The Lost Royal

Made your day

Esa shows me her ugly, sour face, "you lucky girl, I can't believe you got that kind of work. How did you do it?" 

"Why does everyone ask me that? How I did it? I didn't catch anyone's attention, if that's what you mean. No, that's a far cry actually. I was minding my own work, and one day the Head told me I was going to be a palace maid. Surprise, surprise!" 

She pouts, making her brown eyes wider, "I'm going to miss you anyway. Things will get awfully boring without you here. Who's going to gossip with me about the Old Hag, tease Mr. Handsome Butler, and share the long hours of work together through the evening."

Thinking about the time spending without her almost brings tears to my eyes. "No worries, Esa. If you really miss me, I'm only one hall away." I try for a half-baked smile. She responds with a matching one. We're both not so eager to separate. "Do you know how many acres that will take to reach there?"

"I guess I haven't thought of that. You can't really underestimate the distance." I itch my head thoughtfully.

"Here, don't forget these loaves. Who knows how underfed you'll be over there. You already told me about a mean girl there. I know you're stronger than anyone I know, so you won't suffer anything."

I met Esa when we both in training as palace servants. She was three years older than me. She lived in the West Bank of Karusia because her family had perished in the late Winter Storm, and a little bit after that she was with child. She left her child at her village so she could work in the palace and make a living for her and her small child in the future. She basically treats me as her little sister since I was here; she tells me depressingly that I remind her of her younger sister who passed away. She doesn't speak fluent Pelluvian as I do since she only started to taste its tongue since living in the divide of Karusia and Pelluvia, but she is slowly warming up to it.

"You know it!" I take the bread from her because I can eat like a horse and not regret it.  I also need to fuel up for my energy when it is least unexpected. It is always necessary; no one should ever take food for granted, especially us, the lower class. She knows my tendencies and shakes her head in a knowing smile. 

"Here, don't forget your basket." My basket doesn't have much except for my prized soap that I got as a gift, a comb, a toothstick I use for my teeth, and a graying cloth as a towel, apron, and a few uniforms that are my best source for attire. 

"Don't be sad, Elsie," I stare at her melancholy face. "If you want company, talk to Mr. Handsome Butler." She seems aghast by my idea, and I laugh at her expression. "Elsa, you have the prettiest green eyes that will make knights trip on their feet, and your black hair is made of spun silk. Anyway, I already talked to him about you, and he seems to be taken with you."

"I told you not to talk to him!" She huffs in frustration, "you promised!"

"Aren't you a little bit happy that I asked?" I blink innocently. I know with the smile that graces her face that she was just a little bit pleased. "Because I don't want my friend to die without knowing!" 

"Go! Now! I'm still angry with you." 

"Bye, Els. See you around." I wave, ending our discussion even though I know it's not goodbye, and take the path that will lead me to my new place as a palace maid.