The door of Queen Elara's chamber creaked shut behind Xena, leaving her alone with the Queen. Xena's heart raced as she stood before the Queen, her hands clasped tightly behind her back to hide their trembling.
Elara circled Xena slowly, her piercing blue eyes never leaving the maid's face. "So," she began, her voice deceptively soft, "you're the one they call Xena."
Xena swallowed hard, willing her voice to remain steady. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Tell me, Xena," Elara continued, settling into a high-backed chair, "where did you come from before entering our service?"
Xena hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "A small village to the north, Your Majesty. Near the forest of Aldermere."
Elara's eyebrow arched. "Aldermere? That's quite a journey. What brought you to our castle?"
"Opportunity, Your Majesty," Xena replied, her tone carefully neutral. "The chance to serve the crown and make a better life for myself."
The Queen's lips curved into a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "How... admirable. And your family? Do they still reside in this northern village?"
Xena's chest tightened, memories of home threatening to overwhelm her. "My sister does, Your Majesty. Our parents... they're no longer with us."
"I see." Elara leaned forward, her gaze intensifying. "And how are you finding life in the castle, Xena? Have you made many... connections here?"
The maid's brow furrowed slightly at the Queen's odd emphasis. "I've made some friends among the staff, Your Majesty. Everyone has been very kind."
Elara nodded slowly, as if weighing Xena's words. "Indeed. And what of the royal family? Have you had much interaction with them?"
Xena's mind flashed to her encounter with King Aldric, the warmth of his hand on hers, the intensity of his gaze. She pushed the memory aside, willing her face to remain impassive. "Only in passing, Your Majesty. During my duties."
"Is that so?" Elara's tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of... something. Suspicion? "Well, that's about to change, my dear. I've decided to make you my personal maid."
Xena's eyes widened in surprise. "Your... personal maid, Your Majesty? I'm honored, but surely there are others more qualified—"
Elara waved a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. I've been watching you, Xena. You're diligent, discreet. Precisely what I need in an attendant." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "And I do so enjoy getting to know my staff... intimately."
A chill ran down Xena's spine at the Queen's words. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this appointment than mere appreciation of her skills.
"When would you like me to start, Your Majesty?" Xena asked, still fighting to keep her voice steady.
Elara's smile widened. "Immediately. In fact, why don't you begin by helping me prepare for dinner for the King and I? I'm sure we'll have much to discuss."
*****
Aldric slumped into the chair behind his massive desk, the weight of the day's meetings and pressing matters of the kingdom wears their strain on his tired face. His mind swirling with dark thoughts and various ideas on how to serve his people better.
A soft knock at the door roused him from his brooding. "Enter," he called, his voice rough with fatigue.
Beatrice, his ever-efficient secretary, stepped into the room, her arms laden with scrolls and parchments. "Your Majesty," she began, "I have the latest reports on the grain shipments for the northern provinces."
Aldric straightened, forcing himself to focus. "Ah, yes. What news from Lord Gavin?"
Beatrice consulted her notes. "We've received word that his report will arrive by week's end, sire. The situation remains... precarious."
The King's frown deepened. "Precarious is not the word I want to hear, Beatrice. Those people are counting on us."
"Of course, Your Majesty." Beatrice hesitated, then added, "There is one other matter. The background check you requested on the maid, Xena—"
Aldric's eyes sharpened, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Yes? What have you discovered?"
"The investigation is still ongoing, Your Majesty, but I should have the full report for you before you retire for the evening."
Aldric nodded, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety churning in his gut. "Very good. I'll wait for it here."
As his secretary turned to leave, Aldric called out, "One more thing. Send for Captain Rowan. I need to speak with him."
Moments later, the grizzled captain of the guard entered the study, bowing low. "Your Majesty. How may I serve you?"
Aldric leaned back in his chair, studying the loyal soldier before him. "Rowan, I need information. Where is the Queen at this moment?"
The captain's brow furrowed slightly. "The Queen, sire? I believe she's in her chambers. In fact..." He paused, as if unsure whether to continue.
"Go on," Aldric prompted, his interest piqued.
"Well, Your Majesty, it's a bit unusual. The Queen is having a private meeting with one of the maids. A girl named Xena, I believe."
Aldric's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Xena? Are you certain?"
Rowan nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. They've been together for some time now."
The King's mind raced, trying to make sense of this unexpected development. Why would Elara be meeting privately with a maid? And why Xena, of all people?
"Thank you, Rowan," Aldric said, his voice distant. "That will be all."
As the captain bowed and left, Aldric rose from his desk, pacing the length of his study.