The Trio of Trouble

Chapter Sixteen, Accomplices

A Fellowship

Knock, knock. 

      My eyes instinctively bolted open. I was greeted with soft pinkish light, and shimmering fabric. Under me was a soft, plush substance like a cloud. A light cloth was pulled over my shoulders. 

Where was I...?

     I forced myself to sit up, facing the room. It was gold encrusted, and regal, a room meant for a royal. 

Knock, knock. 

"It's upon morning, miss." A mousy voice called from outside the door. 

     I rubbed my eye, glancing around. Could this be a dream...?

      The door opened. I jumped, scrambling back on the bed. A plump, small woman in an white apron timidly poked her head in and smiled at me gingerly. "I have your morning meal, miss." 

      I cocked my head a little. "My what?" 

      The maid stepped inside, holding a silver tray of neat, full looking food. I couldn't help but notice the tray was shaking. "I tried to bring you a meal last night, but when I got here you where passed out on the bed. So, I pulled the blanket over you. I hope that doesn't upset the miss'?" 

     That was when it finally hit me. Everything came rushing back to me like a massive, chaotic wave, choking and pounding me into the ground. Getting captured, being dragged to Grayston castle, learning the painful truth of my heritage and still being unsure of what the threat of our world was. The hollow, confused feeling returned in my empty stomach and heart and my head began to buzz again. I closed my eyes, rubbing my temple and letting my muscles relax in the soft fabric. I didn't even remember falling asleep last night. 

"You....You are upset with me? Oh I knew it, I knew this would happen...." The anxious maid stared shaking her head to herself, strands of brown hair falling from her bun. "I have frustrated the princess-" 

 "Do not call me that." I suddenly snapped, without thinking. 

       The maid looked at me. her eyes wide. The tea cup on the tray began to shake loudly with the rest of the tray, and the woman began to stutter. "P-please f-f-forgive me, miss..." 

     I nodded tiredly. "It's fine. Really. You don't have anything to fear really, it's not like I have any power or anything. In fact, I'm probably a lower rank than even you...." 

 "I wouldn't say that miss..." The maid said after a moment, of gaining her courage. "I-I am the lowest of low here..." she dropped her gaze. 

      Pity welled in my heart for the little woman. But more than pity for her, I felt a pity for myself. I was lower than a maid, I was lower than the bottom of the earth, and I knew it. In the past it had almost been an honor to be bad, but now...Now I was a complete disgrace. Even to myself. And if even I saw that, what did everyone else see? "At least you aren't a bastard thief." 

      I felt the woman's eyes on me. "I-I suppose you are right...." 

     I grimaced. 

Why would I even say that?

 "I'm sorry." I suddenly blurted, tainting the silence. "It was out of place to say, and I should not have made you feel uncomfortable." 

 "It's alright miss." The woman flashed a sympathetic smile with her crooked teeth. 

 "Thank you." I looked up and tried to look soft and content, though I imagined my face was contorted and forced. 

 "Well anyway, I have your morning meal. Warm and fresh just as the Prince ordered."