The Past You Leave Behind
The Past You Leave Behind
Chapter 35
Saiyana started in the main area where the most seriously wounded had been put. Demons healed quickly; so there wasn't a great deal to do. She changed a few bandages and used her healing energy to repair a few minor wounds that had been left unattended in favor of major ones.
The atmosphere was subdued. All knew that treaty negotiations were going on. Most accepted that there would be peace. Now that Mukuro was dead, their respective masters were friends. She stretched and took a deep breath. She felt a stitch in her side.
Zandal was there immediately. He reached out to steady her. "My lady?" he questioned. "I'm fine. I think the baby kicked is all. Though it is a little soon for that. Maybe my system is getting used to the food here." "Should I send for my lord?" He gestured to a young man who came running. "No. Don't bother Hiei with something so trivial."
The young man dropped to one knee. "How may I be of service, my lady?" She looked at Zandal, her brows raised in question. "This is Akeva. He will be serving you from today forward." "Hello Akeva. And where are you beig sent, Zandal?" "You misunderstand, my lady. We will both be serving you." "So it's started already, hm?"
She did not look happy. Zandal was confused. "My lady?" "Oh, nothing. I knew he would be overprotective, but I didn't expect two watchdogs." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm done here. I'd like a tour of the castle, if you please. And an introduction to those who make this huge place run. I can't possibly remember everyone's name all at once, so just those in charge will have to do for today." "Your wish is my command, my lady."
By the time they reached the kitchens, Saiyana was hungry. Her earlier queasiness had vanished hours ago. She was introduced to Miara, the woman who ran the kitchens and was responsible for every meal served at the castle. She had a veritable army of assistants. The woman was plump and friendly. Saiyana had no clue as to the woman's age. She bobbed a curtsy and said, "My lady, you should not be in here. If you will go to the dining hall, I will send servants with your meal."
Saiyana sighed. "Miara, I have no desire to invade your territory, but I don't like eating alone. There will be times, when Hiei is too busy to eat with me, that I will come in here for the company. There may also be times that I will come in here to borrow your kitchen to make something special for Hiei. I hope that will not be a problem for you. I would like us to be friends."
The woman gave her a wide smile. "You are welcome in here anytime. Sit and I will get your meal. You must keep up your strength." Saiyana giggled. "I guess the whole castle really does know, don't they?" She sat down at the rough table and folded her hands under her chin. Miara wiped her hands on her apron. "My lord was understandably pleased, and thought to share the news." Saiyana grinned and mumbled under her breath. "I don't think that was exactly how he intended to share it."
She waved Zandal and Akeva to chairs. Zandal refused. "We must not, my lady." "Why not?" She was genuinely puzzled. Akeva answered for him. "You are our lady. We are your servants. We cannot sit with you." She was beginning to be angry. "Ok, that does it! You are to follow my commands. Correct?" "Yes, my lady," they both said in unison. Her eyes flashed as she got up and pulled out two chairs. "Then I command you to sit!"
They sat. Wide eyed with mouths open. She stood before them, hands on hips. "This stopped being cute a long time ago. I understand there are certain protocols you're supposed to follow. When it is necessary, you can 'my lady' me and bow and scrape all you think you need to. I won't argue. But, the rest of the time, you will not treat me any differently than anyone else. If Hiei has charged you with following me around all the time, then I am at least going to be able to talk to you and have you talk to me. Got it?"
They both answered. "Yes, my lady." She growled. "We'll work on it. After all, yesterday I was only a slave, and now I am too good to eat with you?" Zandal groaned. Akeva was confused. She laughed. "Inside joke. You'll get used to it." She sat back down as three steaming plates were placed in front of them.
The food was good and she complimented Miara. "You have to teach me how to make this." Miara smiled. "I did not expect my lady to like Makai food. My lord has commanded us to keep a supply of human food for you." Saiyana started to say something else, when a searing pain gripped her. She cried out and clutched her belly.
Zandal was at her side instantly. "Akeva, go get our lord, now!" He was gone almost before the command was given. Miara said something to one of her assistants that Saiyana couldn't hear. Then the woman brought a cool cloth and laid it across the back of her neck. It felt good.
The pain was beginning to ease, but she was scared. A pain like that could only mean that she was losing the baby. Tears came to her eyes.
To be continued….