Through the Storms

THE NEW MAID

CHAPTER TWO

The sound of the creaking door and the light footsteps that followed woke Arya from her slumber. She stifled the yawn that threatened to follow and tried not to make a sound to show she was awake. The bright sunlight that shone in her eyes made her squint her eyes and slowly open them. She got up from her bed and yawned loudly before stretching lazily.

            The maid before her curtsied and greeted in a low voice before going about her business. Arya sat back and watched as she rearranged the curtains and set some of the furniture right like the dressing table and the mirror which was tipped at a dangerous angle and almost falling off the table. She chuckled to herself and ordered the maid to get some water so she could take a bath. The maid left to carry out her orders.

            Arya was taking a walk in the palace gardens later that day and noticed a strange movement in the grass. One of the things she liked in the palace so far was the gardens which were so beautiful and breathtaking with most of the flowers she loved. It reminded her so much of home and she felt comfortable walking here.

            She deeply inhaled the flower-scented air and slowly exhaled. She heard some noise and behind her and quickly turned but saw no one. The hairs at the back of her neck gave her a tingling sensation which made her realize that she was being watched. She quickly lifted her skirts and headed back into the palace.

            Back in the palace, everywhere was buzzing with activity and everyone seemed to be busy. Arya couldn’t find the maid that served her earlier and headed straight for her chambers. The tingling sensation still lingered and she felt uncomfortable. She wondered what was wrong with her all of a sudden as she tried to shake off the feeling. She felt better after a few a seconds and peeped outside before stepping out of her chambers again.

            Few hours later, a group of men riding on horses arrived and headed for the main hall. That was when Arya saw that maid again. This time she asked for her name.

“Diane, at your service my princess.” The maid replied with a bow.

Arya felt somewhat awkward. This was the first servant in Beolyn to address her as such and she smiled wryly. Maybe she could make a friend here. She missed her home and wished she was back there. Such wishful thinking, she thought as she listened absent-mindedly to the invitation card that was read out to her by Diane and prepared for the banquet she was invited to.

Ignoring all formalities, Nick sauntered into the main hall where the banquet was being held unannounced. He was gawking noticeably at the sight that met his eyes. The princess stood not too far from the very people he wanted to meet and she looked so beautiful in that sunset yellow dress.

 He stopped himself from gawking and joined a group of officials who were discussing affairs of the state. Leaving whole state affairs to the council wasn’t a good idea in the very least and a lot had to be done. Nick hoped the princess was as intelligent and powerful as they said she was else this conversation would be worth nothing.

He cleared his throat to gain their attention and watched as Henry, a merchant slyly changed the topic and started chatting about his business to the others. Nick smiled wryly and listened with half an ear before chipping in with a question,

“Your business thrived even under the recent recession Beolyn experienced and it keeps so, would you tell us the secret to your success?”

Henry’s fat face turned peach-red at the question especially at Nick’s mention of the word “secret”. Nick had purposely stressed the word and watched the old merchant’s reaction. He was really a sly one, Nick thought as he cleared his throat and chuckled before tapping the nearest person’s back and laughing heartily. Some two others exchanged quick glances while the other two joined Nick in laughing.

The question Nick asked was to deliberately draw out some reactions and it seemed what he wanted had been given on a platter of gold. He smiled and clapped his hands in the air to draw the attention of the rest of the guests as he walked to the raised platform in the hall to give his permission for the banquet to begin officially.

The guests curtsied in respect as he climbed the raised platform. He couldn’t help but admire the princess’ beauty. Her blonde hair which could easily be mistaken for white hair fell in natural waves around her face and her blue eyes shone like bright stars in the night sky. The dress was a flowing one that reached her feet. The jewelries adorning her made her pale skin beautiful and smooth.

Nick cleared his throat for the umpteenth time that evening and spoke to the audience,

“Seeing your faces again brings so much joy to me and I hope I never have to leave you again. A toast to the greatness of Beolyn. Let the festivities begin.” Nick concluded and stepped down from the podium. He wanted to have his first dance with the princess and so he quickly approached her. He didn’t know why but he just wanted to save it for her.

            The hall began bustling with excitement as men grabbed their dance partners while those without stood to the side. A confused Arya stood by the side and watched as everyone picked their partners. And that was when he approached her. She held her breathe when he spoke and for a while she thought he spoke to someone else.

“Would you honor his highness by dancing with me?” Nick asked.