Faith

Chapter Two

'Again and again, why must I feel this? I cannot let it takeover me; I must be strong...especially for them'. The thought runs through the mind of the girl, she made her way slowly towards the castle kitchen after returning the Princes cloak. She pushed the door slowly but with enough force to open it. "I see someone took their time and wasted mine. Those potatoes needed to be peeled an hour ago and yet I had to do them myself; I am the cook not a potato peeler, I do not understand why I keep you around". The cook groaned as he wiped his nose with his free hand as the other was holding a ladle. "I-I am sorry, other work needed my assistance. I shall get straight to work".

"Fine then. Start with the pile of dishes over there". Using the hand holding the ladle, he pointed towards the stack of dishes by the sink in the corner. She nodded and immeadiatley began on her work. "Your assistance". he scoffed. "How are you even worth the time?" She gripped onto one of the plates hard as he said his words, trying not to let her anger consume her.

After finishing her chores, she takes a dry stack of plates turning around with them in her grasp, startled by seeing the young Princess Rose; her grip loosened and the fine china smashed against the wooden floor of the kitchen. Once the cook heard the smash of the plates, he storms towards the girl raising his hand in anger. "For God's Sake Maria!". Maria's gaze was locked on towards the terrified young Princess, the cook notices her gaze and looks towards the direction. "My lady Rose, I didnt mean to-" Rose steps back, cutting off the cooks words, in fright she screams out. "Mama! Papa!" Within moments more footsteps can be heard as they become louder towards the kitchen. The cook knowing what may happen steps back into the corner away from Maria, Maria keeping her sight on Rose and in the next moment King Dorian has kneeled beside her with an expression filled with concern. The Princess began to talk to her father quietly so Maria could not hear, in a matter of seconds the King marched into the kitchen, his body showing signs of anger and Maria feared what would happen. 'Is he going to punish us? Did the Princess tell him I was in the wrong? Please do not hurt me...I have a family that needs my help...what would my family think?' Only these thoughts would appear in Maria's mind as the king stood there. Before he spoke the dreaded words his intense glare aimed towards the cook. "How dare you?!" The king shouted clenching his fists. "How dare you frighten my child and expect to get away with it?!"

"I-I do not exp-pect anything Y-Your Majesty". The cook stuttered out of his mouth while his body trembles in fear whilst in the kings presence. She had never seen anyone as terrified before in her life. "You are pathetic!" King Dorian again shouted, the young Rose standing by the doorway of the kitchen turned her head away from the sight. Maria caught a glimpse of the Princess with a tear running down her cheek but it was quickly wiped away, once Maria saw Rose face her head back towards the scene, her head lowered. "Guards!" The King called out, and as if magic, three guards appeared behind the king waiting for their orders. "Send this worthless pig out of my sight". They nodded and the sound of their metallic armor could only be heard down the hallway as well as the sounds of the struggled cook pleaing for his life. "The people must know the wrath of the Monarch, especially when it comes to my children". Dorian directed his sight towards Maria who was crouching by the broken pieces of china while the scene had taken place. "Make sure this is known peasant!" His intimidation overpowered Maria as she lowered her head and nodded quickly. "As you request Your Majesty". He raised a brow at her actions and turned towards the entrance of the kitchen, looking at his precious young daughter who looked overcomed with guilt. "Clean up this mess immeadiately". Were his last words to the faded red haired servant girl before returning to his daughter and picking her up in his arms. "Yes sire". she replied quietly as the king walked off. she began disposing of the sharp pieces, cautious not to cut herself. "Papa". Roses delicate voice reached the ears of Maria, careful not to be seen by them she leaned against the wall by the door and listened in on the girls words. "I feel so bad. He is going to die...because of me."

"It was not because of you, it is not your fault my dear". He smiled softly at her. "He was a bad man and committed a terrible crime, his punishment shall be served and you will be safe". He kissed her forehead, giving her a light squeeze as he held her before putting her down. "You are getting older my dear and must learn of all these worlds and their laws. Even in it all, I shall protect that which is most precious to me; regardless of the cost". The young girl nodded to her father in acceptance, once the King took his leave she heaved a sigh before walking off herself; her footsteps so light that Maria had to be careful to see if Rose had left. "Even the most cruel have a delicate centre". Maria mumbled as she continued her work as a servant of the palace.