Well, that was a nice stroll through the town. As much as he tried, he didn’t really learn anything about me. Pretending to be a timid and shy girl worked well, I’ll keep this in mind it might come in handy in the future. As I entered the villa. Servants and maids are rushing from left to right and right to left. This special visitor must be important. I could look around some more. Richard did mention something about his family serving the nobility here after all. He should be able to find me. If not, I’ll sneak out when I’m bored and find his ass.

“You. What are you doing?” Oh, her uniform is different. More dignified in a way. I’m just going to assume that she is the head-maid. “Never-mind we have no time to waste. Follow me quickly. I do need a pair of empty hands. And your face, it shall do.” What’s this about my face? “Your hair is a mess, here take this ribbon and tie it up.” I do as I’m told.

Being surrounded by civilization and people is refreshing. Especially when they’re not trying to take my head. Following her through a maze of corridors I find myself rather excited. “Take this tray. Serve the tea to Lord Henry and his guest. Do not embarrass us. Don’t speak unless spoken to and after you’re done serving the tea, return to my side and await further orders.”

“Yes ma’m.” She knocked twice.

“Enter.” As we entered through the door and into a spacious room. I glanced over to the head-maid and she nodded. I slowly approached the two men who were seated and poured the tea. This is my first time pouring liquid from such an oddly shaped container into another odd but smaller container. I may or may not have fidgeted.

“You don’t have to be nervous. I won’t eat you.” The man smiled charmingly.

“Lord Henry this is no time for humour. You must comply and deliver.” The head-maid gestured to me, I retreated to her side and copied her posture. There were many other maids who stood idly by along the wall like decoration. I guess this Henry guy has a thing for beautiful women.

“And what of your word? It has been months and yet the Holy-Maiden is still far to occupied to heal Cecily.”

“Lord Henry, there is no need to raise your voice. I am but a mere messenger for his holiness the king. Listen, you focus on what you need to do. Draft more soldiers from your territory and send them over. If we find them to be of able-bodied men. I’m sure the king would be pleased and arrange for the Holy-Maiden to assist you.”

“And what if Cecily is dead by then!? As the days pass, her strength leaves her. The leaves on the branch are falling! How much longer must I give in to your demands and receive nothing in return!?”

“Henry. My dear friend. The day has been long, and I am hungry. Would you prepare your guest a meal?”

“You!?” Lord Henry slammed the table. This Cecily person must be important to him huh?

“Henry, may I remind you that I am here on behalf of the king, this anger of yours. Shall I relay it back to him?”

“Hmph. Fine. Olivia, tell the kitchen to prepare a feast.” She doesn’t reply, she simply nods and gestured to me to follow.

“I will personally inform the kitchen. You, I want you to prepare the dining room. Have others help you if you need it. Now go.” I copied her previous expressions, nodding before leaving. I hope this is the correct direction. Well, she isn’t saying anything, so I guess it is. The moment she was out of sight, I relayed the same orders over to another maid. However, I excluded the part concerning me.

As I walked the halls I couldn’t help but hear a melody of sorts. It’s not everyday I get to hear music. Curiosity piqued, I followed the sounds into a bedroom filled with dolls. Cats, Dogs, Rabbits and human sized dolls decorated the empty-room. Closing the door behind, I entered and examined the device. It was a small golden trinket box. How fascinating.

“It’s called a music box.” Startled, I nearly went for my blade, but upon further observation. It was just a girl. Her skin was ghostly-pale, and her eyes were discoloured. If she hadn’t spoken I would have mistaken her for a doll.

“May I ask, for what you are in my room? I do not recall ringing my bell.” This must be Cecily? As I examined further, her body looked frail. “Are you new? As you can see I am sick. It’s best that you don’t come to close. Even the best doctors can’t help me.”

“But the Holy-Maiden can?”

“Yes, that is what I’ve been told, but she is far to busy to travel such a distance for a someone like me.” The look in her eyes, it makes my heart ache. I won’t turn a blind eye to this. Another person indebted to me will help me in the long run anyways. Especially when it’s the Lord’s daughter.

“I’ll help you.” There was no change in her expression. “I am going to pray for you and I want you to pray with me.” Has she given up? “Okay?”

“It’s impossible. Without the-” I interrupt.

“Shut up and let me prove you wrong.”

“Okay.” her voice squeeked.

“I’m sorry about this, but I need you to sit up and place your hands together.” I assist her in getting up. Her eyes are weary, is she about to faint? I invoked my blessing. The music box continued to fill the room; the afternoon sun entered through the window, and the vibrant light gently fell from my hands to hers. Her eyes widened as she watched.

“It’s beautiful.” She whispered,

“Hug it, it will make you feel better.” She does so. Her complexion brightened up and life returned to her. I made to look into her eyes, but Cecily suddenly jumped at me and gave me the tightest hug her body could. “Thank you.” Tears of joy? “As you may already know, I am Cecily Vilax. What is your name?”

“De-” I stopped myself.

“De?

“Beth- Bethany. I am without a family name.”

“An orphan? Well, I cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done for me. Tell me, what do you want in return? I will talk to daddy.” Her chest puffed up proudly, but I saw the swelling of joyful tears.

“There is but one thing I want, I want to have friends.”

“Actually, now that I think about it. Why are you working as a maid when you have such a power?”

“It is precisely because of this ability of mine that I am unable to have friends. People think of me as a monster.”

“They consider you a witch?”

“Yes.”

“Well, Bethany. I consider you my saviour.” Cecily jumped out of bed and urged me into her wardrobe. Here, she took the uniform off and dressed me in one of her dresses. A frilly black dress with gloves and boots that were equally long in length. During this, I think I felt joy as my cheeks tingled. However, as much as I’d very much like to continue enjoying this, my strength left me. I became Cecily’s Doll for a while.