Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Violette POV

“The king requests you in his chambers.” Ms. Beatrice said. I sighed heavily and stood up. I’d done well these last few days, only just bumping into him yesterday. I wonder if he was angry about it.

“Yes, ma’am. Should I head off to clean myself first?” I asked. I dusted off my servants gown, it’s clean.. I’ve just been cleaning in it so I smell heavily of chemicals.

“No, he requests you immediately.” She said. I nodded my head and began making my way there.

I’d come to remember the layout of the castle quite well in these recent weeks. I found the best spots with the best views, the spot with the most sunlight, and the spot with the least people.. If the people weren’t so awful, this could’ve been a place I enjoyed.

I haven’t felt many pains recently. Which has made my days brighter than ever. Though, when I do have them, they’re breathtakingly painful.. Ms. Beatrice has yet to find out what’s causing it, but she feels like she’s getting close to something and that gives me at least some hope.

I gave Loren a small smile and he returned it before his eyes glazed over. He leaned over and opened the door and I walked in.

“Come sit.” Master grumbled as soon as the door closed. I spotted him sitting at his desk, a quill in hand and stacks of paper around the desk. This seems to be his usual spot during the day.

“Yes, master,” I said quietly. I walked over to his desk and sat on the floor next to it. There were two stacks of paper, a quill, and ink waiting for me. Of course he wants me to help.. I’ve noticed he seems to have a lot of work to do. I guess it’s nothing bad to hell him every now and then. It gives me something to distract my mind.

“Begin.” He said. He didn’t even bother to look my way.

I picked up the quill and dipped it in the ink, then grabbed one of the papers and began filling it out.

“Beatrice has told me you’ve been doing well around the castle.” He said after a few minutes of silence.

“Yes, master,” I replied.

“I want to ask you a few personal questions.” He said out of nowhere. I stopped writing and looked up at him, yet he was still focused on his own writing.

“Okay, Master,” I said.

“Why are you friends with a maid?” He asked.

“I like Lillian.. she has just always been there,” I said. I didn’t want to go too into detail, but I feel like Lillian, Sylvia, and the others were the only people I had for a long time.. they are my true family.

“That’s it? Was there no Princess that wanted to be your friend?” He growled. What? How did he take what I said and completely twist it into shit? I looked up at him confused.

“No.. they.. I..” I stopped talking. I wasn’t going to explain myself. Lillian is a good person and I’ve never been more lucky than anyone to have her as a friend. She’s the most amazing person I know.

“Go ahead say it.” He growled.

“I like Lillian. She has always been there. When I had no one, she was there. I didn’t want any Princess for a friend because I have Lillian. And she’s far better than any Princess I’ve ever met.” I said plainly. Who was he to question my friendship? Does he think I felt bad for her? Because I’m royalty and she’s not? I couldn’t care less about our differences in rank. In my eyes, she’s nothing but my equal.. and most of the time I feel as if she’s far superior than me.

“Watch your tone.” His voice was less aggressive. He turned back to his papers and started writing again. I let out a shaky breath before closing my eyes and taking a second. It’s okay, Violette. No need to get so frustrated.

“You were taught how to do these things. What else do you know?” He asked. Right, he said a few questions. Not one.

“Everything a King should know, along with everything a Queen should know,” I said. I began writing again as I waited for a reply.

“Does that include how to start a war?” He asked. I sighed and shook my head.

“No, Master,” I said. His questions irritated the living hell out of me. If I had the opportunity I’d slap him straight in his face.. but I know that would be a grave mistake.

I finished two other pages while he was silent, just waiting for this to end so I could do anything else. I tried my best to focus but he kept tapping his foot and it was incredibly distracting.

“May I ask about your scars?” He asked. My mind went completely blank for a moment and I stared at the paper. My scars? Times of strikings and lashes came to mind. I wasn’t only struck a few times for helping the maids. I was struck for every wrong answer on a quiz, every crinkle in my made bed, every stray hair..

His foot tapping snapped me out of my mind and my gaze met his. For a moment I thought I’d seen a look of pity, but it quickly went away as he spoke again.

“Do not forget your rules.” He said bluntly. I swallowed hard and nodded my head.

“I’m sorry, Master,” I said softly. I stammered with words for a moment trying to give him an explanation of my scars.. but I couldn’t ever get anything out.

“Forget about it. Tell me something else. Who’s this Sylvia that keeps sending messengers to my door?” He said. I perked up at the mention of her name.

“Sylvia is the girl who was.. in the room with that man when you found me,” I said. He let out a sigh and nodded his head.

“Since you’ve done well with Ms. Beatrice, I’ll have a visitation arranged sometime this week.” He said. My heart skipped a beat and I wanted to squeal in excitement.

“Thank you, Master,” I said. I tried to hide the small smile on my face but it was so hard. I looked down at the papers and continued working. This is wonderful. I’ve been so worried about her.. I haven’t heard a thing!

“If you break any rules or anything it won’t happen. That won’t be your only punishment either.” He said. I nodded my head.

“Yes, Master. I will be good.” I promised. I would do anything to see Sylvia.. to know in fact that the was truly okay and alive. Goddess, I’d even lick the floor. As stupid and gross as it sounds, Sylvia is like a little sister to me. I’d do anything for her and Lillian.

Anything.

“How.. how do you feel since the incident with the bath?” He asked. I felt myself tense slightly at his question. I hadn’t thought about that much lately, thank the Goddess.

“Better.. I still get fearful. But it’s not so bad anymore.” I said truthfully. I don’t understand why he’s asking, it’s not like he cares.

“That’s.. good. I’m glad.” He said. I looked up at him in surprise to see him staring at me. His eyes were soft and had no hint of hatred or anger.

“Me too.” I replied. We stared at each other for a moment before I snapped out of it and looked back at the papers in front of me.

What in the world was that?

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