DARLENE
It was early morning when Cindy and I walked down the path leading to the forest. The sun was soft on our faces, and the air smelled fresh like it always did after a night of rain. I held the empty basket in my hands while Cindy, as usual, carried hers with ease.
As usual we were dressed as maids.
Yes, maids.
I still couldn't believe it myself. But it was part of the task Luna Margaret gave us. She said, “Even daughters of noble families must learn to serve. It builds character.”
Cindy looked at me with a small smile. She knew I wasn't used to this kind of work—walking in the woods, picking fruits, wearing simple clothes with rough skirts brushing against my legs. I wasn’t like her. I was raised to sit, smile, and nod. This... this was different.
“Miss Darlene, just hold m
