''Where is she? '' Asked Lady Rebecca, still looking prideful, but she cannot hide it from Miss Nam's eyes that she is worried. But the latter chose to ignore and pretend not to know, letting the child discover her own question to herself.
''Probably, preparing for her departure from this mansion, your—Miss Nam didn't get a chance to finish her words as Rebecca had already fled.
Rebecca ran through the hall to catch Freen and stop her from going out of the mansion, her heart pounding with urgency. She knew she had to find Freen before it was too late, hoping to convince her to stay and address whatever concerns she had.
She reached the east wing of the mansion so fast that the maids were looking at her in surprise. Determined to find Freen, Rebecca scanned the area, searching for any sign of her amidst the vastness of the east wing.
Finally, she saw the latter inside the maid's quarters, packing her clothes. She was about to proceed, but she backed out and fixed herself first, like she was meeting a cute guy for the first time. She wiped her sweat from running around the hallway and fixed her dress to at least be decent.
''Ehem, Ahm. Servant.!! '' She said with her head up high as she is a lady raised in gold spoon .
Freen smiled upon hearing the familiar voice, but then she felt sad that she would not see the woman again as she had been dismissed from her work because of her mother's involvement in the king's poisoning. She doesn't understand what really happened, but she guessed this was for the good of everyone.
Miss Nam, talk to her about this matter. Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong would want her to leave the mansion, as they want no involvement. Freen's heart sank as she realized that Miss Nam, the head servant, would be the one to deliver the news of her dismissal. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at leaving behind the only home she had ever known. However, she understood that the Armstrong family had no choice but to distance themselves from her mother's scandal for their own safety and reputation.
Freen's mother is the most caring and loyal servant of Kirk's family since Kirk's mother was saved by her mother in the brick of death after she escaped an ambush. It was the time that her father had just died, and her mother and she were to go back to where her grandma was living to live in the village of Baan Mae Kampong.
The name of the village in the mountains of Ayuthaya that was known for its expertise in growing herbs and spices was Ban Mae Kampong. The villagers in Ban Mae Kampong had inherited centuries-old knowledge and techniques for cultivating these aromatic plants, passed down from generation to generation. Their commitment to quality and their deep understanding of the plants' needs resulted in herbs and spices that were unparalleled in flavor and aroma, making them highly sought after by chefs not only in Ayuthaya but also in neighboring kingdoms.
They were walking on the side of the falls when they found Kirk's mother lying unconscious on the ground, her body bruised and battered. Concerned, they quickly rushed to her side and checked for any signs of life.
''Freen, let's help her; she is still alive. Sit there, for I will just help her up.'' Freen obliged, and her mother helped the injured woman get up. As they helped her up, they noticed that she was muttering incoherently, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. ''Do not fear; I am here to help you.'' They tried to calm her down, assuring her that they were there to assist her. However, she continued to mutter incoherently, making it difficult for them to understand what had happened to her. Worried about her condition, they decided to carry her to her grandmother's hut, which is only a few meters away.
They kept a close eye on her for weeks, providing her with constant care and support until she gradually began to recover. Throughout this time, they remained hopeful that her condition would improve and that she would regain her ability to communicate coherently.
Until one day, when a group of individuals allegedly dispatched by the woman's family arrived, Freen was unable to understand what the adults were saying, for she was only a child at the time. And her mother packed their belongings. They travel with the woman and the people sent by the woman's family, and that's where it started when she and her mother lived with the noble family, and later on, other members of her mother's family were also given a chance to work with the residents of the royals as trusted servants.
But now who would have thought that their family is being accused of treason, and her mother has been missing for almost three days now since the incident happened.
Other members of her family who work at the residence of Kirk's mother's family are already in the hands of the royal guards, and there are rumors that they might be executed for their alleged involvement in treason, as Kirk's mother and her clan were allegedly the masterminds of getting the king poisoned to make Kirk the next king of the kingdom if the king had died.
I didn't even know Kirk was a prince until now. Freen whispered to herself, realizing how oblivious she is to the people she's been around since she was a kid. All she knows is that Kirk lives in a different home from his mother; there are just circumstances in which the two of them met and became friends, as Kirk would often visit his mother.
Does that mean that Nop is also a royal?
What is really going on with her? Why didn't my mother tell me anything about this? Is this why the other servants in her age weren't as friendly to her as they are to others because she was friends with a prince?
''Hey servant, are you hearing what I am saying? You are not going anywhere; you will stay.'' Lady Rebecca,
Freen's just looking at the lady beside her; she doesn't understand what the lady says. Her mind is racing with confusion and questions. If her mother had kept this from her and she was friends with a prince, it would explain the strange behavior of the other servants towards her. Freen wonders if there are more secrets that she has yet to uncover about her mother's past and the reasons behind her silence.
''What the heck happened to your face? '' Lady Rebecca, concerned, asks, noticing the bruises on Freen's face.
Lady Rebecca touched Freen's face, shaking it, which sent a shiver down Freen's spine. Freen winced at the touch, trying to hide her discomfort. Lady Rebecca's concern only deepened her curiosity about what happened to Freen, but
''Oh my god, you are burning up.'' Rebecca panicked as Freen fell to the ground.
Could it be that her mother really had some involvement in the treason that happened? Freen's heart pounds in her chest as she contemplates the possibility. The thought of her mother being connected to such a grave crime fills her with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Is this why Nop beat her last night with his men?
Is this lady, Rebecca, also one of them?
Are Freen's thoughts before she loses consciousness.
''Help!! Please!!! Screamed by Rebecca as Freen totally blacked out on her arms.
''Lady Rebecca what had happen here? '' Miss Nam's ask concern as she heard the lady shouting from her office.
''Please, help her.'' Was the only words that came out her mouth as her tears won't stop falling while sitting with Freen in her arms.
Freen was shaking on her bed inside the maid's quarters when the door suddenly opened. She was supposed to pack her things now, but she is unable to because of her high fever and her foot injury. As the door creaked open, Freen's heart skipped a beat. She desperately wished for a moment of respite from her current predicament. However, her hopes were dashed as she realized that she couldn't fulfill her duty of packing due to her debilitating fever and the throbbing pain in her injured leg.
''I am sorry, Miss Nam. I promise to move out when my fever subsides and my foot heals. She felt a wave of frustration and helplessness wash over her as she watched the open door, knowing that she couldn't do anything about it in her current state.
''You are lucky today, young girl," a voice from a man said.
Freen was taken aback by hearing the unfamiliar voice talk near her.
''Who are you? '' Freen covered herself with her blanket and sat up. Thinking it was now the royal guards that would carry her and question and punish her, just like what her mother is going through right now.
''Don't be afraid, Freen. He is a physician request by Lady Rebecca to attend to your injury.'' Irin came in the room too.
''She's not here, Irin said when she noticed how Freen's face fell at the mention of Lady Rebecca. The absence of her presence only amplified Freen's feelings of helplessness and isolation.
The kiss that they shared on the grassfield is still a big question mark in her head: why would the lady do that to her? Is the lady really just playing with her? Like she always did when it all picked on her? And also, when she fell from the stairs and got injured, the lady never showed remorse, even punishing her by watching her cut grass in the middle of the day. Freen couldn't help but wonder if Lady Rebecca's actions were deliberate, a cruel game meant to torment her. The memory of the incident on the grassfield haunted her, leaving her questioning Lady Rebecca's true intentions and whether she was merely a pawn in the lady's twisted games. The lack of remorse after Freen's injury only deepened her sense of isolation and vulnerability, as she struggled to understand why she was subjected to such mistreatment.
Freen screamed when the physician tried to lift her: '' Holy Mother of Mary, what happened to her? ''
''She fell off the stairs, sir, Irin answered.
The physician looks so doubtful. He examined Freen's injuries with a furrowed brow, his skepticism evident in his expression. He lifted Freen's leg, and both of them, Irin and Physian, were shocked to see the bruises and swelling that covered her entire leg. Freen winced in pain as the physician gently probed the tender areas, his concern growing with each passing moment. It was clear that her injuries were far more severe than a simple fall down the stairs could account for.
He examines Freen's arms too, and he is convinced that Freen has experienced more than a simple fall; she was beaten and subjected to physical assault. Her leg is a little dislocated. He did what he needed to do with Freen's leg, carefully realigning the dislocation and providing immediate relief. As he continued to assess her injuries, the physician couldn't help but wonder who could have inflicted such harm on Freen and what she had endured leading up to this moment.
''Holy mother of God,''
The physician was stunned by Freen's beauty; he had never noticed Freen's face earlier because he was focused on the injury and thought this was just a random patient. He has so many questions but has remained silent.
What makes this servant so special to the daughter of Lord Armstrong to call their family physician and request that he come here just for a mere servant .
'' Ehem.'' A familiar voice cut the physician from his observing face to Freen, who was too weak to notice the physician's look of awe.
''Oh, Lady Rebecca, I believe you are the one who summoned me here.'' The physician's gaze switched from Freen to Lady Rebecca, who stood beside him, expressionless. He had always admired her grace and brilliance, and he was now wondering what function she played in Freen's life that required his immediate attendance.
''And I believe your duty here is done; you can go now. Miss Nam will make the payment. And please do be quiet about this.'' The physician creased his brows at hearing such a request from the young lady but nodded.
The physician then started to get out of the room; he wasn't that far when
''Mr. Levi Graham: '' The physician turned around to face the lady.
''Yes, Lady Rebecca? '' The lady looked around and made sure they were alone before speaking. "I want you to keep this visit between us. It's important that no one knows about Freen's condition or my involvement in her care." The physician nodded understandingly and assured her of his discretion.
''Even my parents.'' Mr. Graham looked at her with hesitation. Lady Rebecca got something inside her dress and gave it to the physician's hand smoothly.
Mr. Graham checked the pouch and found gold coins inside it. He closed the small bag of coins again and looked back at Lady Rebecca.
''I am not accepting bribery; whatever she did is not my concern. Same as whatever concerns you with her is not my concern either. So thank you, but no thank you. Lady Rebecca, he said, giving back the coins to Lady Rebecca.
Lady Rebecca nodded, her expression a mix of disappointment and understanding. She tucked the pouch of gold coins back into her dress and took a step back, her eyes lingering on Mr. Graham for a moment before turning away. The tension in the room was palpable as both individuals silently acknowledged the unspoken boundaries that had been set between them.
''I apolize-
''I didn't say I wouldn't follow your instructions, my lady. I'm attempting to say that you are not required to pay for such a request. He added with a smile, "My only responsibility to your family is to heal illness, not to intervene or interfere in areas that don't concern me.
Lady Rebecca, in relief, nodded and replied, "I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Graham. Rest assured, I will not burden you with any unnecessary requests in the future." With that, the tension in the room began to dissipate as they both realized they were on the same page. Lady Rebecca felt a sense of trust and gratitude towards Mr. Graham, knowing that he would prioritize his role as a healer without crossing any boundaries. They continued their conversation as Lady Rebecca accompanied him through the door until he got into Miss Nam's office.
'' Lady Rebecca Freen was now transferred to the guest room, as you requested. Is there anything else you want for your comfort? ''
''Thank you, Irin; you can go and rest. '' was Lady Rebecca's only response.
Irin complied with what Lady Rebecca asked, left the lady, and headed back to the maid's quarters, despite her misgivings and questions about how the lady cared too much for Freen after being a bully towards the woman.
Rebecacca stood in front of the guest room where Freen was transferred. Was about to open the door but hesitated to do so. She started walking toward her own room. But then, when she was halfway to her room, she stopped.
Miss Nam was done with her round all around the mansion to insure their safety, and on the way to her room, she heard footsteps along hallways on the left wing of the mansion. Curiosity getting the better of her, Miss Nam decided to investigate the source of the footsteps. As she turned the corner, she saw Rebecca standing outside the guest room with a conflicted expression on her face. Miss Nam couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden change in Rebecca's demeanor and if it had anything to do with Freen.
'' Lady Rebecca, '' Miss Nam laughed as she saw Lady Rebecca leap in terror when she named the latter.
Rebecca gasped, clutching her chest. "Bloody hell, Miss Nam, you scared the crap out of me!"
''Freen is too weak to open the door for you; you've got to do it on your own, my lady, said Miss Nam with a hint of a smile on her face.
''I don't know what you are talking about, Miss Nam. '' Said Lady Rebecca with a face like a tomato.
''Well, I'm just giving a little advice here; maybe it won't be too much if you try to admit once in a while what's really in it,'' Miss Nam said, pointing to Lady Rebeca's chest, who was now dumbfounded by what Miss Nam told the girl.
Before leaving Lady Rebecca more perplexed than ever, Miss Nam taps her shoulder and mutters, "Your secret is safe with me, my lady." She couldn't help but wonder what Miss Nam meant when she said "what's really in it" and why she appeared to be knowledgeable about things that Lady Rebecca herself wasn't. After the incident, Lady Rebecca was uneasy and intrigued by the secrets of her own heart.
The lady clutched her chest and decided to hold the door knob and slowly twist it. Slowly, she opened the door without making a single noise in order not to wake the sleeping Freen.
Delicately, she walked in like a thief in the night, tiptoeing towards the bed where Freen was sleeping soundly. Lady Rebecca's heart races as she observes Freen's peaceful slumber. I wonder if she is dreaming as she smiles while sleeping.
Later on, the woman shivers and moans, and it seems like Freen is in a cold sweat. Concerned, Lady Rebecca reaches out to touch Freen's forehead and realizes she has a high fever. Panic over what to do overwhelms Lady Rebecca as she quickly retrieves a damp cloth to cool Freen's forehead. She contemplates whether to wake Freen up or call for medical assistance, hoping to make the right decision in this moment of uncertainty.
Lady Rebecca had to walk long distances back and forth from the room to the kitchen just to prepare the necessary ingredients for a homemade remedy. As she frantically searches through her pantry, she recalls a family recipe that could potentially help reduce Freen's fever. With a sense of urgency, Lady Rebecca starts boiling the ingredients, praying that it will bring some relief to her dear friend.
It's a good thing she has the list of prescriptions that the physician gave her earlier.
Lady Rebecca carefully measures out the ingredients, following the precise instructions on the list of prescriptions. She knows that the physician's guidance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of the homemade remedy and hopes that it will provide much-needed relief for Freen's fever.
She couldn't help but feel a mixture of guilt and longing, her emotions conflicting with the rationality that had always defined her. The sight of Freen's serene face stirred something deep within her—a desire to be closer to her and to understand the connection they shared.
Her heart broke when she saw the bruises on Freen's shoulder, especially on her swollen leg. Did I really do this to her? Guilt consumed her as she questioned her actions and the consequences they had for Freen's well-being. She vowed to do whatever it took to make amends and ensure that Freen's pain would never be caused by her again.
Wiping her sweat after she finished changing Freen's clothes, which were wet with sweat, she gently brushed Freen's hair away from her forehead and placed a cool cloth on it. As she watched Freen's peaceful expression, she couldn't help but hope that her homemade remedy would bring down the fever and provide the comfort that Freen needed.
''What did you do to me? '' She whispers as she sees that Freen fever has finally subsided.
''I think I am falling in love with you, my servant. I am your slave now, and I can't fight this feeling anymore. I don't care if you feel the same way or not; all I know is I can't afford to lose you.'' With that lady, Rebecca slowly leaned her face close to Free's face, aiming to kiss the latter's lips.
The sound of a rooster crowing woke the young woman up. Particularly after the girl noticed that Freen moved while still lying on the bed.
The girl grew pale with anxiety, but she was able to breathe so easily that she was unaware of holding when she noticed that Freen hadn't fully awakened and had returned to a deep sleep. Rebecca straightened herself by getting to her feet.
''It's already dawn; I didn't even realize it, the girl said. She yawned and looked at Freen, who was still in deep slumber.
''I can't believe I have fallen asleep beside her. '' She looks at Freen again and smirks. '' What an interesting dream I had. ''
''I knew I wouldn't say such things. I am happy it's just a dream, Rebecca said, leaving the room before her servant totally woke up and saw her here.
She made her way down the hallway, feeling a sense of relief that her strange dream had not become reality. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder what had caused such vivid and unsettling images in her sleep.
She dismisses the thought and finds herself in her own room. She's exhausted.