Shadow Betrayal: An Assassin's Story

9 - SHOES, SENKA AND PREPARATIONS - 9

Did you guys know that nightmares are just free horror movies that you produce, direct and star in. Wild, I know. But here's another chapter.

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Raven's POV:

My eyebrow twitched in irritation as I took in the absurd sight before me. The woman who had so unceremoniously dragged me here was named Senka. Alongside her were two girls who shared the same face—Jane and Sarah, twins. Their eyes were sharp, their gazes laden with judgment that seemed almost palpable. It was clear they wore their disdain like a second skin, and it took all my restraint not to let my anger boil over. The urge to simply erase them from my path was nearly overwhelming.

Their petty attitudes and thinly veiled contempt made my blood simmer, each sneer and whispered remark stoking the fire of my frustration. This was not just about their unwelcome presence; it was about the way they belittled me with their mere existence. My patience was fraying, and I could barely hold back the surge of fury that threatened to break free.

I was currently stationed in the maids' wing, a cluster of cramped rooms where all the staff slept. And, as luck would have it, I ended up sharing a room with Jane and Sarah, the twins. They were in the midst of a spectacularly petty dispute over a pair of shoes—one of the ugliest, most garish pairs I'd ever seen. They were black leather heels adorned with bright red ribbons, a sight so jarring it was almost an assault on the eyes.

But to these two, the shoes were evidently the epitome of haute couture. I wouldn't exactly call it a verbal altercation. No, this was a full-on brawl. They were hitting, scratching, and unleashing a stream of profanities that would make a sailor blush—all over a pair of shoes.

Jane had one shoe clutched in her hand like a trophy, while Sarah, not to be outdone, had the other. The room was filled with the sound of their squabbling, each trying to yank the shoe from the other's grip. Meanwhile, I sat on my bed, which was a veritable luxury compared to the makeshift beds I had grown accustomed to in the Underground. Most people would have found it uncomfortable, but after years of sleeping on hard, uneven surfaces, this was practically a cloud to me.

Just as I was beginning to enjoy the spectacle of their ridiculous fight, the door swung open with a dramatic creak. Madam Senka stormed in, her face a thundercloud of rage. She was dressed in a gown so elaborate it looked like it was trying to eat itself, and her entire presence exuded the kind of disdain only a truly self-important person could muster.

"What is this nonsense?" she bellowed, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. Her eyes landed on Jane and Sarah, who were still furiously tugging at the shoes. "Are you two seriously fighting over a pair of shoes? Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look? I should have known you'd turn this place into a circus!"

Jane and Sarah froze, mid-scramble, their faces flushed with a mix of guilt and defiance. The shoes slipped from their fingers and landed in a heap on the floor. The room fell silent, except for the soft rustle of Senka's gown as she huffed and puffed, glaring at them with barely concealed contempt.

"You're lucky I don't fire you both on the spot," Senka snapped, her eyes darting between the twins. "Get it together, or I'll make sure you spend the next month scrubbing the floors with toothbrushes!"

With that, Senka turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving Jane and Sarah in stunned silence. I couldn't help but stifle a laugh as I watched the absurdity of it all. The twins exchanged sheepish glances, the fight now forgotten in the wake of their fear of Senka's wrath. I shook my head, trying to suppress a grin. This place was proving to be a treasure trove of ridiculousness, and I was here for all of it.

"Tavern girl! Follow me!" Madam Senka's voice rings through the corridor, sharp and commanding. I scramble out of bed, my mind racing as I dash to keep up with her. Blending in is crucial, especially when your cover is 'tavern girl'—a role that requires both subtlety and speed.

Despite her short stature, Madam Senka moves with an agility that belies her size. I'm hustling behind her, doing my best to avoid looking like I'm in a frantic chase. Standing at a modest 5'1", I may not be a towering figure, but I've learned to use my height to my advantage. Like now, when I can duck under the arms of people much taller than me.

"Madam Senka, wait up!" I call out, trying to close the gap. "I'm coming!"

She glances back, her eyes narrowing with impatience. "Are you always this slow, or is it just today?"

"Just today," I reply with a sheepish grin. "I'm a bit... vertically challenged. It's a height disadvantage, you see."

Senka's eyes flash with a mix of annoyance and what might be amusement. "Height isn't an excuse for sloth. We have work to do."

"Understood," I say, trying to match her brisk pace. "I'll make sure to keep up, no matter how many inches I lack."

As we turn a corner, I almost stumble into a pile of discarded linens. I sidestep the mess with a swift move, flashing a grin. "Seems like the castle is trying to test my agility. Is this part of the job description?"

Senka's stern expression softens slightly as she watches my quick recovery. "Your agility will be tested often in this place. But for now, focus on following me and avoiding any more mishaps."

"Will do," I respond, falling into step beside her. "No more trips, no more dodges. I'll do my best to stay out of trouble."

As we proceed down the corridor, I can't help but think that my role as a tavern girl might not be as mundane as it seems. If nothing else, it's a chance to navigate the intricacies of castle life, and maybe, just maybe, get a bit of excitement along the way.

"So what do we need to do?" I ask, weaving through the bustling corridor. People dart past me, some laden with cleaning supplies, others balancing trays of elaborate dishes. The atmosphere is electric with pre-event energy, and I'm trying to keep up with the whirlwind of activity.

"There's a ball tonight," Madam Senka says, her voice clipped with urgency. "We need everything to be absolutely perfect. The royal family will be in attendance, and this is a big deal."

A ball. Perfect. This could be the ideal chance to get close to the king. I nod, trying to mask my excitement with a calm demeanor. "Understood. So what do you want me to do?"

Senka's gaze narrows as she considers me. "I want you to come with me. This is your chance to learn what the job really involves. It's not just about following orders; it's about understanding the finer details that make an event like this flawless."

I blink, surprised. "You want me to come with you?"

"Yes," Senka replies firmly. "As a new maid, you need to see how things are done on a large scale. This is a perfect learning opportunity. Watch how we prepare, how we handle the guests, and how we ensure everything is perfect. It's a valuable lesson in the job."

I nod, eager to seize the chance. "Alright, I'll follow your lead."

Senka gives me an approving nod. "Good. Remember, every detail counts tonight. Pay attention, learn, and don't let anything slip. This is your chance to show you're more than just another maid."

As Senka heads towards the main event area, I follow closely behind, my mind racing with anticipation. Tonight is not only crucial for my mission but also an opportunity to gain crucial insight into the high-stakes world of royal events.

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Hope you liked it. Just a filler chapter honestly.

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Word Count: 1319