AN: I bet you thought I would never update. So did I since I have written myself into a corner but I was checking my email and I got a request to keep going and I said why not. I'm still not quite sure where this story is going but I'm going to try and get it to work out. So here's chapter 10. It's Dedicated to all you people who kept telling me to keep going. Thanx!

Chapter 10

"This is where you'll be spending most of your time" the woman who hired me gestured to the room we had just entered. "the kitchen." It was huge. Well, a lot bigger then what I was used to.

"Your duties mostly involve cleaning and drying dishes and occasionally you'll be asked to clean other rooms in the palace. Understand?"

I nodded my head and she continued on, "You get two coppers a week and every other Monday off and this job also includes room and board as well as a uniform and a nightdress." That was good. The only clothes I had were the ones I was wearing. While she had been talking she had lead me through the kitchen and into a side room. It was a little smaller and contained several rows of bunk beds.

"This is where you'll be sleeping" she motioned to one of the top bunks. Katie is right below you. At the moment there are only three other maids aside from you but that'll change when the royals come for the winter festival. The bathing room for the servants is over there I suggest you get yourself cleaned up."

I agreed gratefully and set my bag on my bed then headed to the door she had indicated.

"oh and one last thing" The woman called from the door way . " My name is Nellie so if you have any problems just ask for me"

"Thank you ma'm"

A little while later after feeling clean and consequently more cheerful I stepped out of the tub. The water had been near freezing but I wasn't about to complain. After quickly drying myself with a worn looking towel I wrapped it around me and headed into the servants quarters. To my great relief I found the promised clothes. My uniform was identical to Nellie's except blue and a good deal smaller. The night dress was just plain white. I hastily pulled it over my head in case someone walked in while I was changing. I had just gotten myself into the nightdress when the door leading to the kitchen's burst open.

"THE STOVE'S ON FIRE!!!!!"

"What!?" I shrieked.

"Oh, Nellie's not here anymore?" the girl asked.

"No she isn't" I replied studying her . She had golden brown hair that hung in a thick braid to her midback. She was also wearing a blue serving dress identical to my own so I assumed she was one of the other maids Nellie had mentioned.

"Drat," the girl said, "I'm always trying to prank the old goat"

"Oh I understand" but I didn't. I was tired and completely confused.

"Wait a minute" she gasped "You're new" She charged over and began to vigorously shake my hand while exclaiming "I'm Katie and you are?"

"Ria" I said trying to see if there was any feeling left in my hand. She grinned at me and I immediately liked her.

"Since you're new I have to warn you." Katie whispered "beware of the wicked witch"

"Who?"

"Belinda"

As if on cue a girl sauntered in her finger wrapped around a pale blonde curl. She gave Katie a disgusted look with her crystal blue eyes then noticed me.

"Hello, you must be new?" She smiled. It reminded me of Annette and I unconsciously took a step back.

Katie looked nervous and annoyed. This must be Belinda. She realized that me and Katie had been talking.

"So it looks like another freak to join Katie's circus"

I looked at Katie and we both rolled our eyes. In one night I had made a new friend and another enemy.

I woke up the next morning to something tapping on my forehead. It was Katie.

"Good Morning sunshine" she grinned.

"It's still dark out" I mumbled back placing my pillow over my face.

"Yeah, I know only us lucky kitchen maids get to wake up at 5 and go to bed at 1 It's not all bad. At least we get to see Belinda at her peak." I groogily looked up.

"Wow" I said staring at Belinda who happened to be the pale blonde haired girl I met yesterday. "she really does look a witch."

"I know. One of theses days I'll just skip sleep and make her green"

"I'll join you" I grin finally beginning to wake up. Katie's enthusiasm is contagious and soon we were both putting on our uniforms and giggling about what Belinda would do we actually managed to turn her green.

"Come on girls! Hurry up!" Nellie shouted from the kitchen.

"Make me!" Katie shouted back, "wait never mind I never want to be chased out of bed by the frying pan of doom again"

Katie and I walked into the kitchen followed by Belinda and her friend. Another maid, not quite as beautiful as Belinda but close enough.

"Start cooking these eggs" Nellie commanded Katie. She then turned to me "you help her" I walked next to Katie. Belinda was working on some type of breakfast pastry while her friend, I think Nellie called her Margret, was sent to find out how many were attending breakfast. Apparently I group of nobles had arrived last night. Fifteen minutes later Katie once again spiced up life.

"I know how to spice up making breakfast" Katie grinned " Belinda catch the egg!"

Katie launched an egg directly at Belinda who drowsily turned around and ended up with raw egg splattered all over her face.

"You missed" Ilaughed grinning at Katie.

"That's what you think" Katie whispered then said "Why Belinda you never looked lovelier"

"Little brat" Belinda grumbled

"Get back to work you three. Stop messing around" Nellie snapped, "At the rate we're going we'll never get breakfast done by 8:30"

"Isn't it a good thing then that everyone sleeps in until nine, aside from us"

"Katie stop your back talking"

Margret ran into the kitchen. "Belinda! Belinda!" she shrieked "You'll never guess who came last night!"

"My Aunt Flora" Katie said "but what's so exciting about that. She's just dropping off some cooking utensils and messages for me from home."

"I wasn't talking to you"

"Oh right. You're talking to the egg queen over yonder." She turned to Belinda " Queen Egg your loyal and might I add only subject is here to see you"

"Who? Belinda asked "Who's coming?" Ignoring Katie.

"Jonathon! Lord Jonathon!"

"Jon" Belinda squealed.

"Who's Jon?" I wondered out loud.

"My next door neighbour. How should I know?" Katie said

"He happens to be the Prince's cousin." Nellie pointed out " You do need to know these things"

There are some people in the world I wish I never had to meet. Anette was one. Lord Jonathon was another.