It is abnormal for a lady to be Knight. Only men can be Knights. These have been fed to us.
I train without anybody knowing, and my father made me apply as a maid at the castle. As of today, I am working for the first time. The carriage arrives just before noon hits. My mother's illness took her early on and was not able to see me off this time. Father is a high-rank Knight who works under the current king. The rumours we all have heard, and some say they are true.
"My lady, are you ready?" The person driving shook me out of my daydream. I step into the carriage and the door is shut even before I get to wave my home 'farewell'. The journey to the castle got bumpy, and I merely have the thought of arriving in one piece. My father would send me back if he ever found out about my secret training.
The stately castle is enormous. This rose is ready to bloom into something beautiful. I am led down several hallways, adorned with paintings; The previous rulers must have been quite a fan of portraits. Gold trimming makes this castle even grander. We halt near a door; Could it be a special place to discuss staid affairs? Two guards pull the doors open. It whines in protest. The moment we walk in, I notice father situated next to the King.
The prince is tardy when entering the room, of course. I hold my tongue. Not speaking or uttering anything ill of the Prince. I cannot help chuckling under my breathe.
"Are you the new maid?" The King demands.
"Yes, your majesty," I say, bowing. This is the way, everyone greets the King or the Royal family. No one steps out of line either. The King dismisses me once he questioned me about my background. I dare not say anything about the training.
My tasks include laundry and cleaning windows and floors. My first day and they had already assigned me to the Prince's chamber. Carrying the basket to the Prince's Chamber, sweat trickled down my forehead. I knock before entering and start the task at hand. His garments lie everywhere like rubbish thrown about the room. Setting the basket down, I collect his undergarments, and suit of this early morning.
As I lift the basket, the footsteps of the prince halt me. "This also is in need of washing," he declares, tossing another garment my way. My sight has been impaired by a mere cloth.
"What is your name, maid?" he asks, voice indicating no such sympathy.
"My name is Kyra, your highness. Now if you will excuse me, I have duties that need attention. Goodbye," I bow before resigning from the chamber.
The task gets completed one by one, and by the time it is over, the sun has set. I memorized the castle like my own. The weapons room where the Knight's equipment is kept now, calls me. Brushing some dust on my dress, I take a sword out. Mulling over the weight of the sword, I skim it like a book. Blades made from steel can slice through anything.
"That Is the sword my father used in battle" his voice smoother than ice itself yet sharp.
Startled I whip around. A tall figure stands in front of me. "Welcome to the castle, I am Seth," he says, stepping out into the light. His features are quite distinct that one might mistake him for the prince's brother. From the rumours, the prince does not have a brother. Seth's eyes are hazel, and he has curly hair. Tan skin tone. He reaches inside his boots, pulling out a dagger in the process.
Handing it to me he declares, "This is now yours, my lady. For the protection of course"
I receive it like a gift. Revealing my secret to Seth could prove useful, but what if he informs his father? On the other hand, it couldn't hurt. "Seth, can you train me?" I inquire, my gaze on the floor. His silence conveys it all.
"Of course," Seth replies. "Follow me" He tilted his head toward the door. Turning on his heel, he is the first to exit the weapons room. I follow him not wanting to delay my training any further.
I rise early as the birds do. Seth agreed that he could train me in secret in exchange for delivering his letters to one of the other maids. The first training was the basics. My stance when holding the sword kept bothering so he drove me to redo it until sunrise.
Exhaustion pulled on my muscles from holding it for too long. Seth gave me a break. My meals are meagre. Just bread and some soup. He had duties he needed to attend to, and how could one deny the attraction between two friends? I did my duties and by midnight I met with Seth.
The prince intercepts my way to deliver another letter to Visha. "Kyra, I haven't gotten the slightest chance to give you my name. Yet yours still linger in the air" he says.
"Please do, entertain me with your name, your highness," I say, grasping the basket tighter.
"Prince Aramis" the icy voice interrupts us.
"Seth" I mumble, before adding, "I will take my leave now"
My gaze kept going even as I walk to the laundry chamber. I've been assigned to Seth's room. Second largest to Aramis's. His garments were even stickier than the princes. He must secrete profusely. My mind had other thoughts. Shuddering at the mere idea, I accomplish everything that requires attention.
Having such a grand ball was rare. Even for a royal family. My eyes water from the frigid air. Even my cloak would not, in the slightest, cover my chattering teeth. Most of the snow has fallen. The road is coated in white, sheets. Visha is moving toward me. Her footsteps cease when she is next to me.
Both our hands contracted frostbite from working during snowfall. She had been here longer than me. "I am Visha, and you must be Kyra. Seth's told me all about you" she spoke, icy smoke emerging from her mouth. Our duty is now to receive guests for the Christmas ball. Each Royal was wearing something identical to white or off-white, and others were in red and gold. Green and red are associated with the middle class like me or Visha.
My hands are cold. How will I ever practice in such a condition? The castle was short on choir singers so Visha volunteered. She kept poking me to join her, but my serenading mastery could destroy a bird. Her voice was much like that of an Angel when she sang. Eggnog was prepared. The fire burnt brightly on this extraordinary day, showing its colours of pleasure.
Prince Aramis was standing near a pillar, appearing rather desolate. In a calm and collected manner, I approach him. "Your highness, are you not relishing this little soiree?"
"Well my cousin, has not shown himself at this party. He may not show himself ever" He replies, sipping his eggnog.
"Ah, Prince Aramis" Seth announces his arrival. Turning around, I face him.
"I did not realize, Knights, are allowed at this shindig," I express to him, crossing my arms, and smiling.
"So are maids, and servants" Seth replies. My gaze shifts to his hand. A glass of liquor is in his hand. Amaris excuses himself, slinging an arm over Seth's shoulder, and hauling him away. As I listened to the conversation, I could piece a few fragments together.
"Seth, you are intoxicated, let us get you some fresh air"
Visha waves a hand in front of my face, saying, "You my dear, are drooling over Prince Amaris"
Shake my head out of the daze and get to my duties of serving the drinks around. Liquor is preferred by some, while eggnog is preferred by others. Maids and Servants must stay sober at all times. A few royals have flocked to the dance floor. The music enchants everybody. A small tap on my shoulder, and I turn my head to find Prince Amaris has an inquiry to make.
"Would you like to dance?" he asks, holding his hand out to me. I stare at it, bewildered. Visha next to me is squealing. I should refuse.
"No, Aramis" I respond, gaping straight into his very eyes.
"Suit yourself," he states and moves on to Visha, who accepts merrily. They take to the floor, and they spin around as if floating. I envy them both, but it was my intention not to. So I must live with it. Rumours form all around me, about the maid dancing with Prince Amaris. How Amaris is out of his mind if he is going to engage with a girl like her. Staying in the shadows kept me from the harsh comments.
The dagger that Seth gave me is still in my pocket, which I pat in case. It was her intent to get chastised not mine.