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Enjoy!

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Chapter 3

Mia gave second-long, timid glances at all who she passed, only searching for one person in particular. She walked with an obvious lack of confidence, which was once again, the effect that she put to others to maintain her appearance as a shy, harmless chambermaid.

One of the female servants whispered to another "Isn't that King Richard's servant? Poor girl, she seems so frightened."

The other whispered back "I heard she knows someone here."

"Who?" asked her friend in impatience.

Mia refused to listen to any more of their conversation. She knew who she had come to see. It was not necessary for some gossiping scullery maids to remind her. The young woman continued to walk behind her Master, until they came to the library.

Richard turned to her sharply "What do you think you're doing!? You cannot come in here. This is a meeting between me, my nephew, and his wife. God, remember your place girl!" he snapped.

His servant nodded, averting her eyes "Yes Master, I will try to occupy myself while you're in there" she answered humbly.

Richard nodded "Good" he said, and walked inside, closing the door behind her.

Mia, after hearing the muffled "Adam, Belle, what a pleasure to see you again", from her Master, knew that he would not bother her. The chambermaid walked back down the hall, still appearing shy as she did so.

After a short while of searching…she finally saw him. He was as handsome as she remembered. But then, her gaze moved to the other person she saw with him, and she gasped. Anger boiled inside her "Who is that!? That…that little chambermaid whore!" she thought. A young, beautiful woman, dressed in a maid's uniform, was pressed against him, her arms around his neck.

Mia growled in annoyance, but then closed her eyes, taking two deep breaths. She had to stay calm. The young woman walked over to them, a polite smile on her face "Lumiere?! Oh my goodness!" she called, faking surprise.

The Frenchman turned at the sound of his name, and swallowed hard "M-Mia?" he stuttered.

She nodded "My Master is here to see Prince Adam, remember?" she asked rhetorically.

Babette crossed her arms and looked at her lover "Mon cher, who is this?" she inquired.

Lumiere answered "Cheri, this is Mia. She is…an old flame of mine."

Mia tried not to look offended by that. She hated being addressed as an 'old flame' (although that was really all she was). She forced a smile, and turned to Babette "Who are you?" she inquired, trying her hardest not to glare or look angry.

"Bonjur mademoiselle. I am Babette, one of the chambermaids" she answered.

Mia nodded "It was very nice meeting you" she replied. Then, she turned towards Lumiere and batted her eyes "It was very nice to see you again Lumi" and then she walked back, and around the corner.

Babette turned to him, arms still crossed "Lumi?!" she repeated.

Her suitor responded "Mon amour, I swear, she is just an old flame, nothing more."

The young woman nodded, although she did not truly believe him. She sighed "I saw how jealous Mia was of me. She is clearly not an old flame" she thought. Babette knew that, with jealousy, even an 'old flame' could become a roaring flame. All that the young maid could do, was hope that no one would be burned as a consequence.