Saerom and Eveline

*Author pov*

"Come on ladies, you know what must be done,"

Lexi commanded. Her voice rang with authority.

Vicky and Armengard, her trusted subordinates, exchanged a sly glance. Their eyes danced with excitement as they stood shoulder to shoulder. Wearing matching smirks, they replied in unison, their voices filled with eager determination,

"YES, MA'AM."

Lexi's lips curved into a satisfied smirk. She ran her fingers through her raven-black hair, standing poised in the hallway.

Every maid in the dormitory slept soundly in their rooms. Bathed in the gentle breeze of a morning wind through the curtains, the soft embrace of sleep still lingering. It cast a tranquil aura over the room. The rhythmic symphony of soft breathing echoed in the stillness. As An impending storm was about to prelude.

"ATTENTION MAIDS, ATTENTION!!!"

Lexi's subordinates echoed. Their voices cut through the peaceful slumber sharply.

"IN 5 MINUTES, EVERYBODY MUST BE READY AND STAND BY THE DOOR OF YOUR ROOM FOR INSPECTION."

Their words reverberated off the walls. They were urgent and unrelenting, like the futile crowing of a dying rooster at dawn.

The stretched hallway is lined with a long dark green carpet, which leads to the last chamber.

From that chamber, a maid let out an exhausted sigh. Her frustration was clear as she buried herself deeper into her pillow. She sought refuge from the unwelcome disturbance from the hallway.

"Ugh, Not this again..."

she muttered in displeasure, her voice muffled by the fabric.

Meanwhile, her roommate shared her annoyance. She tossed and turned in her bed also. Struggled to find a position to shield her from the intrusive sounds outside. As she sat up, her chestnut hair tousled and eyes half-closed with irritation, she turned to her friend.

"I swear, those two will be the death of me,"

she grumbled, pointing an accusatory finger at their dark brown wooden door.

"And...you! My friend,"

She declared exaggeratedly, placing a hand over her heart.

"I hereby grant you the authority to seek vengeance for me."

With a touch of humour, she turned the annoying situation into a scene fit for a one-woman show.

The chestnut hair girl added a moment of levity to their shared frustration.

In unison, they breathed out an exhaust chuckle. Her curly haired friend, who buried her face into the pillow, added her own flair to the dramatic exchange.

"Then, as your DEAREST friend..., I will carry out a sweet-full vengeance, ONLY for YOU,"

The maid with ebony curly hair. Proclaimed with exaggeration. Her voice was a mix of melodrama and listlessness.

They held strong eye contact to show appreciation. This devotion was meaningful for them. It was like two brave soldiers on a dying battlefield covering each other.

Through their eye contact, they had a non-physical, melodramatic handshake. which solidified their friendship even more. And with that, they dozed off back to sleep, the promise of sweet vengeance lingering in the air.

The third roommate witnessed the scene between her roommates. Widened her eyes. Causing an item from her attire slip from her grasp, hitting the ground. She imagined her friend being buried.

"D-d-don't say that, you will not die! you hear me"

She stuttered, her voice delightful yet filled with worry. Her furrowed eyebrows and fidgeting fingers betrayed her distress. But, her soothed tone oddly, made her roommates feel sleepier.

But, they realised the distress they've caused. The maid with the chestnut hair, who made the comment, rushed to assure her.

"Oh no, Reem, it was a joke! I`m fine, promise."

Reem slowly shook her head in understanding, as her soft tone revealed her gentle and innocent nature. Failed to grasp the humour

"I see, but it wasn't that funny,"

In the other chambers, the maids were getting ready. They were dressing in their elegant attire. And needed to be on time to stand by the door for inspection by Lexi, the sub-head and her subordinates.

Each maid with care donned the uniform. Avail of optional stockings and an ivory ruffled skirt. On top of the ruffled skirt is a thin coffee brown chiffon plain skirt. Its sides are open, revealing the ivory white skirt underneath.

A corsets adorned with the Westallia Palace insignia. Blouses with cutout shoulders and black Mary Jane shoes completed the outfit. They reflected the palace's dignity and tradition.

For these maids, following the strict uniform code was essential. They served one of the most esteemed palaces in the country. And as they prepared for another day of duties.

But as the moments passed, the hour of inspection from Lexi and her subordinates neared. They had to ensure that every maid dressed spotless and ready for duty.

Their hearts pound in anticipation. The maids stood ready by their doors, Well, most of them.

Reem, always diligent and attentive, was already prepared. Her uniform pristine and her demeanour composed. In contrast, her roommates, who were still lost in the blissful embrace of sleep. They were oblivious to the impending inspection.

Reem sighed external, knowing that time was running short. She nudged them gently, urging them to wake up before it was too late. But her efforts failed. Her roommates merely groaned and pulled their blankets tighter.

Panic rose in her chest. Reem cast a desperate glance at the door. The telltale sound of Lexi's approaching footsteps grew louder with each passing moment.

*Click, clack, click, clack.*

The sound echoed ominously through the hallway. It was a stark reminder of the coming inspection.

With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Reem realised that she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She stood between their beds and shook both of them awake, but they only grumbled and swatted her away.

As the sound of Lexi's heels drew nearer, Reem's heart raced with fear. She knew that if they weren't ready in time, they would all be in serious trouble.

As Lexi and her subordinates drew closer, Reem's anxiety reached a fever pitch.

She watched helplessly at the door, as Vicky on the other side reached for the door handle. The coming consequences froze her in fear.

With a force push, Vicky swung the door open, revealing the scene inside. Lexi's vicious forest green eyes narrowed with displeasure as she took in the sight of the sleeping maids.

"The audacity, not to be ready in time"

she muttered under her breath, her irritation palpable.

"Oh well, this must be their last day".

Reem unable to remove from the spot, a knot of dread tightening in her stomach. She could feel Lexi's disapproving gaze bore into her too, and her legs fell to the ground.

With Lexi`s commanding gaze, she ordered Vicky and Armengard to remove their sheets. This exposed the maids. Vicky, annoyed, handled the task roughly. And startled the chestnut-haired maid.

But, in her startled state, the chestnut-haired maid reacted instinctively. She kicked Vicky's abdomen.

which she stumbled backward, landing with a thud on the floor, as Vicky caressed her bottom in pain. She exclaimed

"OW, that hurt!"

Armengard helped her to her feet.

The sleeping maids were awake due to the loud thud. They sat on their beds, their faces a mix of confusion and worry. They faced Lexi's disapproving glare.

"Well, well, well, isn`t the slackers, Eveline and Saerom"