Here is another Lumiere & Babette series for you all! This book is the first in the series.

Before we start, I would like to thank the lovely, wonderful CarolNJoy for being my beta reader, as well as my friend. Love ya girl!

Please enjoy!

…

Chapter 1:

An Eternal Imprisonment

The chipper maid assisting her, Amelia, continued to speak in a low, hushed tone of gossip, while Babette resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The woman was positively insufferable. She was self-centred, easily jealous, and hated having to lift a finger.

Amelia, noticing that the other maid's attention had been drawn away, snapped, flipping her long blonde hair. "Babette! Were you listening!?"

She looked at her, "Oui" she answered, her voice dripping with spitefulness. (thoughts) Honestly. She expects everyone to pay attention to her every word (end thoughts).

The older maid, catching her attitude, sneered, her large dark eyes narrowing. "You should really be nice to me. After all," she placed a hand on her chest, "I am the head maid." Her manners changed once again, back to the low tone of gossip. "So, do you want me to keep going?"

Not even remotely. Babette sighed, waving a hand dismissively, "Oui, why not" she answered nonchalantly.

Amelia smiled, eyes brightening, and continued, "Alright. So, like I said, they got caught in one of the carriages in the stables…"

But she had stopped listening. She had no interest in gossip. All of a sudden, half-listening, Babette caught a name…Angelique. That sparked her attention. She inquired, glancing at the petite woman, "What were you saying about Angelique?"

Amelia sighed, "I was saying that she and Fife were caught in the stables last night" she explained.

The young woman nodded, saying nothing more. She stood, excusing herself, and continued her duties. Angelique was one of her only friends in the god-forsaken castle she was forced to work. Prince Adam's castle. It was as though she was in an eternal imprisonment there.

The maid shuddered at the sheer thought of her employer. The young prince had a vanity that threatened to rival Amelia's, and the fact that he had been spoilt for all his life, did not help his attitude. It had only been a few months since his eleventh birthday, which meant he was still young.

Babette absentmindedly glided her feather-duster over the staircase railings, while she reflected. Anger burned in her eyes as her thoughts drifted to the head maid. Amelia had been given the duty, when she did not even deserve it. Babette clenched her hand around her duster so tightly that the knuckles went white. I have been at this castle since the Master was three, and I was only eighteen at the time! I deserve that duty. The only reason she received it was because she is the oldest maid.

She sighed. It had truly been sixteen years since she had felt free. Her Master seemed to make sure of it. He seemed to delight in her discomfort. It made her sick.

As if on cue, Adam's unmistakable snappy voice came from behind her. "Keep working, wrench!"

Babette bit back a reply. She knew better then to answer curtly to the prince. The maid turned to him and curtsied low, not meeting his eyes. The proper greeting. She had done it countless times, and it was automatic.

Although she could not see him, she felt his eyes on her. She knew the young prince found her attractive. But then again, unfortunately, most men do. Babette was not one to simply continue averting his eyes and take his obvious unwanted ogling.

Instead, she did what no one else dared. She locked eyes with the young prince, her own gaze calm, but heated. She bit out, "With all due respect, Master, I would appreciate it if you did not leer at me so openly."

Adam hesitated, clearly taken aback. He had not had anyone, certainly not a servant, speak to him so disrespectfully! He balled his hands into tight fists, "You miserable little harlot! How dare you speak to me like that!" he roared.

Babette did not even flinch. She crossed her arms, "I do not wish to be looked at in such a way" she countered. This earned a few gasps from nearby servants.

Unfortunately, her attitude also caused her to receive a sudden sharp sting on her cheek. She touched the railing to support herself, bringing a hand to her slapped right cheek. The maid glowered at the young prince, but said nothing. It was a sad reality that he, apparently, had the right to strike his servants.

Adam snorted, "That should teach you not to speak to me in such a manner" he sneered. Without another word, he continued on his way, deliberately shoving her as he passed.

Babette sighed, and continued her work. It still amazed her how an eleven year old boy could be such a beast. A beast that is among the most powerful people in France, unfortunately. She prayed that the prince would learn from his bad attitude, for it would make everyone's life so much more bearable. Maybe even pleasant.

All of a sudden, the voice of Amelia, came from behind her. "Babette!" she called in a sing-song voice. The maid clenched her fists.

The older maid came to a stop in front of her. Eyes bright, she said, "I saw you stand up to the Master. None of us would ever do that!"

The only reason you are happy about this is because it gives you another piece of gossip. The woman in front of her crossed her arms, "He simply needs to learn not to look at a woman like that. There are too many men in this world who do that as it is" she replied.

Amelia rolled her eyes. Honestly, just because she's had a few bad experiences, she judges all men in the same way.

Babette, seeing her response, felt anger inside her. She snapped, "I would appreciate it if you did not roll your eyes at my accusations. The men I have been with were filthy, disgusting wolves who wanted nothing more than my body. To men, women like me are just new toys that they will take care of for a while, and then get rid of once they become board."

The older woman stayed silent for a moment, and then shook her head. "Well, I suppose this is a better time than any to tell you that the new maitre'd arrives tomorrow morning" she responded. Not saying anything else, she walked towards her chambers.

Babette watched her go, but he mind was on the maitre'd. She had heard that he would be arriving soon, but she had not expect it to be so soon. It had only been a few weeks since the old maitre'd, Charles, had left.

The young woman took in a deep breath. This new maitre'd, she decided, would be nothing but a fellow servant. Nothing more. Nothing less.

…

IMORTANT: I really badly need feedback ASAP on this story, so that I may make it better. I have tried to correct the horrible mistake I unintentionally made in "The Roaring Flame" about Babette's character, and have tried to fix it here. However, I fear that I have tried too hard. Please give me feedback!

Bye for now,

-Babetteisawesome :)

P.S: I have written every chapter of this first book, so there won't be too many delays.