Hope and Josie - A Fairytale Ending

The Face Behind the Mask

Maya POV

Walking up the street on a usual summer's day was full with people as they moved about the street carrying out different activities. Some walked about the shops looking for something to buy for a friend or someone they loved. Other people were standing at the stalls trying to sell of their products.  

I was trying my best not to bump into anyone as I made my way through the crowded street. Ethan had gathered up the money the both of us had made and asked me to go to the market to get food for the next few days. We would have to ration as usual but there was no other choice. 

Unfortunately when you came from one of the servant families, it meant that you didn't have as much food as the royal family or those who were higher up. Still we tried our best not to think about it too much. Instead we got on with our lives and tried not to dwell on it too much.

I made it home quick and opened the door which  creaked loudly and hit the wall. It had been broken since we moved in but it had not been a priority for the royal family to fix one door. I closed it again and sat the food down on the counter. 

"Ethan. I am home. Are you back yet?"

The door to one of the rooms opened and Ethan strode out. His outfit was a mess and it looked like he had just woken up.

"Yes Maya. I just got back from my nightshift and hoped to sleep for a bit before you returned. No such luck however."

He smiled and it made me smile too. He had been working a lot of nightshifts lately and it meant I didn't get too see him as much as we use to. I missed him and some days he wouldn't sleep at all so we could hang out. 

"So what did you manage to get today from the market?"

I started unpacking the food that I got.

"Luckily some of the good stuff. It hadn't all been taken yet before I got there. I got some potatoes and carrots. A chicken that looks somewhat edible. We can make a stew tonight before you go back to your work."

"Sounds lovely. I am going to get some more shut eye if you don't mind. I know you have your chores to do today and then we can meet up later when you are finished and wrestle up this delicious feast."

I nodded and smiled.

"That sounds perfect. I will see you then."

Ethan pulled me in for a hug and I returned it before he went back into the room and I got ready for the day ahead which would be filled with work. The day went by quick and I got all the chores that needed done. From cleaning the kitchen to all the guest bed rooms. Just like any other day.

That was until I went to get my pay for week and the head servant handed me an extra note along with it. He didn't even say anything. Just handed it to me with a blank look as he went onto the next person. Making it swiftly back to my room I opened it and began reading.

It didn't say much other than a few words.

Do you want something more in life? If yes please meet me at destination on this letter. If not forget you even received it.

I didn't know what to at first. Flipping the letter I saw a destination. It was out in the forest where we had been told not to go. Apart of me thought it was maybe some kind of joke. A trick meant to catch me off guard.

The door opened and Ethan came in.

"Hello Maya. Is something wrong?"

I hid the letter and smiled.

"Not at all. Now why don't we get started on the food. I am feeling quite hungry."

Over the next week I had plenty of time to think of the letter. It was all that went through my thoughts as I continued with my chores and went about my daily business. The supposed meeting came around quick and I found myself walking to it. I walked out of the castle after Ethan had taken off to carry out his usual nightshift.