The walk to their new residence was much quieter than the one that had brought them to the Second Royal Concubine's residence.
The personal maid— Zanine, as Hazia had learned from Inae's respectful address— walked ahead with measured steps, her back perfectly straight and her hands folded neatly before her.
Behind her came Hazia and Kazu. Neither of the children spoke. The silence was not uncomfortable, there was just simply too much on their individual minds.
They had left the White Tower countless times to steal scraps from the servants' kitchens, always looking over their shoulders, always ready to run at even the smallest sound.
This time…
No one chased them.
No one cursed at them.
No one raised a stick to hit them.
Instead, they were being led through one of the palace's finest courtyards. Hazia almost found it difficult to believe.
They crossed a stone bridge over a narrow stream where bright orange fish lazily swam beneath the surface. Winter had stripped most of the nearby trees bare, but a few evergreen pines still stood proudly among them, their branches littered with tiny specks of fresh snow.The cold air slapped her cheeks. She tightened her grip around Kazu's small hand to which he squeezed her back.
Eventually, Zanine stopped before a modest courtyard tucked behind Aleel's residence.
It was nothing compared to the noble lady's lavish home.
Still...
Compared to the White Tower...
It was another world.
"There." Zanine pushed open the wooden gate. "This courtyard has been prepared for the two of you."
Hazia stepped inside cautiously. A narrow stone path led to a small wooden house with tiled roofing. The building wasn't large, only a single bedroom connected to a tiny sitting room, but every beam had been properly maintained.
Nothing leaned. Nothing creaked. Nothing looked as though it would collapse tomorrow.
To one side sat a small kitchen. Behind it, an old stone well was dug up. Beside the well was a modest vegetable patch lying dormant beneath the snow. Hazia's eyes immediately lingered there.
'Spring...' She smiled, 'I can grow things better here.'
"You'll sleep here." Zanine slid open the wooden door.
The room inside was simple. Two clean sleeping mats. Two neatly folded quilts. A low wooden table. One cabinet. A small charcoal brazier. That was all. Yet… Hazia couldn't move. Everything… was clean and well kept.
She slowly walked toward the bedding. There was no mold, no insects, no musty smells. She carefully touched one of the quilts. They were actually really soft, and certainly not damp or stained, or patched together from old rags of cloths.
She looked down. Her fingers trembled with excitement.
Zanine quietly watched the little girl. "...Do you dislike it?"
Hazia immediately shook her head. "No!" Her voice came out louder than intended. Realizing her mistake, she lowered it. "I... I like it very much."
There was an awkward silence.
Finally she admitted softly, "It's just...I've never had a room before."
The words landed heavier than expected. Even Inae, who had followed them over, lowered her eyes. Neither servant knew what to say. For them… a room was ordinary, especially one as simple as this. But for these two children it was an unimaginable luxury.
Kazu suddenly walked past everyone. Without hesitation, he chose the sleeping mat closest to Hazia's. He placed his tiny bundle of belongings beside it before quietly sitting down.
Hazia couldn't help laughing, "You didn't even ask."
He looked at her as though the answer was obvious, "...Together."
It was only one word but it carried absolute certainty.
She smiled warmly, "Yes. Together."
Zanine felt something tighten inside her chest. She had served Her Highness for many years. She had seen countless princes and princesses. Most children fought over larger rooms.Better blankets. More servants. But these two were content simply because they could continue sleeping beside one another.
"The kitchen may be used freely," Zanine continued once she recovered herself. "Anything prepared for Her Highness will naturally be cooked in the main kitchen, but if you wish to prepare something for yourselves, no one will stop you."
Hazia's eyes brightened, "Really?"
Zanine nodded, "There are limits, however. You must not waste ingredients. And this little house will be in your care from now on, so you must take good care of it."
Hazia nodded vigorously, "I will!"
"The well provides fresh water." Zanine pointed toward the courtyard. "It has been cleaned recently. If you ever need help drawing water, you can ask one of the servants for help."
Hazia looked toward the old stone well. It wasn't anything grand. Several stones had weathered with age. Moss clung to the lower edges. The wooden bucket had clearly been replaced many times. But it worked, and for now, that was enough. More than enough.
She slowly walked over. The cold wooden handle creaked beneath her hands. She lowered the bucket.
*Splash.*
Moments later she pulled it back up with surprising effort. Crystal clear water reflected the winter sky. She stared at it. In her previous life water came directly from a faucet but those aren't a thing in this world.
She gently cupped some into her hands. A smile spread across her face, "It tastes good." She was the most happy about no longer having to drink murky water that only tortured her insides.
Inae chuckled, "It's only well water."
Hazia shook her head, "No. It's wonderful."
Neither Inae nor Zanine understood why she was so happy about water. But they didn't need to.
She carried a small bowl back inside. "Kazu." He looked up and she offered it to him to which he obediently accepted and drank it.
After swallowing, he blinked once, "...Sweet."
Hazia laughed, "Right?"
The afternoon passed surprisingly peacefully. Servants came and went, helping to bring in a few additional necessities like a broom, utensils, tools for sewing, and soap— although it wasn't like what the nobles used, it was still good to have, and it had a much gentler scent—, as well as among other small and ordinary things. Things most people never thought twice about.
Hazia thanked every servant personally. Some seemed embarrassed, others smiled awkwardly. One elderly maid even secretly slipped two steamed buns into her hands before hurrying away.
"You're too skinny," she had muttered.
When evening approached, Zanine returned, "Her Highness instructed me to inform you that your duties officially begin tomorrow morning."
Hazia stood, "I understand."
"There will be lessons as well."
Hazia blinked, "...Lessons?"
Zanine nodded, "Reading, writing, etiquette, and basic arithmetic."
Hazia nearly sighed aloud.
She already knew some of those but she couldn't tell them that thought.