Egrariand Chronicles Book 1: The Curse of the Black Stone

Encounter with the Queen

"Good morning, milady," said Fina with a smile. "These are the clothes you requested me."

Ava watched Fina as she carefully placed her clothes on the bed, the one she was wearing the time she got there; black shirt, jeans, gray jacket, and sneakers. She really couldn't get used to those ancient dresses they were making her wear. They were elegant and pretty, but not her type. Well, even back in Georgetown, she never used long dresses or skirts that would make her look like a girly type of person.

"See? Much better!" exclaimed Ava with a grin on her face after she changed her outfit.

"Strange, I'd never seen clothes like that before."

Ava laughed and held Fina's hand and thanked her.

The young maid's face turned red. "A-Anything for you, milady," she said shyly.

"O' c'mon, Fina. Don't call me milady anymore. Just call me Ava, and you know what, I like you. If it wasn't for you, I might die of depression, literally. You helped me adjust to my life here in this castle. I was so scared before, but not so much now, thanks to you."

"It's my duty, milady--"

Ava raised her brow.

"F-Forgive me, A-av-no, I can't. I'll be punished if they heard me not addressing you the proper way, milady, especially if you're a prince's guest."

"So what? Nobody's here anyway," said Ava as she pouted at the young maid. Fina's face reddened more with her gesture that made Ava laughed even more. Ava really enjoyed teasing people around her even back home. Home. Her smile faded as she remembered, especially her friend, Lucas. What is he doing now? Is he ok? Or lost? Or-- she shivered with the thought beasts like the warthogs might've spotted him. She shook her head. She really hoped not.

"What's wrong milady?" asked Fina upon noticing the sudden change in her expression.

Ava smiled at her as she brushed off all unwanted thoughts from her mind and hoped for the best.

Fina toured her around the castle after breakfast. Ava couldn't believe her eyes at the scenery, especially when they reached the heavenly smelling garden. Fresh flowers of variant colors of roses and daisies, tulips and snowdrops, and many other more. She acted like a child, excited to roam around the garden. Her laughter echoed the whole place. She was not a nature person, but she couldn't resist the splendid feeling that the garden was giving her.

Fina, on the other side, couldn't help but laugh too with Ava's high spirit. She didn't regret being assigned as her personal chambermaid. Ever since she worked for her, everything became so easy and enjoyable not like the first time she worked there in that castle. She understood Ava's sadness on the first day, she also had those before.

"Hey there, kitty--" Fina heard Ava say after a while. "You're so cute-are you lost---?"

No!

The smile faded on Fina's upon realizing the part of the garden they were in. She hurriedly rushed to Ava. They reached the restricted part of the garden where only the royals especially the queen were allowed, without her even noticing. They would be in big trouble if ever. "Milady---"

It's too late.

Before Fina reached Ava, Queen Ylessea with her guards and maids behind her appeared. She saw one guard holding Ava's hand as he interrogated her.

Her heart almost stopped as she cursed underneath her breath. "Please, forgive us, your majesty," Fina interceded. "It's all my fault, your highness, I deserve your punishment, but please hear the request of your lowly servant to let the girl go."