Our second world- book one: Past beginnings

Chapter 30: Marylyn

Grace and I were led to separate bedrooms at the end of a hall. Grace was taken into one, and I was brought into the other. There was a medium sized bed against the far wall with a side table pushed up against it. A dark wardrobe was pushed against the wall to the right along with a desk. On the left wall, a door led to an attached bathroom with a tub filled with steamy water.

"If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be in the hall if you need me," said the maid, closing the door behind her.

Looking around the room, I noticed that each of the two windows on the far wall had a slight indentation in them. There was a collection of multi-colored pillows with varied sizes scattered over each ledge. I walked over to one of the windows and sat down on the ledge. From the window, I could see a large garden outside. After waiting for a few minutes, I decided to climb into the bath. I didn't linger long and only took time to wash my hair before getting changed. When I was done, I went out to the hall. The two maids along with Grace were waiting for me. The maids didn't say anything as they led Grace and I down the stairs to a large hallway lined with tall windows covered by dark crimson drapes. The two girls led us past three small doors and down another hall to an open room. A large chandelier hung from the high ceiling over the long spruce table in the center of the room.

August and Haren sat together at the end of the table closest to us and we took the seats next to them. I noticed that Haren wasn't wearing shoes and had a white bandage wrapped around his left foot. I guess it was starting to bother him now.

Looking at the table, there were all kinds of different foods set out. Boarsteak, potatoes, multiple kinds of vegetables, salad, and a few different kinds of bread. As everything was passed around, I took small portions of a few things. A small boarsteak, two spoonful's of potatoes and a spoonful of peas. I ate quickly, completely clearing my plate.

"I'm done, may I please be excused?" I asked, turning to Haren.

He looked up from the conversation he was having with August and smiled," Of course," He said," You don't have to ask."

"Thank you," I replied, standing.

Klara moved from the wall and followed behind me as I made my way back through the hall. I paused at the end of it, not entirely sure which direction I had come from. At this point, I followed Klara back to the front hall and up the stairs to the hall that lead back to my room. The main light was off and a small desk lantern was lit on my side of the room. Pools of warm light bathed the floor around the beds. Just bright enough for me to see clearly as I made my way over to the bed.

"Goodnight, my lady. I will come to wake you at seven tomorrow morning for breakfast." Klara bowed.

"Thank you." I fell asleep shortly after she left.

I woke with a start, the bed sheets a tangled mess around me as I lay stunned on the floor. I was glad not to remember the nightmare that had scared me so much. Rubbing my hands over the goose bumps on my arms, I took a few shaky breaths to steady my racing heart thumping in my ears. Using the nightstand to push myself to my feet, I made my way through the dark to the bathroom.

Once there, I activated the water crest for the sink and splashed cold water over my face. I glanced my reflection in the mirror and had to do a double take. My eyes were red and puffy. Tear stains lined my cheeks and my hair was a total mess. The braid I had put it in had come undone and sections of hair stuck out in different directions. There's no point in sugar coating it: I looked awful. I made my way back out to my room to find the maid Klara standing by the vanity, a tray with a pitcher of water on it in her hands.

"I thought you might like some water," she said, pouring me a cup as I sat down.

"Thank you," I mumbled, taking it.

Without saying anything, Klara pulled a brush from the drawer and started fixing my hair while humming softly. I don't know what it was, but something about the sound seemed to help calm me down. By the time she was finished, I was no longer trembling.

"Thanks," I mumbled, a bit embarrassed to have been seen by someone in such a state.

"That's what I'm here for, my lady."