HAZELIt’s a new day and what it just means is another day of work for me. And the only thing that is certain about today for me is that I'm sure no one will bully or accost me. I'm also certain that I won't have that many chores to do today, and I'm glad about that, at least.Later on, as I move through the halls, a sense of isolation weighs heavily on my shoulders like a bundle of invisible chains binding me to the shadows and bringing me down.As I pass by the other maids, it is very obvious to me that they are avoiding me and their eyes slide past me as if I'm nothing more than a ghost haunting the corridors of the pack house. They have always avoided me, but it seems that now, they are only making it a point to do so because the taskmaster probably issued them a warning to stay away from me.The whole thing is quite irrelevant to me so I just label it as unnecessary and push it out of my mind, choosing instead to focus on my familiar routine of cleaning, sweeping, and mopping the

HAZELPanic surges through me and a primal instinct deep within me is urging me to flee, but I know that resistance of any form from me would be futile. They outnumber me far too much, and their combined strength surpasses my own too, so it means that I'm powerless to stop them as they drag me out into the hallway while their cruel laughter echoes in my ears like a haunting melody. With each step, the fear that has been lurking at the edges of my consciousness threatens to overwhelm me, but I refuse to give into despair. I square my shoulders as I steel myself for whatever lies ahead, because I'm determined to face my adversaries with dignity, even in the face of their relentless cruelty. But as they push me further down the hallway, their taunts grow louder and more vicious with each passing moment. I can't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over me like a wave. Right now, I'm completely at their mercy because I'm just a pawn in their twisted games of bully and dominance, an

HAZEL The maids I’m passing by are speaking in hushed tones about the embarrassment and humiliation I endured at their hands and as usual, Cathy and Gwen are in the middle of the conversation. As they keep talking about it, the words pierce my heart like daggers and I can't help the pain I feel in that moment.It is at that moment I know — with a sinking feeling of inevitability — that I’m indeed the reason for the King’s return. My altercation with the maids didn’t go unnoticed because someone definitely reported the situation to him, and now, they will have to face the consequences of their actions, whatever that may be. I just hope it’s not something too drastic because I won’t be able to stomach that if it happens. ***Now, I’m alone in my room and I’m completely surrounded by the deafening silence of my thoughts. I wrestle with the weight of the impending visit from the king. I can hear the rest of the people in the pack house buzzing about with excitement and anticipation, an

HAZELI’m going to my room when I hear the commotion. “What is going on?” I see some girls looking out of the window in the corridor and I go and have a look at what they’re immersed in too. The full head of hair lets me know who it is already, and all I can hope is that the king has not come back for me or something like that. The last rejection should have been loud enough for his majesty.I hear him laugh at something and decide that I have already had enough. I have been sleepy for a while, anyway.Leaving the maids behind, I slip into my room, trying my best to block out the sounds of cheer from below. Of course, everyone is happy when the king visits, I think scornfully.Closing the door, I immediately immerse myself in the soft caress of my bed, enjoying the peace I have been looking forward to all day. I need a moment of peace away from the bustling energy of the rest of the pack house.With a tired sigh, I pull my comforter onto the bed, and I feel a small burst of happine

HAZELIt's already dark now, and I'm wondering if I should have spent the night at Ladia's. The way back is empty— sure, it has always been empty, but it looks even more sinister now. And I can hear the low cries of different animals, which I know I won't be strong enough to fight if they come out to me.I hear rustling in the bushes at the front, and no matter how silly I can ever be, I have heard enough stories to know not to go any further than I already am. There could be a wild beast, or even worse waiting in there for me to dare to pass through.A shudder passes through my spine as I think about the wolf that was chasing me in one of my dreams. Only, this time it's real life and I cannot sprout wings to fly to safety.I turn back and start walking away quickly. The fear that if I run, I'll alert the instincts of something bigger than me and cause it to chase me keeps me walking at a steady pace until I get back to the cottage. "I was expecting you," Ladia says with a smug look o