Hello to anyone who's reading! Here's the next chapter...

Callista had just finished the last of the windows in the parlour when she heard a carriage come up the drive. She peeked out the window and saw Adrianna step out of the carriage, followed by Mary who was looking pleased for some reason. Callista made her way down to the kitchen to help with dinner and had just pulled an apron over her head when a servant, Caleb came running in. His face was flushed and he looked terrifed. Maia pushed him into a chair as Callista pumped some water into a cup and gave it to the boy. He took it and drank while Callista asked him what was wrong."L-l-lady Adrianna wants t-to see everyone in the parlour after dinna" he stammered.
"Did she say why?" Callista asked. Were they in trouble? She didn't remember doing anything wrong.
"Nay, milady. She and Mistress Mary was just sittin' there, an' they was, was smiling" He closed his eyes for a moment and shuddered at the thought. Callista bit her lip to keep herself from laughing. She glanced at Maia. Maia was clutching the chair and her face was all red from holding her laughter. To think, Adrianna and Mary could scare a teenage boy just by smiling at him. Callista wondered what had made them happy, so much that they would smile at servants. Maybe the prince has turned into a frog and they've been told that Mary would be a perfect match for him? Callista thought. "Milady?" Callista blinked and realised Caleb had been talking. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" she said politely.
" 'Scuse me for bein' so bold, milady, but shouldn't you go an' attend to Lady Adrianna's dinna?" he said tentatively. " It's jus', I dun wanna have to go back to them an' see them smile at me anymore milady. It's frightenin' " Maia gave way to her laughter, trying to disguise it as a cough. Callista did not trust herself to speak so she nodded. Caleb stood and left them while Callista and Maia began preparing dinner.

Maia asked Calista to tell Adrianna that dinner was ready. Callista obliged, only because she knew Maia wouldn't be able to keep a straight face. She walked up to Adrianna's sitting room where Adrianna and Mary were talking quietly.She was amazed to see that what Caleb had said was true, Adrianna and Mary were smiling. The biggest smiles Callista had ever seen on their faces. Anna, she noticed with surprise, was also with them, her head bent over her embroidery but Callista knew she was really trying to hear what her mother and sister were talking about. Callista knocked on the door and gave a small curtsy. "Dinner is ready, my Lady" she said, her eyes downcast, trying to stifle a giggle. Adrianna and Mary swept past her without a word but Anna stayed behind to talk to Callista. "Do you know what day it is tomorrow?" Anna asked.
"What's special about tomorrow?" Callista inquired, though fully aware of whatAnna was talking about.
"Don't you remember what day it is?"
"Uh...market day?" Callista said, her eyes dancing. Anna rolled her eyes.
"Besides that"
"Saturday?" Anna gave an exasperated sigh.
"It's your birthday you dolt!" Anna told her.
"Oh yes, that." Callista said. "Don't worry, I'll probably have a million errands for your mother and sister to busy myself with."
"Hmm..." Anna said thoughtfully.
"You'd better hurry, or you'll miss dinner." Callista said to her as she watched Anna walk towards the dining room, still thinking. Although Callista was glad Anna had remembered, she hoped that Anna would not make a fuss about it. She still enjoyed her birthday of course, receiving small presents from almost everyone she knew (except Adrianna and Mary) but it had never really been the same after her father died. Just as nothing else had ever been the same since she had become a servant. Stop thinking about that! she told herself. You're a servant and there's nothing you'll ever be able to do change that.
But there is, the cold, logical part of her brain told her. You could always leave. Just walk out the door and never come back.
I can't, she argued back I've nowhere else to go and I don't have any money.
You're just making excuses the irrefutable part said you're scared and you know it.
I am not scared! she tried to say, but it was no use, because deep down, Callista knew it was true.

Callista walked into the parlour with Maia and the other servants, curious to know what the big news was. After everyone had assembled in the room Adrianna walked in with Mary in tow. Anna snuck in a side door and stood next to Callista. "As you know," Adrianna began "tomorrow is market day. But it will be a very special market day, as the royal family has decided to meet the people of the lower class" At this point, Adrianna wrinkled her nose, as if the idea repulsed her. "Mary, Anna and I shall, of course be there with their majesties, as the queen has requested our presence." Adrianna gave a triumphant smile and Calliata saw some servants wince at the sight.Oblivious to this, Adrianna continued "I expect all of you to be on your best behaviour and to do nothing that will draw undesireable attention to yourselves. Is that understood? " There was a uniform mumbling of something like that sounded like "yes madame" and satisfied, Adrianna dismissed them and everyone went back to their tasks. As Callista turned to leave, Adrianna called her back. "I'd like a word with you Callista" she said. Callista walked back towards the chairs where Adrianna and Mary were sitting. She looked past them to Anna who shrugged, clearly as ignorant about this as she was. As soon as Callista reached them, she curtseyed. "As you know" Adrianna said," Mary will soon be eighteen and Anna has recently turned sixteen. Soon, they will need their own ladies to wait on them ..." I know where this is going she thought bitterly I really am going to end up as Mary's personal slave "...you will be moved into an adjoining room to Mary, as she will need you more than Anna. You will dress neatly and look presentable at all times. You may not go anywhere without Mary or Anna's leave. Do you understand me?" Callista looked from Adrianna to Mary. "Yes madame." she muttered. "That will be all" Mary said, waving her away. Callista raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She curtseyed and left the room.

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