Little Red

n i n e

A New Companion

At the sound of clattered pots and pans, she hitched her skirts up and speed-walked to her room.

Camellia barged into her room, slamming the doors open as she hectically tried to undo her corset, she cried in frustration as they tangled in her fingers. Face first she threw herself onto the bed.

Her mind replayed the dinner or more specifically the lack of it. The audacity he had to take her from her home, in such a forceful manner, and proceed to not explain the reason behind the abduction and even -to further her annoyance- implied that his objectives were entirely pure.

Turning herself around, her fingers tangled in her hair. Never had someone induced so much rage in her. She tried to count, to breathe steadily but her blood was boiling. Then her thoughts drifted to her father, to friends, to her town and instantly her blood cooled and her heart felt heavy.

She wished to talk to them, to let out her frustrations but was well aware of the impossibility of it. Her hands covered her face vulnerably as she cried. She sunk down the bed so she rested against the side and brought her knees to her chest as she hugged them protectively.

She cried until her head felt heavy, and her temples ached. With less shaky hands, she able to untie her dress, she assumed that Blanche and the other maids had not come in, out of respect for her privacy and was considerably grateful for it.

When the covers blanketed her, one thought became prominent in her mind.

She had to leave.

♚ ♚ ♚

The morning light rudely interrupted Camellia from her slumber. With a small whine, she pulled the covers over her head.

Why is my room so bright...

"Good Morning Miss Bates," A cheery voice called.

Instantly, she sat up, yesterday's events rushed through her mind. Whipping her head to her left she saw Blanche standing with a wide silver platter in her hands, patiently waiting.

Looking around the room, she saw two other maids fastening the curtains open.

"Good morning," Camellia croaked, pushing herself against the headboard, her head still groggy from sleep.

Blanche leaned forward and placed the dish on her lap before removing the cloche and revealing a significantly smaller platter of bread, milk and a bowl filled with a variety of fruit she never knew existed.

"Here's your breakfast Miss Bates," Blanches chirped

"Please, call me Camellia or Lia for my friends," She replied

"Oh I mustn't," Blanche dismissed it shyly

"No, I insist," She reached and held her arm, "Please. I'm no higher than in any regard to you and would gratify me greatly."

Easily persuaded, Blanche nodded a reply with a small smile

"Then Lia it is."

Camellia smiled back, it was nice to find a companion especially in light of the situation and she found Blanche most agreeable, she was young as well no older than her if not younger.

"We've had direct orders from his majesty to tell you that garden and any part of the castle - except for the west wing, is allowed to be explored," She spoke as she picked up the discarded dinner gown from yesterday.