Noise filled the air from every direction—the indistinct chatter, the faint rattle of kitchenware, the clatter of plates landing on the gueridon. I would be lying if I said the noise wasn't overwhelmingly loud and distracting; so much so that I didn't realize someone was talking to me, ordering me, until the person pinched my cheek, hard."Oi! Are you just going to stand there or are you going to serve our masters?" the head chef said."Oh—Oh! Right, of course. My apologies," I stammered. He clicked his tongue impatiently and shoved the gueridon toward me, the handlebar grazing my stomach. I winced but nodded hurriedly. With a quick inhale, I rushed toward the dining room, avoiding any mishaps with the dishes carefully arranged on the tray. I stopped, just a few steps from entering the dining room and I breathed in and out slowly, the grip off the handle tightened and I pushed myself to enter.By the gods, it was like entering the lion's den, but not because I feared the Marrow family. The air in that room was like a hand holding onto my throat—not with pressure or an immediate threat to my life, but a constant presence. That was the feeling I got once I set foot and gazed at the whole family in full: the Archduke, Xavion, his oldest and youngest sons, Marcus and Noah.But another presence in the room was unlike the others, almost identical to what I was experiencing, if not worse. That person sat right next to the Grand Duke—the one who..."I don't see why you feel the need to say such words when the maids across have done nothing but giggle while you work," I squeezed my eyes shut, don't think about that right now. Right now you are a servant, act like it. And so I moved methodically around the table, placing each silver tray as delicately as if they were precious gems. Passing by the Little Duke, his father, and the eldest, I finally neared Diane. I tried to be subtle as I glance in her direction and look at her appearance, her dark old fashion dress and hair flown just below her waist, her eyes cautious, of course, I would too if I never knew what this occasion was about, but I nodded my head ever so slightly and smiled at her.Then all so suddenly I backed away, lowering my head. I couldn't look any longer to see what her expression might have looked like in response as I heard the soft dribble of rain descending down on the glass pane."Would you please close the curtain?" The Archduke ordered and I said nothing but moved to the windows and pulled the curtain to where it ended."How unfortunate it suddenly started pouring." I heard the Grand Duke commented."Yes it is.." The Archduke muttered, before sighing, "Oh well that's no matter, we should begin now."I finished arranging the curtains to be fully closed. That's it, isn't it? I should be leave, I turned my heels and just midway through a step I saw Diane's expression. Eyes widened, brows furrowed, and her little hands were curled into a fists. She was troubled, no. She was scared.I backtracked my foot to remained where it once was. I stood and I continued to stand as they eat their meals, none of them acknowledge me. It was if I was a ghost, spectating, listening."Diane, is the food not to your taste?" inquired the Grand Duke.Diane's fork clattered against her plate, missing the food. "Oh yes, Young Master, I enjoy it," she faltered."You haven't even touched it," he observed."My apologies," Diane murmured, flustered."What? No, I did not mean—"Diane looked down at her freshly cooked meat, "My apologies..""What? No I did not mean-!"Ah...maybe I should leave..the Grand Duke..for being an older brother and the heir to the Dukedom he is rather..awkward with the way he phase and voice his words."I did not ask you to apologize, you shouldn't have to if it doesn't suit your taste buds." He said rather frantically. At times like this I wonder how he usually talks to children. In fact sometimes I doubt that he talks to children period as from then on he remained radio silent in the duration of the feast.Diane, just as you don't want to be here, I, too want to flee. It's like eating with cousins and family members who you know have serious issues.The Archduke cleared his throat as he moved a napkin to his mouth, "I think it is about time, we best get to it."Abruptly the three of the Marrow family all rose to their feet and seconds later so did Diane. They all stepped towards the door and as Diane slowly followed she darted around frenziedly and her eyes met mine. Immediately I caught on to what she meant.'Please don't leave me alone.'I almost sighed; seriously, my lady, you ask for too much sometimes. And I just can't say no to you. I nodded, and after all four of them exited the room, I made haste to tiptoe after them. I was grateful that no one noticed me—not that anyone ever did, except for the occasional petty name-calling, but... ah, never mind.I hid behind a tight corner to sneak a peek as the family walked through the corridor and headed left, towards the stairs. I followed them, narrowly avoiding close calls. It seemed Diane was aware of my presence; whenever I struggled to hide behind a potted plant, she would subtly distract her brothers from investigating further.You know, sneaking around and following my Masters is not part of the job description...Eventually, the family reached a room gilded in gold, its pillars adorned with intricate patterns leading up to large, gated doors. The Archduke pushed them wide open. Even from my distant vantage point, I could swear light flashed before my very eyes as I peeked for just a moment."Pick whichever one you like." I heard the youngest said, his voice slightly pitched, "Any jewelry.""I-I don't...why.." My lady scrambled for the right words to say."You know have to overthink it, if you don't like any of them we could always buy ones that you do, but you must pick one in this very room." The Grand Duke said in almost reassuring way."That's..that's not what I..I-I guess this one."Oh..oh I remember now, what happened in that very room. Shit, this was a mistake, I shouldn't never have—I should leave but why..why is my feet not moving at all?