"Where are we going?"
"To patch up this damn wound" Henni said in an angry tone. But despite Layla's protests, Henni didn't stop for one second; how can a weak malnourished Layla win against big and tall Henni. It ended in Henni dragging her towards the mansion.
"Henni wait! Let's think this clearly. This is not a big deal. It will heal on it's own. Henni listen to me!" Layla desperately tried to make reasoning with Henni. If they return back in mansion with unfinished work they will be punished more. Not Layla but Henni.
"I am thinking this clearly! That bastard. How could he do this to his own daughter and leave it untreated. I thought he at least would treated your wounds" Henni grinded her teeth in anger.
"I-It's not a big deal" Layla said once again. A pain like this really was not a big deal. Ugh just why wouldn't Henni listen to her.
"Tsk"
"What? What are you doing?!"
Layla felt herself getting lifted off the ground. Henni had her one arm around Layla's back and the other behind Layla's knee. Layla was now getting carried bridal style.
Before she could say anything more Henni started to run towards the mansion. Henni reached the mansion in less than four minutes, unlike layla.
Henni straight went inside the door. The servants that were previously didn't even looked at her were now staring at Henni who was carrying Layla and were gossiping.
But Henni didn't take the stairs that lead to Layla's room like she thought Henni would, instead she went straight ahead into the hallway. The hallway looked so much vibrant than her own room upstairs. As they walked further into the hallway the beauty only increased.
A big door made of oak, with the most beautiful design. She knew this room. If her memory serves her correct this room was...
But before she could think anything else Henni kicked it open with her foot. Inside Layla saw a face she thought she forgot.
A plump woman sitting behind the big table. Papers were piled up on the table's corner. She was busy wearing her lipstick which was neutral in color giving her a glossy finish. Her auburn hair tied into a messy bun, few strands cascaded down her temples. Her black dress which was skin tight, was anything but modest. A clear violation of the dress code she was suppose to follow.
Mrs. Emily Secand. The Head Maid.
As Henni entered, the woman's brown eyes looked up at her from the mirror she was holding. The woman rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Did the previous punishment fell short or what. Or did you forgot all your manners-"
"I need medical aid"
"Why? You look just fine" the woman said before continuing with lining her lip with artificial color.
"Not for me damn it. Lady here is hurt, she need medical aid" Henni said nearly shouting.
"Oh...There are-" the woman lined her lower lip "-doctors to helps family members. You should ask the head of this family for such favors and not me" the woman smirked.
There was a challenge in her eyes, as if she was mocking Layla. It's a well known fact through out the head of the house had abandoned his daughter. It used to be just speculations after master's detached attitude with the lady, and now with the death of Mrs. Chloe that speculations became true, that Mrs. Chloe's daughter had lost all favors with master.
Layla bit her pale lip, because she could see behind that smirk unlike the agitated Henni. Layla knew the head maid challenging her position in this family. That woman want to show Layla what position she was in.
"And if you are done with this silly games then go and don't disturb me further. I have work to do" The woman shooed the pair to go away as if they were some animals.
When Henni didn't move one bit then the woman's expression became dark. "Or do you want some more punishments Henni. Looks like Stable cleaning was too easy for you" the woman said with a crooked smile.
"The hell you meant by that-". Layla raised her hand to stop Henni from speaking. She gestured Henni to put her down first, which Henni did.
Layla straightened her posture, looking directly in the woman's eyes she said in a calm tone "Mrs. Emily you should know, I am still known as the daughter of Mr. Jonas Synders, one of the noble of the Sokili empire. And if someone sees such a bruise on a noble's daughter, you can guess what would happen right"
Mrs. Emily knew what she meant. Synders were one on the major noble family in the empire. With the master's marriage the family's was hot topic right now. And even if someone did see that bruise on little miss it will cause another rumors.
"And not only that Mrs. Emily as the maids head you have a job to take care of the family when the others are busy. And what would happens when those words reaches father's ears, that a noble can't even take care of his daughter..."
Layla was right. Since everyone was busy it was her duty to take care of the house. If those rumors were to reach the prideful master's ears she would be doomed.
"F-Fine, wait here" Emily said in an annoyed tone. She got up from her seat and went towards a cabinet, while muttering something underneath her breath.
Henni exhaled out. She then grabbed Layla's hand tightly in a reassuring manner who was glaring at Emily's back. She then gave a reassuring smile to Layla.
Emily turned around and walked towards them. Henni stood in front of Layla in a defensive manner. Emily threw a box marked with a red cross on top, onto the table in front of them.
"Here" the older woman spat out. Annoyed at the sight of them. She then went back to her seat, reapplying powder on her pudgy face.
A lowly commoner disrespecting the daughter of the family. This act itself was something to be punished.
Henni grinded her teeth and was about to charge forward but was held back by the girl. "Don't. We have other things to do"
"But lady-"
"Please" Layla flashed a weak smile. Henni calmed down and sighed. Then she went to the table and opened the box containing all the medical items.
Henni got down to the girl's level. She first applied the cream and then nicely covered it up with bandages, every gently as not to hurt Layla.
"It doesn't hurt does it" Henni said while looking up with a worried expression.
"No"
The wound did sting but didn't hurt that much. Layla wondered why Henni was being so careful. Layla just wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible and so wanted Henni to be quick.
After about fifteen minutes or so she was done with bandages. Henni smiled up at Layla. "All done"
"Thank you" Layla replied.
Henni then put everything inside the box and was about to put it back on the cabinet until Emily stopped her.
"Take that box with you. Since it had been touched by you, I don't want it back anymore" the woman said without looking up from her mirror, in a nonchalant tone.
"What? It's a first aid box, not some damn handkerchief that you can throw away as you please. It might be needed by someone else in the future" Henni said confused, while holding the box in her hand.
"Throw it out, do whatever you want with it. Just get out of here" The woman said with an angry tone.
Layla pulled Henni's sleeves and slightly nodded her head, to tell her not to argue anymore. Yea, she did insulted them, but if we leave out the ego part, this really was a favourable thing for them. Now they have a first aid kit. Layla tried to think positively.
Henni clicked her tongue and headed towards the door.
"You better clean the stable before dark, Henni" the woman said from behind her desk, still looking at her mirror fixing her appearance.
Henni didn't look back, she closed the door loudly. Her fist was clenched, she was angry for all the disrespect.
Layla holds Henni's clenched hand. "Lady I am sorry. I couldn't even protect you while she was disrespecting you like that" her voice was slightly shaky.
"No Henni don't be sorry"
"But!-"
"You being here is already enough for me. But Henni you can't jsut get into trouble to help me. Henni promise me one thing-". Layla's grip became a tight "-no matter what you will not put yourself in danger to help me"
"What? No way i am promising that" Henni took her hand from her grip and backed away. No way she can promise that.
Layla grabbed Henni's dress. "Please. Please" Layla eyes looked into Henni's "I don't want to lose you", her eyes begging Henni to promise her.
Layla knows how desperate and stubborn Henni can be. She was the type of a girl that would jump into the fire to save someone. But that recklessness would get killed one day. And she can't bear the thought of Henni getting killed because of her again in this life too.