Reformation

Chapter Nine- Alec, Property of Mel

Nova

Things went back to normal. Well, normal for Nova's new normal. She wrote whenever she had the chance, and joined Ace for exercises every day. He didn't do the extent of physical training with her, on account of his healing back, but he was always there for support and guidance. She wanted to strangle him for getting out of it, but that wouldn't make sense, she had put him back together after all.

Nova didn't see Androluc much. Ace told her he was a busy man, running an underground organization, and she would much rather not see him anyway. Ever since witnessing his harsh "discipline" of Ace, Nova didn't know if she was comfortable pledging herself to him. To Ace, maybe, but not to a man that knew nothing of mercy. And yet.... every instance she encountered the bearded man, he showed no signs of being cruel or despotic. There was something else going on to explain all of this. And she would find out what.

One thing she never thought she would get used to were the servants. Quiet, meek, polite servants in the same soft white uniforms served meals, did housework, and cleaned up after her. It was unnerving. It made Nova uncomfortable to have someone serving her, but Ace told her they were paid well and given the best living conditions, in fact they would be on the streets if not for Androluc's magnificent generosity. She was quoting there. So Nova did her best to accept that. She wasn't about to stop thanking them though, it made her feel slightly better to be grateful.

Nova remembered the day she had first met her maid.

She had walked into her bedroom after washing her face in the bathroom, only to stop in her tracks. Someone was making her bed.

"Um, good morning." Nova said, trying to calm her crazy hair with her fingers.

The young girl jumped, spinning around. "Miss! I'm so sorry, I thought you had left for breakfast. You must be wondering... I haven't introduced myself! Oh but Master Androluc said that the hired help needn't be known by names..."

Nova stopped the rambling girl with a raised hand. "Tell me your name." She said gently, smiling encouragingly.

The girl dropped into a bobbing curtsy. "My name is Leanne, Miss, and I'm your maid."

Nova blinked. "My maid?"

Leanne nodded. "Yes, Androluc assigned me to you, and I'm happy to help in any way I can, you just let me know and I'll do it!"

Nova sat down in a chair, at a loss. "Well, I've never had a maid before..." She started, trying to process.

Leanne's expression fell. "Oh Miss, please don't say you don't need me. I was just kitchen help before and I was so excited when I heard I would be serving an actual proxy-"

Nova looked up. "A what?"

Leanne twisted her fingers when she was anxious. "I'm sorry Miss, that's what the hired help call anyone who is in direct command below Androluc. You're very important, that's what it means. I'll be shunned forever if I blow this chance." Her expression was akin to a begging puppy dog.

Nova gave in. "Alright, alright Leanne, you may stay, just please, call me Nova."

Leanne gasped. "Oh I couldn't! That wouldn't be proper..."

Nova laughed. "Proper! Fine then, call me Miss Elenova."

Leanne smiled, a bright look on her face. "Oh thank you, Miss Elenova, you won't regret it!"

Nova watched the young woman bustle around tidying up. She was a petite thing, the white dress making her freckled skin glow a healthy hue. Her heart shaped face was spattered with freckles, and doe brown eyes stared out like coppery coins, perched over a button nose and rose pink lips. Shining caramel colored hair was pulled back into a bun, and her elegant fingers were deft at folding the sheets over just right. It was an alien feeling, to be the one served. She wasn't used to this at all, especially since this girl could very well be a friend instead of a servant.