The Survivors

Three

In the dining room servants set the table with a beautiful meal of honey ham, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and fresh fruits. Red had already started, not thanking anyone. Yellow bowed down to the servants and thanked them before starting. Moon stood behind her, filling her glass with sparkling cider. "How was your lesson, M'lady?" She wasn't supposed to speak and quickly realized her mistake. She didn't meet Red's eyes as she looked at him, waiting to be yelled at or struck, or even worse.

"Moon... What lessons are you talking about?" His voice was stern and cold, he stood up when she didn't answer. He struck her with the back of his hand.

Yellow got up and pushed him away. "Red!"

Moon gasped in pain and stayed on the floor. The other servants didn't move and kept their gazes on the ground. Moon didn't cry despite the tears building up behind her shut eyelids. She slowly opened her eyes, looking up at Red and Yellow.

"Don't you dare hit her!" Yellow protected her friend with her battered body.

"How did you get like that, sister of mine?" Red didn't seem concerned, he seemed angry. He was angry.

"I fell," she quickly said, it wasn't a lie. In her lesson with Bamboo she fell constantly. Moon slowly got to her feet, hiding behind Yellow.

She shyly whispered in the braver woman's ear, "it's okay... Let him strike me..."

"I'm not letting him hurt you, Moon!" She looked behind her before looking at her brother.

"Tch... How could you care for a mere Pie? Talk about a let down." He threw his napkin at her face before leaving the table. Moon teared up and hugged Yellow tightly. She couldn't speak as she sobbed, her shoulders trembling. Pumpkin Pie followed Red, her orange hair tied up into a bun. She was Red's personal handmaiden, and Moon's cousin.

Yellow Wine held Moon Pie tightly and wiped her tears. "I'm here for you Moon...," she whispered and touched her cheek.

"Pumpkin, come here!" He growled, his eyes were burning with anger. She rushed over and curtsied for him, her orange eyes focused on his clean, black shoes. He kicked her down until she was on her knees. "You will spy for me, won't you?"

She didn't wince, used to his abuse. "Yes, Master," she whispered.

"Get information from that disrespectful Pie and my sissy dearest," he sneered and sat down on his armchair. He poured himself some red wine. Each food soul had to consume what they were named after to stay strong. He knew this, and this was reason why he denied access to desserts all around the castle. Yellow also knew this, and she smuggled servants food as much as she could.

Pumpkin nodded and stayed on her knees. She waited for his next orders, having a feeling he wanted something else. Once he finished his glass he licked his lips. "Pumpkin, get my night clothes ready."

She rose and went to his woredrobe. She took out his favorite red pajama pants and a black shirt. "Sir?"

"Yes?" He looked over at her as he gazed at the moon.

"Please stand so I can dress you..." She approached him. He did so, raising his arms. She undressed him slowly, silk cloths falling off of him to reveal muscle and scars. "You look handsome as always, Sir." She helped him into his sleep clothes and waited patiently.

He smirked and took off all of his heirlooms. "You can retire for the night. Dealing with idiots is tiring."

"Thank you, sir. That is very gratuitous of you." She curtsied and ran off. He went to bed, locking his room first.

Moon Pie made Yellow's bed and pulled back the blankets. Yellow picked out her own clothes for resting. "Moon... Are you okay?" She walked over to her.

"Yes, M'lady," she hurried away and got a glass of yellow wine. "Here, drink up so you may stay strong for fighting..."

She smiled and gently sipped from her cup. She smiled softly and offered her a little moon pie. "Don't tell Red~." She winked. The servant bowed her head in thanks and ate half quickly, saving the rest in her skirt pocket. She said her good nights and left the room, nearly falling over as Red stepped before her. She had crumbs on her lips.

Red looked at her. "What are you eating?!" He growled.

"Nothing, sir...!" She stared at the floor, teary eyed.

"Really?" He pinned her to the wall by the neck. She gagged and coughed, struggling.

"S-sir! Can't...breathe...!"

"If I find out you are lying to me... I'll have you for lunch!" He got close to her and hissed, letting her drop to the floor. "Get up..."

She took deep, greedy breaths of air before standing up. She slowly took out the moon pie, giving it to him. He sneered and crushed it in his palm before going into his sister's room. "No! Sir, I stole it!"

He looked over at her. "You stole it, hm?" He looked over at her from the doorway.

"Yes. I stole it from the reserves...," she lied, her only thoughts about saving her kind mistress.

He growled and slapped her again. "How dare you?!" He snarled in anger. She fell against a wall, crying out in pain. She sobbed and hid under her arms. "If I see you eating that again I will have a toast made from your skull and fed to your stupid mistress!" He growled and kicked her aside.

Yellow came out of her room and ran towards her "Moon...!" She got up quickly and ran away, throwing a small box aside. It was from Tofu and held a silver ring with a tiny diamond. Yellow picked it up. "Oh no... Moon!" She ran after her, still in her night clothes. Moon ran still, hiding in the Servants' Quarters. No one but servants could enter.

"Moon you left your ring!" She called out, trying to get her attention. The Pie sank against the wall and slowly opened the door. She reached through and Yellow gently put the ring on her hand. "I'm so sorry..."

"Go take your rest now, Mistress Yellow."

"Can I hug you before I go to sleep?" she whispered.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to do anything to risk your safety, M'lady."

"I don't care! I really need to see you Moon! Please?" she whispered.

She shut the door and slinked away, crawling into a cot. She fell asleep soon. Yellow whimpered softly and walked back to her room to sleep.