NIGHTS OF HALLOW

The morning called faster than usual the following day. The heavens blessed the people with the sun as its rays from the sky streamed into the cracks of several windows of the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Vamlone.

The sun’s rays brought an unmistakable feeling of positivity among the people, prompting the birds to sing sweetly while flapping their wings as they flew about in the sky.

Following the breaking of the day was the loud ring of the tower bell that awoke the remnants of those who didn’t wake up from the brightness of the day. The sky was clear, the blue colors fading in and out with the soft white clouds that moved slowly and at some point fast as though they had somewhere to be in haste.

The castle on the other hand began to fill with the noise coming from the servants and maids who bustled around the castle getting their work done while some rushed to attend to the people they were assigned to.

Among these maids was Emily whose soft footsteps padded along the hallways in the direction of Perdita’s room.

Following the instruction given by the Head servants where she was promoted and assigned to help the Lady rumored to be the King’s woman, so did her rank among the maids. She was once looked down upon because of her kind nature where the other maids made jest of her of not being promoted from the floor maid she was since she came to work as one of the maids of the castle.

Emily shook her head at the memory because only she knew why she had been that way so as not to raise any suspicions of why she came to work in the castle. But now the reason for it had represented itself, she needed to act right lest all her hard work would be in vain.

Now in front of Perdita’s room, Emily knocked on the door in gentle taps afraid to abruptly wake Perdita in shock.

When she didn’t hear anything from the other end, she quietly opened the door and stepped into the slightly dark room. The thick curtains had been drawn by the maids that brought Perdita food last night because of the cold as instructed to them by the King.

Emily’s gaze went to the sleeping Lady sprawled on the bed who hugged the pillows like she was hugging a human. The sight looked so funny and cute at the same time that caused a small smile to appear on Emily’s face.

Without disturbing the sleeping Perdita, Emily turned from there and went on to quietly clean the room and also prepare a hot bath for her Lady.

When Emily stepped out of the bathroom, Perdita awoke with a wide yawn escaping her lips while she rubbed her eyes like a child. She abruptly stopped her yawn with her hand covering her mouth she saw Emily. Her mouth was slightly agape in surprise to see the maid in the room so early.

”Good morning, My Lady.” Emily greeted with a respectful bow.

Perdita smiled and responded to the greeting, ”Good morning, Emily. How was your night?” She inquired of the maid.

”It was fine, My Lady. Trust you had enough rest too?” Emily politely returned the question.

”Yes, Emily,” Perdita replied and pushed the duvet away from herself to get down. She heard Emily say,

”The bath has been prepared, My Lady.” Emily informed and added, ”It will help massage the sour muscles from sleep.”

Perdita nodded with another yawn. She muttered as she got up ”Okay, thank you.”

”Let me assist you, My Lady.” Emily requested and walked forward to help Perdita undress.

Perdita squirmed a little, as she still felt uncomfortable being naked in front of another person. She wanted to say no, but Emily quickly added,

”Please, My Lady. It is my job to see that you are attended to.”

”Okay,” Perdita permitted albeit with a small frown on her face.

A few minutes later, Perdita came out of the bathroom feeling energized and refreshed to start her day.

Dressing up with the help of Emily who helped her choose a sunflower-coloured dress with patterns of leaf embroidery on it, Perdita finally walked out of her room and made her way toward the dining room with Emily trailing behind her.

Perdita stopped and turned to look at the maid, ”You don’t have to follow me. I can find my way to the dining room.”

Emily negatively shook her head and replied, ”It is my duty to attend to you always.”

”Did anything change?” Perdita skeptically questioned, finding something amiss. Emily usually left her to attend to other errands in the castle once she was done dressing up, but today, the maid still followed her.

Emily looked up at the Lady before her and slowly nodded her head. She said, ”I was appointed by the instructions of His Majesty that I attend to your every need and always be by your side.”

Perdita’s eyes narrowed and she inquired, ”When did that happen?”

”Yesterday, My Lady. Please, permit me to serve you and you be in my care, My Lady.” Emily placed her hand across her chest and gave a low and respectful bow to Perdita.

Perdita was left speechless because she was not expecting treatment like this one in the castle. Sthena didn’t inform her of the sudden change.

”Very well then, Emily,” Perdita said and raised Emily’s head. ”I’ll be in your care then.” 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ

Emily smiled at her Lady. ”Thank you so much, My Lady. I promise to assist you in any way I possibly can.”

”Mmm,” Perdita nodded and resumed walking again as Emily trailed behind her.

The sudden thought of how she was getting accustomed to the castle made her realize how time flies. Who would have thought that she would one day leave the buns she sold in her village to now live in the castle.

Her mind drifted to how she had lived in the village with her brother. Would the villagers wonder and ask where they suddenly disappeared? Would they look for them? Will anyone miss having them around?

Perdita shook her head and sighed. Perhaps no one would. Or maybe what they’ll only miss was her sweet buns. Her lovely customers always patronized her every day. The thought brought a wide smile to her face.

”Here I am wondering why the earth is filled with so much sunshine and warmth not knowing that it is the doing of our favorite green-eyed Lady who wants to blind us with her smiles.” Perdita was startled when she heard this, prompting her to look forward only to see Sthena approach her with a grin that always appeared as if God plastered it on his face when he created him.

★Author’s Note★

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported this book this far. It really means a lot me, and I very much appreciate all your efforts. Thank you so much.