Lunette and the Pendragon

Chapter 1

Lunette woke with a start. Her blood was ice cold and her heart was racing, but her body could not move. Pain washed over her as her muscles fought against themselves. She could still see his hazel eyes looming over her, gloating, burning with his lust. She could still feel his arms pressing her into the floor, forcing her to comply. For a second, Lunette panicked, but the remembered to breathe. This was a dream. A flashback. It wasn't real.

In. Out. She counted her breathes, doing her best to make them slow and steady. Her body shook with pain, but her heart slowly stopped racing. It wasn't the first time the dream had haunted her and she had woken up paralyzed. At first, it had happened every night. Focusing on her breathing helped ease the pain and quicken her recovery. Soon enough, Lunette was able to move. Sitting up, she rubbed her aching muscles and stretched her body.

Glancing out the window, Lunette could tell it was still a few hours before dawn, but she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Not after waking up in such a state.

"It isn't real," she told herself. "He is long gone."

She watched as the sky grew lighter and listened as the birds began their morning song. Anxious to clear her mind of troubling memories, Lunette slid out of bed and started getting dressed. Her pale yellow dress was simple and suitable. It was an old dress and the bottom hem was beginning to fray. Still, it was the perfect dress for the hot summers of Landuc. It was loose-fitting and light, unlike her heavier winter dress. She quickly washed her face and hands and then brushed and plaited her hair so that it ran down the length of her back in a single braid. Lunette had learned long ago that wearing her hair in such a manner was, not only practical but also helped dampen the shock of its brilliant red color. When in town, she would wear her hood up and her eyes down. While in the castle, most were already accustomed to her looks, but Laudine often had visitors who would comment on the lady's maid. She had been called a vixen, witch, and many other terms she unbefitting for her station. Her long braid did little to prevent other's opinions of her, but at least she could tell herself that she tried.

Her hair finished, she put on her brown leather shoes, checked to ensure her rosary was in her pocket and made her way to the kitchens. She grabbed an apron from one of the hooks and tied it securely, protecting her dress. The room was silent as she knelt in front of the large fireplace used for cooking. Using the poker hanging next to it, she prodded the embers as she added more wood. Soon, the fire was warming and its heat filled the room. Lunette closed her eyes as the heat washed over her. While the bed in her small chamber was much more comfortable than the flat stone in front of the fire, Lunette often missed this rush of heat she had grown accustomed to in her youth.

"That's not your job, un bach." A familiar voice with a heavy accent said, breaking the silence of the kitchen.

"Good morning, Maude," she replied looking up to see Maude tying her apron in place over her worn-out grey dress. "And I'm not little anymore."

"You will always be bach to me." The woman chided her with a smile. Lunette smiled back. Maude had raised her here in the kitchens of Landuc after Laudine had found her roaming in the woods and was the closest thing she had to a mother. Lunette stood and joined Maude who had begun slicing the leftover bread from the day before. Lunette fetched the large sheet and arranged the slices on it as Maude handed them to her. When the tray was full, Lunette carefully placed in on the small shelf above the fire. The two women worked quickly and quietly and soon had a tray filled with toasted bread, a small jar of honey, eggs, and a few slices of salted meat.

"I'll take it up to her," Lunette offered, knowing that Laudine would be waking soon and she needed to start her duties as a lady's maid.

"Aye, that is mighty kind of ye," Maude answered as continued working. Landuc had many mouths to feed and there was little time to waste in the mornings.

Lunette nodded as she replaced the borrowed apron and picked up the tray. Carefully, she carried it up to the servants' steps and headed towards her mistress' chambers. The sun had broken now and the light was pouring in from the eastern windows. Outside, Lunette could hear the early hustle and bustle as Landuc was waking. She reached Laudine's chambers and entered silently through the servant's door. Laudine was still asleep in her large bed. Sunlight was peeking through the drapes, casting a soft glow over the room. Lunette set the tray down as silently as she could on the small stand next to the bed. Seeing that the blankets had fallen off Laudine's thin body, she gently pulled them back up even though the room was already filling with the late-summer heat.

Sunlight filled the room as Lunette pulled open the drapes. She heard Laudine stirring in the bed, but said nothing. Lunette went over to the chair where Laudine's dress had been laid out the night before. It was pale green lined with white lace. While much more elaborate than Lunette's dress with its patterned embroidery, it was one of the simplest ones in Laudine's wardrobe. Being a noble lady, the dress was made of smooth silk. Laudine checked to make sure that the linen underclothes were present and that nothing was missing. There was a small clink of glass on metal behind her, signaling that Laudine was awake.

"Good morning, milady," Lunette said softly as she moved to the dressing table and began pulling out green ribbons to match the dress.

"Good morning, Lunette," Laudine answered. "Is there any news about Owen?"

"Nay, milady. Not that I have heard." Lunette answered. It was the same question Laudine had asked every morning since Owen had left nearly a year ago. Sir Gawain of the Round Table had asked Owen to join him and go questing. Owen had turned down many requests to leave Landuc, but this time he had said yes. Laudine had been upset, naturally, but was supportive of her husband. Lunette, on the other hand, thought it was unfair of him to be gone this long.

"I suppose that no news is good news," Laudine replied as she got out of bed. Lunette rushed to her side to help her to her feet and guided her towards the screen behind which she could change. Laudine munched on a slice of toast as Lunette began undressing her and putting the fresh clothes on. Her fingers were nimble and fast as she laced up the back of the dress. After years of scrubbing pots, Lunette cherished this smaller, less demanding task.

When Laudine was dressed, Lunette moved the breakfast tray over to the dressing table where Laudine took a seat. She continued eating as Lunette brushed out Laudine's long golden locks. There was a slight curl to them that Lunette had always envied ever since they were children. She worked the locks into an elaborate braid, incorporating the green ribbons as she worked. When the plaiting was finished, she gently wrapped the hair around Laudine's head, forming a golden crown. Lunette was careful not to poke Laudine with any of the pins as she secured the hairstyle. Standing back, she admired her handiwork. Lunette wasn't as skilled with hair as Amee or Gundred, the other lady's maids, but she managed well enough to please her mistress.

"Thank you, Lunette," Laudine said as she inspected the style. "The ribbons match perfectly."

"Thank you, milady." She answered, stifling a yawn.

"Lunette, did you sleep well?" Laudine asked, turning in the chair to face her servant. Her face was full of concern and worry.

"I'm alright, milady," Lunette said, standing up straighter, but almost immediately had to stifle another yawn.

"Nonsense. Take the rest of the morning off. Amee can attend to me while you rest." Laudine insisted, her voice stern and low. "I won't have you getting ill."

"Yes, milady," she answered, giving a hesitant curtsy. Laudine nodded and Lunette left the room. She explained things to the chief of staff on her way back to her bedroom. He nodded and told her to go lie down. She obeyed half-heartedly. As she laid down on the small, bead she pulled out her rosary and thumbed the small wooden cross.

Closing her eyes, she could feel how heavy they were. Silently, she began reciting the familiar prayers in her mind but was asleep before the initial ones were even complete.