Finally, Mary completed her tasks on the first floor. As she made her way towards the second-floor corridor, she exuded an air of calm and tranquility. Six years had passed since she first set foot in this grand mansion, and despite the initial animosity she faced, she had slowly won the hearts of the people within.
Lost in her thoughts, Mary suddenly heard a male voice, faint but distinct. Curiosity piqued, she followed the sound, her steps leading her closer to its source. And there, standing before her, was a young boy with blonde hair and piercing green eyes. * No servant?*
Though his age seemed to be around 12 or 13, there was an air of nobility about him, even from a distance. Mary felt a strange familiarity, a nagging question tugging at her mind. "Hello, sir. Do you need something?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern. Mary looked at the emblem on his shoulder. *Ashwater? He belongs to the Ashwater estate.So the King sent Ashwater... I wonder who the head of the estate is.*
The young boy locked eyes with her, his gaze sharp and commanding. " I came to see my fiancée, Lady Daisy," he replied.
*He is two years younger than her, but he certainly looks older."
"Young Lady Daisy is waiting for you on the first floor, in my master's office." Mary said.
"I know," the young lord replied, his tone unwavering. Mary observed him for a moment, struck by the fact that despite his age, he exuded an air of self-assuredness and authority.
" "Where are your servants, my Lord?" Mary asked.
"I didn't bring any," he replied.
"May I ask why, my Lord?" Mary pressed.
"I don't think I owe an answer to a lowly maid," he said.
*What a spoiled brat,* Mary thought.
Silence settled between them, neither speaking. Mary finally broke the quiet, seeking to guide the young lord.
"Do you know the way to my master's room, sir?" she asked
"Of course, I know," he responded.. Mary couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, quickly stifling it. "Why are you laughing?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her. * Cute...* Mary said, looking at him a little closer. He looks like him ...except the eye color*.
"I wasn't, my lord," Mary replied, her voice gentle yet laced with amusement. She returned to her duties, resuming her cleaning tasks. Mary knew that he was likely to get lost, and she patiently awaited his return.
Time passed, the young lord reappeared before her. "Hey, maid. I want you to accompany me to the room. It would be impolite if I were to go alone," he demanded,
Mary struggled to contain her laughter, "Yes, my lord," she said.
She guided him through the corridors, leading him towards his destination. As they walked, Mary attempted to engage the young lord in conversation.
"So, my lord, what is your name ? " she asked, hoping to establish a friendly rapport.
However, his response was dismissive. "Even if you were to learn my name, what would you do with it? You can address me as Lord or Prince," he said.
"Of course you are right my lord.......then can you tell me which house you belong to?" she pressed on, determined to create a pleasant atmosphere. But once again, his response was curt and dismissive. "You talk too much for a maid," he remarked, his words stinging with arrogance.
*what an annoying child*' Suppressing her exasperation, Mary maintained her composure, guiding the young lord to their destination in silence. * I'm not gonna say anything this time *
They arrived at their destination, and Mary knocked on the door, seeking permission to enter. "Mary, you've come!" Lady Daisy exclaimed with joy. Mary addressed the lady, purposefully mentioning the young lord's earlier predicament, much to his annoyance. "My lord , l think the young lord was lost, l brought him here," she reported, relishing in the opportunity to tease him.
"I wasn't lost," the young lord said. Mary couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The young lord courteously greeted Lady Daisy and took a seat in front of her. Meanwhile, Mary lingered by the open door, awaiting further instructions.
"Mary, aren't you going to come inside?" Lady Daisy said.
"My lady, I actually have somewhere else to be. " Mary responded politely.
However, her master interjected, requesting that she instruct the maid to prepare the golden guest room. " You need to be hurry Mary, our guest can be here any moment." he said.* Maybe I should say yes*
"Yes, Your Grace," Mary said, surprised. The golden guest room had never been used before; it was meant for the royal family.
*For an Ashwater? That's weird* she thought.
As she lowered her head in a bow to her master, an eerie aura filled the room, sending shivers down her spine. She felt a sense of dread but couldn't comprehend why. she sensed a presence behind her, yet the man stood still, refusing to enter. Mary's instincts kicked in, and fear gripped her. She wondered who this person was she wanted to look but She felt like prey.
"Your Grace ," her Lord addressed the man. She turned her gaze towards him, locking eyes with his intense, striking blue eyes. Tears welled up in Mary's eyes, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. "Father, you've come," the young lord exclaimed. Mary continued to stare at the man standing before her, her heart pounding in her chest, she felt danger. Everyone in the room trained their eyes on Mary and the man
In Mary's eyes, she saw her past as if she were on the brink of her death.
++++++Flash back+++++++
~~~~
"I made a mistake; that's all it was.
~~~
"Amara, will you marry me?
"Yes, I will."
~~~
"Are you sure ? He doesn't love you; he loves me!"
~~~
"Max, please let me go. I don't want to live like this."
~~~
"Mother I did not kill my children! I did not hurt them. Someone tell me they didn't die?!"
--------+++++++++++++
"You can't be here," Mary whispered, her voice barely audible. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her fear palpable. The man approached her, his presence looming close to her ear. "Are you sure?" he whispered, sending chills down her spine. Mary, in a panic, tried to push him away and make a dash for her room. However, the man firmly grasped her shoulder, preventing her escape. "Not anymore , Amara" he uttered, his tone filled with certainty.
In a desperate attempt to free herself, Mary reached for a hidden knife and aimed it towards him, intending to fend him off and flee to safety. After she did , she began to flee. And the man swiftly turned to his companion at his side. "Capture her," he commanded, his voice authoritative. "Yes, sir," came the obedient reply.