Not bad for a first task at least I survived, Aria thought as she walked deeper into the lower levels of Castle.
As the afternoon bell echoed faintly through the stone halls. The air grew warmer here, heavier with the scent of soap, steam, and old stone. Servants moved in practiced lines, carrying linens, buckets, and baskets without speaking above a whisper.
A tall woman stood at the center of the chamber, her silver-streaked hair pulled into a severe bun. Her posture was straight, her dark eyes sharp and assessing as they settled on Aria.
This is the new one, let's see how long she lasts surprised she isn't dead yet, she heard some of the maids whispering .
Silence!
The woman studied Aria from head to toe. "I am Head Maid Selene," she said her voice cold and face showing no emotions. "You will address me as Mistress Selene. Speak only when spoken to. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Mistress Selene," Aria replied quickly, lowering her head.
Selene circled her once, heels clicking against the stone. "You are not here to be noticed. You are here to work. The castle runs on discipline. Those who forget that do not last long."
Aria's fingers curled tightly at her sides, but she nodded.
Selene turned sharply. "Maris."
A young maid stepped forward. "Yes, Mistress?"
"You will oversee her today. Teach her the rules. If she fails, it reflects on you."
Maris bowed. "Understood."
Selene's gaze returned to Aria one final time. "Break a rule, and you will be punished. Impress me, and you will be ignored. Ignorance is mercy in this castle."
With that, she walked away, her presence lingering long after she was gone.
Maris exhaled quietly. "She's not as cruel as she sounds," she whispered. "She just doesn't believe in kindness."
Aria followed Maris through the servant corridors, listening carefully as she was introduced to the others. There was Tomas, an older servant with tired eyes who handled deliveries. Lira, who worked in the laundry and rarely spoke. And Bex, who scrubbed floors faster than anyone Aria had ever seen.
"Everyone has their place," Maris explained. "Don't ask questions about the upper levels. Don't look the nobles in the eyes. And if the bell rings twice, you stop whatever you're doing and leave."
"Leave where?" Aria asked softly.
"Anywhere you're told," Maris replied. "Preferably far from whoever caused it."
They worked side by side, folding linens and sorting supplies. Aria focused on memorizing routines, watching how the others moved, how they avoided certain hallways and lingered in others. The servants communicated with small gestures, nods, and glances rather than words.
During a short pause, Bex offered her a piece of bread without speaking. Aria accepted it quietly, surprised by the small kindness.
As the hours passed, the weight of the castle settled around her. The servants were not unkind, but they were careful—bound together by shared fear and unspoken understanding.
By the time evening approached, Aria realized something important.
The castle was not ruled by chaos.
It was ruled by rules.
And if she wanted to survive, she would have to learn them all.