Little Maid

Her sigh was quiet, but heavy with something like disappointment. "You're far too stubborn for your own good."

Before I could respond, she bent - and without warning, her arms were around me again.

"Wait-! My Lady, please!"

She lifts me up. One arm beneath my knees, the other steady behind my back.

"Alcina-!" I squeaked, gripping her shoulder.

She looked utterly unbothered. "If you refuse to rest on your own, then I will ensure it myself."

She shifted her hold on me, placing me on her hip.

We were halfway up the stairs before I realised what was happening. The other maids had stopped to stare, eyes wide.

I put my face in Alcina's neck to hide myself as best as I could. "Oh no, oh no."

Alcina chuckled. "Perhaps next time you'll listen when I tell you to stay in bed." Alcina said faint amusement curling in her voice.