A/N: Something to note here. Since this is in an alternate universe the palace is based off of the original and for the most part follows though. But for plot reasons locations such as this have been added. Anyways, what you all have been waiting for the curtain to rise. Thanks to Elder-Master for beta.
(Winter Palace: Northern Courtyard)
The winds of winter were hardly kind to the courtyards of the palace. Originally such courtyards were built for the hosting of parties in the fall, early spring and summer seasons. The snow had piled and drifted all around the stone benches and the fountain that sat in the center. Though in the white ebbed crimson and had once again frozen creating a red sheet of ice. None of the servants dare step near it and many of them held their hands over their mouths or huddled close as their tears threatened to freeze to their faces. The first responders had been moved back inside away from the scene as various voids in the snow had formed around their vomit and bile.
Yaya had been the first to take off. Her dark colored vestments stood out as she ran out of the door. Given the dress she was wearing, Chikaru's gait was brisk but not so unbecoming to allow her to run. The latter figured that by now Miyuki was being briefed and would be arriving shortly thereafter. As the two arrived the scene sunk in. The feeling of utter dread and belief had washed over all present. Their eyes pulsed and their jaws quivered as they looked down at the woman. Her life long gone and the winter had taken her. Her eyes glassed over looking up blankly at the morning sky as the wind cut into her frozen flesh.
The servants continued to tremble in fear as their own thoughts wandered to their own safety. For if it could happen to this girl, then, it could happen to any of them. Her servant's uniform was still clean and neatly kept. The deep slice across her throat from 'ear to ear' served as the only refuting point. Her 'life' evident all around them as Yaya knelt before the girl as she pulled the scarf from her head and placed it over the girl's face. She then leaned in and kissed her forehead. "You are with the Lord now, Sarah. And you shall stand before the Savior and He will see your kindness."
"Yaya …" Chikaru stood clearly distressed. Her bravado for all it was worth had evaporated. The same fear pulsed in her eyes as the others, but, she did not waver and held true to her station.
"This poor girl sought Sanctuary and was under the Lord's protection. And still, such a thing." Yaya trailed off as the wind blew once more. The howling breeze nearly muffled the sound of many feet approaching. Miyuki's approach stopped cold when she saw her charge. Yaya's scarf was already turning red and stuck to the young woman's face like a shroud. Miyuki didn't even notice Tsubomi run past or notice the younger nun kneel next to Yaya and begin to offer prayers.
"How … in Her Highness's home …" Miyuki uttered as in surprise as she looked at the young woman before she suddenly snapped into authority. "Bring some burlap!" Miyuki barked as half the servants bolted off happy to leave.
"You will wrap her up like a carcass? She is a human being!" Chikaru seethed at Miyuki her control finally breaking.
"She cannot stay here! I will not summon an undertaker to Her Highness's lawn. As soon as the storm passes I shall have her transported into town. Meanwhile she will be stored in one of the empty pantries." Miyuki passed her order with surprising ease.
"I would expect as much from you. Someone who slithers about in royal linens should be worried about upsetting her master." Chikaru said as her words struck as deep as intended. "Her Highness might not allow you to …" Chikaru's voice broke as she was backhanded. Miyuki's anger was very apparent but the way she looked down at Chikaru, demonstrated that she was not to be crossed.
"I care not for your thoughts of me. But I will not allow your insults. I do what I must." Miyuki said as the servants arrived with a large roll of burlap. "Get her inside quickly. We will seal the pantry door if we must. No one must know about this. All of you are sworn to secrecy." The Matron said as she turned and looked to Chikaru as she glowered at the noble woman.
"Do you not think that word has not reached Her Highness's ears? So this is what you will do? This is how far you will go to ensure that this 'paradise' is not disturbed? I hope that they protect your grave to prevent shameless bitches from pissing on your headstone." Chikaru said as she spat on Miyuki. "You inbred filthy piece of…"
"ENOUGH!" Yaya bellowed. "If either of you wish to continue this insult driven argument then do so away from Tsubomi and myself." Yaya rose from her knees as Tsubomi soon followed. The elder nun looked right into Miyuki's eyes. "You will not prevent this poor soul from gaining the Lord's blessing. You will not treat her like she is carrion and you will not prevent, obstruct or bar her rites. Do you understand Matron? Because if you do not you will soon feel His thunder crashing down upon your head. Are we clear, Matron?" Yaya stated with barely even a single blink.
For her part Miyuki knew not to defy the domain of the Most Holy Synod and more so not to cross Yaya when it came to such matters. With a light sigh the Matron nodded and then turned to head back to the palace. "That is well enough, Sister. I will have someone prepare the items you will need. I will also investigate and get to the bottom of this." Miyuki then turned back. "Furthermore, I will inform Her Highness when it is the right time." Miyuki said as she turned back heading to the palace in truth this time. Her swiftness in finding the culprit the only consideration on her mind as the doors closed out the winds and everything else.