woof woof, Don't you know the mad dog?

Frenemies?

I made my way through the garden, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the fresh morning air. This was what I got used to the past couple of days. Since there was not really a place at the Eckhart mansion and I was still a criminal, staying here was actually not that bad of an idea.

Anyways, Callisto had sent for me, requesting that I join him for tea which was honestly really weird. It had been a few days since he had recovered, and life in the castle had settled into a new rhythm... it was a bit bored but it was better than walking on eggshells all the time. My role as a maid was an unusual disguise, but it definitely provided me some sense of stability and, at least for now, safety.

The other staff mostly ignored me, their first glance curiosity  was long gone and now they were just indifferent. A few were kind, offering small gestures of friendship—a shared smile here, a whispered joke there, some cookies and food sneaked out of the kitchen.... It was a strange feeling for sure but it defintiely felt better than walking on egg shells like in the Eckhart mansion. 

As I approached the garden, I saw Callisto seated at a small table under a canopy of wisteria, the purple blossoms casting quite shadows on the ground. I wouldn't have actually focused on this image right in front of me so much but I actually did like it since wisteria is one of my most beloved flowers.

Callisto looked much better, his color returned and his usual self was back there. He noticed me and waved me over with a gentle smile. This would have creeped me out if not for the past couple of days. He wasn't that crazy but just protective. Once you know him, he was nothing like the outer shell he put on. Same goes for me too. This was the only reason why we could befriend each other and just be there as allies.

Callisto: There you are. Please, have a seat.

Me: Thank you.

I sat across from him. A maid brought over a tea tray, and Callisto poured a cup for each of us. Normally people would start talking here because a maid was daring to sit in the same place like him... well not this one... not anyone around Callisto since he was still quite unpredictable. I've seen him put a sword at peoples necks... first hand experience since I was the one pointed a sword at.

Callisto: I thought we could have a little chat. It's been a while since we spoke properly.

Me: Yes, it has.

Callisto: I wanted to thank you again for everything you did...... You saved my life.

Me: I did what I had to. We both know it was partly my fault you were in that condition in the first place.

Callisto: It was not. They were after me not you. So, I owe you my life. And I wanted to apologize.

I looked at him, surprised.

Me: Apologize? For what?

Callisto: For putting you in this position. You're a noble, regardless of what others might say. Calling you the "mad dog" of Eckhart doesn't change that nor is your status as a mad woman who would murder. You deserve better than to be treated as a mere servant.

Me: It's not like I had much of a choice...... Remember you said I should staying here, even as a maid, is better than facing a death sentence.... does this not ring a bell to you?

Callisto: Which brings me to another point. How are you finding life in the castle? Be honest.

I took a sip of tea, gathering my thoughts.

Me: It's... different. Not as bad as I expected, honestly. The staff mostly ignore me, which is a blessing in disguise. Some are even nice. But it's strange, .....

Callisto: I see.... Your father came to me the other day and I want you to know I'm doing everything I can to clear your name. But it takes time. 

Me: I appreciate that. Truly. You said the Duke came over?

Callisto: Duke? Is he not your father?

Me: HAH, you know the story, so stop joking around.

Callisto: I do but still. Aren't you their little princess?

Me: Princess, my ass! I am a prisoner there and the young duke even said to live like a dead rat. You think I want to return there?

Callisto: So you don't want to return?

Me: Hell no. Kill me right here and right now. 

Callisto: HAHAHAHAHAHAH That makes it easier then. 

Me: Easier?

Callisto: I was thinking, perhaps you could take on a different role here. Something that suits your skills and your status better.

Me: What do you have in mind?

Callisto: An advisor? A crown princess if you want? Or an administartor. I can give you a title, land, a house and a regon to look after. If the past couple of days taught me one thing then that you are more brave and honest then mad and crazy. You have a unique perspective, and I could use your insight and your opinion. 

Me: An advisor? That's... unexpected.... A crown princess? Are you joking? I am not a princess and I never want to be one or do you have a death wish? Trust me, I will make the first night unforgettable with a bloody present in quite the literal sense if you want that.

Callisto: Think about it.......that was a joke.

Me: Thought so.

Callisto: But the rest wasn't. No rush. But I believe it could be beneficial for both of us.

I nodded, contemplating his offer. It was a significant shift from being a maid, but it could be a step towards regaining some stable live... it would also get me back into the front light and I didn't know if I wanted to have that. I was already the talk of the town... then again... maybe this way I could change something?

No....

Maybe the system would have me killed if I would.

Too much attention wouldn't be good as well.

Me: I'll think about it. Thank you, Callisto.

Callisto: Take your time. 

Quite the offer for sure. I didn't know what he was expecting out of me but I felt as if there was something more. Something that could actually benefit me and him. Something that could get me out of this place and something that could actually set me free.

Something......

Something.....

Something like what he had just offered.

Not an advisor but a ministrator... maybe someone who would actually work with the countries around us. We had dynasties, other kingdoms, other people and other relationships we could build up. 

I do remember one thing that I always wanted to do before I became Penelope and that was travel. Ever after I got here, I just wanted to continue that. Maybe it was time to play my cards right and show everyone what a wolf I could be.

I am not a sheep, I am not gullible and I am certainly not stupid.

I could pull this off.

I could get away from every madness and live a normal life.

I....

Maybe this was something I had to think about a bit more....

This isn't something I should just decide on in a rush. It was my life after all.