Arrival at the Castle
The sky was still tinged with dark shades of blue and purple when we left Bethany's house, the cool morning air caressing our faces. Dawn was just beginning to brighten the horizon, casting a soft, ethereal light on the world around us.
As we advanced, the imposing outline of the castle began to stand out against the changing sky. Its tall towers rose majestically, punctuating the horizon with an imposing and mysterious presence.
For me, who had never seen a castle beyond the pages of history books or movie screens, the sight was absolutely fascinating. Despite having studied structures and landscapes during my time at fine arts college, nothing could have prepared me for the imposing, palpable reality of that castle before me.
“It's...it's just incredible,” I murmured, my eyes wide and full of wonder. — I never imagined that a castle could be so... so big and impressive. It's almost like a gigantic building!
Bethany, noticing my fascination and admiration, smiled tenderly and said:
— It's Eldoria Castle, the heart of our kingdom. For me, it is a symbol of our history and tradition, a reminder of the rich heritage we share.
As we approached the majestic castle of Eldoria, we were greeted by the guards who were stationed in front of its imposing doors. Their gazes were sharp as blades, watchful and cautious, like predators ready to defend their territory at all costs.
Bethany, always confident and determined, was not intimidated by the guards' penetrating gaze. With a serene smile and a firm posture, she approached them and announced our presence.
— Good morning, gentlemen. This is Amélia, a guest of Antony. She will be taking on a new position in the castle kitchen.
The guards exchanged reluctant glances, assessing us suspiciously, but faced with Bethany's authority and Antony's name, they decided to give in. With a nod, one of the guards muttered:
- Very good. Move on, ladies.
As we walked around the castle grounds, I was drawn to the soft glow of the morning sun over a lush garden. Each flower seemed to dance in the wind, exuding a sweet and comforting scent. Instinctively, I started heading towards the main door of the castle, admiring the beauty of the place.
However, before I could take another step towards the majestic entrance, I was pulled by the arm by Bethany. Her face was contorted into an expression of despair as she directed me another way.
- You are crazy? — she whispered, almost in panic. — We are just maids. We have to enter through the back. It is strictly forbidden for us to enter that way.
Her urgency was evident, and even though my curiosity was piqued by the sight of the main hall, I decided to trust Bethany's wisdom and follow her towards the back doors of the castle.
Despite Bethany's warning, something caught my attention in the main hall: a painting of royalty, whose silhouette I could barely glimpse through the half-open door. A sudden desire to examine her more closely welled in my chest, but Bethany's haste prevented me from doing anything but moving forward.
As we walked away from the main hall, a sense of frustration and curiosity bubbled up inside me. I knew there was something about that castle that called to me, something I needed to discover. But for now, I would trust Bethany's guidance and focus on my new journey into the hidden recesses of the castle's kitchen.
Upon entering the castle's kitchen, I was immediately enveloped by a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. The space was filled with frenetic movement and a palpable energy that filled the air. The delicious smell of spices and freshly prepared food wafted through the room, mixing with the rhythmic sound of knives cutting, pans bubbling and whispered conversations between the cooks.
The curious and discreet gazes of the men and women dressed in dirty aprons turned to me, assessing me with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. Their expressions revealed a combination of hard work and concentration, each immersed in their tasks, from peeling vegetables to stirring pots on the roaring stove.
With a feeling of excitement and a touch of nervousness, I quickly donned the apron Bethany handed me, adjusting it so that it fit comfortably around my body. I tried to integrate myself into the frenetic rhythm of the kitchen, looking for a task that I could dedicate myself to and contribute to the collective work.
Despite the hustle and bustle and constant buzz of activity around me, I noticed that no one spoke to me. Each person was so immersed in their responsibilities and the continuous flow of preparations that there was no room for interactions other than those necessary.
As I watched the cooks in action, I felt a bit like a fish out of water, trying to find my place in this unfamiliar and dynamic world. However, the energy and passion that permeated the kitchen was contagious, and I was determined to adapt.
With the potatoes firmly in my hands, I began peeling them with a dexterity that even I had to admit was impressive. Each movement was meticulous and quick, the potato skins falling in spirals as I worked, creating a growing pile beside me.
As I focused on the task at hand, I noticed that a gray-haired lady was watching me closely. His eyes were fixed on my nimble hands, and there was an expression of surprise and admiration on his wrinkled face. It was clear that my skill in the kitchen had caught his attention.
As I wondered how many people would be fed from the breakfast we were preparing, a familiar, authoritative voice interrupted my thoughts.
— It seems that someone around here knows how to behave like a woman... Impressive — said Antony, his tone full of sarcasm and surprise.
Antony's sudden appearance took me by surprise, making me give a small involuntary jump. The fright caused the knife to slip, and I cut myself on my finger. A drop of blood quickly appeared, contrasting with the white flesh of the potato.
Antony observed the scene for a moment before adding, with a touch of amusement:
- I take back what I said.
Rolling eyes with irritation
With a commanding presence and unquestionable authority, Antony advanced through the kitchen, his firm steps echoing on the stone floor. The atmosphere in the room instantly changed, becoming tense and filled with expectation. Every person in the kitchen immediately stopped what they were doing, their eyes lowered in respect and submission.
With an upright posture and a penetrating gaze, Antony addressed us all in a strong, authoritative tone of voice that filled the space.
— To all of you, I hope I can trust you to keep an eye on this woman. And any slip-up she may make, I hope it is quickly directed at me!
Upon hearing his words, a heavy silence settled in the kitchen. Every person present silently nodded their heads in agreement, their faces serious and determined. Their commitment to responsibility and vigilance was evident in their rigid postures and focused expressions.
Antony cast one last warning glance around the kitchen before turning and leaving as abruptly as he had arrived. As soon as he left, the tension in the air seemed to ease a little, and the cooks slowly returned to their tasks, resuming the frantic pace of preparing breakfast.
The busy, noisy environment has returned, but now with a sense of alertness and awareness added to the mix. Every person in the kitchen was now more attentive and vigilant, ready to intervene or report any slip-up I might make.