Life As A Divine (A MCD Fan fiction)

Chap. 31 ~ Former Apprentice

~~~~~~/Anna's POV/~~~~~~

Having been at the palace for a few days, I've learned the castle's layout fairly well. I don't know everything, but I know enough to get around. The other maiden's are so kind... Although one, Lo, is a bit strange... I think she's got oranges or something stuffed in her dress. I've been living under the alias of Melissa, trying to find out any information on the relic Lord Janna claimed to have knowledge of.

Operating under the guise of Melissa, I've immersed myself in the daily life of the palace, determined to unearth any information pertaining to the relic Lord Janna claims to possess knowledge of. Thus far, my findings have been scant, but a prevailing sense of abnormality surrounds Lord Janna. Her demeanour, powerful yet unsettling, evokes an aura of otherworldliness that defies the natural order.

My investigative efforts have been somewhat hampered by an onslaught of chores. Lord Janna, preoccupied with planning her son's impending wedding to the lord of a struggling nearby village, has enlisted the maidens in various tasks. The identity of this village remains elusive, shrouded in the palace's mysterious affairs.

Complicating matters further are the omnipresent guards, a constant presence shadowing every corner of the palace. Their watchful eyes and vigilant demeanour create an atmosphere of unease, making it challenging to conduct discreet inquiries. As I delve deeper into the intricacies of palace life, the enigma surrounding Lord Janna and her son's union unravels, revealing a tapestry of secrets that demand unravelling.

While attending to my chores, I found myself on the unfortunate end of an encounter with one of the more aggressive palace guards. His disdainful gaze and curt remarks highlighted the class divisions entrenched within the palace walls. In other words, he's a womanizer.

Frustration lingered as I retreated to a quiet corridor, contemplating my next move. It was then that I stumbled upon Lo. We're not that close, but she's seen as a den mother among the others. She looked at me with a knowing glint in her eyes, as if she could sense the turmoil within me.

"Melissa, right? Tough day?" Lo asks, in her chirpy high-pitched voice.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the palace's complexities pressing upon me. "You could say that. These guards act like the walls themselves have ears."

Lo chuckled, a sound as light as the rustle of leaves in the wind. "They're not the most pleasant bunch, are they? But don't let them get under your skin."

"It's hard to get under my skin but the way they treat some of the other ladies... Is infuriating." I reiterate.

"Agreed." Lo replies. "Now, we have some chores to do. Shall we?"

"Right."

"Where are you headed next?"

"I'm helping prepare rooms for the specials guests, and then helping with a fitting I believe? Lord Jana has apparently requested for me and another to join her with a bridal fitting."

"That'd be me. I'm not particularly fond of dress fittings." Lo commented, with her eyes shifting towards an on-coming patrol of guards.

"I'm not particularly fond of weddings. The last one I was at ended... Poorly."

"Should I ask?" Lo questions.

"Best not." I say, scrunching my nose, and narrowing my eyes. "Have you any chores or would you care to help me prepare some rooms while we await the fitting?"

"I'll help you."

"You know, it's just hit me that I don't even know who the bride is. I know she's a representative of a local village... But."