Chapter One.
Splash!
The cold and murky water was thrown at me, it elevate a very strong smell. It was smelly and unpleasant to the nose.
"Get your ass up there you wench! How dare be still on your bed when the sun's already risen mid-day!" an angered shout blew up my ears.
It was a familiar voice, the voice belongs to the same person who was always tormenting me from the moment I have step and live inside this estate.
I slowly open my eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment without making any expression.
In my years of living here, the more I show any type of emotion the more they will want to torment me.
I guess I have already mastered the rule of poker face.
Everything around is just a breeze of the air. Not worth any attention.
I slowly sat up from this old and moldy bed and stared blankly at the person in front of me whose whole face was painted red with anger and disgust.
"What are you idling there for!? do you think you are a princess here!? get your ass moving!" she shouted and threw the wooden bucket on my head before she stump her legs and walk away.
Click.
Clang.
The wooden bucket hit my head before falling to the wooden floor. I lifted my hand and touches the top of my head to feel any injuries.
I sigh out of relief when it seems that there were no wounds.
I sigh and stared at the room I was in.
It was an attic.
It was dirty, dusty, old, and full of cobwebs. The furniture looks like they would give up anytime now, and the room was small. And the old bed frame was taking up too much space and was creaking, it was very annoying to wake up in the middle of the night because of it.
There's a very small cabinet and a table, to even say it was useful would be an insult.
I sighed as I got up from the creaky bed. As soon as I stood up I felt my head spinning for a second, it could be because of my sudden movement or because of the hit taken from the wooden bucket.
I proceed forward and bent down to take the bucket not away from where I was standing. I need to start the day immediately or else the head maid would beat me up. I wouldn't just receive a slap but rather a punch and a kick.
I sighed at the thought of how I would be working till late at night today. Climbing down from the attic, I walked until I have reach the common bathroom. I took the bucket and fill it with cold water and I began washing my face and arm using the old towelette.
My mind was drifting as I did my stuff, it was already a muscle memory. After washing up, I got to change into a servant's uniform. Getting out of the bathroom I started walking away from the maids' manor. The Marques' estate is a vast land, and the maids' quarters are on the back of the estate. I still need to walk a few minutes to get out and reach my destination.
The moment I step out, I was only greeted by the night. Yes, the sun wasn't even up nor it was midday. The dawn hasn't come to greet me and here I am waiting for it.
The head maid must have been ordered to send me to hell again.
I started walking toward the estate, the cold breeze made me shiver. The night was supposed to be serene and quiet but today it was filled with noises. There are many camps and bonfires scattered and the ruly voice of the soldiers could be heard as the fire started crackling.
I went into the nearby shelter and I was greeted by someone I'm quite familiar with.
"Isabelle! Thank goodness you are here! We are short on hands so please your assistance is very needed!" Gema who have short blond hair and was wearing a traditional white lab gown was a doctor and was one of the few people I don't mind calling a friend.
I smile at her and nodded. I began taking bandages, cloth, a basin, and necessary kinds of stuff for medical purposes.
Gema let out a sigh of relief as her shoulders relax quite a bit. "Hah… I could finally take a few minutes of rest, you're such an angel sent by the heavens Isabelle! I would not know what to do." she said as she lean towards the table.
I just let out a low chuckle at her dramatic disposition. "You are exaggerating Gema, and you don't need to thank me. It is my job anyway."
Gema shook her head. "No! You are very wrong about that, your job was only to assist and cook for us but now you are working like an overworked nurse. I'm still surprised that you are more knowledgeable in the medical field rather than cooking." Gema said with a short laugh.
I just laugh along with her. I also began boiling some water and began sterilizing the apparatus.
I heard Gema sigh as she lifted the window. Cold breeze brush on our skin as we silently listen to some soldiers crying. The scenery outside was indeed gloomy and depressing.
"I do hope this war ends sooner," Gema wistfully said. I didn't comment as I continue to prepare.
"Did you know Isabelle? I heard this from the local messenger that the kingdom's fourth battalion stationed in the northern land was completely wiped up."
"Oh really?" I reply half interested. I don't care what happened to them, I just to humor Gema.
"Yes! It was said they went up against the infamous Archduke of the North! Thankfully the Marques troupe wasn't stationed there or else it would be devastating for us! It already gives me the chills knowing I won't be having any sleep for attending all of those pitiful soldiers!"
"I agree." I simply said as I move.
The name of Archduke of the Azuela Empire has brought fear to everyone. The ruler of freezing north, the duke of hell as they say. A terrifying existence that I don't wish to encounter in this lifetime.
As I notice that Gema began to doze off, I took all the things I need and went out. Walking quietly towards the campsite I didn't notice the catastrophe that was about to hit me.
Because of the night and the shadows dancing, I didn't notice her until she called me.
"Sister!"