The palace buzzed with a frenzied energy, servants darting about with a purpose I hadn't seen in months. Every corner was polished to a gleam, and the scent of freshly cut flowers filled the air. Despite the lingering pain in my back, I moved carefully, trying to keep up without drawing too much attention.
Word had spread quickly: the Duke of Eryndor was arriving today.
I had heard the whispers among the servants, their voices hushed with a mix of curiosity and excitement. The Duke of Eryndor had not visited the palace in many years, and his impending arrival had stirred a flurry of activity. Even in my state, I was not exempt from the preparations.
My task was relatively simple, yet vital: ensuring the guest chambers were in perfect order. I winced with each movement, the memory of the whip's bite still fresh on my skin. I tried to focus on the task at hand, smoothing the sheets and fluffing the pillows with care. The room was lavishly decorated, far beyond anything I could ever imagine experiencing for myself.
As I worked, my mind wandered. Who was this Duke of Eryndor? Stories of his bravery and mysterious air had reached even the lowest ranks of the servants. Some said he was a hero of countless battles, others whispered of his charm and the trail of broken hearts he left behind. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity.
Just as I finished my task, a commotion erupted outside. I hurried to the window and peeked through the heavy drapes. The grand procession was making its way up the long drive, the Duke's carriage at the center, flanked by a retinue of soldiers. The sight was both magnificent and intimidating, a stark reminder of the divide between our worlds.
My breath caught as the carriage drew nearer, the Duke's coat of arms emblazoned on the side. The anticipation in the air was palpable. I quickly stepped back from the window and resumed my duties, knowing I had to stay out of sight.
Later, I was sent to the kitchens to help with the banquet preparations. The chefs were in a state of controlled chaos, their movements swift and precise. I exchanged a quick glance with Marie, another slave who had become a friend over the years. Her eyes were filled with the same exhaustion I felt, but there was a glimmer of something else—curiosity, perhaps?
"Did you see the procession?" she whispered, handing me a basket of vegetables to chop.
"I did," I replied, keeping my voice low. "It was quite a sight. Have you ever seen anything like it?"
Marie shook her head, her expression pensive. "Never. They say the Duke is unlike any other noble. Mysterious, even."
I nodded, my mind returning to the stories I had heard. "Do you think we'll get to see him?"
"Maybe," Marie said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "But we should be careful. The nobles are unpredictable, and the last thing we need is more trouble."
As I chopped the vegetables, the anticipation of the Duke's arrival and the mystery surrounding his visit filled my thoughts, providing a brief distraction from the pain in my back.
As the day wore on, the palace grew more crowded. Nobles and dignitaries arrived, their carriages lined up outside the grand entrance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and speculation. I moved through the halls, trying to remain invisible amidst the grandeur.
In the late afternoon, I was sent to deliver a message to one of the senior maids. As I navigated the labyrinthine corridors, I turned a corner and nearly collided with a hooded figure. My breath caught as I looked up, realizing I had stumbled upon a stranger in the palace.
The figure stood there, cloaked in shadows, their face partially obscured. Piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was an intensity in their gaze that sent a shiver down my spine, and I quickly averted my eyes, my heart pounding in my chest.
"I-I'm sorry, sir," I stammered, taking a step back. "I didn't mean to intrude."
The stranger's expression softened slightly, a hint of curiosity in their eyes. "It's quite all right," they said, their voice smooth and reassuring. "Are you all right? You seem... troubled."
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The memory of the whipping was still fresh, and I felt a pang of vulnerability. "I... I'm fine, sir," I managed to say, though my voice wavered.
They studied me for a moment longer, their gaze lingering on the bruises visible on my arms. "You don't look fine," they said quietly. "What's your name?"
"Anastasia," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Anastasia," they repeated, as if committing it to memory. "Take care of yourself, Anastasia."
With that, the stranger turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart still racing from the encounter. I continued on my way, the weight of the stranger's words lingering in my mind.
That evening, the grand banquet was held in the main hall. I was assigned to serve drinks, a task that allowed me to observe the proceedings from the sidelines. The hall was resplendent with decorations, the tables laden with an array of sumptuous dishes. The nobles and dignitaries chatted animatedly, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings.
As I moved through the crowd, serving wine and ale, I couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation about the Duke. The guests speculated about his reasons for visiting, each theory more outlandish than the last. Some believed he was here to negotiate a new alliance, while others whispered about secret missions and royal intrigues.
In the midst of the revelry, I felt a hand on my arm. I turned to find Marie, her expression serious. "Anastasia, we need more wine from the cellar. Can you fetch it?"
I nodded, grateful for a reason to leave the bustling hall. The cellar was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the noise above. As I selected the bottles, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I turned, half expecting to see the stranger again, but found the room empty.
Returning to the hall, I was met with a sight that took my breath away. The Duke had risen from his seat and was addressing the assembly. His presence was magnetic, and the room fell silent as he spoke.
"Honored guests, I am grateful for your warm welcome," he began, his voice carrying a quiet strength. "It has been many years since I last visited this palace, and I am humbled by the kindness shown to me."
His words were met with applause, and I found myself clapping along, unable to tear my eyes away. There was something about the Duke that captivated me, a sense of integrity and purpose that set him apart.
As the evening wore on, I continued my duties, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The Duke's arrival had stirred something within me, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness of my existence. I knew better than to entertain such thoughts, but I couldn't help it. His presence, even from a distance, had touched a part of me I thought long buried.
The banquet drew to a close as the guests began to disperse, their laughter and chatter fading into the night. I gathered the empty goblets and plates, my body aching from the day's exertion.
As I gathered the last of the dishes and made my way back to the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel that my life had been irrevocably changed by the events of the day. The Duke's arrival had brought with it a sense of mystery and possibility, a glimmer of light in the darkness of my world.
As I moved through the dimly lit corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The palace, though now quiet after the evening's festivities, seemed to pulse with a strange energy. I reached the kitchen and found Marie waiting for me, her face etched with worry.
"Anastasia," she whispered urgently. "I heard something... unsettling. Some of the guards are talking about an intruder."
My heart skipped a beat. "An intruder? Here?"
Marie nodded. "They're saying someone was seen sneaking around the Duke's chambers. They think it might be an assassin."
A chill ran down my spine. The Duke's chambers were near the servant's quarters. "Did they catch the intruder?"
Marie shook her head. "Not yet. But they're searching everywhere."
A sudden noise echoed through the hallway—a heavy thud followed by muffled voices. Marie and I exchanged a glance, our fear mirrored in each other's eyes. We moved closer to the kitchen door, peeking out into the corridor.
Two guards were dragging a figure between them.
The hooded stranger from earlier?