Hard Work

CHAPTER EIGHT

~Ariee~

Breakfast was served at exactly 8am the next day.

I thought I would have to wage a war to get Fiona out of bed but for some reason, she was really cooperative today. She woke up on her own right after I prepared her bath. I seized the opportunity to select hger outfit for the day before she turned the room upside down.

It was a simple floral dress that rested perfectly on her mid-thighs. The jewelry was really simple and I could see all the complaints in her eyes but she wore it anyway. I styled her hair in a neat bun and helped her into the flats.

After ensuring she was comfortable, I ushered her downstairs. The delicious smell of pastries made my stomach grumble. The table was already set with assorted kind of dishes. A few of the other women were already seated, idly chatting with one another. Judging from their dressing, it was obvious they were prepared to slay for twenty-four hours straight.

A little smile tugged at the corner of my lips. It was really nice to see them put effort into achieving their goals.

Their gazes lifted as we approached them. I watched the smile fade from their faces into sharp piercing looks. I let out a sigh.

I guess it can’t be helped.

I pulled out one of the seats for Fiona.

“My ladfy,” I gestured at her to sit but she walked past me. I blinked, following her movements until she got to the head of the table.

Her lips curled, her fingers brushing the carved patterns on the chair gently. “This seat is more befitting for me, don’t you think?”

My jaw dropped in shcck and at the same times, angry fists slammed on the table. The women who were already seated sprang to their feet in anger.

Oh Fiona! I groaned inwardly.

“What exactly is your problem?” A blonde fired, her grey eyes burning with rage. “Did you get out of bed with the intention of pissing us off?” The other women gritted in support of her words. Fiona snorted, casually drawing the chair.

“You really think I'd give up my beauty sleep to battle mediocrity? Pleaseeee…” she drawled, lowering into the seat. She leaned back, crossing her legs as she fearlessly matched their raging. I could already feel the heat creeping on me. Dread pooled in my stomach.

She seemed hell bent on creating enemies.

“We got here first and none of us thought of sitting down here. What if an official decides to join us for breakfast? Or do think we are stupid?” A dark-haired woman fired. Another dazzling beauty that had me lost in staring for a moment.

Or at least I thought I was until Fiona’s next words rolled out of her tongue. “That’s right. I think you are all idiots. What are you going to do about it?”

They were about to snap when more people arrived. They were forced to sit back in their seats but they didn’t stop glaring at Fiona. Ilet out a breath I was holding in. As a maid, I was expoecred to join the rest of the maids to eat.

Fortunately for me, I spotted our personal maid, walking off with some maids in the opposite direction. I didn't think twice before running over to her. Her cold eyes darted to me briefly as I joined her side but she said nothing.

“Hi,” I decided to extend the olive branch. ‘My name is Ariee, as you already know. What’s yours?’ I asked politely. She glanced at me again, as if deciding whether to answer me or not.

“Zee.” Came a one word response. My eyes widened. I really didn’t expect her to answer me, even though I asked. A smile played on my lips. A strange sense of warmth spread in my chest. Why did just getting a name make me so happy? I wasn’t really sure but it felt good.

She stopped infront of a door, allowing the buzz from inside to fill our ears. The laughter, cheers, chattering cutlery rolled in deep, lighting every nerve inside me. Zee opened the door, revealing the chaos inside.

Maids crowded long wooden tables, some already halfway through their meals, others arguing over portions, laughing, complaining—living. It was loud, messy… normal.

For a second, I just stood there.

Zee nudged my arm as she walked past me. “Don’t block the door.”

“Oh—right,” I muttered, quickly stepping in.

The smell alone nearly made me dizzy. Fresh bread, stew, roasted meat… my stomach twisted painfully, reminding me I hadn’t eaten properly in—well, I couldn’t even remember.

Zee grabbed a plate without hesitation, moving like she belonged here. I tried to copy her, picking up a plate and following the line. My hands were steady, but my mind… not so much.

Once I got my share, I scanned the room for a place to sit. Every table was packed. Of course it was. Zee had already found a spot at the far end, sitting with two other maids who barely spared me a glance. I hesitated for half a second before walking over.

“Can I—?”

“Sit,” Zee cut in before I could finish.

I blinked, then quickly lowered myself onto the bench beside her. “Thanks.”

She didn’t respond. I really didn’t mind.

I picked up a piece of bread, taking a cautious bite—and nearly groaned out loud.

Oh. This was heaven.

I ate faster than I should have, trying to keep my manners in check but failing miserably. No one seemed to care anyway.

“New girl,” one of the maids across from me said suddenly. I froze mid-bite. Her eyes swept over me, sharp and assessing. “You're with that arrogant brunnette wolf, aren’t you?”

The statement drew the attention of some of the other maids.

“Ah yes, Zee was unforunate enough to get assigned to her. Tell us, what is she like?” Another chirped in. “She’s giving you a hard time, isn’t she?”

I glanced curiously at Zee, wondering what she was going say. Honestly, if she spoke bad about Fiona, I wouldn’t blame her. It was nothing but the truth. Zee silently brought the mug to her lips, taking a sip of her tea, as if more than twenty pairs of eyes were not on her.

Honestly, I envy how confident and relaxed she is. Nothing seems to faze her.

“My mistress is not half as terrible as you think,” I started quietly. “She is just a blunt and straightforward person. She is not afraid to speak what others would hide in their thoughts. Those kind of people are always the most genuine, don’t you think?”

I smiled at them and they… just stared, perplexed by my words. I took a sip of my tea, allowing them to process the words.

“I… I honestly didn’t see it that way,” One muttered.

“She seemed rather thoughtless and arrogant to me,” another mused. “but it would great if she could refrain from saying certain things sometimes. It could land her in trouble.”

“Thanks,” My smile brightened. “I'll relay the information to her.”

As the room fell into idle chatter again, Zee spoke silently beside me. “You are working really hard… but you know rebranding her public image isn’t going to be enough, right?”

I glanced at her but her gaze remained on her food.

“I hope she pays you enough for the amount of work you are about to put in.”

I let out a sigh, taking a big bite of my bread.

I didn’t even want to think about my supposed salary.