Alright chapter 7! Hopefully this will be better than the last two chapters. I noticed that they didn't get as many reviews as the other chapters. But that's okay, if you guys didn't have anything to say then that's fine. By the way, thank you all for making this story have over 1,100 views in about 3 months. That's awesome! Thank you so much and enjoy. :)
On a normal morning, the sisters would be able to enjoy a hour or two of silence. Unfortunately the morning of the visit, was anything but normal. For one, both the Duchess and the brats were awake before them. And because of this, they received a special wake up call.
"Get up you lazy things!" cried the Duchess, as she shoved them out of their straw beds. "We're leaving in an hour, and my daughters need to get dressed and eat. Hurry!"
"But it's not even dawn," pointed out Anne, still half asleep.
"And if you had been paying attention, you would know that we must leave early in order to avoid any chaos at the gates. God knows how many ladies the Queen invited this time." spat the Duchess. "Besides, if we are first, then the other ladies will have to compare to my daughters."
"And god help him, with those two." she thought, starting to get dress.
"I expect breakfast to be on the table in 5 minutes," the Duchess instructed, "No less."
"Yes Madam," they chorused, as she left.
After both girls had dressed, they set to work.
"Anne, hand me that bucket from last night," said Genevieve, extending a hand.
Looking in, she muttered, "Hopefully this will be enough for oatmeal."
"I thought they hated oatmeal?" Anne
"If they want breakfast in 5 minutes, then they can't expect a feast,"
After a good amount of rushing, yelling, both from the women upstairs and from Genevieve, the carriage was packed and everyone was in or on the outside.
"What do you think the castle will be like,Victoria?" asked Elizabeth, practically squealing
"Glorious!" gushed Victoria. "Just like the prince!"
"Oh, the prince!"
While they squawked away like hens, up at the driver seat, Genevieve was cursing herself for ever sitting down.
"I forgot how annoying they were, when they weren't fighting," she muttered
"Gen, how much longer?" whispered Anne.
"Sweetie," chuckled Genevieve, "We just left, we won't be there for hours," her face fell "And hours," it fell further "and hours,"
"Oh dear god," muttered the driver.
After what seemed like an eternity they arrived at the gates of the palace.
"Who goes there?" called out a guard from the top of one side of the large iron gates that protected the castle.
"Duke and Duchess Williams, of Blackthorn accompanying their daughters," called Genevieve, "They come under the invitation of her majesty The Queen. For the week's visit."
The guard disappeared inside a small part of the tower.
"What's taking so long?" whined Elizabeth, sticking her head out of one of the windows. "Don't they know who we are?"
"They cannot simply let us in, just by looking at the carriage," Genevieve said, exasperated. "For all they know we could be lesser nobles."
"What impertinence, if they think such a thing!" she exclaimed, "He should be punished, if he were to think that the Williams family was one of lower birth."
"It was merely a thought, miss," said Genevieve, keeping her eyes on the gate. "Nothing more,"
"Well it's a stupid thought," Elizabeth spat "And you are not allowed to speak such thoughts, especially when we are in the presence of the prince."
"Yes, milady,"
"Good," and with that Elizabeth ducked back into the carriage.
A few seconds after that the gates swung open, and the carriage moved forward.
They arrived at the main doors, white and so tall that three people could sit on each other's shoulders and still not reach the top, where they were met by the Queen herself.
"Welcome Duke Williams, and to your wife and daughters," she greeted. She was a very fine woman, dressed a lovely green dress, with emeralds. "I'm sure you are tired from your journey."
She gestured to the three maids at the top of the steps that led to the doors. "These three will help escort you to your rooms, and help you with your bags."
"Thank you your grace," the Duchess curtsied "But we have our own servants. They can carry our luggage on their own."
"I'm sure they can. But they are expected elsewhere at the moment," said the Queen. "Your servants will be taken to the servant's entrance, where they will be shown where they'll stay, what they're expected to do, and what the rules of this palace are."
"Of course your majesty," curtsied the Duchess again. "Genevieve, Anne, get back in the carriage."
"Yes ma'am,"
Doing as the Duchess commanded, they were taken to the east side of the palace. The palace itself was quite large. It seemed to have four stories, with arched windows everywhere. It was painted a bluish white, that made it look as though it sparkled like a diamond. The servant's entrance, on the very far eastern end of the palace, was very small. And consisted only of one plain wooden door.
Like at the main doors, there was someone waiting outside. It was a tall and lean woman. With blond hair pulled back into a tight bun with a white bonnet covering it. Her uniform consisted of a navy blue skirt that reached the ground, a white buttoned up shirt with a brown corset. On the chest, was a small blue pin with the kingdom's crest.
"Good afternoon," the woman spoke. "I am Miss Emeline head of the servants. You will address me as Miss Emeline, not Miss or Emeline. Just Miss Emeline. Understood?"
"Yes Miss Emeline,"
Following her into the castle, they came into a large kitchen that was four times the size of their kitchen at home. Most of the walls consisted of counter space, except for the three fireplaces for cooking. There was a variety of pots, pans and other utensils. In the room, there were five other doors.
"Those two doors," she said, gesturing to the left wall. "Are the pantry and storeroom. The door on the far wall, leads to the beds."
"Unfortunately we are a little short on beds,"
"We would be fine with sharing a bed,"
"Good," she continued on. "The last door is where we all eat. Breakfast is at 7, lunch at noon, and supper is at 6. If you are late to any meals, then pray that are leftovers. Understand?"
"Understood," they chorused
"Good," she said, "Now as for work..."
After the tour of the servant's quarters, they were sent to work. Both girls found that it was very hard to navigate one floor of castle. For each floor had multiple hallways, many staircases, and hundreds of doors. One floor was difficult, four was impossible.
Though despite the difficulty of navigation, the work was the same. If not a little easier. Instead of just one or two working on a hallway, there would be at least five on one. In addition, it was nice to have someone to talk to. Most of the servants liked to keep to themselves. There were a few that would chat freely, and there were others that were just down right nasty. Though those were easy to ignore.
By the time it was time to get the family ready for dinner, both girls were in higher spirits than they had ever been at the Blackthorn estate. Those feelings were soon dashed when they started on the girls.
The Duke and Duchess had been easy. But with Elizabeth, she either didn't like the way her hair was styled, or what jewelry she was given. With Victoria, it was her dress. It was either too plain, too fancy, or the wrong color for her complexion. It took multiple attempts until they were both satified.
When they made their way down to the quarters, they had nearly missed supper.
"So you're from the country?" asked the maid sitting across from them. She was quite pale, with red hair and freckles to match.
"Um, yes," answered Genevieve, "And where are you from? You don't wear the blue uniforms like the other palace servants do. So I assume you came with a visiting family."
"Aye, I came from one of the small towns." her eyes shifted to Anne. "Is that your daughter?"
"No sister,"
"Ah, makes more sense," she mused "You know anything about the reason that they suddenly decided to bring family servants here? Our mistress and her daughter have been comin' here since the Queen first started this whole visit."
"No," said Genevieve, bitting her tongue.
"Hmm. What house you work for?"
"Blackthorn, you?"
"Granger,"
"I don't know that one," she grinned sheepishly.
"That's okay. No one would if they didn't own a few mines that contained emeralds. But of course servants aren't suppose to know these things, so shhhh!"
"Of course,"
Smiling, both girls went back to their stew. Every now and then, pausing to chat. As dinner began to wind down, and most went to attend other duties, Genevieve began to get ready to head back to the Williams. But was stopped by the head of servants.
"Miss Emeline?"
"Would you kindly come with me for a minute?" she asked "I need to speak to you alone."
"Of course, Miss Emeline," bowed Genevieve, before turning to Anne. "Go and help them with whatever they need, I'll join you in a few minutes. Go on."
Waiting until Anne left the kitchen, Genevieve followed the head of servants into a spare room.
"You are an elemental," stated Emeline, when the door was closed.
"Pardon?"
"You are an elemental,"
"I am not,"
"Do not lie," she said "I know when I see one, and you are one."
"How do you know?"
"Elementals have a tint to their eyes, making them brighter," she explained "You have that tint in your eyes. It's faint. No doubt you got that from one of your parents. But it's there, the little blue in the corner of your eye."
"And you tell all this by looking someone in the eye?"
"Well it does take practice,"
"Is there anything else you can do, that no elemental, I have ever met, does?"
"Just one," she said, "And it's something I teach all my girls how to do."
"What?"
"Fight with your element, without anyone seeing you use it,"
"And you'll teach me this?"
"Only if you promise to practice,"
"I will!" exclaimed Genevieve "Though, I must confess, I haven't used my element in quite a while. I always told Anne it was dangerous."
"Anne is your daughter, right?"
"Sister,"
"Apologies,"
"You are not the first to make that assumption,"
"And your sister has the same elemental as you?"
"Yes, we are both of water,"
"I assume you inherited it from your mother?"
"Yes again," Genevieve said "I was told to love my element, but to never use it. And when Anne was born, I taught her the same. I don't hate my element, I just..."
"Wish you never had it,"
"Wish it wasn't a potential target to place on my back,"
"Well if you practice, you won't have to worry,"
"Thank you," said Genevieve
"You are most welcome dear," said Emeline, she then turned serious once more. "Now go, can't have the other servants thinking I'm picking favorites in the visiting servants."
"Of course,"
The next morning was just as busy as the previous day. The girls took twice as long as the night before, making them late for breakfast. So with an empty stomach, they went to work.
"Now lets see," Genevieve muttered to herself, looking around a hallway. "Was it, take the second staircase from the left, then pass four hallways and go right. And the room should be the third door on the right. Or was it third staircase, two hallways, and four doors. Or-"
"Need some help?"
Turning around she couldn't help but smile, when she saw that it was James who spoke.
Chuckling, she asked "How is it that every time we meet it's always a surprise?"
"Bad timing?"
"Maybe,"
"So you look like you could use some help," he said
"Yes! I seem to have forgotten the way to a certain room that needs help,"
"And what room would that be?"
"It's-" she paused "I forgot."
"What?"
"I was so busy trying to remember the directions, that I forgot what room I was looking for,' she laughed
"Well," he said, with a sly smile. "Perhaps this would be a good time to show you around. What do say, would like a tour?"
"Don't you have work to do?"
"None that can't be avoided,"
"James," she warned
"What I'm not allowed to spend time with my friend?" he asked, "I'm not allowed to have fun?
"God you're such a drama queen,"
"So would care to join me?"
"Well-" she paused "Wait, don't you have a ride to go on?"
"What ride?"
"The one with all the visiting ladies,"
"Oh that's not important," he waved
"Really, so it wasn't important enough for Elizabeth and Victoria to have went through their entire wardrobe just for this one ride?"
"Yes,"
"You're impossible,"
"Come on, just one afternoon," he begged "You could look at it, as the prince being friendly to his guests."
"Well, I guess if it's just a tour then it would be alright,"
"Pick a door then milady," he said, gesturing to the hallway.
"Don't make me regret my decision,"
For the next few hours, Genevieve had fun exploring the many doors of the palace with James. They would go down a hall, where Genevieve would then pick a door. James would then take her through it, and then back to the hallway. Where it would start again. Genevieve had found that most of their rooms were different guest rooms. But some were libraries, parlors, sitting rooms, and many other different rooms. Though one room stood out more than the others, to Genevieve.
"Oh my," she gasped, when they entered a room with yellow doors.
Inside was dozens of different instruments.
"I've never seen so many instruments before. I don't think I could name half of these,"
"Care to play one?" he asked, holding out a beautiful white violin with a golden trim and details along with a matching bow.
"I don't think it's meant for my hands," she said, pushing it away. "Do you play?"
"Oh god no! I've had several teachers and they all quit within a week,"
"Oh my," she laughed. "Maybe we should go to the next room?"
"Choose the door,"
The next door was a light blue with a white trim. Inside had large windows with sitting area. The rest of the room was empty, save for a table, two chairs, and small cabinet. The room was bright and comfortable, but it was hard to tell what it was for.
"What's this room?" she asked, walking over to the table.
"My personal art room,"
"Are these some of yours?" she gestured to the canvases on the table.
"Yes,"
"They're good," she commented, rifling through.
Picking one up, she smiled. "Though this one is my favorite."
Looking over her shoulder, James smiled at the picture. "I'm glad you like it. It took hours to do,"
"I know." she said "I posed for it remember?"
"Of course,"
The picture showed Genevieve and Anne under the tree on the hill, that he had shown them weeks ago. They were posed with Anne on her lap, both smiling and laughing at some untold joke.
"Why are we dressed like that?" asked Genevieve, pointing to the white dress with a flowery pattern on her, and a sunshine yellow dress on Anne.
"I thought it would be better if you were in normal clothes rather than what they make you wear,"
"I like it," she said "Makes us look happier."
"You could keep it, if you like?" he offered
"Really?"
"Yeah,"
"Thank you!" she exclaimed, then frowned. "There's no way I can take this."
"Trust me, I have plenty of pictures, I'm not going to miss that one,"
"Oh no!" she exclaimed "Don't get me wrong, I want it. I would love to take it home, but I have no way of doing it. I could hide it under our mattress here, but getting it in the carriage? Impossible."
"Well maybe I'll make it possible,"
"James,"
"Come on, let me do this for you,"
"One of these days, I'll need to do something for you," she said
"Trust me, you are. I get to spend the afternoon with a friend, and not with a bunch of hens," he joked
Giggling, she handed him the painting as the ventured to the next room.
"So, a little bird said that a certain visiting maid spent the afternoon with a certain prince. You wouldn't know anything about it, would you Genevieve?" asked Charlotte.
"He was simply being a prince, and helping learn the castle," responded Genevieve, turning back to her work. Charlotte was a maid, stationed to the kitchens. She was said to be prone to gossip, since she was normally away from all nobility.
"That's not what the little bird said,"
"Well you can tell your little bird to fly away!" she exclaimed
"Oh but that would ruin the fun," chuckled Charlotte. "By the way, did he ask you?"
"Ask me what?"
"To be his whore, of course!"
"What! He would never- I mean, what makes you think that?"
"He spent the entire afternoon with you!" stated Charlotte as though that made it obvious. "No prince freely spends that much time with someone, unless they have plans for them. And as I can't see him making a maid his wife, naturally he would make you his whore, or would you prefer mistress?"
"He did no such thing," said Genevieve, trying hard not to stab her with the knife that was in her hand. "And he never would."
"Well good! Cause it would never work,"
"Pardon?"
"Well, it's one thing to be seen with him under the castle's roof. Especially with his parents there. I mean rumor would fly like mad," explained Charlotte "And if you were found sleeping together. Oh! You'd be dead before you knew it!"
"You're insane,"
"No, I'm right,"
And as much as Genevieve hated to admit, Charlotte did make a point.
I want to clear up one thing, that I'm sure some of you have thought. No, Genevieve will not stop being friends with James in the next chapter. I'm not going to go further than that, because then it would spoil some of the next chapter. I plan on making the visit about 2-3 parts. Thank you all for reading and thank you again for over 1100 views. Review!
BTW: Sorry if the last part made some people uncomfortable, but it might get a little darker in the next few chapters.