14 Years Ago - (minor edits 7/7/2021, nothing that changes story)
She distracted herself by creating shadow puppets against the tall white walls that encompassed her room. After attempting a wonky looking bird and then a cute dog, moving her fingers to make it bark, she heard shuffling that signaled the rest of the residents in the building were beginning to wake up for the day. She quickly turned off the light and covered herself with the silk bed sheets as shadows started appearing in the crack under the bedroom door. Tucking herself in tightly in a cocoon, she squeezed her eyes shut and willed sleep to come back.
After a few moments of uninterrupted silence, the front door to the room opened with a quiet click from the doorknob. Her room's invader had immaculately coiled golden hair that didn't move an inch and she silently made her way over to her bed, unaware she was being watched by a squinted eye, opened only as much as the small actor dared.
"Time to wake up for school Lady Luna, you mustn't be late," whispered her nanny, servant, slave, maid, and closest ally shook her shoulders and attempted to de-tangle her from her warm cocoon. "Today is the first day and thus, the most important day where you must make the best impression on your peers. You cannot be late or fail," rushed the woman as the child she was tending to finally gave into the elder's demands to get up.
Akasuki-san was the nicest adult Luna knew. However, considering who they were and their positions, neither was delusional enough to think they would ever be real friends as much as Luna wished for it.
It was just the way things were.
The obviously expensive dress that was laid over a chair by the vanity on the other side of the room was chosen out of dozens of dresses weeks prior. Not too much and not too little, just right. Enough to show others who she was and not too much that it would anger her classmates or their parents. Akasuki-san helped her undress and slipped the beaded, white knee-length dress over her head. She fussed over Luna's hair and placed a barrette while the child stared at the vanity's mirror and thought about how much of a pain this would be.
Akasuki-san noticed the glumness that was emanating from the child and cradled her face. "You must do this for your mother, at the very least. Just like playing pretend with me alright? The driver will be waiting for you as soon as class ends and I will be waiting for you with freshly prepared lunch before we take you to your appointment with the doctor. You wont be gone long," Akasuki-san said as she attempted to pacify the child.
Luna fought against the tears that threatened to escape, stiffened her shoulders, and promised to "be a big girl" to Akasuki-san before marching into the connected bathroom suite and closing the door with another click. Now peering over the marble countertop and staring into the large mirror, Luna could only focus on her own thoughts. She would be going to a meeting where she would meet other members of her social class. While she had completed her kindergarten course the year prior, she had little interaction with the nobles' children that were at her education level. There had been additional meetings between families but with other things taking up room on her schedule, Luna had fallen behind in building connections with kids close to her age. Akasuki-san had explained to her that while the nobles weren't required to get an education, it was encouraged to "build relationships and future alliances between the different families," or something along those lines.
Luna didn't really understand what Akasuki-san was saying at that point but she had made it clear that it was important to her family, especially her mother, that she do well. With the reminder that her mother depended on her and the possible wrath she'd face from her grandfather should she do badly, she opened the bathroom door and made her way over to Akasuki-san who was waiting by the front door with Luna's shoes.
"I think I'm ready, " she told Akasuki-san as she grasped the hand that was offered to her and held it as Luna was led down the sparkling white hallways. The taps her small shoes made in the mostly empty hallway only added to the cold atmosphere the castle had. Her schedule typically went in this order: Akasuki-san would come wake her up and dress her first thing in the morning, they would both walk down to the dining room for breakfast which doubled as an early morning lesson on dining etiquette, and then they would head off to school and then whatever schedule was planned for Luna for the rest of day.
As they both approached the dining room, the smells of eggs, bacon, and what Luna believed to be a mix of bananas and strawberry's waft over. Today's breakfast would be a tasty one, that's for sure. She quickened her steps and began to tug Akasuki-san as they got closer to the entrance.
"Please calm yourself Luna, it's improper to walk at such a pace," scolded Akasuki-san, but as Luna looked embarrassed at being called out, she added " the food isn't going to grow legs and run away silly girl". This caused Luna to giggle and the momentarily tense atmosphere to dissipate. They finally entered the dining hall and another servant pulled out Luna's chair while Akasuki-san was left to seat herself.
It was only a moment later that two plates were placed in front of them and their utensils were settled by their plates as well. Luna noticed Akasuki-san shifting uncomfortably in her seat and pointedly looking at anything other than the servers and other servants. As Akasuki-san caught Luna's gaze, she cut off any questions Luna could have asked by clearing her throat. Miffed by this, Luna sighed, which earned her another pointed look by Akasuki-san. In order to make up for her behavior, Luna began to mentally recite the proper etiquette and took the handkerchief that was neatly tucked around her utensils, placing it over the collar of the dress.
She looked to Akasuki-san for approval and received a nod in response. They ate their meals quietly as the other workers in the room stood as still as the stone statues that decorated the hall leading to the dining room.
Even though every meal was supposed to be a lesson on etiquette, Luna was grateful that Akasuki-san was the one teaching her. Her last mentor, as her mom liked to refer to her as, was so strict she never let Luna make any mistakes. It was so unfair. Akasuki-san was way nicer, prettier, and played with Luna. She was the best. Dreading the thought of going to school, Luna thought to herself about how much she would rather stay at home with Akasuki-san and play.
"But he would never allow something like that to pass, this sucks," Luna thought bitterly.
As Luna mulled over the fact that she hardly got a say in what she did throughout the day even though she would be turning 7 years old this year, a balding man with just a few remaining hairs left on his head walked through the entryway to the room. He was a tall, slender man, wore a black three piece suit, and walked at a definite and brisk pace that showed others he had business to attend to. Luna referred to him as Baldtolf in her mind but his actual name was Botolf.
"More like Baldtolf the boring," Luna thought bitterly once again, remembering all the times he had stopped her from wandering off and exploring the city. He had stopped her from checking out a cute cafe that was next to the kindergarten she had attended, he had interrupted a conversation she was having with another girl who Luna hoped would be her first friend, he had pulled her away and into the car waiting for them as she tried to talk to other kids the first time she got a chance to talk to anyone other than the people who live in the same building as her. To put it bluntly, Luna hated him. She knew that was a strong word but there was no other way to describe how she felt toward the man. In her childlike mind, she knew he was only doing his job, something he had repeatedly told her, but it didn't stop the emotions she felt toward him and his actions.
Baldtolf interrupted her thoughts as he spoke, "it is now 7:30 in the morning and time to take Miss to the academy, Akasuki-san. The carriage is out front". With that, Baldtolf turned and walked out of the room, the sound of his footsteps decreasing as he made his way out of the castle.
"Is it really necessary to go today Akasuki-san?" Luna asked as if she would suddenly be allowed to stay home.
"Yes. Now come along now, " Akasuki-san tugged Luna up and they walked out of the dining hall toward the front entrance of the castle. Another servant quickly rushed over to them and handed Akasuki-san Luna's bag and a small tin container before bowing and backing up, only pausing to open the door to let them. Luna recognized the container as she had become familiar with its contents as well as the person who had supplied them to her.
They walked outside and were greeted with pleasant weather, a striking contrast to what Luna would be going through today. Akasuki-san made a comment about the pretty weather as they made their way down the castle's long steps to where Baldtolf would be waiting for them. "It's always pretty here I supposed, it's not like I've been anywhere else thanks to Botolf, " Luna thought to herself as she watched Akasuki-san breathe in the fresh air. Akasuki-san had once made a comment under her breath about how she hardly got to go outside other than to run errands and Luna had never asked her about it.
Every time she worked up the courage to ask her to explain something she didn't think she was meant to hear, she lost her nerve when Akasuki-san looked at her. It's not that Akasuki-san was standoffish, Luna just felt that perhaps it was too nosy of her to ask. Everyone treated her like a kid with certain expectations but also like an outsider. Luna wasn't blind to some of the looks she got from the servants or the atmosphere that filled the room when her whole family was together. She just didn't know why it was the way it was. Things were so much better when it was just her mom and her. Even when it was just her mom and grandfather, things were good. Things just changed when her stepfather came into the picture and her siblings were born.
The steps leading down to the courtyard were pristine and white, just like the rest of the castle. There wasn't a leaf or blade of grass out of place in the garden that surrounded the courtyard. Not even a speck of dirt was anywhere to be seen. While the scene was peaceful and pure of any imperfections, the large sweaty man that was on his hands and knees in the center of it created an image that no one other than Luna seemed to think was odd. She had shelves full of story books that came from all over the world and while her caretakers preferred her reading more "educational material", they were usually lenient over the fact that she was a child, so she was typically allowed to sneak in a story before going to bed. And if she thought back to all of the stories she had read, none of them had abnormally large people carrying others on their back.
The man that was in the courtyard was sweating profusely and had several deep marks on whatever skin was visible. On his back was attached a platform that was white and gold and had plush looking cushions attached to the seats. Baldtolf was waiting for them next to the grizzly man and had one arm raised to help them up and another tucked behind his back. If Luna tilted her head just a bit, she would see what some people could call a riding crop and others call a whip.
Akasuki-san nudged her a bit, pressing her forward and toward Baldtolf. Once close enough Baldtolf offered her his arm and she carefully made her way onto the carriage. As she made herself comfortable, the man carrying the carriage let out a grunt as Akasuki-san made her way up. Baldtolf gave him a quick strike with the crop but other than that, neither Akasuki-san nor Baldtolf gave much of a reaction to the whimper the man underneath them released.
Akasuki-san smiled at Luna as Luna smiled back nervously. She had been in these carriages many times but as she got older she realized she really didn't find them enjoyable. From the heavy breathing from the man carrying them to the way the carriage jostled from side to side, Luna truly found the whole experience unpleasant. However, when she had suggested they take another form of transportation, Baldtolf looked aghast at what she had said. The day after her comment, Luna was told by Baldtolf that the situation had been rectified and would be more accommodating for her. At first Luna was glad to finally stop feeling like her weight was crushing someone but as soon as Akasuki-san and her went out to meet Baldtolf, they were met with a new man with a different carriage strapped to his back. This man was unlike the one that carried Luna the day she complained to Baldtolf and had a pinched look on his face like he was fighting to suppress any expression that showed discomfort. That was the last time Luna complained about their transportation.
Luna shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she thought back to the conversation she had with Akasuki-san regarding the previous man who no longer carried them.
"What happened to the man who carried us to the doctor yesterday?" asked Luna, who was eyeing Akasuki-san to see if her expression gave anything away. However, Akasuki-san kept her expression blank and replied, "He was relieved of his services and will no longer be serving you."
The way Akasuki-san had replied to her that day was almost robotic. When Luna tried to press her for more information, Akasuki-san simply told her that their duty was to tend to her every need and she shouldn't bother herself with the fates of her servants.
"Lady Luna, you are one of the most important people in this household, no - in this country, you shouldn't be worried about lower races such as ourselves," said Akasuki-san in a toneless voice that sounded rehearsed, much different than her usual voice that she used with Luna everyday. "The man that caused you discomfort was disposed of and a newer slave will take his place".
Luna was young, but she wasn't blind or stupid. She knew not to press for more information unless she wanted graphic details on what had happened to the previous slave. From that day on, Luna learned that unless she wanted to live with the feeling of a stone settling deep in her stomach, she shouldn't complain about anything that the servants contributed to, lest they were also "disposed of".
Akasuki-san brought Luna's attention back to her as she opened the tin container and took out a prescription pill bottle, a water bottle, and a vial containing a pinkish liquid that Luna recoiled at. As Luna's expression, Akasuki-san laughed, "Are you really going to complain about this? You've been taking these for years, I would have thought a big girl like you would be used to taking medication."
Luna puffed up her cheeks and looked away, "It's not like that and you know it, it just tastes gross."
Akasuki-san chuckled and took Luna's hand, depositing the prescribed pills in it. Swallowing them quickly and taking the bottle offered to her by Akasuki-san, Luna gulped the pink syrup as well before she had time to think about the taste. The bitterness still filled her mouth and attacked her taste buds. Luna failed at keeping the pinched expression off her face, making Akasuki-san rub her back sympathetically.
Luna missed Akasuki-san telling Baldtolf, "We're ready to go, Botolf '' as the carriage gave a small lurch and the grizzly man began crawling out of the courtyard and past the boundaries of the castle.
Luna looked over the side of the carriage as they made their way to one of the three main gates that would lead them to the academy building located in the main town. There were no people mingling around outside, only servants sweeping stray leaves and guards watching the castles.
After a short moment, they finally came upon a gate and a heavily armored guard came to verify their identity. Once he got a look at Luna, Akasuki-san and Botolf, he quickly ran back to open the gate while apologizing for not recognizing them immediately.
Luna thought his behavior was funny and giggled but after they passed through the steel gate that creaked closed just as quickly as it opened for them, Baldtolf grumbled under her breath, "how could they already forget, we come and go all the time…"
The remaining journey to the academy building was in silence as Luna watched other slaves carrying nobles make their way to the same building they were heading toward. Most of the slaves held the same expression the grizzly man had, pinched but unwilling to show any discomfort no matter how much they were sweating.
Angry yelling cut through the air as Luna and Akasuki-san noticed one of the nobles that had arrived before them, Saint Rosward, throwing a fit and pointing angrily at his slave who was looking at the ground and staying very still. The hand he was using to point angrily at his slave dropped down to his side and before Luna could watch anymore, Akasuki-san turned her away and rushed her to leave the carriage.
"Come on now, you know how the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm," Akasuki-san muttered quickly while pushing Luna towards the front door of the building they had arrived at. Just as they entered and the door swung closed behind them, Luna could have sworn she heard a loud bang outside. Akasuki-san brushed some invisible hair off her forehead and smiled at Luna.
"My, that's what I would call a morning rush," she chuckled lightly while looking nervously behind them. Before Luna could ask what that earlier bang sound was, a couple of professionally dressed maids came up to them and asked if they could take their bags. Akasuki-san flashed Luna's badge at them and handed her bag over to one of the maids while taking Luna's hand and began following the other maid.
Luna continued to look over her shoulder, still thinking about the ruckus earlier. She desperately wanted to ask about what happened but before she could find a moment to ask, they approached another set of doors. The hall they had walked down had a plush red carpet that led them to the doors that looked big enough for a giant to walk through. The snow white double doors they had stopped at had crystal knobs and another guard standing right outside of them. He had been standing perfectly still but once he noticed their approach, took his gloved hands and prepared to open the doors for them by laying his hands on the knobs.
Here, Akasuki-san paused and took a breath.
"Alright, do you remember what I told you earlier Lady Luna?" Akasuki-san asked as she knelt next to her and looked into her eyes.
Luna couldn't stop the sudden invasion of butterflies that moved in her stomach at the thought of what was waiting on the other side of the white doors, "Yes. I know. I can do it". The words sounded like lies to Luna but Akasuki-san seemed to believe them.
Akasuki-san smiled at her false confidence, "I know you can. Like I said earlier, I will be waiting for you after the meeting so at least look forward to that".
Luna fought the urge to cling onto Akasuki-san knowing it would be very inappropriate and tried her best to relax. She turned toward the guard and nodded her head letting him know she was ready to enter.
Akasuki-san let go of her hand and Luna walked through the doorway into the sparking white room where other young nobles were mingling.
Author Note:
I might experiment with the POV. There are moments where I think using "I" is so much more comfortable but I find it way more difficult to change or describe other characters emotions when I'm using first POV.
Anyway, these earlier chapters are from a childs POV and I'm in my 20's. I'm trying to not be too obvious in her thought processes but I dont remember what its like being 7 years old.
Sorry for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes, I was going cross-eyed by the end of this chapter.
Freaking formatting, sorry if this is hard to read.