“Mary, are you sure?” May asked, glancing at her as she scrubbed the floor.

Mary hesitated. “I just… I don’t want to meet anyone from that kingdom,” she admitted quietly.

May paused, searching Mary’s face. “Mary, I don’t understand. You can’t let the actions of one man tarnish your view of an entire kingdom.”

Mary sighed, her slender fingers gripping the cleaning cloth tightly. Her thoughts twisted and turned. Most of the maids here had difficult pasts — some came from abusive families, others from noble households. When she first arrived, she had shared her story: a loveless and abusive marriage that left scars she still carried.

“I know, May,” she whispered, voice barely above a breath. “But it’s just… these feelings I can’t shake.”

“Which family did you serve before?” May asked gently.

“It was… the Embirline family,” Mary replied. “But my husband was a duke’s assistant… so people know him.”

“Mary… was he a fallen noble?” May asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“Of course not,” Mary said firmly.

“So why are you so scared?”

“I’m not scared… it’s just that a young lord’s servant might recognize me. We don’t know which family he comes from, so you never know.”

May shook her head, frowning slightly. “I don’t understand. No one has that kind of power like our master.”

“I know… but can you just go, please? Meg will be there with you — you won’t be bored,” Mary said, her voice soft and a little pleading.

May’s smile widened, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. “Fine… but you owe me. And I’ll introduce you to James,” she teased.

Mary chuckled softly. “Fine, I’ll go with you. And… thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“Yes, I know,” May replied, grinning. “Now go. The lady must be waiting. And when you see her, tell her Mary will be there shortly. We wouldn’t want her thinking you’ve vanished.”

“Got it!” May exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious as she darted down the hallway. “Oh, and Mary — our master mentioned we should clean the corridor too. You can take care of it!”

Mary’s smile lingered as she watched May disappear,