Vara

Chapter 4

The dining hall was mostly silent. The king sat at the head of the table, the queen to his left. Prince Jorik sat at the king's right, the princess sitting beside her mother. Vara stood with her back against the wall behind the princess, in perfect view of Jorik who glared. She knew why, but it was not entirely her fault. Princess Elira had Vara change into a hanfu, ordering her to serve the princess that night instead of Jorik. Vara could feel the daggers from his eyes, piercing into her soul, when Elira cleared her throat.

The king and queen stopped eating, looking at their daughter expectantly, but Jorik only glanced at his sister before returning to his staring contest with Vara. "Big brother, might I ask you for a favor?" the blonde asked sweetly, batting her hazel eyes in an attempt to make herself too cute to say no to. Vara wondered why or how that expression would pan out - the princess was no longer a small child. "It depends Elira," he stated, drawing his eyes away from Vara to finally look at his sister. "Does it have anything to do with you dressing up my slave as your handmaid?"

"It does, actually. My maid is pregnant and she just can't keep up anymore." the princess pouted. "All she can do is waddle around, I need someone who can keep up the pace." Elira explained, the queen nodding thoughtfully. "No. She is my servant. Get someone else." Jorik said stubbornly, the king scoffing at his son's response. "Son, you don't even use your maid but once a week at most. Your sister seems to like her, why not just get yourself a new one? Maybe someone that's more useful to you?" The queen spoke, ever the voice of reason. Prince Jorik's eyes narrowed, darting from his sister to once again look at Vara. "Would you rather be my servant or my sister's?" he asked, surprising everyone at the table. All eyes turned to her, Vara's eyes widening. He mouth opened and closed as if she were a fish out of water.

"I apologize," her eyes darting between the royals. They were all staring, making her involuntarily shake. "I do not uh, believe..." her voice trailed off, face turning red. She was nervous. The prince and princess gave her the same look - deep frowns and furrowed brows. It was the same expression the king was giving her. "I... I am a slave." Vara's voice grew softer, her monolid eyes darting down so that she could not see any of them. "I do not believe I have any say of whom I work for." she could speak easily if she could not see them. "I would be honored to be of service to all of you." she added quickly, the king letting out a big huff. "Jorik, give her to your sister.  We will get you another. A male this time, perhaps." The queen's voice was soft; Just quiet enough to make the others grow quiet to listen to her.

"Very well," Jorik frowned, shooting one last glare to Vara before going back to his dinner. Elira was ecstatic, letting out a giggle and thanking her big brother for being so generous. The young girl turned in her chair, giving Vara a wide smile. "Come see me first thing in the morning. Bring whatever items you keep in your room. My maid will be moved to the pregnancy ward, you can take her quarters." the preteen was scolded lightly by her mother, quickly turning back in her seat to finish her dinner while it was still warm. The rest of the dinner went by in their normal silence once again, however the air was heavy. The prince was clearly annoyed, though Vara could not tell if it was because she didn't say she preferred being with him over his sister. Though she supposed she would have been annoyed too, if she had a younger sibling who took things from her often.

News of Vara leaving the servants' quarters spread before the dinner was even over. She was greeted by Nazali and Portia outside of the dining hall, enveloping her in bear hugs and crushing the wind out of her lungs. "At least you're with the princess," Portia smiled. "She'll give you plenty to do, you won't go without a chore." her voice was warm and soft, motherly in a way. Nazali chimed in, "Yeah, but you should still make time to see us. Especially me, since I'm your favorite." she grinned. Vara rolled her eyes, letting out a snort. "Sure you are." she felt herself getting a little emotional. She felt as if she was leaving yet another family, despite them all still living at the same place. Their duties were so different, Vara wasn't sure if she would be able to see them any time soon. But she gave them tight hugs, lingering for a few moments before holding both of their hands and walking to their quarters together so she could grab her things.