START OF A NEW FRIENDSHIP

I woke up early before the sun had risen, knowing that today was going to be a busy day. I woke up very early even after what I had been through yesterday. My body didn't hurt thanks to the magic healing salve Anya made for me. I felt better and even energetic even, I had to be because today there was going to be a special event. The king would be hosting a gathering of neighboring kingdoms, and it was rumored that his betrothed would be arriving today.

As I made my way through the corridors of the castle, I could hear the sound of servants scurrying about, making final adjustments to the decorations and setting up the banquet hall. My first task was to tend to the gardens, ensuring that the flowers were in full bloom and the pathways were clear for the guests.

"They are enchanted." I heard a soft voice say behind me and I turned to see Flora standing behind me with a basket full of flowers.

I cleared a throat as I stepped back from the black glitter roses that I had been admiring. I had actually been wondering how they managed to get flowers in bloom, considering it was winter. Surely it must have been difficult, but enchanted ones? Now that's definitely more believable and not surprising.

"I helped, it's what I do, you know being the faerie of nature and all." Flora rambled on releasing a nervous laughter in the process.

I offered a small smile before I moved away from her gathering more glittering flowers and putting them inside my basket.

"I'm sorry!" Flora suddenly blurted out.

Everyone suddenly stopped what they were doing, all their attention on us. I stood in the middle awkwardly, as I darted a look between the other maids and Flora. "What do you think you are doing?" I asked in a whisper.

"I'm so sorry." Flora apologized again, "I never should have left you that night, I was just so scared and I couldn't do much and I'm so sorry, you got hurt because of me." Flora sobbed tears now streaming down her face.

Oh fuck me! I thought to myself as a murmur went round the room along with Flora sobbing. Okay I hated this, the unwanted attention, I hated it. I honestly would have preferred if I could have gotten through this day without any drama but nope, Flora just had to bring the drama. I mean why the fuck was she even crying? I asked myself as I stared at Flora who was now crying uncontrollably.

"What did she do to the poor girl?"

"Probably knowing how weak she was."

"I knew her silent docile behavior was just an act!"

"Poor Flora, humans are really evil as they say!"

"Okay, that is not true!" I yelled unable to take it anymore and everyone turned to look at me, silent except for Flora still sobbing. "Oh please will you stop crying already? You are making everything worse."

"Okay, sorry." Flora sniffed and I rolled my eyes at her.

Oh boy! I thought to myself dryly.

"What is going on here?"

We all shifted on our feet and went back to working at the sound of the voice. Madam Katrina strolled into the room, looking around before her gaze fell on me and Flora. "Mind explaining what happened?"

Yeah, Flora, mind telling her what happened? I thought shooting Flora a look but she was too busy wiping away her tears while avoiding looking at me. Great, she was going to leave it all to me! I thought dryly as I turned to look at Madam Katrina. "It's nothing ma'm, just a little misunderstanding."

Madam Katrina stared at me before her gaze moved to Flora who nodded her head while wiping her nose with her sleeves. "Well then, will you get to work!"

"Yes ma'm!" Flora and I chorused with the rest of the other maids.

"Flora and Aneesa, you two are in charge of serving food to the guests."

I honestly do not want to be paired with Flora but if that what it took to please Madam Katrina then so be it. "Of course!" I said then made my way to the kitchen with Flora following behind me.

Flora continued to sniff which was starting to get on my nerves so I turned to look at her. She stopped immediately a look of uncertainty on her features then shame. "Look, if I pretend to be friends with you will you at least quit doing that?"

"Pretend?" Flora looks at me confused, "But I don't want to pretend? I'm really sorry Aneesa, I didn't know what to do at that moment, I'm not…I'm not brave like you are and you don't even have any abilities."

"Gee thanks!" If that was an apology she sucked at it but I do understand where she was coming from. I heaved out a sigh, "Something tells me I'm going to regret this in the end but alright, now come along now."

"Really?"

"Yeah well, it will help not to be the only outcast for once don't you think?" I asked her before I turned around and continued walking but smiled when I heard Flora's hurried footsteps before she joined me.

Guess this was a start of a new friendship!

The kitchen was bustling with activity by the time Flora and I arrived. We then immediately got to work, making sure everything was in order. We checked that the dishes were good, the plates were clean and the silverware was shining. We set the table with precision making sure each plate was placed just right.

We continued working, making small chats and I got to know Flora more. We chatted and laughed starting to ease into the friendship. Soon, Madam Katrina approached us and asked us to go prepare for the arrival of the guests, stating that a change of clothes have been made and we need to get ready within the next hour before the guests arrived.

Flora and I nodded before we made our way into the servant quarters with me wondering why we were going to need an hour to get ready.