Heart pounding, I stood before Matadre, the head maid of the castle. I couldn't bear the thought of enduring another encounter with Lord Fashire. The memory of his sharp gaze and remnants of his commanding presence still sent shivers down my spine. I had reached my limit.
"Pardon?" Matadre's dark brows shot up in surprise.
We stood at the open kitchen entrance. Lingering spices and smoke prickling the air.
Becca and I had returned to the kitchen when I met her leaving. Worst of all, I had just listened to her announce that it would take two more days for the others to return to their post. We would have to continue what we started till their arrival.
"I fear I cannot do this again." I repeated, pleading. "Lord Fashire… He… The thought of going back to his chambers fills me with such dread…"
A tired sigh escaped Matadre and she pinched the bridge of her nose, briefly closing her eyes. Her crimson eyes stared me down when she opened them. Faint wrinkles gathered at the corners, adding to her stern demeanour.
She then cradled her forehead, her annoyance fading away to a brief understanding and fatigue. But her next words dashed my hopes.
"Hiln. I cannot grant you that request. I understand, but this is something you must get used to. It is the way some of the others have." She straightened, sweeping her palm across slicked-back dark hair. "It is uncomfortable. But, rest assured, nothing will happen. This is not new. Not to worry. It's just two more days before the others return."
My spirit deflated, the last remnants of my resistance crumbling under Matadre's unyielding words.
"Yes," I mumbled, my hands falling limp at my sides.
"Do you understand, Hiln?" she insisted.
"Yes, I understand."
"Good. Thank you, Hiln, for understanding," was all she said before stalking off.
I watched as she left. She had always been approachable, but aloof at the same time.
Becca, who had watched the entire exchange from the kitchen, poked her head, concerned. "Hiln…"
"No," I grumbled. There was little Becca could do to change the situation. I quickly shifted the conversation. "Did you get to see the human you wanted to?"
"Oh. Yes!" Becca brightened just for a moment before deflating. She lowered her head. "But… I couldn't relax enough to focus on him when I was worried about you."
I managed a smile. "It's okay, Becca."
"Wait. A moment." She took the tray from my hands, relieving me of my burden, and rushed into the kitchen.
Becca rejoined me and we made our way to our rooms.
"It was a woman. A young one at that," Becca started. "She was so pretty too with such amazing eyes. She was quiet, but I'm sure with proper care from Lady Gremlin, a smile will return to that pretty face!" Becca started to smile.
"Is that so?" I muttered.
My confrontation had been the complete opposite, leading my mind to be preoccupied with darker thoughts.
Unable to contain myself any longer, I whispered, "Becca, did you see the boy?"
Becca's expression faltered. Her smile faded. She bit the inside of her lower lip. "I... I couldn't get a good glimpse of him," she admitted, a tinge of disappointment in her voice. "Lord Fashire's chamber was so dark. It was very difficult to see anything clearly."
My brows creased into a troubled frown. "Becca. You've been here longer than I have… Has 'he' ever had a pet so young?"
Becca didn't answer my question until we stopped in front of her room.
"No." Becca fidgeted with her curls, avoiding my gaze. "This has never happened before. I don't know why the Lord would bring in such a young—"
I cut her off, my voice barely above a whisper, "Becca. He wasn't just young. That was a child. He does not even look over ten."
She shook her head, concern and sadness twisting her features. "You shouldn't worry yourself about their kind. It's not like we can even do anything about it, Hiln." She then rubbed her upper arm, clearly troubled. "I know you empathize with them since you've lived among humans. But you can't help them all."
I paused. It had truly been a good idea for me to create a make-believe story about my upbringing. My father was a traveller who explored the human villages, and I spent my later years growing up in a human village.
"Hiln?"
Becca's voice brought me back to the present.
My lips strained as I forced a tired smile. "This evening has left me very shaken, I won't lie." I scratched my wrist absentmindedly. "I've never really encountered the Lords before, except Lady Gremlin, so this was very terrifying."
Becca sighed and leaned against her door. "I remember feeling the same way when I first had to attend to Lord Fashire… You know what?" She perked up and straightened. "I could help you serve his pet tomorrow morning while you prepare yourself for the evening. Just this once."
Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but pounce on Becca, enveloping her in a grateful hug. "Thank you so much, Becca! You're truly wonderful!"
She chuckled and pushed me back gently. Her smile widened. "Of course, I am!" she exclaimed with pride, puffing out her chest and resting her hands on her hips.
A genuine smile played on my lips as we bid each other goodnight, the weight of the upcoming day now slightly lighter.
Tomorrow seemed bright now all of a sudden.