A long red cape. It was used to mark her rank as she walked through the forest. Everyone who saw her would know that she was a human and a servant. By the quality of the thick fabric people would know that she didn't serve just any family, but she was employed by the Chiots. They were a prestigious family in the area because they were half breeds – half human and half wolf. Wolves were feared throughout the country for they were fierce and unyielding rulers. The Vilkas pack ruled with a stern hand and made sure the human population was kept in its place.
"Carmine!" A shrill voice shouted at her from the house she just left. The girl turned around to find out what Lady Chiot wanted. "You stupid thing, you left without the list I made up for you. The Gunghams are coming for dinner and they have a very select palate. If you do not get everything I have asked for you shall be severely punished."
"Yes, miss." Carmine lowered her head and took the list. She already knew exactly what the cook was making for tonight's dinner and what ingredients were needed, but she knew better than to argue with Lady Chiot. When the door was slammed in her face she began her trek to town once again.
It was not a long walk. The Chiots lived on a large estate outside of town. Between the house and the main road there was a footbridge over a small brook and a grove of trees to pass under. It was a beautiful estate and Carmine enjoyed walking through it; especially since there was never anyone from the family to nag her every moment.
The market was always crowded and loud. It was the only place in town where things were sold. Tradesmen would craft in their shops, but they all came to the market to sell. Housed in a huge building near the center of town, Grandma's Market was the hub of activity in town. There were other spots of red moving through the crowd – other human servants come to market for their masters – though most of the crowd was made up of partial breeds. Partial breeds were people who had some wolf blood but not enough to bear any significant wolf traits. Sometimes one would have the sharper teeth of a wolf, but most looked like regular humans with paler skin and weaker builds. The difference between them and humans was that they all were marked with the insignia of the pack they were descendant from. Humans were marked with the colors of the house they served. Carmine had a curling ivy tattoo around her upper arm binding her to the Chiots. Even in the winter that arm was bare so everyone could see who owned her.
Carmine kept her eyes downcast as she walked through the market to the grocer's stands. As a human it was counted as disrespect if she made direct eye contact with anyone above her station. It was even more important now as a rotation of soldiers was in town and the uniformed wolves could be seen here and there. From what she had heard, the regiment that occupied the town was one made up entirely of full breeds which made them dangerous to humans like her should she get in their way.
"Well, look who it is. I heard the Chiots are hosting the Gunghams tonight; how exciting for you." The fish merchant said as Carmine examined his wares. "You know, hunts are becoming more and more popular nowadays. With the regiment here, I wouldn't be surprised if one is held here by the mayor in their honor. Have you ever been in a hunt, Carmine?"
"No," She said quietly without looking up. She had heard of some full breed wolf packs having hunts, but was never really sure if the rumors were true. She hoped they weren't. According to the stories, humans were hunted by wolves for sport.
The merchant laughed loudly as he spoke to his assistant. "What say you? Carmine here looks like she would be a fine human to have in a hunt. Those long legs would give the wolves a good chase for awhile. I know I wouldn't mind going on a hunt myself."
Carmine's stomach churned. She should have been used to the jibes of partial breeds, but the thought of being in a hunt still made her weak with fright. She clutched her basket tighter as she pointed to the fish she wanted.
The fish were wrapped and placed in her basket after she paid the man, but he did not let her go without one more passing shot, "Better practice running, little one, or the wolves will get you!"
Carmine hurried away from that side of the market quickly. She was careful to avoid running into anyone in the crowded space. Once she was away she could breathe easier. The produce vendor was much nicer because she was an old woman who was kind to even the humans. The rest of the shopping trip went better and there were no more taunts from bullying partial breeds. Her basket was now much heavier than it was before she came to market. Everything on the list was accounted for so Lady Chiot or the cook could not get angry with her for missing anything.
The walk home took less time than the walk to the market because Carmine wanted to put down the now full basket that was straining her arms. She also wanted to make it back in time for the cook to be able to prepare everything for dinner that night. She wasn't sure how long it took to cook the fish and make the torte.
The ovens were not even warm when Carmine entered the kitchen. The cook and his helpers were playing cards at the servant's dinner table. Annoyed, Carmine dropped the full basket right in the middle of their game. "You do know that there are people coming for dinner tonight right? Chiot will have our hides if the food is not done in time."
"Calm down. We were waiting on you anyway." The cook's son was pulling cards out from under the basket.
His sister was doing the same from the other side of the table. "Yeah, we can't exactly cook without food, stupid. Besides it's not like we'll get in trouble for not having the food; we stay in the kitchen. It's the server's who will get the heat."
Carmine snatched the cards out of her hand earning a scowl from the young girl. "Nathaniel and I are serving the food tonight. I don't feel like getting whipped because you all were lazy. Now get cooking or I'll-"
The cook stood up. He was a big man with a round stomach and beefy arms. "You'll what? You can't come into my kitchen and yell at my children. Your mother was the housekeeper. Just because she died doesn't mean the title goes to you."
"Just make sure you get it done." Carmine growled. She stood tall and looked the cook in the eye, but she was still fighting back tears. He loved reminding her that she was now all alone in the house since her mother had died of sickness two years ago. She hurried out of the kitchen before the tears could overflow.
Lady Chiot wanted the parlor cleaned before their guests arrived. Carmine was thankful for the task because the parlor was only used for company so no one would be in to bother her for a few hours until the guests arrived. Of course it would not take hours to clean the parlor, but it would take long enough for her to get her emotions under control. The other thing she had to clean was the front steps. Fall had begun and orange and brown leaves littered stones around the front door. Carmine pulled the broom from a small cupboard and began the task.
All the leaves were nearly gone when her friend Nathaniel came walking up the front path. He was another servant in the house and the only one who Carmine could call a true friend. In his arms he held a basket of folded laundry and another bag was slung over his shoulder.
"Hey, Carmine, I have your uniform for tonight. It's on the top there. Better hurry and change; the Gunghams will be here soon and you know how much her ladyship loves punctuality." Nathaniel stopped so Carmine could pull out her maid's uniform. Luckily, Lady Chiot did not require her servants to be in uniform at all times, but when guests were in the house everyone had to wear the traditional servant's garb.
"Thank you. I was just finishing up sweeping the leaves away. Looks like they couldn't get the stain out of the skirt, I hope the apron will cover it or it will be my head." Carmine scratched at a small yellow stain on the white fabric.
Nathaniel shrugged. Carmine joined him and together they walked into the house. "I think the apron will cover it. If not you can always stay to the left of her vision. Then she might not notice."
They parted ways. Nathaniel went to put away the rest of the laundry and Carmine went to her small room to put on her uniform. The room was barely big enough for her single bed and storage chest. Years ago she had acquired a broken bit of mirror that she had attached to her wall. It was large enough see her reflection clearly but still jagged around the edges. She was also lucky enough to have a cracked window looking out onto the vegetable garden. Rain only came in when it stormed so it wasn't too bad in the summer, but in the winter it made her room frigidly cold. Her red cloak was the only bit of color in the room and it was hung up on the back of her door.
The maid's uniform was a knee length dress that had a stiff collar and long sleeves ending in equally stiff cuffs. It was all white except for the little red buttons and apron. Carmine hated wearing it as it was extremely uncomfortable and easy to stain. She didn't understand what cruel mind came up with the idea to make a maid's uniform solid white. It was required that her hair be tied up while she was serving guests. Carmine did the best she could to tie most of her hair up into a tight bun behind her head, but an unfortunate accident with a candle a few months ago left her with uneven bangs that couldn't be pulled back. She had no clips or pins that could help the situation either. For the most part the loose hair could be tucked behind her ears. The trick was remembering to tuck it back if it fell forward. Hopefully, Lady Chiot was in a more forgiving mood tonight and would let it go.
There was a knock at the door. Nathaniel poked his head in. He was wearing the male equivalent to her uniform and his hair was carefully combed back. "I think I saw the Gungham's carriage pull up out front. We had better get to the parlor."
Nathaniel was right. The Gunghams were led into the parlor a few minutes after Carmine and Nathaniel entered. They were followed closely by the entire Chiot family. Lord and Lady Chiot sat together as did Lord and Lady Gungham. Mable and Ivan Chiot sat together on a long couch with the Gungham triplets. Mable was fifteen and her brother Ivan was nineteen which made both of them very uncomfortable with the triplets who were six. Neither of them were accustomed to children and now they were sat next to three.
"Daisy, Ollie, and Tim all begin schooling this autumn." The triplets mother declared proudly. "I have already secured the best tutor for them all. She comes highly recommended."
"I don't want to go to school!" One of the triplets exclaimed quite loudly. From previous experience, Carmine had learned that the two boys were loud and rambunctious, but it was Daisy who caused the most trouble. She was the mastermind behind all of their pranks and mischief.
Lord Gungham shushed his son and his wife continued speaking. The tutor she had hired came from across the kingdom and was said to have taught the royals children when they were young. Lady Chiot appropriately fawned over her friend's lucky find. Drinks were called upon to toast the Gunghams. Nathaniel served wine to the four parents and Ivan as he was also old enough. Carmine was saddled with the unhappy task of serving sparkling juice the triplets and Mable.
Mable was slumped so far down she was nearly falling off the couch with her arms crossed sourly across her chest. "It's not fair. Ivan gets to drink wine." She complained.
"You will be able to drink wine when you are his age, Mable. Now sit like a lady not a fish." Lady Chiot scolded. It appeared as if Mable was about to dump her cup over her brother's lap before her mother cast a stern look in her direction and she sat up correctly.
Carmine slowly handed the small metal goblets to the triplets. At least they were metal this time and not glass like they were last time the Gunghams came to call. Daisy took her drink easy enough, but Carmine did not like the look she was giving her brothers. Carmine had to quickly dodge out of the way when a drink flew back at her from one of the boys. Unfortunately it spilled all over the rug she had cleaned only a few hours ago and the red stain leeched into the carpet fibers. It would take a lot of scrubbing to get it clean again.
"Beg pardon, I will go and get something to clean that up." Carmine put down the silver tray she was holding but before she could make it out the door she was called back.
"No, have another maid get it. It is time for dinner anyway. Shall we all go to the dining room?" Lord Chiot stood and motioned to the door.
The families left first. Once they were gone Nathaniel glanced at Carmine and she could tell he was just as displeased with having the terrible triplets around as she was.
After making sure everyone was seated at the table, Carmine and Nathaniel went down to the kitchens for the food. Two of the kitchen staff would help bring the trays up to the dining hall, but Nathaniel and Carmine would serve it. Half the plates were not yet on the trays when they arrived. If they did not return promptly, there would be trouble. There was nothing Lady Chiot loved doing more than punishing her servants in front of guests.
"What is going on? Where is all the food?" Nathaniel demanded upon seeing the state of the kitchen.
"Don't get your knickers in a bunch. It's here. I just need to put it on the trays." The cook snapped. He was always in a bad mood, but it was always worse around dinner time.
"Well, hurry up. Where is the cheese for this salad?" Carmine asked looking around the kitchen. She didn't wait for an answer and began grating the cheese over the salad herself. It took longer than she would have liked to get the food back to the dining hall, but Lady Chiot did not say anything. Carmine sighed in relief and stood in her place by the wall and waited for them to call for the next course.
Dinner went smoothly until dessert. There were candied nuts in the salad so by the time dessert was served; the triplets were bursting with energy. Carmine did not want to put the cinnamon apple tortes in front of the triplets, but she had to. The triplets had been whispering together for the previous course and it was obvious there was some sort of plan in the making. Their parents did not notice anything amiss until Mable screamed and jumped from her seat. Three cinnamon apple tortes had landed on her simultaneously and the triplets were falling over themselves laughing.
"You horrible little monsters!" She shrieked. A bit of apple fell onto her nose from where one of the tortes had landed on her head. "I should throw you all in the duck pond and give you a good thrashing. My favorite dress is ruined now!"
Lord and Lady Gungham hurried around the table to scold their children and pick them up off the floor. They were apologizing as Mable raged on about her dress.
Lord Chiot looked lost and unsure of what to do while his wife daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Nonsense, Mable. I know very well that is not your favorite dress. There is no need to fret unduly. I know what it was like to have children at that age. My own Mable was a right terror when she was six. Perhaps it is only a sign to end our evening early. The poor dears are obviously tired and need to be put down for the night."
Mable was about ready to explode and her face turned as red as a cherry. Ivan seemed unaffected by the hysterics and upon finishing his torte reached for his sister's untouched dessert. He was the only one left at the table in a few minutes. Mable had stormed off to her room and everyone else had gone to say their goodbyes.
Nathaniel and Carmine began clearing the plates as dinner was officially over.
"Mmphf, no not that one," Ivan mumbled through a mouthful of apples. "Give that one here."
Carmine pushed the plate of torte down to Ivan. He was the only one who was eating the lovely dessert so he might as well enjoy it so it didn't go to waste. The rest of the plates were carried back to the kitchens and put in the sink for the scullery maid to clean.
"What happened up there?" The cook's daughter asked.
"We could hear shouting all the way down here." Her brother added.
"Those horrible Gungham triplets threw their tortes at Mable. It was a disaster." Nathaniel leaned on the counter and began telling the story. He was much better at storytelling than Carmine and soon everyone was laughing at his descriptions.
A bell sounded throughout the kitchens. Everyone glanced at the wall where the servant's names were tacked about each bell. The only one ringing was Carmine's. Sighing she braced herself for whatever awaited her upstairs. Surely she could not be in trouble for the actions of the triplets. Lady Chiot singled her out more than the other servants, but she could not really pin her for what went wrong at dinner.
The lady of the house was waiting at the top of the staircase when Carmine approached. She looked imposing and stern. Carmine bowed her head respectfully and waited for her mistress to speak.
"Next time the Gunghams come I expect that you will take care of their children so something like this does not happen again. If it does I will hold you solely responsible. Having cleared that up I am very disappointed of the shabby appearance you put forth today. Your hair is not completely tied back and there is a stain on your skirt. As punishment you will spend the next week scrubbing the crown molding in the ballroom. Hans will provide you with a ladder so you can get started first thing tomorrow morning. I expect you to do this as well as your normal chores. I don't want you slacking off. We shall be leaving for a day trip with the Gunghams in four days. If I return and the ballroom ceiling is not good as new you will be spending the next month in the stables with the horses. That is all. Dismissed."
Carmine curtsied and hurried away to find Hans. Considering some of the other punishments Lady Chiot had saddled her with over the years, this one did not seem as severe. If she did not fall from the ladder and break her neck then everything would be fine. There was even the small bonus of the family all leaving for an entire day to look forward to.