Hey all! Sorry for the delays! I'm pretty sure on a whim I just decided I'm going into graphic design so guess what I've been doing?! Trying to get things in order! Yay... more school... Anyway! You all are awesome! I want to welcome my newcomers! I see you alerting my story! :)
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Stargazer197: You flatter me! You really do! And you're the first person to review two chapters in a row, that's kinda awesome! Not gonna lie... I hope you enjoy this chapter! And if you don't... don't worry life get's better for Ella next chapter! Promise!
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Chapter Three: What's the Big Deal?
I'm not really looking forward to today... But then again who would when they have managed to disrespect two nobles, one of them being the Captain of the Guard himself.
I try not to think about the blunders on my reputation as I make my way to the kitchen. On my way there I run into Morine and as usual she wishes to make my life much more difficult than it has to be.
"You know, just because you think you are too good to marry a merchant doesn't mean that a noble is going to look twice at you," she sneers as she passes me.
I roll my eyes and continue on my way, it's the same everyday. However, as I continue through the corridors, I notice that I'm receiving mean looks from every maid that I pass. The more bold ones are even throwing similar comments my way.
I don't really understand what's going on...
It's never been this bad before, what would cause them to suddenly act this way now. No, I'm not exactly the best of friends with most of the staff, but I've never done anything to warrant their wrath either.
When I get the kitchen I notice that everyone is giving me the cold shoulder. I frown in confusion, but go about my day as usual. However, every time I would pass a couple of maids talking they would abruptly stop talking and look at me as I passed.
"You know you aren't fooling anyone right?"
I turn around and standing behind me is Gertrude.
"What are you talking about?" I question wondering why all of a sudden I'm so popular... hated...
"You're obviously trying to seduce Captain Elmont."
I laugh, "No... I'm really not..."
"Oh really?! Then what's with all the fancy talk? And just why did he ask for you to serve that night? You might not be married, because who would want you, but you're just a maid. Remember that," She says before she turns and walks away.
I heave a sigh as I watch her walk off. I don't know why I even bother sometime.
"You know you're going to get into trouble if Hilda finds you out here," says Lilly as she approaches.
Lilly is a sweet girl of about nineteen, with dark brown hair constantly in a braid and hazel eyes. She's pretty in her own way.
I merely shrug in reply. When she reaches me she plops down beside of me on the grass.
"You know they are just jealous right?"
"Why would they be jealous?" I question in confusion.
"Oh... I don't know... because you have been able to do what no other woman, including the nobles, have been able to do."
"And what's that?" I ask with a laugh.
"Gain the attention of a certain Captain of the Guard," she says with a giggle.
I roll my eyes and shove her playfully, "I've done no such thing."
"Haven't you? He's never been as interested in any other maidens."
Hilda's voice suddenly comes screeching from the entrance of the castle.
"Ella! Where are you?!"
"I'm here!" I yell before muttering under my breath "you old hag."
She stomps to where both Lilly and I are sitting.
"Don't you have work to do?" she asks haughtily.
Lilly jumps up immediately, I simply remain where I am.
"I'm sick," I mutter with an obvious fake cough.
"You're hiding. Now, up with you!"
I frown up at her, but comply anyway. How else is a girl supposed to eat?
"Come on, you have a meal to deliver."
"But Isabelle is riding with Jack," I say in confusion.
She sends me a sharp look.
"The Princess is riding with Sir Jack," I amend with a roll of my eyes.
"You're not taking a meal to the princess."
"Then who-"
"You're taking a meal to Sir Elmont!" I could just hear the glee in her voice.
"I never have before!" I protest as I follow along behind her.
"He requested you... personally."
"Well since when are you such good friends with Sir Elmont?!" I question vehemently.
"Since apparently a certain member of my staff has decided to entice him."
"You aren't implying!?" I yelp in indignation that she would even suggest such a thing.
"No, don't get your knickers in a twist, you're much too uptight to be a mistress," she mutters with a dismissive wave.
I'm not sure if I should be flattered that she believes I have character or offended that she thinks me so uptight... so I just don't say anything at all...
"You've caught his eyes with that stunt you pulled, which is no small feat mind you! So if I were you, I would bat those baby blues at him and keep your legs closed until you have a ring on your finger; and a big one at that! You're still not too old to catch a man if you play your cards right."
"And he's a right catch!" pipes up Lilly.
"Best I've seen in years," agrees Hilda.
"I can't believe I'm taking dating advice... No. No I'm not! He isn't going to marry me! I'm a maid! He's Captain of the Guard! Men like him marry noble women! No maids." I argue.
"You never know... the princess is marrying a farm boy..." points out Lilly slyly.
"Who saved us all from Giants... Things are a little different in that situation."
"That's beside the point," says Hilda with another dismissive wave.
I wish I had her magical ability to wave important facts away...
"But she's right you know. He wants to see you for something, and women aren't exactly valued for their war strategies," encourages Lilly.
Bless her... Life must be so easy when you're nineteen...
"And you two are batty," I say as I grab the tray heaping with his food and head off towards the war room where he has practically been living for the last few weeks.
I try not to get my hopes up on the way there, but I am curious as to what his current interest is in me is. Lilly did have a point... I highly doubt it has the slightest to do with battle tactics.
"Ah! Lady Ella! Wonderful to see you again! Put that down right there. Thank you!"
"You're welcome Sir, now if you don't mind-"
"Surely you can spare a minute?" interrupts the Captain.
"If you wish Sir."
And there goes my quick escape...
But I suppose I should be excited, Sir Elmont doesn't ask just any maidens to-
"I'm just going to cut right to it, since you have a habit of running off..." He says giving me a meaningful look.
"Of course Sir," I say giving him a fake smile.
"Well I was rather impressed with your knowledge the other night on battle strategy; therefore, I would like to ask your assistance in going over these battle plans. A fresh pair of eyes could never hurt."
I can't believe it... He really does want my help with battle strategy... Only I could have such luck...
"I'm sorry Sir, but I must politely decline."
"Why is that?"
"I know nothing of battle tactics... Sir."
"I disagree. You have already demonstrated an impressive understanding of not only your knowledge of our lands, but of battle tactics far beyond a normal young lords understanding."
"With all due respect, Sir Elmont," I could hear the hard edge in my voice, "but apparently some lords think I need to learn my place. Good day to you Sir," but I don't care, today been far too much.
I turn and stalk out of the room leaving a bewildered Captain of the Guard in my wake. No woman has ever done that either I'm sure.
I sigh as I head back down the corridor towards the kitchens. I'm going to get myself fired if I keep firing off at the mouth. I'm not even sure why I'm so angry at him. He's only ever been very nice to me and he wants my opinion! No man has ever wanted my opinion before! But the Lord Richman's words continue to ring in my head. And Gertrude's taunting keeping echoing in the corridors with each step I take. So I glower at the all the maidens who pass me. They don't have these problems... They just get to go about their merry little lives full of... happiness!
No... I know precisely why I'm so angry with him...
"Well you're in a right mood!" exclaims Rebecca with her Irish lit.
I glance over at her, she's a tall woman with deep auburn hair and green eyes.
"You would be too if your whole life was crashing before your eyes..."
"Oh... Don't be so dramatic! It can't be that bad..."
"I just snapped at Captain Elmont and stormed out on him mid sentence..."
She winces, "Ay... that is bad..."
I just shrug in response as I lean against the pillar and stare up at the ceiling.
"Why did you snap at 'im anyway?"
"I was upset..."
"Well... yes... Why were you upset?"
"I don't really want to talk about it..." I murmur as I push myself off of the pillar and make my way toward the kitchen once again.
Why am I such a big deal anyway? Can't I just be invisible again?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Review and you'll get to see what happens between Ella and Elmont! Whee!
