Chapter 11: The Maid
Leila was wandering around the amethyst castle alone. It was exceptionally quiet. The usual bustling servants were nowhere to be seen; only a few were traveling through the long shimmering passages linking massive chambers and grand halls. Thankfully, this gave her the confidence to explore the castle
But Leila wasn’t actually alone. She didn’t notice that someone had been following her in the shadows from the second she stepped out from the bedchamber.
Soon, she came upon a vast gallery off to the side of the flourishing garden. The room gave her an indescribable feeling. The sensation was undeniably beautiful, but also troubling. It was twice long as it was wide, and it was filled with numerous rare oddities; swords, shields, and finely-forged melee weapons were all symmetrically displayed in the space. At the end of the gallery, a shiny round button, made of obsidian and roughly the size of Leila’s palm, was inlaid on the wall.
She was drawn in by its beauty. An obscure, mythical energy guided her to raise her hand, leading her to touch the obsidian and feel its smooth surface, but a voice behind her made Leila freeze.
“My lady?” Nyree stepped into the light from the shadow, and a warm smile bloomed across her face. “I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.”
Leila was pulled back to reality. She turned and saw the silver dragon servant standing behind her, holding a tray covered with a golden cloth.
Leila recognized her as the woman who escorted her to the kitchen the other day. “I’m sorry… I never intended to...”
“You don’t need to apologize to me,” Nyree came forward, continuing in her kindest voice, “That leads to the previous queen’s tomb. I suggest you ask the prince to accompany you if you want to have a look.”
*No wonder there is such a stillness in the air here*… Leila thought. “Thank you,” she said to Nyree, “for stopping me from pushing that button. I don’t know what’s going on with me…”
Nyree nodded, as if to say, “You’re welcome.” Then, she pulled the cloth off of the tray in her hands. “Your feet are still bare. Let me help you.” A pair of exquisitely embroidered flats sat on the tray. “I was on my way to take these to your bedchamber anyway. These were a direct order from the prince to the royal tailor. There will be more clothes for you. They should have arrived by now, but there’s a delay due to the princess’s upcoming Dragon Moon—they’re very busy making her gown. But last time I noticed that you don’t have any suitable shoes, so I figured I’d bring these to you first.”
“Thank you…” Leila was moved by her kindness and meticulous observations. “That’s very thoughtful…Don’t worry, I can do it myself.”
Nyree knelt down on the floor, ignoring Leila’s polite objections and insisting she help put them on.
They were a perfect fit.
Leila thanked her again and asked, “The Dragon Moon? Is that why the castle is so empty?”
“Yes, my lady. Most of the servants were sent to help prepare the main palace. The ceremony will be take place tomorrow night.”
Leila wondered why Thorn had never said anything about it to her. After some thought, she came to the conclusion that it was a highborn ceremony and, admittedly, had nothing to do with her.
“But I will always be here in the castle. My name is Nyree,” she said, emphasizing her name, “Please just find me if you need anything in the palace.” Then, she curtseyed and started to leave the room.
Leila watched her walk away. She was pleased to know that Thorn had asked the tailors to make clothes for her, but at the same time, Nyree had made a lovely impression on her.
Thorn had mentioned earlier that morning that she needed to choose someone to look after her when he wasn’t around; she would need a maid to help her out in the prince’s castle. That way, Thorn wouldn’t have to worry so much. She had already made her decision, and she planned to talk with Thorn when he returned from the garrison.
“Nyree?” Leila asked.
“Yes, my lady?” Nyree stopped walking and turned around.
“Are you willing to be my maid? I think I’ll be living in this castle for a bit longer. Could you help me find my way around?”
“Yes, of course,” Nyree said professionally, “I’ll do my best.”
“In that case, could you escort me back to the bedchamber? I think I’m a bit lost…” Leila said awkwardly.
Nyree simply nodded and turned to lead her, hiding her dark grin.
By the time they arrived at the bedchamber, a cart full of clothes had already been delivered by the royal tailor.
Nyree helped pushed the cart into the room and said, “It’s overcast today, and it will get even darker soon. Do you want the candles lit, my lady?”
Leila nodded, “Sure. Thank you.”
Nyree took out a large candlestick and started to light up the room. One by one, she roamed in a circle, and soon all the candles were lit. On the walls, the tables and floors, the room was brightly glowing with a fluttering, mellow orange hue.
Leila observed her while she did her chores. Her skin was glistening under the candlelight, five thin silver bracelets wrapped around both of her upper arms. Only silver dragon descendants had the privilege of sending their sons and daughters to the palace to serve the royals. They could be trained as maids and pages, cooks and spinners. The grey dragon citizens were typically forbidden to apply for noble positions in the castles.
Then, Nyree began laying out the clothes from the cart on the table. There were dresses made of gorgeous silk, taffeta, and satin. Then, she pulled out a bundle of cloth wrapped in golden silk.
She flipped the silk bundle open and said pleasantly, “Look, this one is marvelous, my lady.”
Leila walked over to take a look; it was a silvery-white dress with thin straps. Looking straight at Leila, Nyree asked, “Do you want to try it on?”
Nyree was right—the dress was stunning. Leila touched the fabric tentatively, as if it might burn her fingers. Nyree helped her put it on and said, “You look beautiful in it. It makes your eyes pop.”
Leila looked down at her toes and felt her heart leap into the air. This was the first proper gift she had ever received. It felt so silky and fit just right.
Nyree continued to help Leila sort through the mountain of clothes sent over by the royal tailor.
“May I ask you some questions?” Leila wanted to get closer to her, and more than that, she was curious. Nyree was the first silver dragon girl she had ever spoken to.
“Yes my lady.” Nyree stopped what she’s doing and patiently waited her to ask.
“You don’t mind? That I’m not a pure blood…” Leila felt a slight tightness in her throat.
Nyree pasted a smile on her long face. “To be honest, at first, I was quite surprised to see you appear in the royal palace. But no, I don’t mind.”
“Why not?” Leila pursued.
“I believe that everyone is special, regardless of their rank or race.” Nyree had prepared this answer in advance, in case Leila asked. She was taught well by her husband.
Leila appreciated her straightforward answer and asked, “What about the others in the castle? Since that day in the garden, does everyone know that I’m here? And what about the main castle? Do they know about me?”
“To be honest, they aren’t as understanding,” Nyree answered frankly, “In fact, there aren’t many staff members in the main palace that know about you, for now. But most servants share a common interest in gossip. With the preparation of the Dragon Moon, people will talk. I’m sure they’ll find out soon.”
“And that would mean the royals...” Leila murmured.
“Yes, there’s a large chance that they already know you’re here,” Nyree said in a soothing voice.
Leila sat down at the edge of the bed and mulled over the potential dangers and risks of Thorn’s family finding out she’d been living in the prince’s bedchamber.
“But you shouldn’t worry. You have the prince to protect you. He must have feelings for you.” Nyree wanted to get closer to her.
“How do you know that?” Leila was embarrassed.
“He’s never slept in that guest room before. And I’ve never seen him bring anyone here either. You are the first.” Nyree smiled a little at her, and Leila blushed.
As they were speaking, Thorn returned. He landed on the terrace and walked into the room.