The next day lord Nigel sat in his chambers surrounded by maps and scrolls detailing the vast expanse of his kingdom. His eyes narrowed as he studied the marking
Just then there was a cautious knock in the door.The door flung open gently, a guard strolled in
"My lord a messenger from the kingdom of everia as arrived.
Lord Nigel gaze snapped up, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips.
Everia? That insignificant kingdom thought they could threaten him. He laughed. What a joke!
He gestured for the guard to bring in the messenger,the messenger entered trembling at the sight of lord Nigel. He bowed as he handed over a rolled paper scroll that had been sealed with the everian crest.
Lord Nigel broke the seal,his eyes scanning through the contents. A threat! How childish! Everian's king,king maric promises to unleash His army upon lord Nigel's kingdom unless he surrendered a portion of his land.
Lord Nigel's laughter echoed through his chambers..even the messenger trembled as he laughed. He commanded him to go as the messenger hurriedly rose to his feet and ran out.
Maric! Maric! Lord Nigel roared as things in his chambers came crashing down.
Meanwhile in the palace courtyard, a group of young women had gathered,they were the new recruits eager to begin their services as a maid.
As they waited,the palace head of maids lady charlotte emerged from within the palace.she was a stern looking woman with kind heart.
"Good morning ladies," lady charlotte greeted with her eyes running across the group.
"I trust you guys are ready to begin your service as a maid..
Lady Charlotte stood before the group of girls a stern expression in her face
" listen girls " you are to write your name on this ledger
Lady charlotte brought out a quill and ink
"Now in a straight line!
***********************************************************
Aria's POV
I woke up before dawn,my heart racing with excitement. Today was the day I would start my new life a maid.
Mother called out to me to have breakfast but I was too nervous to eat. I quickly got dressed and rushed outside.
As I walked into the chilly cold morning,I saw a carriage waiting by the village square.my heart skipped a beat
That must be it! The carriage going to the palace, as I hurried towards it, I was disappointed. I realized it was already full with other girls chatting happily ranting how they couldn't wait to see the lord blah..blah..
Relieve washed over me as a carriage approached me
"To the palace??" The deep coarse voice asked
I nodded childishly as I jumped over carriage *******************************************************
Aria exhaustion from the long journey vanished as soon as she saw a glimpse of the palace.. This is heaven!
She couldn't believe somewhere like this existed in the village of Ashwood She alighted from the the carriage after paying the carriage man.
She slowly headed towards the magnificent palace gate,she was almost entering when the guards blocked her.. She tried explaing her reason for being in the palace but they just ignored her and kept mute.
She wondered why weren't saying anything to her.. Were they trained not to talk or what??
Just then lady charlotte approached them,she sighed in relief.
"It is ok..let her go" lady charlotte said to the guards then they slowly moved aside.
"So you are also interested in this job" lady charlotte asked
"Yes"
"How old are you"
Aria was confused..why was she being questioned?
"24"
"Ok then..I am asking because we don't want an underage maid" Lady Charlotte made her self clear
"Oh" aria chuckled nervously because she knew she lied, although she wasn't underage but she was younger..
She was only nineteen,but too bad she was bigger than her age.
Guess they will never find out.
She was asked to write her name like other girls..and given a uniform to start work immediately.
********************************************************
Lord Nigel was in his chambers,he called out to the guards outside .
The came rushing in like flood
"Prepare the weapons I am going hunting"
The bowed and hurried out,almost immediately lady charlotte came rushing in
She selected two hunting cloak
"Which cloack would you like to wear my lord?"
Lord Nigel chose the dark one..he loved to dress in black..it made him look mysterious.
Lady charlotte draped the cloak over his shoulders and with a final adjustment of his gloves,he strode out of his chambers.
He hastened his steps toward through the corridors and his guards tailed behind.
Aria on the other hand was heading to where she was assigned to. She turned sharply to a corner and collided with lord Nige who was exiting his chambers she stumbled,loosing her balance and he immediately wrapped his arms around her to stop her from falling
But as soon as he realized what was happening he quickly released her and allowed her to fall.
"Who is this careless maid????"" He thundered,his voice echoing down the corridor
Aria trembled,she began saying her last prayer
"Mother!..goodbye your daughter is gone!" She whispered to herself.