" It's been too long, Lash. How long are you going to continue taking care of her??"
Kezia froze when she heard a familiar voice- it was Hester. Hester was the daughter of the local baker, and she hated Kezia with a passion. Why? Kezia could never figure out. From Kezia's point of view, Hester had everything. Though she wasn't a noblewoman, her father provided her with everything she needed and wanted. Hester never wore dirty clothes, and donned imported jewelry and fabrics Kezia could only dream of feeling.
" Hester I know, but I told her and her mother I would support her; we were even promised to one another at a point in time," Lash replied hesitantly.
Kezia drew in a breath. She had held feelings for Lash for a long time, but kept them suppressed because she knew that she wasn't good enough for him. For him to bring up their previous betrothal made her stomach churn as it was only broken off because of her mother's death. Though Kezia knew she would only be a financial burden, she couldn't help wishing for more.
" She's like a leech and you know it," Hester sighed. "Oh wait- Doesn't she bail you out whenever you're in a tight spot??" She cackled, " Poor girl has been spending more than half her pay for you when you've wasted daddy's money gambling,"
Kezia froze.
Lash grimaced, clearly annoyed by this statement, but unable to refute it.
"I'll take care of it from now on, but that girl is a bad omen. I can't believe she tried to seduce a nobleman!! Let go of her," Hester continued, "At least, if you want to marry me,"
Lash groaned and responded, " Alright, I'm done with her,"
Kezia felt numb. The only person she truly had left was Lash, and now he was gone. She remembered how he had once told her he'd always be by her side, and how he truly cared about her, loved her. She told him to give her some time, but because she was a burden to him, she never told him how she felt. Nineteen years gone, submerged. Before the tears began to slip from her eyes, she walked into her home, slamming the door enough to startle the whispering couple.
Lying on a tiny cot that sunk close to the floor, Kezia bawled her eyes out. Her mother had always told her to be strong, but at the moment, she just felt like giving up. Puffy eyed, she began dozing off to sleep when she noticed a flyer that had drifted in through the window. In bright red lettering it read:
"URGENTLY HIRING:
New Palace Maids For The Palace Of Any Background
Training Provided
Interviews at your Local Town Office- Please Inquire There"
Drying her eyes, Kezia felt a resolve. Since everyone looked down on her for not earning a lot of money, she was going to do just that. It would be the perfect revenge for Lash and his bridezilla to be Hester. But she obviously couldn't do it in front of them, or she would waver- especially if Lash asked to borrow money again. She prepared her best clothes and braided her hair in order to prepare for her interview. Tomorrow, she was going to start earning money. Lots.
-
The next morning, Kezia found her way to the Local Town Office. The secretary was a stout man whose most defining feature was his bald head. Though she needed to pay attention to the requirements of the interview, she couldn't stop noticing the shine.
" We have rolling interviews so if you're ready then you can just come on back," the man told her. Kezia pondered for a few seconds, but decided to wing it. It was a maid interview after all, and they were providing training. Plus, the poster she had seen emphasized URGENT, so they couldn't be too picky. The most important thing was that she kept neat and proper. In the Suager Kingdom, gypsies were extremely discriminated against, because of their clear origins and culture. The xenophobic culture meant that she had to follow a very strict standard for her behavior.
" What experience do you have?"
" Uhh.. Nine years of running errands, cleaning, and cooking. Two years of working as a waitress at the Roasted Bun," Kezia showed the letter of recommendation that Miss Rose had given her in case she was looking for another job.
"Hmmm" The interviewer, a thin lady with a tight bun, pursed her lips, "That'll do,"
"And when can you start?"
Kezia looked up in shock, "As soon as possible ma'am!"
"Alright, then... here's a ticket. Hop on the next train to the capital. Head to the palace and give them this slip," The interviewer handed Kezia a ticket and a piece of paper indicating her employment.
Shocked, Kezia grabbed the documents- but paused.
"Also, ma'am,"
"Yes?"
"Why is the palace urgently hiring at such a time? What is happening??" Kezia asked.
" It's the ball to choose the prince's new wife, so princesses and royalty from across the continent will be attending," the interviewer explained.
'Hmmm,' Kezia thought, ' That reminds me of a story my mother once told me,'
Kezia thanked her luck, and gratefully left on her journey to the palace. She set off, determined to succeed and prove herself to the world.