Chapter 29 The new maid
It was still the same night that I fell asleep with Leon. He asked me to sing him a bedtime song, and I chose "Dream". Gradually, Leon drifted off to sleep, his head resting on my chest. He was like a baby, seeking comfort and security in my embrace.
But my dreams were restless, and the voices in my head grew louder. In my dream, I was lost in an endless darkness, unable to find my way out. The whispers of ghosts and the sound of the wind echoed around me, making it hard to breathe.
I felt as though a scarf was tightly wrapped around my neck, suffocating me. I tried to call out, but my voice was trapped inside me. I fell to my knees in despair, feeling utterly alone.
Suddenly, a slender hand reached out from the darkness, and I grasped it tightly, as if it were a lifeline. “Don’t leave me in the dark!” I cried out.
I opened my eyes and sat up, gasping for air. Leon’s handsome face was hovering in the darkness, and he was sitting beside the bed, stroking my cheek gently.
“Baby, are you awake? I need to go to the barracks to inspect, and you can get some sleep. I’ll be back for lunch with you on time!” he said.
“Please don’t leave me,” I pleaded, hugging him tightly.
“Baby, I have to go. There are still many things I need to deal with in the army. Your man is not idle!” Leon comforted me, “If you’re bored, you can talk to my mother over morning tea or explore the garden with the maids. Time will pass quickly, and I’ll be back before you know it!”
“Next time, if you want to leave, please tell me beforehand. I don’t want to wake up alone in the morning. At least give me a goodbye kiss!” I cried sadly, tears streaming down my face.
Leon had become the only person I could rely on and trust in this court. Every time he left without a word, I felt incredibly lonely and abandoned.
Why had I become so sensitive and fragile? I wondered. Why?
“I promise you, every time I leave, I’ll kiss you goodbye! Silly girl! I’ll never leave you, ever!” Leon kissed my forehead, and I reluctantly let go of his hand as he left.
As soon as the door closed, my tears flowed again. I bit down on the sheets, trying not to make any noise. Anna was right. I was afraid - afraid of the night, afraid of loneliness. I missed my parents, and I even missed Susan. I wanted to go back to my simple life.
I thought I was strong enough, but I couldn’t deceive my heart. I was so lonely and fragile. All my hopes in life were pinned on one man, and there was nothing else in my life except him. I seemed happy, but in reality, I was very sad.
Shirley sighed helplessly at me. Maybe she thought I was overthinking things. She believed that sentimentality was not a good thing and wanted me to be like a brave werewolf. At the very least, I should learn how to face the darkness.
Soon, the light came, and the sun illuminated the entire room. I was still hugging the sheets, leaning against the bed by myself. I hadn’t even noticed when the maids came in.
“Miss Emily!” A strange contralto voice sounded in my ear, and a woman approached my bed. She curtsied to me first, then leaned over and said, “My name is Lola, and Queen Catherine has asked me to accompany you from now on. Miss Emily, can you hear me?”
I didn’t look up, just nodded symbolically to show that I was listening to her. Then, her hand brushed my back gently, and her movements were so gentle, accompanied by her whispers.
“It doesn’t matter, Miss Emily. If you encounter anything unhappy, you can tell me. I will be your most loyal friend,” Lola said. “Or if you feel unwell, I can call a doctor for you!”
“No, thank you. I’m fine!” I finally raised my head and dried the tears in my eyes with my hands. I took a deep breath and turned to look at Lola.
She was a young woman with brown curly hair, wearing a yellow embroidered court dress. Her round white face had a gentle and amiable smile, and her blue eyes were bright and sparkling like pure diamonds without any impurities.
“It’s time to get up. Queen Catherine invites you to have breakfast in the garden!” Lola said with a smile.
“Okay, I understand!” I got out of bed, and Lola carefully put on my shoes.
Maids Lucy and Gina were holding jewelry boxes and some clothes in their hands, standing quietly in one part of the room, waiting for my selection.
“Miss Emily, what do you want to wear today?” Lola asked, picking up a green skirt and a white gem necklace. “Considering that the dining place will be in the garden later, I personally suggest that you match it like this. What do you think?”
To tell the truth, I wasn’t really in the mood to choose clothes now, but Lola had a good eye for clothes. I nodded to her and agreed.
“Lola, you don’t look like a maid!” I stood in front of the mirror, and Lola stood behind me, buttoning my waist.
“What did you do before?” I asked curiously. Judging from Lola’s dress and behavior, she seemed more like a noble lady. But why did Queen Catherine send such a woman to wait on me?
Lola looked at me through the mirror, hesitating. I smiled and encouraged her to tell me.
“Never mind, you can tell me.”
“Miss Emily, I don’t want to deceive you. There are some things you will know soon because in this court, you can’t hide any secrets!” Lola paused. “I used to be Prince Leon’s mistress!”
What? Leon has a mistress? Damn that man!