Gazing At The Moon

Chapter 2

Beneath the castle, in the many rooms of the knights and guards, 'Abel' sleeps. The armour is hanging on a stand, ready to be worn. The sheets are rough and kind of grabby, but no one seems to care a particular lot.

Someone jingles a large bell, and everyone wakes up. "Get ready, you lot! The day is beginning," One of the higher ups announces, and everyone starts to get up and start the day.

'Abel' sits up with a yawn. Thankfully, the room of the princess's guard is slightly more private than most of the others, located nearer to the castle as well. There's advantages to being higher in the ranks...

And, like this, no one will find out that she's not a man like everyone else. 'Abel' gets off the bed and tugs on her clothes. A white tunic, and dark brown pants, simple. Then comes the armour. It's an elaborate set, and the first time wearing it was a struggle, but she's getting used to it now.

Mornings start early in the castle. For the servants, at least. The sun usually hasn't risen by the time everyone is up and about. The nobles and royals sleep comfortably in their large beds while the servants prepare the castle for the day. Sweeping the halls, preparing breakfast, cleaning the kitchen, taking on tasks to do outside, and so on. 'Abel' is lucky not to have this much to do. All she needs to do is serve and protect the princess.

She's happy to do it.

Usually, before the princess is awake, she helps out in the kitchen. It's a good way to sneak some breakfast before having to get started. Servants only eat lunch and dinner, but she prefers breakfast too, if possible.

She exits her room with a final yawn and puts on the helmet.

"Abel!"

"Yes?" She turns to a knight approaching on her left.

"When you go to the kitchen, can you bring some bread for me, too?"

"I'll try, Albert. But I can't guarantee anything."

"That's fine. Thanks."

He hastily walks away, not wanting to be caught. She watches him turn the corner before turning around and finding the nearest stairs to the castle.

Everyone calls her Abel. It's been months since anyone has called her by her real name; Val. Only recently did she get the title of 'Sir' along with her new name.

It means she blends in with everyone else seamlessly. Admittedly, it sparks some pride in her. Fool one person and you're nobody. Fool an entire castle? Now that's an achievement.

The castle is quiet and calm in the mornings. Val often gazes out of the windows as she walks through the corridors. There's always the worry at the back of her mind that her metal boots will stain the elegant blue rugs, or her gauntlets will scratch a door handle. Thankfully, it's never happened.

"Mornin', Hilda." She walks into the kitchen and greets one of the chefs. "What do you have today?"

"Back again, you nitwit?" The older lady huffs fondly at her. "I can't keep letting you get away with taking food, Abel."

"Ahh, be kind to me. I- and a comrade- just want something to eat."

"Dear Lord, soon all of you will be at my door." She rolls her eyes. "You can have some if you help out."

Val glances at the large clock standing in the corner. "Fine, fine. What shall I do?"

"Chop those onions and peppers." She tosses her a knife, which Val awkwardly catches.

"Hey now, if I didn't know any better I'd assume you wanted to stab me."

"Who says I don't?" The grumpy lady scoffs, though it's light-hearted. "Now get to work!"