To hell and back

Using and little bit abusing the power

As the girl said, it happened.

On the same day, I was given a new dress to wear tomorrow and a new uniform, made from a far more pleasant fabric and a way better design.

Sure it was a far cry from the dresses I left back in the dark kingdom, but it was quite a step up from the dress they first gave me. And to no surprise, she only had to smile at her father with a question if he could get that for her and the man did not even try to resist her.

Well, there might have been the fact that they were willing to give me anything I would need to protect their little girl from the big bad world. Which was even better for me as I could use it to my advantage.

Alongside the new uniform, I was provided a modest black gown that I would wear to balls and other sorts of gatherings where I would accompany the young miss. If I was introduces as a maid I would draw too much attention, and it would look weird, especially for a girl her age. That was how I sold them the idea that I should be introduced as a distant widow cousin that you took in to keep the young Birdy company. Birdy was the one that liked the idea the most as, according to her, only babies have their maids around them at all times, it would cause a scene and make her look bad in front of her friends and the court. And neither of the parents really cared what I called myself as long as I made sure that the young girl was safe.

This also meant that I would not be in charge of taking care of her as the maid and those tasks could be left to the lovely, innocent Sara. Who was actually very happy about the news, as the young girl loved attending balls with the young mistress as her maid, as she could hang around in the back with all other maids. She even thanked me for making sure that she could come too and I did not try to tell her the truth that I had no wish to be the young brats nanny and be at her back and call at the party. I had other plans for that time, but she did not need to know that.

"It's okay Sara, that is what friends are for... I hope it's okay for me to think of you as a friend?"

I said with a smile as I laid a hand on top of her shoulder and leaned in closer. From the short distance, I could see her breathing change and I could swear that I could hear her heartbeat pick up. I know it's not a good idea to mess with her, but I had to keep this fun in some way at least....

"N... no... no, of course it's fine..."

She got quiet for a moment and looked down to the floor as her cheeks were colored in the loveliest shade of red.

"I... I think... no, I know that we are friends."

At the last words, she lifted her eyes and met mine with those beautiful sparkly brown eyes.

Wow... I did not expect that sort of reaction from her or the little sparks of passion in her eyes as she said that. More than anything, I was sure that she would be shy or scared.

Interesting... I wanted to test how far the passion in her eyes goes, but before I could do anything, loud footsteps pulled us out of the little conversation we were having next to the kitchen right after breakfast time. Actually, we were finished with breakfast and getting ready to go to the young miss room, but I still needed to sneak into the kitchen to see if they had any herbs for me to use.

Hmmm... I guess I can test her little claim of friendship.

"Sara, my dear... could you please draw away Petros' attention? I need to prepare some charms to keep the young Miss safe tonight."

She stared at me for a moment, and I was sure I could see her trying to decide if it was a good idea or not. I knew that I needed to push her a bit so she would do as I asked.

"Today is the first night and I have to show my best... Or I am sure that I would get fired..."

And it was just enough for her face to soften as she gave me soft smile.

"I am not sure for how long I will be able to hold him back, so be quick."

"Thank you..."

I whispered as I leaned in and laid a genteel kiss on her cheek. For a second she stood there with her cheeks bright pink and her hand rose to the cheek that I just kissed with a complete look of surprise on her face.

Not wanting to waste precious time, I rushed to the kitchen. My best guess is that I have around ten minutes at best, and I need to be gone by then. The chances that I would find everything I needed are low, but I was hopeful for some basics at least.

It was a complete lie that I needed anything for the protection of the young girl. I had already crafted the most basic charm for her this morning. Sure, it would not stand a chance at protecting from real dark stuff, but as I said, chances of any real magic were close to impossible. So this was mostly for myself, but the pretty young maid did not need to know that.

When I walked into the kitchen, it was empty. I timed this, so I would come at the moment all the kitchen staff would be on their break before lunch. So I had the free reign on the stock they had. The key here was to take just enough for no one to notice that stuff was taken, so it would not be enough for a long time, but it will carry us over till I get a chance to sneak off and ger more serious stuff, but even that will not be easy here... especially if I do not want to draw attention to myself. So going to the butcher and asking for blood for some more serious rituals was not even an option. If I wanted that stuff I would have to get it from the source.

To no surprise, there was almost nothing here. Even the common spice selection was low.

I only got a few herbs, so I will have to try to slip out another night to at least gather some local herbs.

After hiding the small loot I got from the kitchen in the small bag in the fold of my dress, I made my way out of the kitchen, and I was just in time. The moment I turned the corner, I ran into Petro and Sara.

"Ah, Sara there you are. I was looking for you..."

I said with my best innocent smile.

"Yes, I know. I asked Petro fto give us a break so we could wash up before the ball tonight, and he agreed that it would be the best time before the young miss is up as there would be no time for it latter as we preparing for the ball the rest of the day."

"Oh, that is great."

Oh Goddess... bath time with the innocent little Sara... I was never your strongest solder and we both know that I cannot resist a temptation like that.

"So we will be going then. Thank you again, Mister Petro."

Sara said as she grabbed my hand and dragged me away to the bathing room at the servant level of the house. While the whole time walking there, I tried to remind myself why it would be a bad idea to seduce her.