The next morning, Vanya woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, she soaked herself in the bathtub enjoying the heat of the water. Paddy was already up and about, helping Vanya get ready for the day. "Good morning, my lady," Paddy said with a smile, as she poured Vanya a cup of warm water for her morning ablutions.
"Good morning, Paddy," Vanya replied, smiling back at her loyal maid. "How did you sleep?"
Paddy chuckled. "I slept well, my lady. The bed was comfortable, and the room was quiet. But I think you're the one who needs to relax. You've been looking forward to exploring the castle grounds, haven't you, paddy chuckled?"
Vanya nodded enthusiastically with a bright smile. "Yes, I have. I'm excited to see everything. But first, let's have some breakfast, I am hungry."
After breakfast, Vanya asked the servant who delivered their meal to familiarize her with the surroundings. The servant nodded and said, "I'll send someone to escort you around the unrestricted section of the castle grounds, my lady. Would you like to go to the gardens or the courtyard?"
"I'd like to go somewhere secluded, away from the other guests ," Vanya replied. "Somewhere peaceful if you may."
The servant nodded. "In that case, I can take you to the gazebo at the back of the castle. It's a beautiful spot, surrounded by greenery and a huge mango tree. It's usually quiet there."
Vanya's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."
Paddy smiled and stood up, ready to accompany Vanya on her outing. "I'll just get your things ready , my lady," she said, fetching a small basket with snacks and a book.
As they prepared to leave, Vanya turned to Paddy and said, "I'm so glad you're with me, Paddy. I feel more at ease when you're around."
Paddy smiled and curtsied. "I'm always happy to be with you myself , my lady. Now, shall we go?"
As Vanya and Paddy walked through the castle grounds, they marveled at the grandeur of the architecture. The buildings were a mix of medieval and modern styles, with intricate stone carvings and ornate details that seemed to dance in the sunlight.
They passed by the grand entrance, where two stone guards stood watchfully, their eyes fixed on the approaching pair with a stern posture engrossed in regality, their armpit shone, with which for a moment brought on the thought of how hot they maybe .
The servant led them through a winding path, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers that filled the air with sweet fragrances. The path twisted and turned, revealing hidden gardens and a more secluded courtyards, anyone could miss it especially if you didn't know it existed ,each one more breathtaking than the last.
Finally, they arrived at a beautiful gazebo, adorned with climbing vines and flowers that created a natural canopy, providing a shade from the sun.
Vanya and Paddy sat together in the gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery, neatly trimmed hedges, and vibrant flowers. A huge mango tree towered above them, its branches providing a cool shade from the sun, and its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Although it wasn't mango season, the tree's presence was still breathtaking, and Vanya felt a sense of peace wash over her.
As they sat there, Vanya taught Paddy's some words and sentences, which may seem odd to others especially the nobles . Paddy was more than just a maid; she was Vanya's confidante, her partner in crime, and her best friend. As they sat together, Paddy respectfully sat beside Vanya, rather than behind her with Vanya insisting , and they enjoyed each other's company in comfortable silence.
As the sun began to beat down harder, they decided to head back inside. The servant escorted them back to the castle, where they encountered some other nobles who were also retiring from the heat. I
As they left the gazebo, Vanya and Paddy walked back to their chamber, the warm sun beating down on them. The atmosphere was tense, and they didn't say much, lost in their own thoughts. As they walked, they encountered some other nobles who were also retiring from the heat.
One of the nobles, a lady with a sharp tongue, whispered about Vanya's relationship with Paddy. "Insanity to cling hand in hand to a common lowlife maid," she said, her voice loud enough to be heard.
Paddy attempted quickly to snatch her hand away, but Vanya's grip was strong. It didn't matter now; they had been seen. Vanya's eyes flashed with anger, but she remained calm, refusing to give the nobles the satisfaction of seeing her upset.
When they finally reached their chambers, they met Theresa, who was waiting for them with a concerned expression. "What happened?" Theresa asked, noticing the tension between them.
When they met Theresa in the room, Vanya's anger was still simmering from the encounter with the nobles. "Theresa, why must they be so rude?" Vanya asked, her voice filled with frustration.
"Who was rude" she asked, seeing no response from Vanya she looked to Paddy.
"We were seen holding hands my lady", paddy spoke with her head still low.
Theresa's expression was calm and understanding. "I know it's difficult or may seem unjust even unfair , Vanya. But in the royal court and between nobility, things are different. Appearances matter a great deal, hierarchy, power, they all matter and sometimes people can be...misinterpreted."
Paddy stood silently beside Vanya, her head hung low. Theresa's eyes flicked to Paddy, and then back to Vanya.
"You need to understand, Vanya, that when you're in the royal court, you have to follow certain rules and protocols. It's not just about being yourself; it's about presenting yourself in a certain way."
Vanya nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. She knew that Theresa was trying to help, but she couldn't help feeling that the nobles were being unfair abd extremely rude .
"Theresa, what did they mean by what they said?" Vanya asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Theresa sighed. "They were referring to your relationship with Paddy. Some people might not understand it, or might not approve of it. But that doesn't mean you need to change who you are."
Vanya's eyes flashed with defiance. "I won't change who I am, Theresa. Paddy is my friend, and I won't abandon her just to please others."
Theresa smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "I know you won't, Vanya. And I'm proud of you for that but I suggest you guys tone it down a little, do you understand also Paddy, we have four days till we leave. Now, let's focus on getting ready for the royal dinner tonight. We need to make sure we're properly prepared."
As Theresa began to outline the arrangements for the evening, Vanya listened intently. She knew that the royal dinner would be a formal affair, and she was determined to make a good impression.
"Tonight's dinner will be a formal event," Theresa explained. "We'll need to dress in our finest attire and behave with the utmost decorum. The royal gathering extends to three days, and His Royal Majesty is expected to make an appearance at anytime."
Vanya nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming evening. She was excited, but also a little nervous. She knew that the royal dinner would be a challenging event, facing those rude noble men and women, entangling herself in falsehood just to blend into a society that is unjust to the less privileged.
That afternoon though she noticed how much Paddy recoiled to herself, she thought to give her some space, while it was lunch time she was able to make jones with paddy, they also picked outfits for themselves.
"You'd walk with me Paddy"?asked Vanya.
"I think it's Lady Theresa who would accompany you" Paddy replied.
Hhh hhh hh Vanya sighed.
I wonder how the king is like no one speaks of him, if he's old, young, bad, good.
He seems to just exist, what do you think?
"Our king is just my lady, you must not speak of the king" she shushed her voice going lower.
Vanya they have been so many rumors about the king, some say he's ever living,no one has ever refute or accepted this claim. It is said that only a selected number of high borns has ever met the king, hear say, if you speak about the king longer than five minutes you… would be lucky to hear the bird sing d'morrow.
"Such nonsense Paddy, I can't believe you believe such abhorrent stories and it is "tomorrow" not "d'morrow".
"However, he's just a man and he is "our ruler" why can't we speak about him, we are not slandering his name, we are his subjects, his citizens after all.
Only absurd nonsense running down rampant from trickles of those who fear him, they could be a reaso…n".
**smash!* (the flower vase smashes) the both women screamed and immediately started laughing.
"I promise you Paddy we shall never speak of our ruler the jested". They both laughed heartily.
On the window ledge was a raven watching the two women intently, who knows how long it has been there.