Maidservant Ann

The first ray of sun entered the room and the wind slightly moved the curtains. Maidservant Ann opened her eyes slowly and stared up at the ceiling before moving her eyes to the side to see Eve who had fallen asleep while sitting with her back leaned against the wall and her legs pulled to herself. She made herself sit up on the bed and she stared at Eve.

Yesterday night, after watching Isabel go to her room, Eve also went to her room only to meet Maidservant Ann who already lit the candle, waiting for her. Eve was surprised to see her in her room and she was about to call her but Maidservant Ann beat her to it.

"Genevieve," she called and asked, "Where did the princess go today?"

Eve gulped immediately and secretly moved one hand behind her dress to pinch her fingers. "I…The princess…" she stuttered, trying to think of a good excuse.

"Did she leave the palace?" Maidservant Ann asked and Eve knew right there that she already caught on. "Then," she continued, "did you go for her lessons?"

Eve lowered her eyes to look at the floor that instant and she bit the inside of her cheeks. Not knowing what to say, she decided to apologize, "I'm sorry Maidse—"

Eve received a slap on her cheek and she let out a gasp before raising her eyes to look at Maidservant Ann in shock. She slowly moved her hand to touch her face and she heard her say;

"How could you do that? Do you even consider the tutor's feelings if he finds out about this? The Queen is waiting for you to make a little mistake so she can get rid of you and here you are already trying to get yourself killed."

Eve blinked and parted her lips, feeling hurt. After a short moment of silence, she spoke up, "Why do you always find fault in everything I do? There is not one thing I've done that you are pleased with. You told me I was a servant and that I had to follow orders without question. I was only doing what the princess told me even though I know it is wrong. But what choice do I have anyway? I'm just a mere servant. What have I done so wrong for you to scold me?"

"Because you do things with a foolish heart," Maidservant Ann responded. "Because you remind me of myself."

Eve blinked when she saw the concerned expression on her face. "But I am not you," she said to her, even though she hates to admit that to her face. "You are only doing this because you don't want me to end up like you, but this is my life. My consequences will reflect the choices I made, not what you decide for me."

Maidservant Ann shook her head, disagreeing with her. "No. You are too young to understand. Let us do this; follow me to my hometown and let us live there together. You can live any way you want there. The king favors you so talk to him. He will let you go."

Eve shook her head immediately and the skin on her forehead crumpled as she was now worried for maidservant Ann. Why would she talk about leaving all of a sudden? Was she planning to leave the palace for good this time?

Seeing that she was adamant, Maidservant Ann grabbed her hand and said, "You must leave with me."

"Why must I? Don't I get to decide for myself too?"

"I am giving you a chance and you are throwing it away. This is the least of things I can do for you but you don't want it?" she scoffed and let out short uneasy breaths. "H-How can…" she placed her hand on her chest and gasped for breath.

Eve on seeing her that way, widen her eyes and she quickly came to her aid. "Maidservant Ann. What's wrong? Are you okay? Wh-what do I do? Should I call a doctor?"

"No, don't call anyone," she said, holding her. "I don't have enough time anyway. It's useless."

Eve moved her eyes and tried to reason with what she just said. "What…do you mean?"

Returning to the present, Maidservant Ann stood from the bed and took a blanket. She walked to where Eve was and used it to cover her body. The slight touch made her open her eyes as if she had been trying to stay alert before she dozed off and on seeing Maidservant Ann, she stood up immediately and asked;

"You are awake? Are you feeling better now?"

Maidservant Ann nodded and there was silence in the room where Eve was looking at her, worried and thinking about what she had said the night before.

"What do you mean by you don't have enough time?" she decided to ask her and while awaiting her response, she took her time to clearly observe her. Her face was pale and white and her lips were whiter. Also, when she talks, she seems to be catching her breath every time.

"You don't need to worry about me. And about what you saw, no one must hear about it. and don't even try to inform the king. Do you understand?"

Eve nodded and said, "I won't tell anyone. I'll always be nearby in case you need me."

"I'm leaving this household in your care for the time being until I can pull myself together. Take care of it and remember everything I taught you. Also, let me know if anyone comes by."

"Yes, I will inform you," Eve said and gave a bow before turning her feet to start leaving. Her heart felt heavy with every step she took and she was trying so hard to hold herself back. Maidservant Ann took care of her when she was brought in and even though she was just under her care, Eve had seen her like a mother. There were countless times she saw her sad and lost in her own thoughts and even though Eve wanted to comfort her, she couldn't because Maidservant Ann appeared to be strict outside. She must have hated to be seen in such a state and eve felt bad that there was nothing she could do to help.

When she got to the door and was about to open it and step out, she heard her speak again;

"Can you take me out later today? I think I will be needing some air."