The Shifty Servants | Maria Christine

The Shifty Servants

A story of the true valor of women.

Fast-Paced, Situational Humor, Swordplay, Short Novella

(Excerpt)

Chapter One

“Ah, the view of the castle is grand from here, isn’t it, Ava?”

“Yes, Simone,” Ava replied. “And it’s so peaceful here in our spot under the trees.”

A third woman, Cosette, suddenly stood in a panic. The three women had been taking a much-needed break from their duties serving the queen. “It’s time to get back!” she cried. “Her majesty will have our heads!”

The women ran to the castle as fast as their cumbersome dresses would allow. They rushed to the castle past ovens stuffed with seasoned meats and chimneys billowing the smoky aroma of supper soon to be served. They hurried through a door to the hot kitchen filled with the pleasing scents of rye, honey, and sage.

Cosette grabbed her apron and threw it on quickly. “The ball is but hours from now. Not a thing must be out of place!” she warned the others.

“Yes, yes,” Simone agreed. “Everything must be perfect!”

Mistress Ava darted out of the kitchen and swiftly up the staircase to prepare the queen’s clothing.

Queen Geneva had a sizeable army, but a moderate troupe of servants. She trusted very few people and preferred to keep in her employ only what help was required to keep order. Of these, Simone, Cosette, and Ava were the most trusted in the queen’s service. Cosette was head cook; Simone was head housemaid; and Ava was the queen’s personal mistress-in-waiting. But they were also charged with keeping order amongst the lower-ranking domestics and with keeping her majesty abreast of the goings-on about the castle.

This was to be the night of the queen’s ball, and the ruler of Dread Kingdom was the first and most important invited guest. Although the fearsome king’s presence was recognized throughout the realm, it was not customary for him to make appearances. Unless, of course, it afforded him an opportunity to engage with the lovely Queen Geneva. Even the queen’s three most trusted servants were not privy to certain details of their relationship. But the women firmly suspected that it was of a most romantic nature. And they were determined to find out for certain.

“Mistress!” The queen’s powerful voice pierced the silent upstairs halls just as Ava hurried into her chambers.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she answered.

Queen Geneva turned around in her seat. Her brown hair was sculpted magnificently as always. Her rich, dark skin and eyes were exotic and striking. She was quite beautiful, but a force to be reckoned with. “Oh, there you are,” she said snidely. “Finally.”

Ava walked into the queen’s wardrobe and searched for the perfect evening gown and velvet slippers. The king has never seen her in this one, she remarked to herself. It was perfect.

“Yes, Mistress, you have done it again,” said the queen. “It is marvelous! Red wine and gold. He will melt with desire.”

Ava’s eyes grew wide upon hearing that remark, but the queen didn’t notice. The servant tightened her lips and smiled as she prepared the perfumes and oils for the queen’s bath. She knocked a bottle to the floor, but Queen Geneva didn’t notice that either. She stood at the mirror holding the dress up to herself and smiling seductively. Ava was tickled by this. She could hardly wait to speak with Simone and Cosette.

Chapter Two

As the sun made its evening descent, the bard began to play, and guests to arrive. This night, the queen gave specific orders that her three chief servants pay particular attention to the needs of the king and his company. Dressed in their finest gowns, as was customary for all attending the queen’s parties, Ava, Simone and Cosette anxiously awaited the arrival of the king and the Dread Knights.

“I hope there will be a fine young gentleman,” said Simone, the younger of the trio.

“Even better to have three fine young gentlemen,” Cosette corrected.

“I prefer mine a little bit older,” said Ava. “Dark and distinguished, like a very fine wine.” Her mind drifted away for several moments and upon return she noticed the eyes of the other two women fixed conspicuously upon her.

Cosette didn’t blink, but raised a brow. Then Simone touched her arm. “Maybe we can get close enough to acquire some interesting information,” she whispered.

“We’re not courtesans,” whispered Cosette. “How close do you expect us to get?”

“Close enough to glean any details about King Dominicus and our queen,” said Simone with dreamy eyes. “I am certain it is a forbidden, whirlwind romance.”

“You are such a romantic,” said Cosette. “You read too much poetry.”

“Possibly,” said Simone. “But I just can’t help it. The king is so dark and handsome, and the queen is beautiful and headstrong… I just know he is sweeping her off her feet.”

“Well, I must be a romantic too, because I do agree,” Cosette admitted, her voice lowering to even more of a whisper. “And the other royals and nobles are afraid of the formidable king. His wrath is legend. They avoid association with him at any cost. I believe that is the reason for her secrecy.”

“Ah, yes,” Simone sighed. “But love is love is love…”

Ava suddenly cleared her throat to alert the others of another’s presence. “My lady,” she said to the approaching woman with a gentle curtsy. She thought it strange that this particular woman would come to speak to them. “Is anything the matter?” asked Ava.

Cosette straightened her back. “Yes, Lady Hilda, may we be of service?”

Lady Hilda was a guest of noble blood. She’d been on previous visits to the castle, as it had been suggested to Queen Geneva that she would be a suitable lady-in-waiting. But Queen Geneva was never impressed by bloodlines and station. She surrounded herself with staff of her personal selection. The older woman felt slighted and made no secret of it from the younger ladies, who largely ignored her snide remarks and entitled manner. Hilda also felt a twinge of jealousy whenever she saw them. She begrudgingly admired Cosette’s fair hair and eyes, and Simone’s flawless skin and slenderness. But she equally admired Ava’s more-shapely figure, warm tan complexion, and dark exotic features. It made her physically ill.

“Actually, I do have a reason for bothering with—” Hilda deliberately swallowed before continuing, “the likes of you.”

Ava and Simone tried to conceal their dismay at the insult, but Cosette glared patently at the woman.

Hilda smirked proudly, “I want to warn you about the knights of Dread,” she said. “They are accustomed to women of class and sophistication attending to their needs. One hopes they will not be disappointed when they arrive. The knights of Dread are quite infamously ill-tempered.”

Cosette was imploding inside and Hilda knew it. She grinned satisfactorily and sauntered away.

Ava and Simone held Cosette back. She was moments from going after the woman when the musicians suddenly halted their song. An announcement was made of the arrival of King Dominicus.

The ruler of Dread Kingdom, dressed regally in black silk and velvet, was foreboding and marvelous. His skin was ivory. His hair was long and dark and several strands glistened like threads of pure silver. His eyes, piercing gray pools, were fixed on the queen. As the crowd parted, the king moved toward her.

Ava, Simone and Cosette noticed his provocative and flirtatious grin. And they weren’t alone. His menacing, yet alluring presence unintentionally seduced a great number of the queen’s guests and they hardly missed a move he made.

Queen Geneva rose from the throne and walked gingerly down the carpeted staircase to greet the great king. As she stood before him, the three servants took careful note of their every move. The queen and king stared at each other for several moments. Then he took her hand to his lips. Everyone else kneeled and bowed. His eyes never left hers for a moment.

Ava whispered quietly to her cohorts, “Brilliant.”

They nodded silently in agreement.

King Dominicus then escorted her majesty to the courtyard where the ball would officially begin. The music resumed.

Simone turned to Ava and Cosette. “Until they left, I couldn’t draw a single breath!”

“Nor could I,” said Cosette.

Ava was a bit flushed as her eyes followed the couple. “He is a beautiful king—isn’t he?”

“Hush—” the others warned.

A tall, dark, shadow fell over Ava.

“I see you have quite an interest in my brother and your queen,” said a man.

Ava turned quickly and curtsied before Prince Alucio. “Your Highness,” she said with more urgency than she’d meant to.

He smiled and placed his hand gently under her chin, guiding her back up to him. “You needn’t bow to me, dear lady,” he said before kissing her hand.

She did not hear him at first because she was taken by his striking eyes and soft pouting lips. “My deepest apologies, Your Highness, I didn’t mean to stare—I’ve forgotten my place.”

“Calm, sweet woman. And you don’t have to call me Your Highness, either,” he grinned.

“But Your–” She stopped herself before continuing. “I am but a servant. I have no place…”

“And I am but a man,” he insisted. “And I wish you would address me less formally.”

“But the king…” she worried aloud.

“I am not the king,” said Alucio. “And he does not dictate who I should and should not speak to. Do you understand?”

The way his lips curved into a winsome grin spoke to Ava with even more persuasion than his words. “Yes,” she said.

“Good. Then say you’ll join me for a stroll,” he said politely.

“But my instructions are to attend to the needs of the king,” she said.

Alucio sighed and took her hand. “Trust me when I say that the king’s needs are quite met, and that it would benefit him greatly if he was left alone to enjoy them.”

She understood his meaning. And after all, she and the others had also been instructed to attend the king’s company. She would hesitate no more.

As mistress Ava left with her arm linked to his, her two comrades watched. They stood at their places in view of the king and queen but glared wickedly at Ava.

“How dare she leave us?” Cosette huffed.

Simone’s eyes narrowed. “She left without a single word to us! And what does she think she’s doing with the prince?”

“I knew we could never trust her,” said Cosette. “Leaving us to work while she flirts shamelessly with the king’s brother.”

When they turned around and were immediately greeted by two of the king’s knights, Sir Lazander and Sir Erec. For the first time in their lives, they were speechless—until the men asked them to dance. Simone eagerly accepted the request of Sir Erec and she hurried him to the dance floor. But Cosette was a little more reserved.

“Well, one dance would be all right, I suppose. Yes,” she said plainly.

Sir Lazander bowed to her with a perceptive grin and took her hand.

Chapter Three

Ava and Prince Alucio took a long walk along the stream and through the gardens. They spoke of the weather and of their shared thoughts on the cosmos and the world around them. They spoke of their pasts, the present, and what they hoped for the future.

Eventually their path led them into the woods. They arrived at a beautiful glen with stone benches and a fountain in the center. Ava felt comfortable with Alucio, but there was still a part of her that warned against this lengthy time alone. She worried not of him, but of judgment by her queen. The prince sensed this.

He led her to a bench and they watched as bluebirds drank from the fountain. “You’ve no reason to be nervous,” said the prince. “I must let you in on a secret. My brother is madly in love with your queen, and she is in love with him.”

Ava was taken aback by his sudden disclosure. She laughed to herself.

“You knew this?” asked Alucio.

“I suspected,” said Ava with a smile.

“Dominicus does not care what the self-absorbed nobles think or say. Regardless of their station, most of them are the lowest of the low in terms of humanity. He is discreet because the queen wishes it.”

Ava began to realize that the stories of the House of Dread were probably more speculation than fact. The king and his brother seemed less sinister than the legends had portrayed. But she was still certain that broadmindedness should not be mistaken for patience or weakness. “That is quite chivalrous of His Highness,” she said. “And beautiful.” She stood and continued along the path. Alucio followed.

“I do not suppose many men would be as understanding,” said Ava.

Alucio walked with his hands held comfortably behind his back. “The men of our family have always been loyal and understanding of our women,” he said.

Ava stopped and turned to him as he spoke.

“Women are fascinating and passionate creatures,” he said, “and we do not take their love for granted.”

Alucio placed his hands on either side of her face and looked on her gently as if memorizing her eyes. She relaxed into his caress and closed her eyes wantonly. He then kissed her sweetly on the lips, and then slowly broke away. “I am sorry, Ava. I had no right to do that.”

She’d wanted his kiss, but she could see that the prince was genuinely embarrassed. She had to do something. So, she turned her back to him. “It’s not your fault,” she said dramatically. “It’s a curse.”

He was puzzled. “What do you mean?” he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to face him. “My beauty,” she said. “It’s a wonder you’ve resisted so long.” She said this with such seriousness that he was momentarily stammered.

Suddenly she began to laugh, and he realized that she’d been facetious in order to set him more at ease. He smiled. “Ava, you are truly remarkable. But never doubt your beauty. I have never desired a woman more.”

Ava knew that if she ever committed her virtue, it would be to this man. And it was getting exceedingly difficult to resist his charms. To his surprise, she hiked her dress and stepped up onto a stone bench. Then she pulled the tall man closer. She took his head into her hands and kissed him back, and with such urgency that could only lead to much more. He gladly accepted this offering and then moved his mouth to her neck, tasting her, exciting her. She began to burn with desire. She closed her eyes and moaned softly, whispering into the wind, “heaven help me.”

“Geneva.”

“Yes, Dominicus?”

“Do you think that anyone knows about us yet?”

“Oh my, yes,” she said quietly. “My three most loyal servants have an idea and are falling all over themselves to find out the truth.”

“I wonder where they are, anyway. They have been assigned to serve you tonight,” she said.

He laughed. “I suspect they are attending my company. My brother and knights noticed them immediately as we arrived.”

“But they are servants,” said the queen.

“And who are we to judge the love of another?” he asked.

The queen agreed. “You are right, my loving king.”

“Loving is a term only used by you to describe me,” he said.

“Because only I see the truth,” said Geneva. “If everyone else would only be kinder instead of provoking you, they too would see what I see.”

“Are you trying to charm me?” he asked.

“Is it working?” she replied.

“Better than you might think,” he said.

Chapter Four

Darkness had fallen and a full moon was high. It had been a joyful night. Guests had enjoyed music, dancing, and a terrific supper. Soon, it was time for the queen’s favorite game, the passing of the rose. The game took place in the courtyard, which was decorated with thousands of roses and lit by torches. The unmarried women and the most eligible bachelors, apart from the king, were to participate. Each woman was given a rose of a different color. The men, including the prince of Dread Kingdom, were to choose a rose, while blindfolded, and then remove the blindfold and choose any lady whose rose matched the color of his own. The couple would be dancing partners for the remainder of the evening.

Simone was delighted when Sir Erec chose a rose that matched her own and then chose her as his partner. Cosette was also as fortunate, but Ava was not. Her rose was red, and Prince Alucio had chosen yellow. He shot her a sad glance and she smiled to herself. But then he gave her a wink that told her he was up to something mischievous. He went to a certain lady whose rose matched his own while Ava looked on. He stood behind the woman and brought his hand around to her front, offering her the rose in a romantic fashion. “May I have this dance, Lady Hilda?” said the prince.

The older lady smiled wide. She was thrilled that she had been chosen by one of the handsome bachelors. But when she turned to see the fearsome prince, she couldn’t contain her shock and let out an obvious yelp. She covered her mouth as if she could retract the noise, and he grinned roguishly. As afraid as she was, she had no choice but to dance with the prince, and he would thoroughly enjoy taking advantage of her plight. The older woman blushed terribly as he dipped her much as he would a lover, and whispered something wicked in her ear. Ava, the other servants, and even the king and queen took noticeable pleasure in Hilda’s apparent unease.

Throughout the night, as Ava danced with a young, would-be suitor, she and Alucio shared many affectionate gazes, and Alucio even playfully shot menacing looks at her dance partner which humored her tremendously. The young man, who never noticed the prince’s threatening glares, had occasion to ask her what was making her giggle. She simply said she was having the time of her life.

At the evening’s close, the other guests had gone, and the women said woeful goodbyes to the men of Dread Kingdom. Prince Alucio kissed Ava’s hand and said softly, “I would see you again, if you’ll let me.”

“As soon as fate allows, Your Highness,” said Ava with a smile.

Prince Alucio gave her a sideways look and a grin. Her return to formality was due to the presence of the queen and king. Reluctantly, he turned to leave.

But before the king and prince could exit, a message was delivered hurriedly to the king. “It is most urgent, Your Majesty,” said the kneeling messenger.

King Dominicus began to read the letter. His eyes became dark, but his look was otherwise emotionless. The servants became nervous, but the king said nothing. He then smiled at the queen and nodded his head as a second farewell. As the men took their leave, the mood was unsettling and cold. All of the women were left quite troubled.

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