In Disguise

Unknown POV

Princess Ira had stopped immediately in front of me, looking me from head to toe as if her eyes would fall from her head at any second. She crosses her arms over her chest in front of her and squints at me.

“Introduce yourselves, and your servant ranks immediately.” Her eyes stay glued to me, her voice dark and seemingly suspicious. *Had I been found out?* My nerves grow irritated, stressed, and rather sore. Admittedly, I hadn't tried very hard to cover up my identity.... But to be found out before I have even had a *chance* to save Ryu?

“Good day princess, I am Mirelo Gayle. Third tier low rank servant from the laundry quadrant.” He bows softly, before standing tall and firm. “I was hired earlier this week to help prepare for the Ball. This is my… ahem *companion.*” His feminine tone grows softer, fonder even, as he gestures to the small young girl beside him to go ahead. He ushers to her, gently, trying to help her to introduce herself.

“A-ah! Your highness’s! I-I am Ebony.. Ebony Bellion. Also third tier, f-from the laundry quadrant.” She fumbled, seemingly more nervous and stiff than before. Her tone was soft, her cheeks dusted with pink and red from her bashful act. She bows, gracefully. “I have worked for the palace for eighteen years, just as my mother d-did before me.”

*’Eighteen years?!’* I thought, baffled at that information. *’She looks like a **child,** how has she been working in the castle **longer** than me? ’*

A few moments of silence passed between the two princesses, but nobody seemed as shocked as I was. With all eyes in my direction, I slowly realized it was my turn to introduce myself. My heart pounded anxiously, and my palms began to sweat.

With a deep breath and the color drained from my face, I began gracefully speaking. “Your highnesses.” I bow, keeping my upper back as straight as I can. Trying to ease my own tension, and keep my face expressionless. *I can't give myself away.* “I am Morgana, second tier servant of the west wing. I served the empress for many years, before being moved to the west kitchen as a fellow assistant.”

I shook softly, nervous that I would be discovered. As I stood my upper body tall once more, I searched their eyes, watching for the slightest clue of any suspicion. I roughly concentrated on keeping a clean, straight face.

“Madam Elouise, make sure to explain thoroughly the routines and rules for serving the Imperial family directly to the vestal’s new *retinue*.” Princess Calithea sighs dramatically, looking down her nose at us, waving her hand and taking a seat at a tea table in the center of the room. Princess Ira, though obviously still curious about my presence, follows her sister in sitting at the table.

“Yes, your Highnesses.” Elouise kurtsies elegantly, unphased and oblivious. She pours tea into each of the princess’s cups, before turning to face us once more.

“Servants of the Imperial family,” she spoke presently, like teaching a class, “mustn’t commit illegalities towards the Vestal, though she isn’t technically a family member of the bloodline *currently*, she should still be treated as if she were. For someday she *will* be.”

Elouise stands firm, tall and straight faced as she speaks. Her hands interlaced together in front of her, the forefinger of her left hand tapping the top of her right. She paces back and forth softly as she continues to speak.

“Now, in the early mornings we will assist the Vestal in her baths and dressing, as well as cleaning around her room and breakfast area…” her voice trailed on, away from my senses, as my mind began to wander and wonder.

*’What is this woman like, this *vestal*.’* I seriously questioned, tossing newfound questions around in my thoughts.

Had she conned her way here? But she was a princess… meaning she is likely an heiress of a kingdom. The obvious choice for the vestal, to add territory and power to the Empire.

I wonder, is she *beautiful?* Smart, even? She is probably well-educated, as a royal should be. Well-versed in… *romance* and prepared for marriage perhaps?

“Tch. Morgana! Pay attention!” Madam Elouise bops my forehead with her fingertips, immediately bringing me out from the depth of my thoughts. My mouth hangs open for a split second, surprised by her action. I immediately re-poise myself, closing my mouth and straightening my back once more.

“Good. Now, for the Vestal’s new schedule.” She picks up a large book from the table behind her, passing it to Mirelo, who stood between Ebony and myself. “Now, Mirelo, enunciate these steps for our fellow servants to hear.”

He clears his throat, and opens the book to the section marked ‘schedule’, and begins: “Firstly, wake her softly and serve her breakfast. One bread or grain, two fruits, one vegetable, two eggs, one meat, and a large glass of water. No potatoes, no garlic, no nightshades.” He chuckles as he finishes his sentence, earning himself a sharp look from Elouise and Ebony.

“Ahem… my apologies Madam. I found it amusing.” He passes the book back to her with a bashful expression, she holds her hand out in response, before passing it to Ebony.

“Well I hope you have gotten it out of your system, as it isn’t tolerated during your work hours.” She crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow, remaining completely serious. His slight smile slowly fades, as he realizes there will be no playing around with the Madam.

“I-I apologize… *Madam Elouise.*” He flushes, his flowered voice floating lightly through the air as he bowed to her.

“No Need, Mirelo. Just do better next time.” She comments before turning to Ebony, and gesturing towards the book. Mirelo stood as stiff as a plank, frozen, silenced and red.*’TCH, serves him right!’* I think to myself, almost laughing aloud at the idea of this strange man being chastised. I fiddle with the lower edge of my corset, near the base of my spine, as I watch them interact further.


“Now Ebony, do educate us with the details in the next step of the Vestal’s Schedule.” Elouise’s tone softens ever so slightly for some reason, as my eyes fall on Ebony, who seems completely unprepared to speak with an audience.

“Yes.. Madam Elouise.” She flips the page, and clears her throat loudly. “Second, prepare an herbal bubble bath. *D-do not* mix more than five, nor less t-than three herbs into the warm bath. Find a median.” She takes a deep breath, tucking away some of her loose hair as she balances the giant book in one hand.

“Helpful Herbs a-are as follows: Basil, Camomile, or Lavender for their relaxation properties. Lemon balm, Sage, Calendula petals, or E-Elderflower- the cleanse and heal injuries, abrasions, and blood flow. Peppermint, Eucalyptus, or Elderberry for i-illness.” Ebony clears her throat, and flips to the next page. “Be sure to wash thoroughly, with the appropriate attitude and in a timely manner. Once the washing is complete, allow her to rest and soak for 10-15 minutes.”

She looks up at Madam Elouise, with a strange *unreadable* expression. “Madam, some of these Herbs aren’t safe for pregnant women… Am I correct?”

“Yes Ebony, you are correct. Chamomile, Elderberry, and Calendula petals are not safe for expecting mothers.” She calmly explains, interlocking her fingers.

*’Pregnant women? Why in the world would that matter?’* I curiously eye Ebony, wondering where that strange comment came from. Was she asking for herself possibly? Or maybe someone she knew? No. Maybe just out of curiosity.

But then it hit me, and my stomach churned. The fumes became hard to keep from emitting out of my head, and my objection was hard to contain.

*She meant for the **Vestal**.*