Knock Knock.
"Wake up, young master."
Théoden usually woke up to the knock on the door but rose from bed to the usual morning call. Mer would be outside his door as soon as the sun rose. He would wake up to the beautiful sun's rays. It was hard to know if it was due to the time being constant all year round or simply a tradition he knew nothing about. It was a sight he loved seeing first thing in the morning. It was hard to believe Mer knew this since he never mentioned it.
"Yes…Haah! Mer, I'm awake."
Théoden responded in between a yawn.
"Greeting master."
Théoden instantly woke up from the morning drowsiness. He was sure to confirm if his ears had betrayed him, however, the melodic voice could not be confused. Too distinctly different from Mer's monotone voice.
"...."
Théoden wondered who 'master' was addressed to, thus he looked towards Mer seeking answers. Alternating between the two. At the very least one of them had to answer.
"Young master, she is your new maid. My position had always been temporary so now it is time you got your exclusive maid."
"...."
Théoden fell in deep thought. He had not expected anything like that, much less the maid in front of him. He stared at her without uttering a single thing.
"What is your name?"
"Mary, master."
Mary said with a slight professional smile.
"..."
The beauty in front of his eyes seemed genuine with her way of addressing him so he was sure it wasn't a prank. There was only one issue he had with all this.
She was so beautiful, it was hard to believe she was a maid. Mary was a teenager with glimmering smooth snow-white hair and silver-gray eyes. Her lashes and brows were snow-white as well. Similar to snow, she shimmered to the sun's rays. She had a cold expression but her voice was angelic, more melodic than music itself. She had thin cute pink lips and a small straight nose. Her porcelain skin glowed with life with a slight pink blush. Innocence beamed from her. Her slender waist was captivating as well to top it off with a full bosom and smooth curved hips and long legs. Every part of her was attractive.
She had a matching maid costume with Mer.
'I wonder who came up with the concept for maid costumes?'
Théoden tried keeping his head somewhere appropriate but it was a difficult task. The maid's attire was just high thigh length while it hardly covered the top of her full bosom area. The youthful allure of Mary plus the revealing tight costume was too much. Her porcelain skin was much more tempting to touch. Her fair light skin tone and snow-white features made her seem like an ice princess.
"She has all the qualifications for an exclusive maid and will do all your bidding. Unlike me, she is entirely loyal to you. All she needs is the approval of her master to get on with her duties."
'Théoden, keep your mind away from the gutter.'
"I see. Mer, was she recommended by Mother?"
Théoden went back to talking to Mer.
"Master did. Will you approve of her as your exclusive maid?"
"..."
Sensing hesitation in Théoden Mer went on and asked another alternative.
"Do you happen to have any idea who you would like as your maid?"
"If I understand this right. I will get a new maid who will be my exclusive maid regardless if it is her or not. That maid will not be you, am I right?"
"Yes, young master. I already have Lady Marrianne as my master. I cannot be your exclusive maid. Mary is the best in this field. She is also the recommendation of the Duchess. If she does not meet your standards she will be eliminated. Does she lack in anything young master?"
'So Mary is the first pick? I got to trust Marrianne then.'
It was clear as day at Théoden's disapproval, Mary would be deemed worthless and thus be eliminated, so said Mer. She was clear with the facts not seeming hostile or threatening in any way. It was also true that she was serious. Théoden smiled while thinking that Marrianne was too good to be true.
"No. Mer. She is fine. I just needed to understand the conditions behind this change. That is all Mer. When does she begin her duties?"
As hesitant as Théoden was to accept another servant much less one who was his slave, there were consequences to his disagreement. That way Mary became his maid.
"Today, young master. I will get her settle in today and she will officially take up the role tomorrow."
Théoden nodded and at last stood from his bed. He had had a lot to take in in one morning.
'There is no use overthinking.'
"Okay. Help me get ready."
"Yes, young master/master."
'This is going to be a hassle.'
A very apparent trait that differed from Mer. He was fine with most things since Mer was on the elder side but Mary seemed youthful. Someone who had just bloomed into adulthood and had youth beaming in them.
She was…very white. Her hair, her skin, and her eyes. Her uniform was the only distinction that made her look anything remotely to a maid. She has a tall stance and her vibe was cool and calm. She would rarely be expressive but that was an improvement from Mer who was never expressive.
The atmosphere was less suffocating and she was not too silent. Though she did engage in some small talk, that was all it was. It wasn't about anything trivial but important stuff that Mer would have just not mentioned.
She was organized and just like Mer, she seemed to understand his simple gestures. She would respond with simple comments and sometimes extensive explanations when needed. She had more ground information than she let on.
Over time, Théoden came to terms that she was not lacking in any way. If something she was an improvement. Théoden had not gotten used to the new maid who would give him showers and change his clothes and help him by his side with all his duties and activities all day.
There was one major change. Mer called Théoden 'Young master' but Mary called him 'Master'.
Mary was with him all day before, during, and after the lessons. Soon enough she blended into the background as her steps were so quiet. She became a usual thing in Théoden's daily life like the sky or the sun. Always there.
A few days went by and Théoden observed Mary. He would now see Mary's face first thing in the morning and last thing in the night. Unlike what he expected, Mary was very professional with her work. It made Théoden soften up to her presence much faster. Théoden thought it was weird that he was assigned an exclusive maid.
"Mary, I need some clarification."
Mary was helping him get ready for bed after a long day of studying and lessons.
"Anything I would be of assistance with Master."
"Mnh! What is an exclusive maid? What are your duties? I don't want to believe it is a simple slave contract."
Mary stopped in her tracks and looked at Théoden. Her face was a spectacle. She seemed surprised.
"N-no. It's not that. I am not a s-slave. However, I indeed belong to you."
This was the first time Théoden had heard Mary stammer.
"First, clarify that. What do you mean by 'belong to me'?"
'The hell????'
It was worth noting that Théoden was having a mental breakdown. His thoughts alternated between lewdness and self-scolding.
"My existence is to serve you in any way you need. I am not considered a person, but a tool for your use. Thus the term 'exclusive'. I will not serve any other besides you. If it is not you then I have no value and will be eliminated. This is my existence, Master."
"..."
'Do you know how misleading you sound?'
Théoden's mental conflict continued with his poker face still in place.
"What are your duties? Please summarize all of them."
Mary took a firm stand and knelt on one knee and bowed. She recited her duties with conviction.
"I will act as a maid and help with all basic maid duties. I shall be a tool for you. My main objective is to keep you safe. I shall utilize my life for your safety. I will not defy your will or command. I shall never leave your side."
Théoden looked at the sight and a smile crept up his mouth. One he pushed down immediately. His eyes on the other hand could not hide his amusement and interest as they narrowed down and shimmered in a deep scarlet.
'She is too honest for her own good. Well, she is mine anyway.'
Looking down on Mary who was still kneeling and bowing Théoden asked.
"Is this still the case if I am to be a commoner of no status or no longer the heir? Will you never leave my side? Even in the depths of hell?"
"That is right Master. I shall never leave your side."
Théoden was pleased with the stern answer.
The term 'exclusive maid' he came to understand a bit later. An exclusive maid would be bound to their master regardless of position or status. The treatment of the maid would be up to the master and the maid had no authority to question or oppose that. It was a slave-master relationship with Mary.
"Stand up. Is there a particular reason YOU are my maid, Mary?"
Mary rose and smiled exposing her pearl-white teeth. Her very rare smile seemed a bit scary this time.
"Master, I am the best in my bloodline of exclusive maids. I have the most proficiency with assassinations and direct combat. I am on par with Mer, the family head. My magic is of concealment and shadows so it works best for that."
'Well, That explained their silent footsteps.'
Mary went on to further elaborate on her abilities in why she was chosen. She seemed proud and confident in her abilities. However, an exclusive maid was more than just a maid. They were trained killers and assassins and they held enough power to protect their master. She seemed like an angel, but on second glance you would realize she was dangerous. Mary explained more about herself and her duties, her roles, and her restrictions.
Mary was completely honest with things Théoden was unsure he should hear. Overall, she had to trust her master in thick and thin and go with them through success and downfall. She would be by his side no matter what.