Celestial Discord

Chapter 1- A Rare Free Day Gone Wrong

   I woke to the sound of hummingbirds singing in a tree near my window. The sun radiated illuminating light that enveloped my room with warmth, blinding my already blurry vision. I squinted my eyes a bit, letting them adjust before sitting up.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes. What do I have to do today?

Absolutely nothing. No special events, and because it's Sunday, no schooling by Miss Cecilia. I have acquired a rare free day and I plan to use it to the fullest.

What do I do though? Read all day? Doesn't sound bad. If I really try for it I could finish two books today. I could also finally explore the forest behind the house. I've been meaning to do so for a while now but with recent events that have popped up it's almost impossible to find a good time.

While lost in thought, I felt a soft hand touch my arm. I jumped a little.

I turned to the cause to see the familiar face of a perfectly postured girl in a standard maid outfit that could be easily mistaken for cosplay. She was only a tad bit taller than me and as far as I knew she was around the same age. The most identifiable traits that really stood out was her long, fiery red hair and her crimson red eyes that gave off an exotic and energetic aura that completely contrasted her apathetic expression.

"Oh, it's you Mary." I said. "I didn't see you there."

I didn't even hear her walk in. Was she really that silent? No, I probably was just really spaced out.

"Apologies if I startled you, Young Master. I just came to bring you some tea." She said, setting down a cup of tea on the nightstand left of my bed. Her tone was professional and her words carefully picked, leaving no room for self-expression.

"Ah, don't worry about it." I flashed her a polite smile. "It's my fault for spacing out."

"Next time I'll try a better approach to get your attention."

"T-t-that's kind of unnecessary. Like I said, it was on me." I admitted.

"I see." She responded almost robotically. "Well, then, I'll see you later Young Master."

"See you later Mary."

She bowed. "Enjoy your day."

And with that she left.

I sighed. I guess even having the "perfect" maid comes with its fair share of downsides.

I looked over at the cup of tea she brought.

She did go out of her way to bring me tea. The courteous thing would be to at least try it.

I brought it to my mouth and took a sip, careful not to burn my tongue.

Bleh.

I quickly but carefully set the steaming cup back on the plate on the nightstand.

I made a mistake.

She did generously bring me tea and it would be rude to decline so I didn't say anything, but in the future I need to convey to her that I would prefer pretty much anything else. If I don't chicken out at least.

Granted, it's not like it's easy to talk to Mary to begin with. She's so guarded that holding a casual conversation with her feels impossible. Could it be that she just doesn't like me? She is just a maid who works, after all. It's not like she has to like anything about me.

I fell back on my pillow. I'm thinking too much. I should be using my time to relax. Not brainstorming a plethora of theories that are probably way off the mark.

I could get up and eat, but that involves me getting out of bed, a tedious task in itself. Not to mention that will remind people that I exist and put me at risk for possibly having to do something if Miss Cecilia sees me. Or worse, if Tucker sees me. I could get caught up in one of his antics and who knows how that'll end up.