Chapter Text
The swishing of fancy gowns, the stiff clack of the wooden sole shoes, the smell of painted faces and cherry wine all belong to the world on the other side of the looking glass. The voices of the elite (strangers) milling chorting, but then ruined by the shrill voice of the bird-like, head maid coming behind me.
Camil! You foolish girl what are you doing? Get back to work and don't let me see you slacking off again, or you will be sent to help the stable boys mend the horse’s”
Suddenly I feel the weight of the ceramic basin dragging my hands down as if trying to sink me to the floor. The weight of my reality comes crashing in. That's right, I'm here for work. I'm lucky to have a job as a maid for the Mineta Barons. How could I be anything else with a name like Camel? My mother couldn't even bother to give me a beautiful name like Rose or Aurora but no,I'm a Camel. Dejectedly I look up at her. above her beak-like nose into her harsh unnerving cold brown eye’s “Yes Ms.Burkeadly.”
“Goodness what am I ever to do with you girl off you get. There's a line for washing: don't let the guest see you now.”
With the now cold water in the blue and white ceramic basin in my hands I take off to the red oak back wall as fast as my worn leather shoes can take me. That's right a maid should not be seen by the nobility for she is an eye sore unworthy of basking in their eyesight. I'm about to round the bend to the hall when I stop dead in my tracks. The Lord of the Mineta house is arguing with the most handsome nobleman I have ever seen. I go to duck behind the drapes.
Suddenly the unknown handsome noble gancles up for just a second. His soft black eyes stare into mine as if he intends to learn everything about my very soul from this moment. I should be terrified, but I'm not. I'm drawn to it like a moth to candle flame. He breaks the connection first. Looks back at the Lord Mineta who is still speaking his piece. The stranger places his hand on his shoulder and speaks gruffly but full of power.
“Now Mineta I do believe it's time we get back to the celebration, not everyday a lord's heir turns 7. We have talked long enough for one evening we can finish this discussion at my summer villa another time. Be on the lookout for my post.”
Lord Mineta looks likes he's practically foaming at the mouth and turns to walk away and head back to the main room.
”Ahh quite right you are Marquess Awizawa. Come now I must introduce you to my darling wife Abigail. She is as soft as a fir tree but sweet as a peach.”
“I would like a moment alone to admire your paintings. You go on ahead, I will catch up.”
“Ahh there, quite nice by some unknown fellow Michale. I think it was "I shall give you a moment and look forward to seeing you inside.”
I hold my breath sinking further into the wall behind me. As Lord Mineta passes by my hiding place. I'm frightened. I know I should come out of hiding and face the truth that I was caught by the handso-no the Marquess Awizawa. I can't seem to get my feet to move as I try it's like nails are holding my feet in place. It's painful not doing what I'm supposed to do, come out of hiding and beg for forgiveness. For I know it will be even more painful to look at those captiviting eyes again the ones that know my deepest darkest secrets without my permission.
“He is gone now, no need to worry little maid. You shall face no punishment from me or others for this moment.”
It's like the nails are removed painlessly, the weight of gravity off my shoulders even. I step out behind the drapes and fully take him in. His long black hair half woven into intricate braids with silver rings, frame his v shaped face perfectly. I have to catch my breath as I purposefully avoid his eyes. I look down and see his perfectly tailored robes of emerald green and silver embroidery. I try to open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out standing there under the candle light and the paintings of monsters, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters and the most sinful of them all Succubi. Lost in the moment of my own stupidity. I didn't notice him getting closer or his face turning to a soft hurt smile as if he forgot how to smile. He reaches out a hand and brushes my cheek. Startled, I looked at him again. Self condensely chuckling interrupts my confusion
“ Becarfull wear and how you look, at others little maid too many powerful men would love to destroy that nativity so apparent in your face.”He removes his hand and I am saddened at the loss of warmth
.’But not you I say” breathlessly
“I would love nothing more, little maid your moss collared eyes hazel green hair make me want nothing more” he says foundly quick as lighting his eyes flash red and he says darkly before storming off down the hall.
“I will not danm another no matter how tempting.”
Standing there in the hall dazed and confused, my eyes follow Marquess Awizawa until he is out of site in the ballroom. I feel some cold water spill on my feet, waking me up from my daze. Oh no the water was like ice I need to refill it hopefully Ms.Burkely won't notice. With one last look at the paintings my eyes linger on the succubus feeling as if part of my soul was sucked out. I rushed down the hall back to the kitchen to get fresh warm water.
The rest of the evening is filled with the echo of high pitched laughter, the rhythmic footsteps of people dancing the the popping of the champang. I can't help but feel so lost. Just a moment ago i was so enchanted by the world on the other side of the looking glass i was drawn to it like a moth to a flame but now, after meeting Marquess Awizawa I can't help but feel empty.
“I wonder why that is?”
“What was that?”
“Oops sorry. I was thinking out loud my apologies” I say as I hurry up folding the drying towels for the laundry maids.
“Goodness she is so weird.”
“You're telling me I have no idea why Ms.Burkely hasn't fired her already.”
“I hear its because she has some sob story being the only one of able body to work after her mothers husband passed away.”
I can't stand this, don't they know I can hear them. Why did my mother give me such a ugly name? If I had a pretty name people would notice me more and be kinder to me I'm sure of it. Marcuss Awizawa was kind to me and he seemed to notice all about me more than I see in myself. No stop, that brain now is not the time I need to finish my chores so I can go to bed.