losing my job.
"I don't want you to be stuck here as my handmaiden," she said, green eyes flickering between mine with conviction. "You wanted to be a blacksmith's apprentice. So, I have arranged for that."
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I was stunned.
"There's a blacksmiths not far from here," she added. "They're willing to take you on and the pay is fair." Noticing my surprise, her expression softened. "You deserve to put your skills to the test and give this a go."
