Chapter 6

“Welcome back, Simon. Did you enjoy your time off?” I asked as I sat behind the desk in my study. I was still concerned about Audrey after she turned me away, but hopefully, this meeting would bring some things to light.

“You might need to reevaluate what “time off” means, my lady. You had me poking around an earl and a duke for a week straight… inconspicuously, no less. I think I deserve some actual time off.” he rolled his eyes as he responded. I smiled slightly at his blunt response. Simon had been the one running the investigation into Audrey, and we have exchanged written reports via magic over the last week to keep each other updated. But he said he had information that was best discussed in person.

“So? What have you discovered so far?”

His demeanor turned serious as he dived into his findings. “After extensive investigation, I ruled out anything related to Earl Barrington… and there were no missing persons reported that matched Audrey’s description in his territory. Subsequently, I turned my attention to Duke Rose. There were also no missing persons in his territory that matched. I also had a hard time getting information from inside his estate. However, I managed to… persuade a servant.” I raised an eyebrow at his turn of phrase. I hope he means bribed… “He hasn’t been employed at the mansion for very long, but he informed me recently that a servant named Audrey recently passed away. The conditions he described were unsustainable, to say the least. Her room was a cold storage closet, and she worked from dawn to dusk every day, without meals most of the time. That’s not even all of it.” The conditions were so horrid I felt sick just at the thought. What else could possibly be worse? “It’s well known among the servants, even the newer ones, that this girl is also Duke Rose's first daughter. Her full name is Audrey Rose.” This revelation shocked me to my core.

“A-Are you certain?” I’d only met the first Duchess Rose a handful of times when I was little, so it was vague… but now that I think about it, that scarlet hair is nearly identical. I was kicking myself for not connecting it sooner. Her reaction earlier after we ran into the Duke also makes sense in that case. “Did you check against his family register?” It was a massive assumption to make without evidence.

“Of course I did. I’m not an amateur. It corroborated his first daughter's name. However, nobody has seen her in nearly a decade since the Duke claims her to be too sickly to go out.”

This brought the meeting with the Duke to the surface. “Oh, just illness. My daughter had always been sickly ever since my first wife passed away.” It all lines up… I understand her reluctance now.

“The duke recently said his first daughter passed away, in a bid of sympathy from Luke and myself… to think it was this bad.” My heart broke for everything Audrey must have gone through. Then anger flared as I thought about the last week, from Audrey’s initial condition to her fear of reprimand for even the smallest mistakes. They did this to her… I’ll make them pay. The thought was intense and came out of nowhere. I quickly pushed it aside as Simon waited for me to calm down.

“How is the girl?” Simon asked. I had been giving general updates through the reports but didn’t mention her employment. He seemed ecstatic at the idea of another competent colleague. “That’s wonderful! Just a couple more, my lady, and maybe you won’t run the rest of us into the ground so often, hmm?”

“As long as I’m running into the ground, it comforts me to know you are right there with me.” I quipped. I know how hard they work for me, and I’m grateful. Hopefully having Audrey around will remove some of the burden. However, hearing her story made me reluctant to give her any work whatsoever… I pushed the overprotective thought away. “Now that I know however, I’m worried about leaving her in the castle alone when the academic year starts.” The new semester starts in two weeks, and according to academy rules, student attendants need to be registered at the start of each year and cannot be changed unless under emergency circumstances. This is to prevent anyone with heinous intentions from masquerading as a servant to gain access to the grounds. The academy is attended by the children of nearly all the nobility and even has a few exceptional commoners every year. So, it would be a prime target for possible abduction or assassination attempts.

“I understand. As a man, I cannot attend to you every moment like the ladies can. You also know as well as I that I only cause problems there anyway.” I smiled wryly as I thought about my previous years at the academy. Due to his strict nature, Simon would often chastise the other servants at the academy when he caught them slacking off. Even Leah didn’t always escape his scoldings. “So, it’s probably best for you to take the girls.”

“Great, then, while I’m gone, I’ll be lending you to my brother. I would like you to keep an eye on things here and send me periodic reports. Especially anything regarding Duke Rose.”

“Leave it to me, Princess.” He bowed deeply, then took his leave. I wouldn’t be leaving for a while, but now I’ve got to handle the current situation with Audrey and prepare her for life at the dorms. I quickly organized the paperwork I had been working on and threw it in a drawer. Leaving the study, I made my way back to Audrey’s room. Lucia fell into step behind me as I sunk into thought.

The academy has dorms for all of its students as well as their attendants, where they live during the school year. The academy serves not only to educate but also to allow the future nobility to establish social connections. However, the administration does not look kindly on students who try to use their status irresponsibly, so the students are treated equally. It should be a safe environment for Audrey, even if she's perceived as a commoner.

I arrived in front of my bedroom, and Lucia stepped forward to open the door. I had offered to send her back to the order since Audrey no longer presented a flight risk, but she had requested to stay on as my personal knight guard. She did good work, so I had no reason to say no. When I asked why, she just smiled and said, “I just got tired of being surrounded by sweaty men all day.” I have seen her chatting happily with Leah and Audrey, and she seems to have loosened up considerably.

Leah was waiting inside my room, and she shook her head when I looked around for Audrey.

“She’s still locked inside her room. I couldn’t even get her to eat something.” Leah looked like she was about to cry. “I don’t know what to do, my lady. I just want to help her.”

“I know, I do as well. I’m going to try to talk to her one more time. Will both of you wait outside the door? I’d rather not be interrupted.” Lucia and Leah both nodded, and we walked the short distance down the hall. I took a deep breath before knocking again.

“Audrey… It’s me—” I was cut off as the door shot open, and a hand grabbed mine and pulled me inside the room. Lucia and Leah both looked startled but let it happen as the door closed behind me. The magic lamps were turned off, but the little light that filtered through the curtains allowed me to see.

Audrey was in front of me, still holding my hand. Her red hair looked disheveled, and her blue eyes were red and puffy from crying. Her maid uniform, which she had painstakingly taken care of since she received it, was covered in wrinkles and folds. I wanted desperately to hold her.

“Y-Your Highness… I’m so sorry for what happened earlier. Both at the tea party and for turning you away…” Her voice sounded hoarse, and my heart hurt at every word she said.

“Audrey…”

“No! Please… let me speak… I want to tell you everything.”

I only nodded in response, and she stared at the ground as she began. “My full name is Audrey Rose. I am the first daughter of house Rose.” she bit her lip in frustration as tears flowed from her eyes. I nearly stopped her, but, no, she needs to do this herself… then I can apologize for breaking my promise to her. “My mother passed away when I was eight, and I was happy until then… but the truth is that my father never cared for me or my mother. When she died, he remarried quickly to his lover, the current Duchess, and brought their child into the house. They had been having an affair even before my mother died…” Listening to her tale from the source was even worse than hearing it from Simon.

“Regardless of the circumstances, Sasha, my little sister, and I got along. I love her with everything I have, even now. But the new duchess despised my mother… and me by extension. When she heard how we were getting along, she convinced the duke to throw me away. Not that it took much on her part.” A sob racked her body as she wiped her eyes. I reached out with my handkerchief and wiped her face for her. She mumbled a garbled “Thank you.” before continuing.

“So I became a servant to my own house… no, a slave. The rest of the staff slowly pushed their workload onto me, and I was punished if I couldn’t keep up. Meals were withheld frequently, and that became my new life.’

I couldn’t keep the words down, asking in a quiet voice. “Since you were eight…?” And she only nodded. The tears hadn’t stopped once.

“But it wasn’t all bad. Sasha did everything she could to help me, but she herself was only a child. But not once did she ever scorn or mock me like everyone else. I was only ever her big sister to her and nothing else. She truly was the only reason I continued on for so long.” She smiled derisively as if mocking herself. “Even her kindness felt like a curse sometimes… Like it was keeping me trapped there. I don’t deserve to be called her big sister.” My already breaking heart shattered, and my arms rose to hug her. But I froze as she continued once again.

“Then I met her… Aurora, the goddess of the night.” A Goddess? It happened rarely, every other decade or so… but divine guardians did exist, and many claimed to have spoken directly to their deities. But I’ve never heard of a Goddess like this. My expression must have betrayed my thoughts because Audrey smiled at me sadly. “I must sound crazy, right? But it’s true. I died in that mansion, but my Goddess intercepted my soul and gave me another chance. One as her divine guardian.”

“You… died? How is that possible? You are standing right here in front of me.” The disbelief was evident in my tone.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“My Goddess revived me. Honestly, her explanation about how it all worked went over my head. I know it had something to do with the abuse I suffered affecting my magic. The point is that I woke up after my father had disposed of my body in the forest. It was by my Goddess's instructions that I found the road… and you.” Her story sounded like something straight out of a fairy tale… but I knew it was true. Something within me voiced no doubt. She has no reason to lie to me…, but that means Audrey is a divine guardian. They command respect equal to royalty, sometimes even more so.

“You don’t believe me, do you?” she asked, her voice shaking with fear. I only sighed at myself. I should be focusing on her right now.

“Of course, I believe you. It’s just a lot to take in.” This time, I let my desire to hug her run free and embrace her. “That took a lot of courage. I am so incredibly proud of you. Most people would have given in long ago.” Her emotions finally broke free, and she clutched the front of my dress. Her sobbing turned into wailing as she leaned into me, her legs giving out as we slowly sunk to the ground. “It’s okay. Everything is going to be alright. You’re safe here, and nobody will ever hurt you like that ever again.” I patted her back and stroked her hair, doing anything I could to console her. But she was releasing eight years of pent-up pain and frustration. It wouldn’t be resolved with a confession alone. We sat like that for what felt like hours before her cries subsided.

“How are you feeling?” I asked quietly. I still had her wrapped in a tight hug.

“Better… but so exhausted.” her head bobbed with the effort to stay awake, and if I didn’t do something, she’d fall asleep right there in my arms.

“That makes sense, after all that… don’t fall asleep here. let’s get you to the bed at least.”

“But you’re so warm… just let me stay here a bit longer…” Her honeyed words caused a blush to shoot up my face. Struggling against my reason, I slowly helped her up.

“That’s not good. You’ll get sick if you sleep here. Come on, let’s go.” I walked her over to the bed, gently laying her down as her arms slid off from around me. The urge to climb into bed with her blanketed my thoughts for a moment, and I resisted by violently shaking my head. When I pulled the cover over her, she briefly opened her eyes. They were shining silver again, mesmerizing my whole existence. Then she spoke and blew my heart out of my chest.

“I’m so glad you’re the one who found me, Lydia…” Her eyes closed again as the unrelenting tide of rest claimed her, and she soon breathed peacefully. I, on the other hand, was panicking. She called me by name! What does that mean?! I was grateful that nobody else was in the room because I felt myself grinning like a fool, and I was pretty sure I looked like a tomato. After a couple of minutes of fanning myself and taking deep breaths, I felt composed enough to step outside.

“I heard the crying, so I can understand your dress being in such a state, but why are you smiling like that, my lady?” Busted already?! I looked down at myself in the bright light of the hallway, the front of my dress nearly soaked through. How can one person have so many tears?! I tried to wipe the smile from my face but failed spectacularly.

“I’m just relieved Audrey’s alright. She’s sleeping now, but will you check on her and change her clothes for me, Leah? Lucia, keep an eye on them. I can change by myself.” I moved down the hall, ignoring their responses, and shut myself in my room. Faceplanting on the pillow, I relaxed before yelling into it.

“How is she so freaking cute?!”

***

My face exploded in heat as I remembered the words, and I crouched down in agony, covering my face. “I’m so glad you’re the one who found me, Lydia…”

“Ugh… Goddess, I must be an idiot…”

“I wouldn’t say that; it’s how you truly feel, right? Those things are better spoken aloud than tucked away inside.” Aurora only smiled at me placatingly. Then, she scratched her cheek. “Though… the atmosphere was so sugary sweet, I almost felt like I was a peeping tom watching it…”

“You were watching?! How mortifying…” I can’t believe I just called her by name like that… being out of it isn’t an excuse.

“I am your Goddess after all… I’ve been watching the whole time. You thought I’d just leave you on your own?”

“I didn’t think that… You’ve just been really quiet, so I thought you might be busy elsewhere… or something.” The embarrassment of the situation was so great that I couldn’t even be awed by Aurora like last time.

“You’re my first divine guardian in seven hundred years, Audrey. There’s nothing else that could tear my attention away from you.”

“Well, I certainly could’ve used your advice this whole time…”

She only shook her head, a smile on her face. “No, I couldn’t help you; that leap of faith was one you had to make on your own. It would have been meaningless otherwise.” the corner of her eyes crinkled with joy. “That’s the whole reason I’m even able to bring you back to my divine plane. Trust is hard-fought, from both sides and proven again and again with blind steps. Only when you get to the other side do you know if you made it. But it was accomplished by you and Lydia Venyth both.”

I breathed out, finally standing up again to face her. “I agree, it was… terrifying, but I feel a massive weight lifted off my chest.” I smiled at my Goddess, a truly heartfelt one. “It’s like I can breathe fully again, and I owe it all to you.” I knelt down in a pose of prayer. I’d never prayed before, but I have witnessed some servants doing it.

Aurora looked flustered as she raised her hands to stop me. “Please don’t do that, Audrey. It is unnecessary. The relationship between guardian and deity is not one of reverence but one of open friendship. That’s why I helped you, not for your prayers.” I giggled as I stood up again and dramatically sighed in relief.

“Thank goodness, I would feel really awkward praying to a friend…”

“You already thought of me like that?! Were you teasing me?!” I raised my hands in defense, and Aurora puffed her cheeks out, feigning anger. Then, we both broke out in laughter. I like both sides of her: the dignified divine and the relatable friend. I gave her a shy hug, which she returned. Last time, I hadn’t been able to return her kindness, but now I could. “I really am proud of you, my divine guardian.” she kissed my forehead gently, and we stepped apart. “It’s time for you to wake up now. Keep giving it your best. We’ll talk again soon.” I waved goodbye as the familiar silver light engulfed me once again.

The white and gold canopy over my bed was comforting as I slowly sat up. Unlike last time, I felt ready to tackle whatever may come, and I thought about Aurora. She may be my Goddess and friend, but more importantly… she’s my divine guardian.

I had one hand on the door, prepared to leave my room and rejoin Lydia and the others. I had slipped on my uniform; it looked freshly ironed, and all the wrinkles I remembered were gone. Probably Leah’s work. Nobody had been around when I woke up, much to my surprise. I couldn’t blame them, considering I had locked myself away and fell asleep for over half the day. The sun outside was just beginning to set, so if I went now, I’d be able to help with dinner preparations.

But my hand was frozen on the door. The reason? I don’t know if I can face Lydia right now! The memory alone was enough to send my face into flames. After struggling with myself for a couple more minutes, I finally went into the hall and greeted Dame Lucia in front of Lydia’s room. She looked relieved to see me.

“You look well, I’m glad.” she smiled brightly at me. We hadn’t gotten to know each other much, but the conversations we did have were enjoyable.

“I apologize for the worry I caused, and I appreciate your concern.” I bowed my head slightly, and she put a hand on my shoulder to stop me.

“I’m not the one you should be saying that to. Leah was nearly in tears the whole time. I think she was more worried than even Her Highness.” This surprised me at first, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I knocked on the door, then slowly stepped into the room, nervous for their reactions. The two of them were sitting across from each other on the white sofas. They turned to look at me, and when our eyes met, they seemed relieved to see me.

“I apologize for the worry I caused you both.” I bowed my head and spoke before they could say anything. Footsteps moved toward me before I was enveloped in a warm hug, and I heard Leah sniffling in my ear.

“I’m just glad you’re alright, Audrey. I was so frustrated I couldn’t do anything to help you.” Yep, she’s definitely the big sister type.

“It’s fine. Knowing you worry about me is more than enough, Leah.” She froze in my arms. “U-Um… Leah? Are you okay?” She pushed herself away a little but was still holding onto my shoulders. Her eyes were sparkling.

“You just called me “Leah”.”

“Y-Yep, I sure did. I thought it’d be alright since we’re coworkers and friends and all…”

“It’s more than alright! I’ve been waiting all week for you to drop the “Miss”!” She squealed, then pulled me into another tight hug. “I’m so happy!” pulling away again, she wiped her eyes, then remembered something. “Ah! I need to go inform the kitchen you’re awake so they can make you a plate for dinner. I’ll be right back!” And she rushed out of the room. Still a bit dazed at the sudden exit, I turned back to find Lydia glaring at me.

“I-Is something wrong, my lady?” I stammered. I could already feel the embarrassment from earlier threatening to crash over me.

“I was just wondering why Leah’s the only one that gets a hug. I was incredibly worried as well, you know!”

“W-Well, we were together for a long time… before I went to sleep. I mean…” I trailed off, and I saw a blush creeping up Lydia’s neck before she spoke.

“T-That’s very true… B-But another one wouldn’t hurt, R-Right?” She was stammering just as much as I was, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“If that’s what you’d like, my lady.” I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her back. She let out a cute squeak, then returned the gesture.

“Are… Are you not going to call me by name again?” Her question hit my ears like a tidal wave. Being so close is too dangerous!

“I-I couldn’t possibly; It would be disrespectful of me as your attendant.” I could see her blonde hair rolling down her back, and the softness covering my arms was not helping my state of mind.

“Then when we are alone… I order you to be my friend. Surely friends are allowed to call each other by name.” My heart beat fast at her whisper.

“O-Of course, L-Lydia.” Saying it directly to her like this is mortifying! Yet, I felt comfortable and safe in her arms like this. After all she’s done for me, I can at least fulfill this request. Relaxing into the embrace some more, I leaned my chin on her shoulder. She was a little shorter than me, but it never felt awkward. After a while, we separated, and I could tell both of our faces were red. We just smiled at each other bashfully.

“We should sit down before Leah comes back,” Lydia said through her grin, and as we moved to the sofas, she mumbled to herself. “Hopefully, the tea will cool me down…” but I pretended not to hear that part. Leah returned a while later with dinner for all of us, and we ate in comfortable silence. Halfway through the meal, Lydia spoke up.

“I think we should fill in Leah and Lucia to your situation, Audrey. That way, there are no misunderstandings moving forward.” I nodded in agreement.

“I was actually planning on doing just that, but it can wait until after dinner. I would feel bad eating in front of Lucia when she’s stuck on guard duty.” The other two agreed, and Leah shot me a curious glance, but I just shrugged it off.

After the meal, we called Lucia in, and Lydia and I explained everything, from my lineage to my being a divine guardian. They had a lot of questions, as I expected, and we ended up talking late into the night. The four of us all ended up sleeping in Lydia’s room, and I thought to myself as we fell asleep. So this is what it feels like to rely on others, to have people I can trust… What an amazing feeling.