"The sunset is beautiful, isn't it?" This phrase is often shared between two lovers who cannot be together. It means, "I love you, but I'm letting you go."
"That's so romantic," Jade said.
"Do you want to know what happens next?"
"Sure," I replied with a nod.
Jade is one of the very few people I talk to in this castle. Just like her name, her eyes are a striking jade color, shining brighter than anything else. She is like the sun that helps the moon to shine. Just like the sun, she brings a bit of happiness into my life-a happiness I lost five years ago when I was brought here.
"It's so sad that they can't be together," Jade said, her eyes glistening with tears.
The novel she reads to me is a popular romance among young unmarried women-a forbidden love between an heir and a maid. Jade loves reading. So she read out the novels for me.
"Girls! Hurry up!" the head maid shouted.
Jade and I work as maidservants in this house of dream, the lowest rank of maids. Our duties include cleaning, scrubbing the palace, emptying chamber pots, and clearing ashes from the fireplace. But I prefer this position; at least it means I don't have to interact with any royalty.
This "House of Dreams" was a part of the vast castle, occupying its southern wing. Dreams were the main source of its power, representing the beauty of life, just as this house was filled with bright colors.
"Emilia, let's go, or Miss Brina will turn into a witch," Jade said, making a frightened face.
We headed to the kitchen after cleaning the dining room. As we were sweeping the floor, someone came by and purposely kicked the bucket of water, spilling it all over the floor and soaking Jade's dress.
"Oops, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," Elizabeth said with a smirk. She has been targeting Jade ever since the prince helped her at night of ball.
The next day, her petty jealousy led her to make Jade's life difficult by assigning her extra work, spilling drinks, putting out fires, or sending her on errands. As her position is just below that of the head maid, Miss Brina, Jade has no choice but to silently endure her cruelty.
"That's enough," Jade said angrily.
Oh no, Jade... this is going to complicate things more.
"Did you just raise your voice at me?" Elizabeth shouted.
"You have been targeting me and purposely torturing me. You really need to stop your petty act."
"What did you just say?"
Jade finally did it. She might be the sweetest and kindest person, but she loses her temper quickly, and when she does, it's nasty.
"It's not my fault that your dear prince doesn't even glance at your stupid face-" A harsh slap cut her insult short.
Before Elizabeth could slap her again, I stepped in and stopped her hand. Elizabeth turned toward me, her eyes burning with anger.
"You both will regret this," Elizabeth said, storming out of the room.
"Ouch," she said, I grabs some ice and pressing it against Jade's cheek.
"That witch. She scratched my face too," Jade muttered.
We were in our small room, with two single steel beds placed next to each other. A big window next to my bed let in a sliver of the afternoon light.
Knock, knock.
Brea, another maid like us, walked in.
"Miss Brina would like to meet both of you," she announced.
Jade and I exchanged nervous glances before heading to Miss Brina's room, which was ten times larger than ours. Miss Brina sat behind a grand desk in the middle of the room.
"Good afternoon, Miss Brina," we greeted her with a polite bow.
"You both caused quite a ruckus earlier this morning," Miss Brina said, her voice cold and stern.
"We didn't! It was Elizabeth who-" Jade started to defend us.
"Enough!" Miss Brina shouted, cutting Jade off. "Don't you have any manners? You're not supposed to speak until someone in authority gives you permission."
Jade fell silent, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. I could feel my heart pounding as I looked at Miss Brina, trying to keep my own emotions in check.
"As punishment for your behavior, you will both serve the Seventh Prince," Miss Brina declared.
Our eyes widened in shock. The Seventh Prince, was infamous for his cruelty. He was a tyrant within his own quarter. Feared by others for his tyranny. I could feel Jade's hand trembling next to mine.
"You will report to him first thing tomorrow morning,"
We nodded silently, knowing there was no point in arguing. As we left Miss Brina's room, the weight of our punishment settled heavily on our shoulders.
YOU ARE READING
Enthrallment : The Twisted Trust
Fantasy" please don't " He pleaded, his voice cracking with despair. Tears streamed down his face as he dropped to his knees, clutching at the air as if trying to grasp the fleeting fragments of her presence. ...
