In the kingdom (A shugo chara fanfiction)

Chapter 1

 Once apon a time... No, no, that's too cliche... Once in a far off land- No, that's also too over used.. Hmm. In a kingdom, there lived a girl... A girl who just wanted a bit of freedom.

Creta's POV

   It was the chime of the grandfather clock that awoke me. Every day a 5 am, the clock went off, signaling the start of the day. I reluctantly pulled myself off the small cot that I called my bed and I quickly pulled on the French style dress that I had laid out the night before. I slipped on my worn out boots and I set out to the kitchen to make tea. The butler, Sebastian, was already awake -as usual- and was already making tea. 

    "I told you I would take care of the tea, Sebastian," I mumbled, going over to the cabinet and taking out a tray and tea cups.

    "I woke up early, so you don't have to worry about anything," he chuckled, dipping the tea bags into the kettle. The water steamed out of the spout, and the smell of tea filled the air. It was relaxing. 

    "Thank you." I set the cup onto a saucer that matched and grabbed the cup of sugar cubes. I was Saaya's personal maid, so I had to bring tea to her every morning and wake her up. 

 I made my way to her room and I opened the door. I set the tray on her bed side table and I opened the curtains, letting light into the dim room. 

    "Wake up, Miss," I said in a calming voice. 

 Saaya groaned and tried pulling the sheets over her head more than they already were. I sighed and went over to the closet. 

   "What dress would you like to wear today?" I asked, filing through the many, MANY dresses.

 She groaned again and slowly sat up. "I don't care, just find one that looks good!" Her voice was always whiny.

   "Okay then, Miss." I then proceeded to choose a dress that I thought would look good on her. I brought it over to her. "Does this one suffice your tastes?"

 She sighed. "That one's fine."

 Over the years, I had learned what she did and didn't like. This was a very long process because she was always so fickle about everything. I got a lot of scars on my back from when I messed up. I walked to her and helped her change out of her nightgown and into a petty coat and slip. As I was pulling on her socks, she smacked me. I just ignored it and continued.

   "No food for you today," She smirked.

 Again? Really? I didn't know what made her so psychotic, it was probably her just wanting to feel more in power over me. She was, after all, a noble. She was brought up to lead over the people. I was only a lowly female servant. I was at least four or five 'levels' under her.

 I put on her shoes and ended up with another slap to the face. I had stopped flinching a long time ago. It made her feel more dominant when I flinched.

 While she put on her makeup, I was brushing her curly red hair out. The brush caught a snag in her hair and she cried out and pushed me to the ground. 

   "That hurt!" She wailed.

   "I'm sorry, Miss, I-" Another slap to the face.

------------------------------------

 By the time I was finished getting Saaya ready, most of the other servants were already up. Sebastian had gotten Lady Yamabuki up and ready, and many of the others were starting on chores. Everyone was working even harder today because we were getting a visit from the royal family. The usual shiny floors were extremely shiny, the food for lunch smelled even more delicious, and the garden was even more beautiful. 

  There were three girls who were my age who were my only friends I had ever had; Ran, an energetic redhead, Miki, an artistic girl who worked in the garden, and Su, a clumsy neat freak who actually enjoyed cleaning and cooking here. We were all best friends from the moment we met. It was the only happiness we had.

  Before long, there was a knock at the door. Sebastian was there to greet the royal family, and he brought them to the main living room. I stood off to the side, watching Saaya and Milady do one last check on their makeup before the family entered. I usually was told to stay in  my room when the family came over, but they must not of cared. I didn't make eye contact with any of them, but I could tell that they were all handsome and beautiful. 

  As soon as they sat down, I began to poor tea for everyone. The smell was heavenly, unlike my 'family' that I served.  After I was done, I was dismissed, so I gladly left. I rushed to the servant dining room and I snuck a roll from the bowl and sat down next to the others. We all chatted and gossiped, a few complaining about what Milady did to them this morning, and such. 

  One girl was crying. It was one of the younger girls who was known for being a precious sweetheart, and she had a large bruise on her face and some lacerations on her arms. It was her first beating, it seemed. She was biting down on a rag that muffled her screams as the cuts were being cleaned. This happened to many servants here, and it was because they might of added one too many sugar cubes or maybe they got a stain on the rug. It was the sad but real truth. 

  I couldn't handle seeing the poor, innocent girl in pain so I left and went outside to the garden. It was quiet, but Saaya's loud voice could still be heard. There was no escape from this hell.