- So Sayeth The Queen -

"You can't do this; you can't do this to me! Please! I swear, I swear- I'm sorry-" Splatters of crimson blood flies through the air as her head of blonde drops with a pitiful 'thunk' onto the sleek panels of wood. Her mouth was open wider than her eyes whilst her pale skin contrasted greatly with the pools of swirling red death oozing around her. I stare at the corpse for a moment longer when his voice calls out. "You're not supposed to look at the body after the job is done,....my lady" I glance over to him as his lips draw out in that family curve of a smile, the ends twitching slightly in amusement. I turn my head away and swivel on my heel, readjusting my mask as I walk to the cottage door and only stopping once the door was wide open and the glare of the moon shining down upon all. I stare back with no shame. It will forever silently judge me...for things I have done and things I have yet to do... I sigh softly as I step out of the cottage and look forward placing my hand on my sword. "Clean up the mess" x-x-x-x-x I quickly delve in and out of the crowds with haste, narrowly missing the occasional pick pocketers which would lean out with their once blessed hands with ease. The once cloudy sky was beginning to bleed into its vivid yellow and harsh oranges as it usually did twice every day with the breeze of the wind accompanying it. I finally reach the word down fence and latch myself onto it and swiftly throw my body over to the otherwise as gracefully as I could and land in a silent crouch. I look up with a small smile and find myself staring at the usual grass on the hills, swaying left and right as if filled with enough life to dance and sing along to music as the children once did. My hood falls off as I take off my cloak and I unravel my bunched up uniform, smoothing it out to avoid any creases from forming. Then I swap my metal boots with my leather ones and tuck them in the box most hidden alongside my other possessions and tie my brown hair into its standard bun, grabbing the bucket of milk that has been waiting for me for the last hour and begin my climb up the hill...towards the castle. The dancing grass gently caresses my ankles as I take each step up the hill, careful to not let a single droplet of milk spill from the harsh metal. Within 10 minutes I arrive at the door and open it to hear the bell ring. Instantly Maids and Servants comes rushing in from left to right and I frown. 3 minutes late... I move around the other workers as they rush around me to make everything perfect for tonight. "Anthena! Where is that child!? Has she left to collect the bucket of milk yet!? I turn and place the needed bucket onto the counter where it is accessible just as the Head Maid comes in. All us workers stop what they are doing and gives a little bow before resuming the work needed to be done. "The milk is here Madam!" I say smiling as she waddles her way over, her cheeks puffing out and pink from rushing to come find me althought she wasn't the only one out of breath as people were dancing all over the kitchen. "Fresh milk just like you asked Madam!" "Ah! Yes, well done Anthena! You are absolutely incredible! I do not understand how you climb that hill so quickly, my dear!" She says patting me on the back. "You must have built great muscle under that uniform by now!" She laughs and it echoes around the kitchen. "Now then! Move along! I'm sure you have other chores to do! Sheila! Where is Sheila! I need the wind ready, right now!" I move out of the way as Sheila comes in with 6 bottles of wine stacked within her arms and it is quickly taken away by other staff. "You must be quicker next time....." I drone out the voice and make my way out of the kitchen and into the broom closet nearest to collect my tools to clean the final windows which were not done in the previous of days The Sun has set which mean that guests would be arriving soon. Anyone not finished cleaning with have the pay docked and perhaps something more sinister so people were encouraged to finish their tasks more briskly today. I collect my items and start spraying the windows that gave a beautiful view of the gardens. The garden was being given a final trimming and I could even see someone painting some extra touches of green on the occasional leaf. Nothing but perfection is acceptable. I shake my head and wipe down each square of a window one by one, counting as I completed each square. 13, 14, 15, 16, Spray and Wipe. Spray and Wipe. Spray and Wipe. I repeatedly continued my work until the first star was seen in the sky and I walk with haste back to the broom closet and put the items back in. It was time. I walk through the servant stairs until I reached the kitchens and see everyone red in the face and drinking water to soothe their ragged breathing. "Anthena, I take it your done?" I look over to pink eyes and precious dimples. "Of course, sweet Dia!" I say and she smiles at me happily which I instantly return. "Within perfect timing as well. I hope the servers will be in good luck, tonight" "Indeed, Hasina has pattered herself up in wish to catch a noble's eye" Dia says shaking her head. "I hope it all goes well for that one" "She has immense courage for sure" Carlos says speaking up from where he was leaning from. "This could go very good or very bad" "As long as one of the mistresses don't see her, I'm sure she will be fine. She's a smart girl who knows what she is doing." Badwick calls out as he sips his glass of water. "I pray for that girl, I really do" Dia says and I nod softly. "Hasina is gorgeous, I'm sure she'll catch someone who will find her useful" I add and everyone let's out a hum for a reply. Music began playing and everyone looked up at the same. "It's started." Music is playing. Lanterns are lit. Voices are heard. And... Hearts are beating...