Chapter 9

Sore along her backside, Kanami began to stretch as she gradually awoke from her slumbers. Suddenly, she remembered that she hadn't wakened her mistress yet. Her eyes flashed open. When she didn't immediately recognize her surroundings, that was when she recalled that she was actually in Aureolin Castle, not Midnight Castle.

Slowly closing her eyes, she sighed softly. She wasn't used to this; the time to laze around without anything to do. At home, she had to wake up to help around the house. At the castle, she had to wake her mistress and prepare her for the day. Though she tried to fall back asleep, it was impossible. The idea was completely foreign to her.

Throwing back the covers, she climbed out of bed and headed for the adjoining bathing area. On the table, she found a pitcher of water and a fancy wash basin. Pouring the lukewarm water into the basin, she prepared for the day by washing her face. She tried to fix her hair, but it was difficult since she didn't have an actual brush. The only thing she could do was wet it down with water. Her uniform was wrinkly since she had been wearing it for an entire day already, but she had nothing to change into.

"This is so strange," she told her reflection, slightly shaking her head in disbelief.

Returning to the sleeping area, she quickly made the bed. He might have welcomed her as a guest, for reasons unknown, but she couldn't imagine that she would be given the services of a maid. That would be over-the-top strange as she was a maid herself. Whatever the case, she hoped that Master Hei would come for her soon. She missed being in Midnight Castle, being with her mistress.

There wasn't anything to do in the room so she decided to go in search of April as her stomach gave a small rumble. The other lady had given her permission to enter her room freely since she was responsible for her during her stay. April said she was only allowed to leave when their master had granted her permission, but someone would come for her; then she could go home.

With that thought in mind, she exited the bedroom. To her surprise, someone else exited from the neighbouring room. Kanami froze on the spot as she did not expect anyone to see her. Staring at the other lady, she finally realized why April had been so adamant that she never enter Jasmine Room. It was already occupied; by his wife no less, judging from the outfit she was wearing.

It was ridiculous to wish that she didn't see her when they were that close, but Kanami did anyways. As expected, the other lady turned to glance at her as she noticed her presence. Her blue eyes narrowed as she glared, straightening her back in the process. Sheepishly, Kanami glanced away as no one had prepared her for meeting the mistress of the castle. Clearly, she was nothing like Mistress Misaki.

"So you're that servant girl from Shochi," she stated coolly.

Unable to speak or meet her gaze, Kanami stood motionlessly on the spot, knowing that she was being assessed from head to toe. Of course she would give a bad impression, not that she was trying to impress anyone here. She had slept in her uniform and hadn't been able to exchange it for a fresh one as she would have done in Midnight Castle.

"Hmph. I have no idea what he was thinking in keeping you here."

With that, she turned on her heel and headed downstairs. When she was walking away, Kanami relaxed enough to glance up again. Their mistress was quite clear in her opinion on her presence and it was obvious that she was just as confused. After all, she was supposed to be a hostage, not a guest.

When the click-clack sounds of her high heels disappeared, Kanami finally moved from the entrance of her bedchamber. Just to be certain that they never had to meet again, Kanami reminded herself to ask about their schedules. Though she was trapped here, it didn't mean that she had to see any of them – not if she could help it.

Cautiously making her way downstairs, she was relieved that the doorway across the staircase did not open. Dealing with one was enough for the day. She didn't need to deal with their master as well. Since she didn't see anyone, she quietly slipped passed the dining room and into the hallway that led to April's room.

Though she had granted her permission to freely enter, Kanami did not take that liberty. As she stood in front of her room, she gently knocked on the door. She could hear some shuffling noises before the door finally opened. Upon seeing her, April smiled and let her into the room.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," April said. "You didn't have to knock."

"Force of habit. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all. You must be hungry."

"I am," Kanami replied.

"Wait here. I'll get you something from the kitchen."

Nodding in reply, Kanami hesitantly took a seat at the table which served as April's desk. There were papers strewn about like she had been in the middle of a task. She wasn't sure what she expected as the only room similar to this would be Ricardo's. It wasn't like she had ever been inside.

There was a stark contrast between the room she was currently occupying and the one she had awakened in. While the guest room focused on aesthetics, this one focused on practicality. The desk was located directly in front of the door with one sturdy wooden chair on both sides. In the corner of the room behind the desk, there was a cabinet which was probably for storing her work.

The remaining contents of the room were a double-sized bed, a dresser, one side table and a small partition for her to change behind with some semblance of privacy. There was no bathing area or even a wash basin. She must have to share the one located in the servant quarters. There was no pretty patterned blanket, but rather a simple yellow one. Overall, it was quite depressing in comparison to what she had experienced.

"It's not much," April said upon her return. "If you want to wait, you can have some of the leftovers from breakfast."

"No, this is fine. Are they having their meal right now?" asked Kanami.

"They?"

"Your master and mistress."

"Oh… Did you meet her?" April inquired.

"Just before I came down to find you. Now I understand why you told me not to enter that room."

"I was hoping you wouldn't… Master November treats us fairly, but Mistress Brita can be quite demanding at times."

"Nothing like my mistress," Kanami replied with a shiver, recalling their brief interaction. "It seems she does not approve of my presence. Honestly, I understand. I'm just as confused as she is."

"Master November makes his own decisions as he sees fit. I'm glad though; otherwise you would be in August's care."

Shivering again at the reminder of the other servant she had met, Kanami decided she agreed if that was the case. To be treated like a guest under April's care was infinitely better than the possibility of being watched by August. She was tempted to ask what he actually did here, but decided against it; she was positive she wouldn't really want to know.

"Help yourself," said April, pointing to the plate of food in front of her.

"Thanks."

Smiling in response, April retook her seat as she resumed her work. Kanami watched her for a few moments before she began to nibble on a piece of fruit. It felt odd to watch someone working, yet have nothing to do herself. Normally, she would have wakened her mistress and dressed her for the day. Mistress Misaki would be having her meal with Master Hei at a time like this. As for her, she would be cleaning up in the bedroom – making the bed, changing the sheets if necessary, etc.

Here, she did nothing – eat, sleep, eat. The only work she had done was to make the bed, but that was nothing in comparison to the regular amount of chores she had. As she continued to partake of her morning meal, she finally sighed softly. She never noticed how long a day could actually be when there was nothing to occupy her time. Before this, there wasn't an opportunity to be unproductive.

"What's wrong?" April asked, glancing up at her.

"I was just thinking about all the tasks I would have to work on if I was at home. Can you imagine what it would be like if you weren't allowed to do anything all day?"

"No, I can't say that I can."

"It's frustrating!" Kanami exclaimed. "Is there possibly anything I can help with while I'm here?"

"Help…? I don't think so," she replied. "That's not such a good idea…"

"Why not?"

"Master November said to treat you as a guest. He would never ask his guests to do work."

"Hmph. That's just pretence," retorted Kanami. "You know just as well as I do that I'm not actually a guest."

"Perhaps, but he has decided it to be as such. It is not my place to disobey his instructions."

Sighing once more, Kanami realized it didn't matter what the truth was. By his words alone, he had implied her to be a guest and that was how she was to be treated. April gave her an apologetic glance before she continued with her work. Just like that, the possibility was snatched out of her hand. It was still morning and it was going to be a long and laborious process to survive until the end of the day.

"Well, since I can't do anything or leave the castle, can you at least tell me their schedules?" Kanami eventually asked. "You might think otherwise, but I really would like to avoid your master and mistress."

"Understandably… After their morning meal, Mistress Brita will usually head out to the gardens. Otherwise, she stays in her room. Master November will go to his study to work. When necessary, he will leave the castle, but I haven't been informed of any trips for the next while."

"And my safest places to be?"

"Upstairs in your room. They usually don't go there, except when Mistress Brita is in her room. She wouldn't bother you, unless you happen to bump into her as you did this morning. Otherwise, their schedules can be quite spontaneous," she explained awkwardly, her eyes shifting away momentarily.

"Spontaneous?"

"When they're alone together, wherever they might be," April elaborated, coughing lightly afterward.

"Oh… Oh!"

Kanami flushed at the implications, but pushed aside those thoughts. The habits of the master and mistress of Aureolin Castle did not concern her. But at the same time, that was also good information to have. She couldn't imagine how awkward it might have been if she didn't know. Unfortunately, that limited where she could go even more. If April hadn't said anything, she would have gone to Sunglow as it seemed like a cozy and comfortable place.

"N – No…!"

Struggling as someone snatched Kanami away, Misaki begged him to leave her alone, but he didn't. The man continued to take her away and she couldn't make out his face. Though Kanami turned to glance at her with fear in her eyes, there was nothing she could do to stop him. As if she were punched in the gut, she began to writhe around in pain; an overwhelming sensation.

While she continued to squirm, she suddenly felt a cool, calming presence come over her. With it, she heard murmuring sounds like someone was talking, but she couldn't hear it clearly enough to tell who it was. The voices disappeared. Suddenly, her eyes flashed open and she realized she had been dreaming.

"Are you awake now?"

Surprised by the voice, Misaki turned her head to find Yin smiling at her. Upon seeing her, she recalled that they had shared a bed as she rested after informing her of the latest events. She tried to smile, but ended up wincing as her stomach clenched in pain. It was protesting in hunger; she hadn't eaten anything after the afternoon snack.

"Ricardo is bringing up breakfast right now," Yin told her. "What were you dreaming about?"

"Ah… Kanami…"

"Mm, I know you're worried, but Hei will keep her safe."

"I know," answered Misaki. "The difficult part is just waiting. It'd be more bearable if I was out there helping."

Yin smiled gently, but didn't say anything in reply. At that moment, Ricardo appeared carrying trays of food which he set on the side table. Sighing softly, Misaki sat up in bed as Yin was already doing so. Seeing that they were ready, Ricardo presented a tray to each of them before removing the cover. At the sight of food, Misaki began to salivate; she felt like she hadn't eaten in weeks.

"Is there anything else you need, My Lady?"

"We will be alright," Yin replied.

"Very well. Mistress Misaki, there is more food here."

"Thanks," she said with a grin.

He bowed to both of them before he left. When he was out of sight, Misaki began eating with relish. Everything seemed to taste better than usual. Next to her, Yin watched her for a few moments before she began to eat as well. Misaki was already finished her plate while Yin was slowly eating a slice of toast.

"You eat as much as Hei," Yin commented as Misaki climbed out of bed to get more food.

"Not quite. I know I eat a lot, but he eats at least five times as much as I do."

Nodding in reply, Yin laughed as it was true. He was the only one she knew who could eat that much. He was truly fortunate that he lived in a prosperous state. Otherwise, he might have starved to death in his childhood.

"What are you thinking about?" Misaki asked as she climbed back onto the bed.

"How lucky he is to be born into the family he is. Any other family and he would have eaten everything they owned or starved to death."

"So true," Misaki murmured.

The two of them grinned at each other and resumed their meal. Since she already had some food in her system, Misaki slowed her pace. The food wasn't going anywhere. Besides, it was unsightly to shovel down her food, especially when she was eating on Yin's bed. She didn't think it would change Yin's opinion of her, but she couldn't help feeling a little self-conscious when her companion was eating at such a leisurely pace.

"So do you get to leave the room? It'd be nice if we could go out to the garden together," Misaki commented.

"I leave from time to time, but only when Hei is with me since I need him to carry me."

"It's too bad. I guess you don't have wheelchairs."

"Wheelchairs? What is that?" inquired Yin.

"It's exactly as it sounds – a chair with wheels on it. We use them for people who can't walk; maybe if they were injured, but also a lot of our elderly. That way, you can still move around without being confined to one spot."

"There must be so many things there that you don't find here."

"Yes, that's true," Misaki stated. "But there are things here that we don't have as well. I can't even begin to imagine how chaotic and dangerous my world would be if people had the powers that you do here. Your world is much more peaceful and orderly."

"I wouldn't know," Yin murmured.

"That's what Hei was telling me before. Though there have been humans here, it is quite rare."

"Do you still miss your home?"

"Mm… At times, yes," she answered honestly. "But it hasn't been that bad with Kanami and you. And Hei treats me very well."

"How are things between you and Hei?"

"Oh, they're good. I guess," Misaki said quietly.

"Please don't think I'm trying to pressure you. After all, I'm the one who adamantly rejected him. But I do think that things would go well between you two. You're exactly the type I had hoped for – active and involved."

"I… Okay…"

"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Yin said lightly. "Just take your time in making your decision. Hei won't rush you."

"Thanks, I guess," Misaki replied sheepishly. "It's unfortunate that Hei isn't here or we could go to the garden together. I hope you don't mind? I need to get some fresh air."

Yin shook her head and smiled. It wasn't her intention to create an awkward situation, but she truly did want to see Hei happy. She already knew how he felt as he gave her updates from time to time. Though it was painful at times, it had ultimately been her choice. If she had said yes, he would have married her in a heartbeat.

Throwing up her hands in despair, Kanami gave up. After her morning meal in April's room, she had gone up to her room as that was supposed to be the safest place in the castle; safest in terms of not seeing their master or mistress. Even so, there was absolutely nothing to do in here!

Though she tried to stay put, she had ended up moving restlessly from place to place. She sat in the sitting area, staring out the window. When she got tired of that, she went to lie down. That was even worse since she wasn't the slightest bit tired. She had made her way back to the sofa, but it wasn't like the situation had changed from how it was ten minutes ago.

With nothing else to do, she decided to poke her head into the other rooms. It wouldn't be terribly exciting, but it gave her something to do. She carefully slipped out of her bedroom, pleased that she did not run into their mistress a second time. Tiptoeing her way into the other hallway, she decided to start at the far end.

Quietly opening the door to Arylide, she was surprised that the room was narrower than Saffron. She had assumed they would be identical as they were in Midnight Castle. The room was physically separated into two sections as there was a wall directly in front of the door, smaller entrances leading into the back along each wall.

The front section was sparsely furnished. It had a long table lined against the wall in the left-hand corner. There was a sofa and an armchair in the other corner in front of the window, not even a table. Designing of this room seemed much simpler as the sofas were fashioned from vertical striped fabric in alternating green and dark green colour. Overall, the room was more masculine than the room she was using.

To her surprise, she could hear noises from the back area, like two objects were being hit together. Curious as to whom it might be, no one had said anything about this room. Surely April would have warned her as she did regarding their mistress. She tried to recall all their conversations, but the room had only come up in passing when April was giving her a quick tour.

Not wanting to startle whoever it was, Kanami slowly inched her way to the opening. The noises continued indicating that her presence was not yet noticed. Pressing herself against the wall, she took in a deep breath to steel her nerves. Gradually releasing it, she finally poked her head around the corner and gasped in surprise. Though she clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound, the boy heard her and turned his head to stare at her.

His blue eyes were unwavering as he stared, but he did not speak. With his light blond hair, Kanami didn't have to ask to know who he was. He had the same colouring as his parents. He blinked at her, his blocks forgotten as he was holding one in each hand. Since she was discovered, she had no choice but to step out of hiding.

Making her way towards him, Kanami glanced around the room. There was another armchair and a box of toys along the inner central wall. His bed was in the corner closest to the back window along the right side. A closet was set against the far wall. The area sectioned off could only be his bathing area.

"Hello," Kanami said softly when she was kneeling next to him.

No response. Rather, he turned back to his blocks and began to hit them together again. More blocks were strewn about on the floor in front of him. As he continued to play in this fashion, Kanami was amazed that no one was watching him. April didn't mention him at all and she would be the one most likely to share information.

Watching him for a moment longer, Kanami finally sat down on the floor next to him. Since he didn't seem to mind her presence, she decided to stay. Though they didn't know each other, it was better to have some company. It was boring to stay by herself. When she began to move, he turned to glance at her. Smiling at him, she didn't say anything.

Unexpectedly, he put down the blocks he was holding. He started to crawl along the floor as he collected the rest of them. Each one was placed into a pile between them as he would return to where he had been once he took hold of one. Finally he finished and sat down next to her again.

"What do you want to do?" she asked gently.

Grabbing a block, he held it in his hand expectantly as he gazed at her. Lifting an eyebrow in surprise, Kanami gradually put out her hand as that seemed to be the response he was waiting for. When her hand was in front of him, he placed the block on top of it. Then he took up his own and started hitting them together.

He did this for a while, but eventually stopped to look at her. Confused, Kanami had no idea what he wanted, amazed that he didn't speak. Was there something wrong with him? Was that why he was kept hidden in his room, unspoken of? When she didn't do anything, he lightly nudged another block in her direction. He waited until she took hold of it before he began hitting his own together.

"You want me to copy you?"

Though he didn't answer, Kanami smiled and did as he did. His head nodded slightly in acknowledgement. The boy didn't seem to tire of this. At this point in time, Kanami had a million questions she wanted to ask, but it was obvious that he wouldn't answer them. He hadn't even greeted her when she first appeared, yet he didn't seem shy if he could play with her – a stranger.

He didn't tired of this repetitive motion, but she did, eventually stopping. When she placed the blocks on the floor, he glanced over at her. Smiling, she began to stack them on top of each other. Hitting his blocks together a few more times, he finally stopped to watch her actions with avid attention. When none were left, he glanced at the two remaining in his hands.

"Place them on top," Kanami said encouragingly.

Carefully standing up, he approached the task apprehensively. He looked this way and that, examining their tower. Finally taking action, he placed his block on top, only to have it collapse. Pieces scattered in every direction and Kanami couldn't help giggling as he watched the whole episode with wide-eyed wonder.

"We can always try again," she stated when he stared at the last block in his hand.

A slight nod was his reply. Kanami helped as they went about gathering the blocks. She placed three on top of each other before she motioned for him to try. As he placed the next one, his hand was cautious and slow, but steady. When it went on top without any issues, Kanami clapped her hands and complimented him on a job well done. They took turns stacking blocks until it finally tumbled with the attempt of block eight.

Once more, they collected the blocks and started at the beginning. As they continued to play in this fashion, Kanami was enjoying their time together, watching the range of expressions he made. It must be awfully lonely for him since there wasn't anyone his age to play with. Not to mention, neither of his parents seemed to be the type who would sit down with him like this.

Losing track of which attempt they were on, Kanami giggled as he was really getting into it. Twice already, they had been very close to stacking all the blocks on top of each other; there were a dozen in total. Both of them glanced at each other before glancing at their tower. If they could get this next one up, there was only one more left before it was complete. Kanami cautiously reached out to place the next one, her arm shaking slightly as she didn't want to disappoint him.

"Kanami!"

Startled by someone calling her name, her arm bumped the tower and they watched as it tumbled to the floor. Though they had been that close to completion, Kanami looked at her companion to see that he wasn't disappointed. Rather, he glanced up at their new companion. He quickly scrambled up from the floor and raced towards April; it could only be her as she was the only one who knew her name.

"Hello Master July," she said. "I've brought your lunch."

He took hold of her hand, but the two of them waited as Kanami was still seated on the floor. Since they were watching her expectantly, she got up and brushed herself off. April seemed surprised to see her, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she led July to the bathing area where there was water for him to wash his hands. Kanami followed along as that seemed to be what they were expecting of her.

"I didn't realize you would be here," April eventually said.

"You did say I could go anywhere in the castle. I got sick of hiding in my room. You didn't say anything about their son."

"It did not seem necessary to do so. And yes, Master November did say you could go anywhere you like, as long as you stay within the castle."

"Are you going to tell him?" Kanami asked cautiously.

"Only if he asks."

"Why is he left alone in here? And more importantly, why doesn't he speak?" she inquired.

April glanced at her, clearly not sure if she should say anything. Rather than replying, she led July to the front area where she directed him to the sitting area. On the table across the room, there was a tray with his afternoon meal. Kanami sat down next to the boy since April would return.

"I would have brought you something if I knew you were here," April murmured upon her return.

"It's fine."

Neither of them spoke, only watching the young boy as he slowly ate. He would occasionally stop to glance at them; sometimes April, sometimes Kanami. Eating a bun, he ripped off half and held it out towards Kanami. She glanced at it curiously and he thrust his hand towards her, waiting for her to take it. Smiling, Kanami was flattered he would share when they were strangers.

"Thank you, Master July," she replied.

"Master July, this is Kanami," April added when he glanced at her.

He nodded in reply then continued to eat. Kanami slowly nibbled on her portion of the bun, shrugging when April looked at her. It wasn't like she said anything to him that she hadn't heard. Everything he chose to do was out of his volition. Though they had played together, Kanami didn't actually think much of it.

"It's not that he doesn't know how to speak, but he chooses not to," April finally said, answering the question she asked earlier. "As for why he's left alone, I don't have that much time to spend with him regularly besides waking him, bringing meals and putting him in bed."

"Shouldn't your master or mistress be doing that?"

"… Neither of them will. Her pregnancy came as a surprise to all of us. She actually wanted to get rid of him, but Master November wouldn't allow it. After all, he is the heir."

"How could she be that terrible?" Kanami exclaimed. "Poor boy."

"It explains a lot when you understand that. Since he was weaned, he has been in my care. Mistress Brita hasn't seen him at all since then. Master November may visit a couple times a year, if that much."

"How can he be the heir if he's treated that way?"

"He's still not old enough yet," answered April.

Kanami only frowned at her explanation. How could they treat their own child like that? It was a terrible way to raise children and she didn't even want to imagine the consequences it would have when he was older. All she knew was that her opinion of their master had dropped, not that it was high to begin with. First he wanted to harm her master and mistress. Then he had to align himself with a snobby woman like Brita, though that was his prerogative. But to ignore the child of their union, just because they had been unprepared…? Unforgiveable.

Standing in front of her master, April fought against the urge to squirm. This was a very uncomfortable moment as he had called her to his study; to obtain an update on their guest. Knowing how Kanami felt about him, she didn't want to say that she was avoiding him. Not to mention, she had spent most of the day with his son. She had no idea how he might take that news.

"Well?" November asked, arching an eyebrow at her continued silence.

"I… She had breakfast with me this morning. She also met Mistress Brita."

"I was aware of that since she ranted about her presence for a good fifteen minutes. Yes, what else?"

"Mm… Well," April said, stalling for time, though for what purpose she wasn't sure.

"She couldn't have done much since she didn't leave the castle."

"… She spent the day with Master July," April finally blurted out.

"July?"

Her master's expression contorted into a look of confusion; frowning, drawing his brows together, yet with a nervous twitch of his right eye. Thinking he might disapprove, reprimanding her for allowing such a thing to happen, April quietly took a step away from him. She had never seen him angry before, but she was sure it would be such a spectacle if it happened – not on her, hopefully.

"July?" he repeated in disbelief.

"Yes, My Lord. You said she was allowed to go anywhere inside the castle. When she entered Arylide, she found him there."

"And… What did they do?"

"When I first found them, they were playing together, My Lord," she replied.

"I see… That is all."

"Yes, My Lord."

Breathing out a quiet sigh of relief, April bowed before her master before quickly excusing herself. Though she told Kanami it would be alright, she hadn't been a hundred percent sure of it. Most of the time he was straight forward and easy to deal with, but there were the odd chances where he was in one of his moods; the way of his thinking a complete mystery.

AN

Mwahaha~ How devious is that? Knowing how much everyone wants to see a Hei-November fight... Well, you'll have to wait longer~

Anyone surprised about Brita and July making an appearance? There is no way I could possibly exclude my cute little July from the story! ^_^ And I apologize to any Brita fans since her personality in the story is mm... Snobbish. I always got that vibe from her when I watched the anime.