A Friend, Not a Servant
Annika slept soundly in her bed. The sun was beginning to pour in through her window and after a few moments she sat up and yawned softly. Stretching her arms above her she smiled as she remembered the day. It was today that her father was to return home. She walked over to the window and sighed. Her favorite part of the day had always been the sunrise, when the sun woke up the world to let them know that he was ready for a new day. Miriam walked in a moment later.
"Guten Morgen Annika, wonderful dreams I suppose?"
"Ja." Annika said, smiling fondly at her Godmother.
"I don't suppose that means you will let me in on your dreams."
Annika smiled, "You know I can not do that Miriam dreams are..."
"I know, I know, dreams are a wish your heart makes." Miriam said impatiently. Annika nodded and looked back out of the window. "Child, I know you miss your mother, she was a beautiful woman."
"Indeed, she will have been dead six years from next week."
"I know child."
"I hate how I can't see her sometimes, but other times she is as clear as the sun's light. Why can't my memory make up its mind and choose one, my heart hates this torture." Annika whispered.
"My child, there is something you must know about your father he-"
"Annika!" Her father's voice boomed.
"Papa!" Annika yelled. "We will talk more later Miriam, ja?" Miriam nodded, and Annika tore from the room. She jumped into her father's arms and he twirled her around. It was not until he set her down did she notice a beautiful woman with two daughters behind him.
"Papa, who are they?" Annika whispered.
Petar laughed, "Annika, I would like you to meet your stepmother, Lady Gisela. These are her two daughters, Brigitte and Hedwig." Annika nodded and the two young woman and walked over to Lady Gisela.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Annika mustered. Lady Gisela only nodded.
"This is a beautiful home Petar. I trust you have enough room for my entire family." Lady Gisela stated in an ubviously bored tone.
"Of course darling, my home is yours."
"Good." She said stiffly as Annika wondered what her father had done to marry the formidable woman before her.
"Show my daughters to their rooms." Lady Gisela said to Annika. Annika nodded.
"Follow me." Annika learned that Brigitte was her age, sixteen, while Hedwig was fourteen. She led them to their rooms and Brigitte sighed in disgust.
"I guess this will have to do, though I will admit it is quite atrocious, who designed this home?" Brigitte stated.
"My mother."
"Horrible taste. Oh well, mother will change it anyway."
"She'd better not change a thing."
"Your father is gone for most of the year correct?"
"Well...yes..."
"As I thought."
"Why?" Annika asked.
"No reason. Now leave please, I have had a long journey and I need my rest." Brigitte said while shoving Annika out of the room.
"I am sure you had a good reason for marrying her Papa, but I do wish you would tell me what that reason is."
"I love her Annika."
"I'm sure."
"I do."
"I just don't understand how you can replace Mutti like that."
"Your mother can never be replaced, but my dearest Annika, it is time for me to move on."
"Do as you like, but Lady Gisela..."
"Is right behind you dear."
"Petar, I need to go into town for a while tomorrow."
"Of course."
"And I will need some money."
"Of course." Lady Gisela nodded then stalked back into the home.
"A bit touchy isn't she?" Annika stated.
"Be kind Annika."
"I will."
"One more thing, I am leaving again this Friday morn."
"Friday? Papa, you've only just returned!"
"I know my child, but work is work."
Annika sighed, "Do as you must."
Friday morn came, and as Petar had told Annika, he left to visit the Elfin Realm west of Marchendorf. Annika kissed her father goodbye and walked back into the house. Lady Gisela was seated at the table.
"Annika, I would like to speak with you."
"Yes Gisela."
"First things first, you will call me Lady Gisela, or Milady if you must. None of these informalities."
"But I am no servant to you, therefore I will not treat you as my master."
"Listen you insolent brat. This home is under my authority now, and not even your precious father can save you from that. You need to be taught respect, you are not my equal, nor are you the equal of my daughters. Second thing, you will cater to both of my daughter's demands-"
"This is my home and has been long before my father married you! I refuse to be the subject of your spoiled daughters."
"SILENCE! One more word and I will make sure you will regret it. You are to move to the servant quarters in the south tower. Brigitte has seen your room and simply adores it. Your father has left a generous amount of money, and it will be used on redecorating this hideous home. Do you have a question Annika?"
Annika glowered, "No Milady."
"Good, you're not as stupid as you look. You will dress as the servants do, and you will act as the servants do, one word of disobedience and I will make sure to it that you pay. Your father was a disappointment, as are you. You are worthless and a nothing as far as I am concerned, leave my sight at once and do as I have told. Have I made my self clear Annika?"
"Inescapably."
"Go."
Annika nodded and left. "Annika..." Lady Gisela called.
"Yes Milady." Annika said turning around to face her stepmother.
"I do believe you have forgotten something."
"What is that?"
"Curtsey, it is a sign of respect."
"I will never bow to you or your daughters, I am not that low."
"You shall, do not anger me."
"I care not if I anger you 'Milady.'" Annika said mockingly before Lady Gisela raised her hand and slapped her cheek.
"Do not tempt me to do worse Annika." Annika grabbed her cheek and nodded. She reluctantly bowed. "Dismissed." Annika ran from the room and into the kitchens.
"Miriam!" Miriam appeared at once.
"What is it my child? What has gotten you into such a fuss." Miriam then looked at Annika before gasping and turning her cheek. "My child, who has done this to you?"
"Lady Gisela. I am to be one of you."
"I will not allow it Annika, you are the daughter of Sir Petar, not a servant. I shall go at once and speak to Lady Gisela. Surely she will..."
"You mustn't, please. It can't be that hard, you do it, and so can I."
"You were never meant for this position my child."
"I do not wish to upset this household."
"Your father won't be pleased."
"It doesn't matter, he isn't here."
Miriam sighed, "Come child, let me show you to your quarters." Miriam led her to the top room in the tower. "This room has perhaps the best view of the land...and of the castle. It was mine, and now it is yours."
"Miriam, I couldn't."
"Please child." Annika nodded. Miriam pulled a brown dress out of the drawers. "Change into this."
"Thank you Miriam." Annika stated before she pulled off her own elaborate gown and pulled on the servant dress.
Two months later, a man appeared at the home and Annika answered the door. "I have a letter for Lady Gisela." The man stated.
"Of course, come in." Annika stated, opening the door a little wider. The man walked in. "I shall go and fetch her. Please have a seat in the parlor." Annika walked up to Lady Gisela's room.
"Milady, there is a man downstairs who wishes a word with you."
Lady Gisela sighed in frustration. "Fine. Where is he?"
"In the parlor."
"Bring us some tea."
"Of course Milady." Annika curtseyed and hurried out the door. Ten minutes later she walked into the parlor to find Lady Gisela crying, and the man standing up, shuffling his feet in an awkward manner.
"Miss I must depart, but I am truly sorry for your loss."
"Go." Lady Gisela chocked out. As soon as the man was out of the home, Lady Gisela's tears subsided.
"Milady, what is the matter?"
Lady Gisela wiped her eyes. "Here, this news shall weigh far heavier on your heart than it could ever on mine." Lady Gisela handed Annika the note and left the room. "By the way, the girls need their breakfast." Annika nodded at Gisela's voice and she turned her attention to the letter. By the time she was finished, the page was wet with her tears. She fell to her knees as Miriam ran into the room.
"What? What is it child?"
"Papa...he's...he's dead." Annika said before covering her face while her sobs overtook her. Miriam pulled her into her arms and rocked her back and forth, never saying a word. Annika's world was for ever changed.
Two years later:
The sun rose over Marchendorf, and as usual, Annika sat up and smiled at the sun's welcoming gaze. She stretched and groaned. The earlier day's events had taken much of her strength, and Annika groaned at the thought of going into the market today. Still she sat up and quickly pulled her hair into a bun before pulling on her usual brown dress. She walked down to the kitchens where Miriam was starting breakfast.
"Guten Morgen Annika. And Happy Birthday as well."
Annika smiled, "Thank you Miriam. Where is the list of things Lady Gisela needed."
"Here." Miriam said while handing her a note and a coin pouch.
"This isn't enough money Miriam."
"I know Annika, but money is growing tight. Do what you can."
Annika nodded and left the home quickly before anyone else awoke. She walked into the town and into the bakery. "Morning Gustav."
"'Ello Miss Annika, pleasure to be seein' ya on this fine morn' wha' can I do fer ya?"
"I am just looking. It smells wonderful."
"There are some neu danishes, would you like one?"
"No, I haven't any money. But I am sure they are delicious."
"Of course they are. Here, have one on me. Not every day a lady turns eighteen."
"You remembered!" Annika said, delighted.
"Of course I did." He stated simply before handing her the danish.
"This is wonderful Gustav, danke!"
"It weren't no problem. Have a glorious day."
"And you." Annika stated before leaving the bakery with a wave.
She walked through the market and bought what was needed, she then walked over to the fabrics store where Elsa worked. "Good day Elsa."
"Annika! How wonderful to see you!"
"I need this." Annika said, while handing the list over to Elsa.
"Ah. Lucky for Lady Gisela we just got a new load of silk yesterday. Here you are." Annika took the package and paid Elsa for the purchase. By the time she was through buying everything, the pouch was near empty and the square was filled with people. Three of those people happened to be Lady Gisela, Brigitte, and Hedwig. Lady Gisela noticed Annika and hurried over to her.
"Go to the home at once, today is of importance, the Royal family is visiting today, and servants should not be seen."
"Yes Lady Gisela, at once." Annika said before walking to the back of the audience. Twenty minutes later, the trumpets blasted signaling the entrance of the King, Queen, and Prince. Annika sighed. The prince's name was Florian, the king's name was Sebastian, and the queen was Tatianna, to the servants they were simply "your majesty."
The king walked to the front. "Loyal subjects, as you know, it is Florian's twentieth birthday two weeks from now, and by royal decree he is to choose his bride before he becomes king. I am here to inform all of you of the ball that is to take place on the night of November 29th. All single ladies of class are invited to join the festivities. The ball will be masked, and Florian is to choose his bride by the stroke of midnight. I invite you to come, and perhaps one of you noble ladies will be Florian's future wife."
Annika grunted in disgust. To choose someone to spend the rest of your life with in one night was ridiculous. To flaunt your beauty and wealth to gain a hand clasped with Florian's was despicable. She truly felt sorry for the prince, for his royal upbringing and damned heritage. She turned to leave the town but instead of returning home, opted to visit the forest. She walked through the magical forest and smiled as the sprites and fairies nodded their greetings before leaving for some greater purpose. However, a sudden growling stopped her in her tracks. Annika slowly turned around and gasped as a large huterbar barred it's teeth. Annika slowly backed up as the huterbar advanced. She tripped over an uplifted tree root and cried out. The huterbar was about to pounce and Annika covered her face with her hands, waiting for the creature to attack. It never did.
Annika heard the creature cry out in anguish and Annika removed her hands from her face as she watched a young man slay the creature with a few strokes with his gleaming sword. Only when the creature lay lifeless did he stop his thrusts and stop to wipe his brow. Annika quickly gathered her skirts and tried to stand up only to cry out again. The handsome man turned to her as if he had just noticed she was there. He walked over to her and bent down to her level.
"Here, let me help." He said gently.
"Thank you kind sir, but I only tripped. I just landed on my ankle wrongly, I'll be fine." Annika said, holding on to her ankle.
"Let me look." He stated while removing her hand from her ankle. He noticed the gash on the side of the ankle and he removed a handkerchief from his pocket. He wrapped it tightly around her ankle and felt Annika wince once or twice. "Good as new by morn." He said. "Let me help you up."
"With great thanks kind sir." The young man lifted Annika up and she gently placed weight on her ankle.
"Why were you walking about in the forests by your lonesome. It is not safe."
"I assure you, I realize that now, but I simply just did not want to return to my Lady's home."
"So you are a servant then."
"Yes sir, I am, and what about you, what has brought you to the forest and to my rescue."
"I just needed a few moments alone to gather my thoughts before returning to my father's side. I saw the creature descending upon you, and well, no lady, servant or not, deserves to have her throat ripped apart."
"By your tone I am guessing you believe to be better than those who do manual labor."
"Why, of course."
"Typical." Annika stated irratibtly.
"Pardon."
"I am no less human than you correct?"
"Yes."
"Then why is it that I am to serve while you are to be served?"
"It is how life is."
"Not true, it is how people like yourself make life. I am your equal in every aspect of life. If you'll excuse me now, I have chores to attend."
"Do you know who you speak to in such a manner."
"No sir, I do not, and unfortunately for your sake, I care not to know your name."
"I should have left that creature to kill you."
"Because a servant isn't worth your chivalry. I understand." Annika stated before gathering up the fabrics and food items and leaving the young man who stared after her, fuming with rage.
A servant was not worth his chivalrous efforts, as she so eloquently stated. He jumped up onto the back of his horse and rode off in the other direction. His father would be waiting for him, a prince's duties are to his kingdom, and not to his own anger.
Annika sang softly to herself while she sew a dress for Brigitte. Why Brigitte needed another one evaded Annika's mind, but still, she was an obedient servant, and she would do what was ordered for her, or pay the price. Miriam ran into her room as Annika put the finishing touches on the gown.
"Hurry Annika, the royal family is to arrive in little less than half an hour, and we are not through with dinner." Annika sighed, she had forgotten the royal family was to eat with Lady Gisela, Brigitte, and Hedwig that night. It dealt with something along the lines of Lady Gisela being married to the richest nobleman of this side of the kingdom, Sir Petar, Annika's father. Annika scrunched up her nose, the wealth her father had left to them was fading fast.
"Coming." Annika said as she laid the gown out across her bed and hurried down to the kitchens. Dinner was quickly finished and soon after someone knocked on the door. Laurie agreed to open the door.
"Your Majesties." He said while bowing. He opened the door wider to let King Sebastian, Queen Tatianna, and Prince Florian in. "Lady Gisela and her daughters are waiting for you in the Parlor." Laurie led them to Lady Gisela. "Miriam will be out with the tea in a few moments." Laurie told Lady Gisela.
"Very Well, thank you Laurie." Laurie bowed and left. Lady Gisela laughed. "Servants, they must be treated with kindness or who knows what they will do. Welcome to my home Your Excellency. These are my daughters, Brigitte and Hedweg, and I am Lady Gisela Terich." She stated, each young lady bowing in the order they were named. The King nodded his head.
"This is quite a home."
"Yes your Majesty, it is." Miriam walked in a moment later carrying the tea tray. She poured out the tea into every cup before curtseying.
"Supper is ready for you." Miriam walked out of the room. Lady Gisela and Sebastian and Tatianna talked for a few minutes while Brigitte tried in vain to grasp Florian's attention. He was rude by no means, but was tired of every young lady wanting his throne, not his heart.
"Shall we go to supper then?" Lady Gisela stated. The royals nodded and stood up. Lady Gisela led them to the dining area, and the six of them sat around the table. The servants began bringing out the courses, but when Annika brought out the main course, she nearly dropped her tray. Florian's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the maiden he had rescued earlier serving his dinner, Annika shut her mouth in shock as she realized her rescuer had been the prince, and her cheeks flooded with embarrassment as she realized her disrespectful tone to him earlier. She quickly recovered, and after serving the course to everyone, curtseyed and quickly left the room.
"Poor child, lost her mother and her father when she was young. I took her in of course. She had no where to go. She can be handful sometimes, but we love her all the same." Lady Gisela stated, feigning fondness for Annika.
"You should discipline her then. Servants need to know their place!" Sebastian stated.
"I suppose, but my heart breaks for her everyday, I would hate to hurt her anymore."
"Don't let a servant walk over you Lady Gisela, you own them, they do not own you."
"Of course your highness."
Annika bit back her laughter. Lady Gisela was trying so hard to look pleasing to the family. Would hate to hurt her more...bah! She never mentioned that to Annika when she slapped her, or beat her. Annika sighed and returned to finishing up the meal. After she was finished, she opted to go out to the gardens. She found herself doing that a lot lately. Running to the gardens at night to find an escape. She opened the door quietly and stood beneath the darkened sky. She shivered slightly at the coldness in the air but did not move from her place. She stared up at the millions of stars and closed her eyes tightly. She started singing the lullaby her mother had sang to her for so many nights of what seemed a lifetime ago. Had she ever been that girl, that child loved so dearly by her mother and father, that child treated with love. Perhaps it was all a dream to her, Annika really did not know anymore.
"Beautiful night isn't it." A deep voice said. Annika whipped around to face Florian.
"Your highness." She said, curtseying. "I agree, the night is beautiful. For my rude tongue earlier today sir, I apologize. I was cross and it was a mistake. Please do not let my actions be your model for the other servants here." She wanted to say more, but Florian held up his hand.
"Forgiven, but you should watch your tongue, such harsh words will not be neglected from others."
"I understand."
"I do not know your name maiden."
"Perhaps it is wise that you don't your highness, but nevertheless I am Annika, servant to Lady Gisela."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Annika."
Annika cocked her head to the side. "I assure you Prince, the pleasure has been all mine. I must go back in now, my presence is needed." Annika turned to go back inside when Florian reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Please stay." Annika looked at him in shock. "I meant, please show me around the lands."
"If you so desire."
"I do."
"Follow me." For the next hour, Annika showed Florian the lands. He seemed intrigued at each story of certain landmarks, and then Annika led him to a gated path far off the lands. "I use to come here as a child, and I still do so whenever I am really bothered." She opened up the door to reveal a beautiful garden. Flowers of ever variety continued to grow, even with the bitter breath of the looming winter weighing down. Sprites flew about and the nymphs sat beside the pond. A taller figure walked toward them and Annika ran to him. "Priden! When did you return?" The figure laughed.
"A few days ago, I was wondering when you would return. And who is this?" The figure asked.
Annika laughed once again, "Priden, this Prince Florian, I was just showing him around the lands."
"You must like his company enough to show him the gardens, but I shall not interrogate you further. Welcome your Majesty, I am Priden." The figure walked up to Florian and bowed slightly. Florian smiled down to the figure.
"Elfin?"
"Half. My father was human, my mother elfin."
"Explains the height."
"And the silver eyes and pointed ears ja?"
Florian laughed, liking the elfin man immediately. Priden then looked back to Annika, "Has the witch finally married off Brigitte."
"Not yet, but she is working on it." Annika stated, pointing to Florian, who looked at her in disgust.
"I would rather marry a servant than her."
Annika looked down to the floor. "We should return to the manner, I am sure Lady Gisela and Brigitte wish to bid you a safe trip before you leave." Annika turned to leave the garden. Florian looked at her retreating back in shock, then slowly he realized what he had done. He had completely forgotten of Annika's social class, she had too apparently. But his words made reality crash down on them both. He raced out after her.
"Annika. Annika. Annika!" He said, finally catching up to her.
"Yes your highness." She said, keeping her gaze locked to the floor.
"Please forgive me of my thoughtless words."
"There is nothing to forgive. We must return."
"Wait." Florian stated. "I had just forgotten you were a servant, for a while, you were a friend."
"And now that I am once again a servant, I am no longer your friend, correct?"
"No! That isn't it. It's just...my father would never approve of a friendship with a servant maiden. I am to be kind to them yes, but to be a friend to them, that would mean they are my equal." Annika looked to her side. Frustrated that the situation was not becoming easier, Florian ran his fingers through his hair. "Annika, please understand, I must do as I am expected."
Annika nodded, "I know. I know." She sighed. "Please remember me as a friend though, not a servant. Please?"
"Of course." Annika nodded.
"Come then, your family will be worried." Annika led him back to the house, and then moved to enter through the servant's corridors. She heard Florian apologize for his absence and Annika returned to her room to finish the dress. A little while later, she heard the Royal's leaving the home, and Annika sighed. She walked to the window and whispered into the night air. "Goodbye Florian, my friend, not my prince."
A/n: Please review, school work is bogging me down and I need something to make me smile.