We stood in a guest bedroom watching Denice demonstrate the preparation of a Lady’s bed. After packing our belongings into our temporary quarters, we immediately got to work.
"When making a lady's bed, it is important that your hands are cleaned, and you are tidy and presentable. First, open the hangings and remove all the linens. New linens are used every day. Next is to check for lumps or unevenness in the mattress, which are to be evened out. Then lay the bottom sheet and ensure it is taut on all sides to avoid wrinkles. Then add the top sheet, blankets, and the coverlet. Finally, arrange the pillows in this order, ensuring the lady's seal can be seen. Then deliver the linens to the laundress or chambermaid. It is their responsibility to see it cleaned. It's your duty to dress the lady for the day. Usually, she breaks her fast by herself or with her father."
We each had a chance to make the bed. Each time a girl finished, she would be criticized harshly, and another would try. No one was perfect, but that was the point. Perfection meant there was no room for improvement. We spent nearly six hours just making a bed. She almost reminded me of my mother. I unconsciously slipped into that drone-like state of listening to her criticisms, nodding and agreeing regardless of whether I thought they were legitimate.
Over and over, we made the bed, unmade, then made the bed again. I feared I might start dreaming of linens if it went on for much longer.
Next was how to dust, clean, arrange documents, polish shoes, and polish jewelry. At the very least, my time at Darion's allowed me to know how to set a table and walk with trays of food. I tried not to get distracted by at least three magical items we had to train with. First was an even more impressive-looking gold-encrusted magical teapot. As the sun dipped, I realized that the keep didn't have any lanterns, candles, or braziers for light. The light fixtures that hung on the walls of the halls looked like lanterns initially; however, inside wasn't a flame but a glass ball that glowed rather brightly. They all had small levers on the right side that turned them on and off. Each room had a fireplace that had no logs; instead, they worked like the burners in Darion's kitchen.
Next, we were shown to the bath. I nearly fainted.
"True nobility is quite different," one of the girls mumbled. The bath was massive. Everywhere, there were pristine tiled floors. There was a large tub in the center that looked like it could fit a dozen people. Fortunately, while we were expected to help her undress, draw her bath, and prepare her toiletries, we weren't expected to bathe the woman. That was done in private. Though we were expected to wait close by if assistance was needed.
I nearly had another conniption when Denice brought to my attention a brass lever against a wall. She pointed and explained. "This drains the bath while the other fills it."
‘So much magic! How does it all work? It's maddening.’
I glanced over to the others. Some were staring as dumbfounded as I was, while others looked at best, mildly impressed. I guessed that some could afford similar luxuries if their families were wealthy enough. Eventually, the day had to end, and we were sent back to our quarters.
"Janice and Dorine with me," Denice said before we turned to leave. The two girls stiffened, dread coming over their faces.
‘Two more down.’
The walk back to our temporary quarters was silent. Guards and other staff watch us curiously, some throwing appreciative glances at the comelier women. The responses to the attention were as diverse as the women themselves. Some sent flirtatious glances back, a few ignored the attention, while others looked positively repulsed. I glanced at my two biggest competitors: Gemma and Eleanor. They kept their heads straight, eyes locked in their current direction as if the men didn't exist. Immediately, I switched my gate to copy theirs.
A meal would be served in the servants' eating area in an hour. Degrading for some of the more affluent women, but not for me. Food was fuel in the end.
Our quarters were a little more than a large room with a desk and a bed for each of us. Apparently, we weren't even important enough to have the magical Lanterns. I sat on the bed closest to the door, sighing with pleasure as I was finally able to get off my feet. Fortunately, trouble came walking over. I glanced at Eleanor and the half a dozen women who followed her like ducklings.
‘The fools don't even realize that following her will only hold them back.’
"So, Myr, is it, what's it like seeing such fineries for the first time?" Eleanor, the blonde-haired girl, said.
‘Is that all magic was to them, finery? Petty luxuries to show off? What a lack of imagination.’
"Certainly fascinating. The variety is something to be admired." I said honestly.
She chuckled as if I were a cute, yet dumb, child, "Well, a country girl isn't likely used to such things. Tell me, I've heard rumors that they don't bathe in the north. Is this true?"
The rest of the girls laughed. I felt anger, not at her mockery or attitude, but something else. The idea that I had to deal with childish nonsense was insulting.
She also reminded me of Aalis.
I suffered in an unloving home for years, then escaped and killed a man. I balanced a life that was a lie, and an internal plot to learn, if not steal, the secrets of magic from the only magus in the barony. By any measure, it was likely to fail, and my end would be met with a noose. Compared to all that, this girl was meaningless.
Standing up quickly, I crossed the distance between us, my face inches from her. Gasps echoed throughout the room as if they expected violence.
"I'm not the victim you're looking for, Eleanor. Go find someone weak and pliable, like the refuse behind you. If you choose to test me, you will find poor results." Anger burned within me. I imagined what it would be like to smash her face in. To bloody and break that beauty, turning her into a twisted monster.
‘It's been too long since I've felt like this, like I could burn the world with my hate. Oh, how I have missed it.’
Whatever she saw in my eyes made her hesitate; her retort stuck on her tongue. She was just a spoiled little brat, nothing worth this much anger in the end. I sniffed, rolled my eyes, and walked away. Plopped onto my bed and stared at the ceiling.
She kissed her teeth and walked off.
"Northern Barbarian," she muttered under her breath.
~
Most bullies, in the end, were cowards. As soon as they met someone, they couldn't threaten; they folded like the children they were. I wasn't sure if I was more disappointed that Eleanor stopped bothering me or that everyone else stayed clear as if I had the plague. Day after day passed as I learned to cater to a noblewoman.
Hair styling was by far the least interesting. We all practiced on peasant women, braiding, clipping, and pinning decorations. It was demeaning and I hated it, mostly because of Eleanor's superiority. I was determined to master the skill, unwilling to make my braids any less than perfect.
We were in our temporary rooms, each of us sitting by the head of our beds with our practice dummies sitting on cushions in front of us. I looked down at the young girl whose hair I was doing. She kept fidgeting every time I pulled on a braid. Her sudden movements disrupted my flow, making the braid uneven.
"Done," Eleanor said smugly. She was faster and clearly practiced; even after only a few days of tutelage, her work was impeccable, while mine still stank of incompetence. I increased my speed since I had but a few more braids and a single pin left. Second place wasn't too bad since there were still 10 girls left. Then once more, the girl flinched, and my braid was uneven.
"Excellent work, do it again and add in the diadem," Denice said to Eleanor. She gave me a smug glance; the witch was talented and smart enough not to show her horrid personality in front of anyone with authority.
Another three girls finished. Rage filled me as, once again, the girl flinched. I waited until Denice's back was turned, then I clamped my hand over the girl's shoulder, digging my finger into her collarbone until it drew a pained gasp.
"If you dare flinch one more time, I will rip your piss colored hair out by the root. Do you understand me? Don't speak, just nod." I whispered in her ear. I twisted her head so she could look at my eyes. If she didn't have on a shirt, I would probably be drawing blood with my fingernails. She was a peasant in cheap canvas, so she wouldn't complain; after all, she would walk away with a pocket full of bits.
Her breathing became heavy, and the girl nodded frantically. Fear filled her big, brown eyes. Once I was sure she was properly terrified, I released her.
It took another few minutes to finish, "Done," I announced.
Denice came walking over, the girl sitting as still as a statue. The head maid's eyes roamed over the network of braids. "Decent, too tight on the roots, you can move on to the diadem."
‘Sixth place is not the worst.’
I did the girl's hair over and over with not so much as a peep from her. It had been well over a week of constant work, and by Anier's grace, it would be the Eight-day which meant a break. Though I couldn't leave the keep. I was free to roam anywhere but the noble areas.
~
I walked along the walls overlooking the massive lake. Guards dutifully made their rounds, though they seemed a bit lazy to me.
Eventually, I reached the north end of the wall that stood overlooking the lake. The wall itself was a hundred feet tall, and the cliff below fell another several hundred feet until reaching the lake. Looking straight down the several hundred-foot drop made my stomach turn.
A combination of tall vertical cliffs and a massive wall made this section of the keep poorly guarded. In the half an hour I sat near the crenelations looking at the distant hills and forests, not a single person walked by. I decided to make it my spot away from the hustle and bustle of the castle.
~
Almost a year as a dedicated maid-servant for Darion made me the undisputed best at this portion of our duties. I could easily walk, with trays loaded with food, pour wine, and serve meals with almost as much grace as Denice could. The rest, however, were too used to being waited on instead of waiting on others.
The days spent training to handle the food for the baroness were easygoing. And apparently, I did so well that I got a special reward.
"Since you are clearly the superior in this field, you will have the honor of bringing the Baroness her midday meal," Denice said.
She had been doing this for some time. Rewards to spark envy and motivation in the other girls.
I tried not to throw a smug smile in Eleanor's direction. We were in the kitchen, a massive building filled with burners, stoves, an odd metal oven, and an icebox that held frozen meat. The smells coming from the place were maddening since all we were served was a thick stew.
~
I carried the silver-covered tray through the halls with ease. It took a few days before I learned where everything was. Finally, I found the Baroness's rooms near the end of a hall. As trained, I knocked twice and waited. It took around thirty seconds before a deeper and more commanding voice said, "Enter."
Her room was as large as most people's homes. There were areas for sitting, dining, and reading. Every piece of furniture was gilded. To the rear of the room was a massive window looking out to the central courtyard. Finally, my eyes focused on the baroness and my first Magus.
Lady Elis wasn't a classical beauty, but she had such an aura of power and confidence so indomitable, I couldn't meet her brown eyes for very long. She was wearing rather tight black leather pants, high-heeled boots, and a close-cut satin blouse with an underbust bodice buckled at the front to emphasize her figure and chest. She was the only other woman besides me to wear so much black. Every finger had a ring except the thumb. Her long, expertly curled brown hair reached her waist, flowing freely, with no ties or clasps to keep it in check. Around her neck was a thick silver necklace with a medallion showing a four-pointed star with text I was too far away to read.
I've come to accept that what most women feel towards men, I feel for other women. Strange as it may be, I ignored it. I had enough to deal with, and I didn't need more complications. But never have I felt such strong attraction to any woman; not even Yarah or Darla could come close. She was so enthralled that for a few seconds, I didn't even note that Surian was sitting by the dining table waiting for me to serve her meal.
‘Focus, Myr.’
I curtsied and walked forward, head cast slightly downward so my fringe could hide my eyes. I scanned the table that I just noticed was littered with scrolls. Almost all of them were flipped over seemingly in haste. On the far side of the table were five books stacked on top of each other, their spines turned away from me. But I could still see that the covers were somehow gilded.
Silently, I reached the Baroness, "You may proceed," She said.
With practiced ease, I plated the dish to exact specifications. Serving platter, charger, and the actual dish, a thin soup with cubes of vegetables. Lady Elis stood off to the side of the table, watching me.
"You may leave." She said.
With one last glance at the table, finding nothing of interest, I walked away carrying the tray and cover.
"Hold a moment," Lady Elis said. Her voice was husky with a slight rasp.
I turned, bowed, and said, "Yes, Lord Magus."
I looked into her brown eyes, "Are you Ferosian?" She asked.
"No, Lord Magus,"
"Then why dress in those colors?"
"It goes well with my hair and eyes."
Her mouth curled into an amused smile. "I see, you may leave."
I bowed again and walked out the door.
‘If only I could look at those papers and books. They purposely turned their spines away from me.’
I closed the door and walked away. After a few steps, I stopped. Using my heels to remove my shoes, so I was in only stockings, I slowly stalked my way towards the door, intending to eavesdrop.
All I heard was silence, then after nearly 30 seconds, they started to speak.
"This isn't working," Surian complained.
"It's not a short process. It could take months before your first successful binding. There is no point in rushing." Lady Elis said, sounding like a parent lecturing a child.
‘Binding?’
"Time is something I don't have. Mother and Father are practically at each other's throats, and I have no power base of my own."
"I'm aware, and it doesn't matter to me or the Magisterium. Have you achieved the animus yet?"
‘Animus?’
"Of course, it's a simple way of thinking," Surian said.
"Is that so? Well, you would be the fastest in history. Turn around and walk through that wall for me."
There was a slight pause, then Lady Elis kept speaking. "As expected, you don't have it. When I was training, my master told me to fly. I broke my leg after leaping off the roof. That is the level of belief."
"Your exercises aren't working."
"Because it takes time, we'll start again after your meal. It may be......"
I heard footsteps and immediately headed for my boots.
‘Heavy metal, several of them, someone important is coming in my direction.’
I just managed to get my foot into my boots and walked, trying to get as far away from the door as possible before whoever was coming turned the corner.
Just as I turned the corner, I was face to face with Viscount Enaris, Baron Redstone, and six guards in full plate.
‘How in trouble would I be if the Baron himself caught me spying on his daughter?‘
I stood off to the side, bowed deeply as I was taught.
‘I'm just a simple maid, no need to pay attention. Just be on your way.’
"Ah, how fortuitous, Lord Baron, this is one of the prospects for the position of handmaiden to your daughter."
‘DAMN YOU ENARIS.’
"Is she now an odd way of dress, but the unusual is in fashion, no?" His voice was strong and deep.
"That it is Lord Baron.", Enaris agreed.
"Tell me, girl, how is Darion? You may look upon me."
I looked up to see a remarkably handsome man in his middle years smiling at me. He was dressed in elegant reds and blues, the very picture of the refined nobleman.
"He is doing well, Lord Baron. Darion's Dish is rather popular. And Lady Renois is with child."
The baron chuckled and said to Enaris, "Is she now? Well, I suppose it's time I visit my old friend. Enaris, add this to the schedule, preferably before the birth, and prepare an appropriate gift."
‘And just like that, Darion's going to have a windfall of good fortune.’
"Well then, good day, young lady, off to your duties," the baron said.
I bowed respectfully and waited for them to leave.
I signed with relief, hopefully the baron didn't delay me too long.
~
"Why did it take you so long? Do you think such a pathetic display would go unnoticed?"
Denice was lecturing me in front of every girl. The lecture had been going on for several minutes. It usually ended with the girls' dismissal. Denice did not tolerate mistakes. Eleanor and Gemma were wearing smug smiles as I finally slipped up.
She wasn't wrong, I did waste time, but thanks to the baron, I had the perfect excuse. But I let her continue to lecture and berate me in front of all the girls. Why stop someone from making a mistake?
‘You're mine now, Denice.’
"You are dis..."
I cut her off, "I apologize, Head Maid. If we could speak privately, I could explain myself," I said. I was smiling smugly, something Denice didn't expect. She paused, staring at me.
The amused smiles from Eleanor and Gemma turned into confusion. Denice wasn't an idiot; she knew I had something.
"Everyone, to the garden; we learn proper tea service for the rest of the day. NOW," Denice commanded. That whipped the girls into shape, and they exited the dorms, leaving me alone with Denice.
"I know that smug smile anywhere. What advantage do you have?" she asked, not even trying to be subtle.
"The Baron himself delayed me. He wanted to have a conversation about Ser Darion and his wife. You know Ser Darion, the very man who averted the Baron from certain death. Surely, I couldn't put your desire above the Baron, Head Maid. The baron did mention he was going to visit them again. I wonder how he would react to seeing me there. Surely he would have questions."
Denice's eyes widened as realization dawned.
If this spread, no doubt it would reflect poorly on the Baron. To think a mere maid thought herself above him. She would be dismissed with prejudice. Was the baron so weak and in poor control of his staff? Was his staff so unjust to dismiss a girl whose only failure was being an obedient worker? And to think the girl was recommended by the man who saved his life. What if I returned to Darion's Dish and informed them of this unjust treatment? The blowback from this would affect not only her but her entire family.
I could see the wheels turning in her head.
"What do you want?" She asked.
"When five of us remain, the Baroness chooses the dismissal, yes? I need you to get me to that point. Once there, I'm out of your hands, and if I'm not good enough, she'll dismiss me. Even if I tell everyone else what happened after that point, it would look like a resentful girl throwing out wild accusations. But if I walk away now. Well, there are 10 witnesses to testify to your actions."
She was silent for a solid minute.
"I take pride in my work, girl. If you start slacking, I'll dismiss you regardless of the effect it could have on me." She warned.
"That's all I ask. Make me good enough to reach the next stage."
Denice sighed, knowing that she had no choice. The worst mistake a servant could make is embarrassing their lord. "Very well."