Erin rolled onto her side, rising slowly from her rest like the undead raising from the grave. Continuing that rise, her eyes fluttered open, and she yawned to life.
She was groggy and weak. She had to sprout her arms up and stretch out like a cat to gain a semblance of energy.
After enough stretching but not yet breaking from the bed, she turned to her bedside stand and leaned over the water bin to splash water on her face.
"Heaven's mercy," she said, feeling the sting of her injuries as she grazed her puffy cheek. "It still hurts."
She slid to the edge of the bedside, wincing and shaking off the drowsy pinch of sleep weighing on her fluttering eyes.
Groaning and cracking her neck, she forced herself out of her bed. She only made it a few seconds on weary legs before she plopped back down to her bed.
Sitting back on the edge of her bed, she tiredly reached for the water cup on the bedside stand. After a few gulps, she sat the cup back down and sharply exhaled.
Sighing, she opened her bedside drawer, plucking out a quill and paper. Drawer still opened wide, she bent down inspecting for an inkpot.
"Ink…ink…ink." she muttered, pushing aside loose paper and ink blots. "Where did I put the ink?" Shutting the top drawer closed, she took a step back with a huff.
"Oh, no no no." Placing her hands on her hips, she rotated around. "Where is my ink---bloody bumbling blight!" She jolted at the sight of the stranger in her room.
Her back thrust into the drawers, quill and paper hitting the floor. Shock numbed her.
"Good morning." Ezra smiled.
She had no words to reply.
"If you're looking for your ink, have you tried checking the bottom drawer? They say a forgetful mind always leaves something nearby. Or it could be---Oh?" He inspected her.
"My lady, it seems your left cheek still appears tender and your eyes hint of irritation and puffiness. It's my understanding that a night of heavy crying can cause dryness that can affect your eyes and sustaining physical injuries, even if only to the face, can cause emotional distress. Are you not feeling well? I can seek out the health aids to tend to you this morning."
"What are you---Night of crying? Who says that I was crying?"
"Were you not?"
"I have been disciplined before. I am not unfamiliar to it. Nor am I some young girl who's never know the slap of her father's hand. I would not cry over something as small as a little wack against the head." She defensively folded her arms over her chest, suppressing the emotions that pricked her chest. "I would not and I did not."
"Surely. Now, I've brought the healing skin balm. Would you like me to request your handmaid to apply it?" He suddenly revealed a small jar container in his grip.
Irritation burned in her snarl. "You do not hear me. Does a king's knight cry over a cut callous of their hand?"
"I suppose I've known a knight to cry. But suppose they are on a battlefield that is like home and are at the brink of life, ready for death. Might then they cry for the love of their mother?"
"Well, that's a different setting."
"Does the setting matter if the feelings are the same?"
"I don't think---what am I---never mind this!" She hadn't realized how easily he had roped in and now she roping herself out.
She paced over to him, snatching the jar and chucking it to the side. "What are you doing in here?"
"Your parents have just recently departed. Your mother personally requested that I let you know. I also have a letter that your mother requested I give---."
"---I don't get it," she said, cutting him off. The grip of surprise and annoyance gradually released her as she stared incredulously at him. "Are you lost again, dullard?"
"No, I don't believe so."
"No, no, no, you are clearly lost and incapable of reason you---."
"---My lady, everything you are saying is absolutely correct. I neglect myself of sense. I should have waited by the doors until you awoken to let you know of the news. I should not have haphazardly made my way inside of a room I was not requested to. But I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't heard noises through the door. I needed to confirm your safety. Ensuring this household functions smoothly is my top priority, but you are as well. I am not here to just service the household. I am also here to serve you."
"Noises? What are you talking about?" She asked, her train of thought successfully redirected.
"I cannot be descriptive."
Her eyes scrunched, and the corner of her lips tugged into a sneer. "What exactly is that supposed to mean?"
"You talk in your sleep, my lady."
Embarrassment momentarily appeared in her warming cheeks. "I do not talk in my sleep."
"I'm certain I heard mutterings. Loud, mutterings."
"Children wet the bed and talk in their sleep like unregulated creatures. I do not talk in my sleep," she firmly pressed. "I would know if I talk in my sleep."
"Yes, evidently so. Alas my lady, I have a letter that your mother requested that I give to---."
She cut him off, speaking with curt speed. "You play coy! What you did just now---apologize!"
"Of course, I apologize, my lady. I am just so eager to serve your family in every way I can."
"Oh?" She unfolded her arms. "You're eager to serve me?"
"To perform my duties as a Sutherton butler? Yes. Yes, I am," he replied.
"Ah, alas, it is your first day." She nodded in tune with her words, her demure shifting. "I understand now. You just wanted to make first day impressions, impressionable." An unnaturally curved and sudden smile slithered onto her face.
"Yes." His smile endured.
Light laughter came up her throat. "Of course, you do." She sat down on her bedside and crossed her legs, examining him. "I suppose now would be a good time for me to lay the groundwork expectations I have for you."
"Excited to hear it." His voice sunk into monotony.
"Obviously, since my parents are away and I am bound to the house, I will be whom you can take direct Sutherton commands from. And, as the Young Miss of this residence, I have a few things I will need you as a caretaker of the Sutherton family to be cognizant of. Following me?" Her foot slightly bounced in jovial fashion against her crossed leg.
"Yes."
"I will request you when I need you. Among your other responsibilities and duties, you will make me priority. If I request something, do it. If I don't request you, don't even think to bother me. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand, but forgive me, I have a question. I am noticing a trend of the word 'again'. May I assume yesterday night's encounters may be ignored?"
She stopped the lively pep to her bouncing leg, glare inflaming. "Are you being smart with me?" she said, scowl imminent.
"Not at all. I was just curious, based on your prior behavior and comments, you seemed bent on being rid of me in an expedient fashion, and of course it is well within your reason to. Though, I would like to emphasize that however you think of me, I will prove my dedication to the Sutherton crest."
She stared at him once, lips pruning as she pondered once over a thought. Following that thought, wordlessly she stood from her bed sauntering towards her balcony doors.