He scowled, perplexed by my inquiry.
He raised his eyebrows while surveying my face before speaking. “Are you unaware of my identity?”
“Should I be acquainted with you?” I enquired, regarding the young man with curiosity.
He appeared unfamiliar to me; based on his physique, I would conjecture that he was likely a guard for the Radiant Palace. However, his youthful appearance led me to conclude that he was inexperienced. I have not encountered him previously.
He offered a youthful grin and sheepishly rubbed the palm of his hand against the back of his neck. His unkempt dark hair framed his features, and for a brief moment, he appeared somewhat perplexed.
“I suppose not,” he ultimately remarked following a brief pause. “I am Victor.”
“Greetings, Victor,” I remarked, maintaining a vigilant gaze upon him.
He possessed a reliable visage, yet I remained uncertain about my trust in him. Encounters with genuinely kind individuals around the palace were infrequent. I was fortunate to meet Kylie, but I had no intention of tempting fate again.
“Are you a newly appointed guard for the Radiant Palace?” I enquired.
He paused briefly before responding, appearing somewhat uncertain.
“Indeed, something akin to that,” he replied, gazing at the ground.
Following a brief pause, his gaze locked onto mine as he scrutinised my face again.
“You have been weeping,” he noted.
I sensed my complexion flush as I removed the residual tears from my visage; I had overlooked my weeping, and my face likely appeared swollen.
“I am fine,” I reassured him, stepping back. “I should likely…” I attempted to articulate, but he gently grasped my wrist and positioned my hand within his line of sight.
He gazed at the burn with a mixture of curiosity and concern, his frown intensifying with each passing moment.
“You have sustained injury,” he exhaled. “Allow me to assist you.”
I withdrew my hand from him again and positioned it near my chest.
“It is acceptable, truly,” I reassured him.
“That burn appears quite severe,” he implored. He retrieved a small bottle of ointment from his jacket pocket. I gazed at it in confusion. “I carry this with me everywhere,” he remarked with a slight, lopsided smile. “One can never predict when it will be necessary.”
I scowled.
I was reluctant, yet he appeared resolute. His inherent kindness inspired a desire for trust in me.
With a sigh, I gradually extended my hand to him.
Relief illuminated his face as he delicately grasped my hand and applied the ointment to the burn. The cooling effect alleviated the pain of the burn almost immediately, and some of the redness began to diminish.
“This will assist in the healing of the scars,” he stated softly.
I expressed my gratitude to him, making eye contact.
“You never disclosed your identity,” he reminded me, his smile broadening.
“I introduced myself as Molly.” “The handmaiden of Lady Vera.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Molly.”
…
Several days had elapsed since my meeting with Victor. I have not made a new friend in some time; Kylie was the last individual I befriended during my five years of residence in the palace. However, Victor appeared to be an exceptionally suitable companion.
His demeanour was youthful, evoking a sense of fraternal affection akin to that of a younger sibling. I sometimes wished for a younger brother during my childhood. Regrettably, I was raised as an only child.
“Why are you merely standing there?” Vera’s voice interrupted my contemplation. “My garments will not cleanse themselves.”
I restrained myself from rolling my eyes; she had an abundance of laundry overflowing in a basket in the corner of her room. I offered her my most genuine smile, endeavouring to conceal my irritation.
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied as I seized the basket and exited her chamber.
She was anxious because Jayce was scheduled to visit her room again tonight, a prospect I personally found acceptable. Whenever Jayce was present, I could discreetly exit without being noticed. Vera was engrossed and elated by Jayce’s presence, while Jayce disregarded me; neither acknowledged my departure.
I would utilise that time to enter the kitchen and prepare a meal for myself. This evening, I contemplated preparing a dish to bring to Kylie, as I have not seen her in quite some time. It would be pleasant to share a meal in our former room as we once did.
I regretted not sharing a room with her; frequently, my nights became solitary. Provided that Vera permits me to sleep, that is.
The lavatory was located on the ground floor of the palace, accessible via a lengthy, narrow corridor. It comprised several washboards and clothing hangers, along with a door that provided access to an external area designated for laundry when the weather permitted. The patio comprised several washboards and clotheslines.
Upon rounding the corner, I collided with a rigid surface, causing me to drop the basket and disperse Vera’s garments across the ground as it overturned.
I inhaled sharply as I descended to the floor to retrieve the garments, hoping that no one had witnessed me dropping all of her exquisite gowns.
“Molly?” enquired a familiar voice; I glanced up to find Victor standing there, his eyes wide and vigilant.
He knelt before me and assisted in collecting the clothing, placing them in the basket.
“Victor…” I remarked, relieved that I encountered him rather than a member of royalty. That was the final thing I required at this moment. “I sincerely apologise,” I exhaled.
He astonished me by laughing.
“What is the reason for your apology?” he enquired. “I encountered you.”
“I was walking rapidly and did not notice you around the corner,” I informed him, attempting to suppress my laughter.
“Nor did I,” he remarked as he rose to his feet and extended a hand to assist me in standing.
“Thank you,” I expressed to him, running my fingers through my hair and letting it cascade languidly around my shoulders as I lifted the basket from the ground.
“How is your hand?” he enquired, tilting his head for a clearer view of it.
