A King, a Peasant and a Witch • ONC2020

Chapter One: Working for My Father

Noah's POV

Useless.

That's all I could think when I dropped the rusty old bucket, water spilling all over the floor. A loud huff escaped my lips as I glanced over my shoulder at the group of children who sprinted down the narrow lane, giggling. I squeezed my eyes shut and took in a deep breath of air before I scooped up the bucket and refilled it with water from the small tap in the wall.

You can't even fill up a bucket of water without messing up!

I let out a groan as I lifted it to my chest. I carried the bucket up the few steps and in through the back door, dodging my way past the staff.

The kitchen was dark. The only sources of light came from two tiny windows located above the back door, which had been left open. It was a small room, usually overcrowded due to the amount of maids and cooks, and its cobbled walls smelt musky.

Carefully, I placed the bucket on the counter and my father nodded thanks.

"Anything else?" I questioned as I stood back, glaring at my now wet shirt. He paused and blinked at the bucket, his mind lost in thought. Finally, he shook his head. Relief swept through my body. I hated this job just as much as I hated this house.

"Does that mean I can leave?" I asked, hopeful.

"What if I find another job for you?"

"Ugh, whatever. " I slumped my body on the wooden stool next to him. I rested my elbow on the counter and rested my chin in my palm and pouted. Although I kept my gaze on the carrots he peeled on a chopping board, I could sense his smirk on his lips.

"I don't see why I have to work here all just because you work here, " I quietly spoke. My attention shifted to a young maid who walked by carrying a bucket of potatoes. She hurried over to the sink and began to wash them. She wore the same outfit all the other maids wore, a navy dress that was tied around her thin waist with a simple white string. Her wavy chestnut hair hung down her back, swaying side to side in rhyme with her head as she quietly sang to herself.

"Noah." My father snapped, pulling me out of my daydream.

"Really?" He mouthed and side eyed her as the maid passed by again.

"What?" I mouthed back and shrugged. He rolled his eyes before he continued on.

"Because our family has served this family since the establishment of this kingdom. It's not about to end because you want to go out and act like an idiot. My father worked here. His father did, and his father did, " he finally responded.

I crossed my arms an shot him a look.

"Can I at least go look around the house while you think -"

"No. The last time you did that you broke a window and landed us both in serious trouble. You do not step a foot beyond this kitchen. Understand?" He warned me, pointing his knife at me while he rambled.

"Yes, " I said, dragging the s.

"I will never understand your need to explore things. Just go home." He added a few seconds later. Quickly, I jumped up and spun around to make my getaway.

"But-"

I froze in my tracks, praying whatever he said next did not involve another job. "First, see if Jeff needs any help in the garden. He's by himself today and the poor man is probably struggling with his bad back, " he ordered as he chopped up the carrot.

"Right, " I said in annoyance. I turned back around and forced myself up the short whirly staircase.

"But don't wander!" I could hear my father shout from behind me, but I picked up my pace. "Go straight through the house and straight to that garden. Do you hear me? Noah, do you hear me? Do not wander!"