"Mary—I mean, your Grace—may I come in?" one of the maids said as she gently pushed the door open. Amara recognized the voice immediately but remained silent, a wave of embarrassment washing over her.* Don't come please*
"I'll be coming!" she called, her voice soft and hesitant. She opened the door, avoiding eye contact. The maid entered, arms laden with supplies, and closed the door with her foot.
The room was dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window, casting shadows across Amara's face. The maid glanced at Amara, sensing the pain etched in her features. Though she knew she should say something comforting, words eluded her.
"I brought you water and some food you like," the maid said, setting down her burden. She pulled out a chair and sat quietly, watching Amara.
Amara looked at her. "What is it, May?"
"The Duke said to watch you eat until the last piece,.....He actually said that." May replied, her eyes wide with concern. * I know this is not a lie*
"You're really not going to ask anything? " Amara questioned, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"Well, I do want to talk, but I already knew you're noble like me,....well you need to eat, and then we can talk," May said, offering a reassuring smile.
Amara met her gaze but said nothing, slowly eating her food. "You're really just going to watch?" she asked.
"Yes, do you know how scary he is ? " May confirmed.
As Amara finished her meal, she finally spoke. "My story isn't any different from yours, so don't worry."
"Yeah, you're right," she said with a mocking smile. "Everyone here is either a legendary warrior or a duke's wife" she said sarcastically.
" I always knew you had a story, just like everyone else. but this is huge, but I admitt I know you are a lady." May said, her voice soft.
"How did you know I was a lady?" Amara asked, a hint of confusion in her tone.
"You don't see yourself through our eyes, Mary. Amara, you know etiquette—you read and write perfectly without mistakes. You were like an etiquette teacher for young ladies. Even when you did chores, you did them with such elegance," May replied, her admiration clear.
" Elegant chores," she smiled softly.
"Did he beat you? Is that why you ran away?" May asked.
"No, I'm a war hero, May. I can fight back," Amara replied firmly.
"Well, he's handsome—I can understand why you liked him. But can I ask what happened?" May pressed.
"...He... it's really a long story," Amara said hesitantly.
"Did he cheat on you?" May asked bluntly.
"Sort of, but... like I said, it's a long story. I'll tell you later."
""Is the mistake forgivable? Can you forgive him?" May asked gently.
"The mistake doesn't belong to him alone," Amara replied.
"Do you think he can change?" May asked quietly.
"Maybe .... He still chasing after me,.....he looks old and tired" Amara replied, gazing into the distance.
"Well, no one remains unchanged," May said, a hint of sadness in her tone.
"Perhaps you're right," Amara admitted, lowering her eyes.
"What are you going to do now?" May asked.
"I'm going to leave here. I can't go back," Amara said firmly.
"But will you truly leave? Will you find happiness?" May's voice softened, concern shining through. "I've never seen you genuinely smile. It's like your joy has always been hidden beneath the pain."
"I've almost forgotten the warmth of a genuine smile," Amara confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"endless running—does it hold any worth?" May said,showing her concern.
"I don't know," Amara said, her voice catching as tears filled her eyes. She paused, gathering her thoughts. " It's the only path I've ever known. " she confessed, her heart weighed down by the turmoil within.