***

After Rosie left the room, I laid there in silence. I felt a bit exhausted.

'Where am I?' I wondered. 'How did I get here? What happened to me?'

I felt so confused. So many questions ran through my head. I couldn't understand anything anymore.

'Am I dreaming?' I thought. 'Or is this real life?'

'If it's a dream... then why does it feel so real?'

'I can't remember anything. I don't even know who I am.'

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. But I couldn't. I kept thinking about everything that had happened. It was all too much for me.

I needed to know more about this place.

I got up from my bed and walked out of the room. I looked around. The hallway was long and narrow. There were doors on both sides of the hall.

"Miss Katherine? Are you going out?" I heard a voice. There was a man standing outside the door. He looked to be about twenty years old. His hair was black and his skin was pale. He was wearing brown attire, looking like strange military clothes from a fantasy game. What was his name? I tried to recall, but nothing came to mind. He had what looked to be a sword in a sheet attached to his belt.

"Yes, I'm going out." I said.

"Let me accompany you." He answered me. "And we have to get Rose too. We need her to look after you."

"But..." I started.

"No buts!" He said. "I'm your guard. You're my responsibility."

"Fine." I sighed.

"Thank you for your understanding, miss Katherine. It's an honour to serve you. „He said and sent one of the other servants to bring Rosie. Before I knew it Rosie was already beside us.

"Where are we going, miss?" She asked.

"I... I just want to go outside." I said. "I want to take some fresh air. Can you take me there?"

"Of course." She said. "Let's go. Lead the way Evan."

'So his name was Evan.' I though.

"Yes." He said. "Please, follow me, Miss Katherine."

We followed him down the hallway. When we reached the end of the hall, we went into a big open room. It was very large and spacious. Is this a front hall?

We finally reached outside. It was a day. A cool breeze blew against my face. I looked around. I saw a beautiful garden with lots of flowers and trees. I was surprised by how green everything was. The ground was covered with grass and small bushes. There were a lot of statues in the garden.

"Wow." I said. "This is amazing."

"Yes, it sure is." Rosie said. "Gardeners are doing quite the splendid job. Do you like it, Miss Katherine?"

"It's wonderful." I said. "It's so beautiful here. Thank you, Rosie and Evan, for bringing me here."

"My pleasure, Miss Katherine." Evan said. "Do you like flowers?"

"I... I don't know." I said. "I think I don't hate them at least."

"I love flowers myself." Rosie said. "They are always so colourful and pretty."

"I can't say I dislike them either." Evan said and smiled softly.

I walked towards the centre of the garden. It was a lot bigger than I expected. I could see a fountain in the middle. I wanted to take a closer look at it.

"Are there fish in the fountain?" I asked.

"Fufufu~ of course not." Rosie giggled. "That would be so cruel. There are no fish in there."

I looked around. I saw a small stone building further away. I walked towards it.

"Is that where you live?" I asked Evan.

"Yes, it is." Evan said. "The guard’s quarters are inside. There's nothing interesting there though."

"Oh. I see." I said.

I looked the other way. I saw a lot of trees. There were a lot of birds flying around them. I looked up and saw a few clouds in the sky. I felt a bit happy. It seemed I loved nature.

"Would you like to sit down?" Rosie asked.

"Yes." I said. "I would like to rest for a while."

"Good idea." Evan said.

He led us to a bench in a garden. I sat down and rested.

"Then, please excuse me." Evan said and stood a few steps away, as if giving me and Rosie some private space.

"So, Miss Katherine..." Rosie asked. "What do you want to do?"

"I... I don't know." I said. "I just feel like I've been cooped up in my room for so long. I just want to enjoy my time here." I thought out something to say.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"I understand." Rosie said. "I'm happy that Miss Katherine is willing to go outside again after all this time."

"Thank you, Rosie." I said.

"You're welcome, miss Katherine." She said.

I relaxed on the bench and enjoyed the scenery. I felt really comfortable there.

Then I saw a figure walking towards me. I looked at him. It was Carl. He was wearing the same clothes as before.

"Hello, Katherine" he smiled at me refreshingly. "I see you finally came out of the house. I was beginning to worry about you."

"Hi, Carl." I smiled back. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to relax for a little bit."

"I understand. You've been through a lot. I hope you're feeling better now. After all you saw 'that' happen before your very eyes. It's no wonder you were traumatized."

"Yeah..." I said. "It was scary." I lied.

'What was scary?' I didn't know. What was he talking about?

"I agree. It was very scary. But it's over now. I'm glad you're finally getting better now."

"Thanks, Carl." I said. "I appreciate that."

"No problem." He smiled. "I'm just glad you're alright. I need to go. See you later, Katherine."

"Bye, Carl." I waved goodbye.

He left. I was still confused.

I didn't know what he meant.

I stood up. I looked around the garden. The flowers were really beautiful. I wondered if they had names. I decided to find out.

"Rosie, could you tell me the names of these flowers?" I asked.

"Sure thing. They're called roses." Rosie replied.

"And the flowers in the centre?" I asked.

"Those are lilies." Rosie said.

"Thank you." I said. "And what about them?" I pointed at yet another flowers. They were white.

"They're called snowdrops." Rosie said.

"Snowdrops?" I asked.

"Yes. That's right." Rosie nodded. "They are lovely aren't they?"

"They look so feeble, like they would disappear at any moment." I said.

"Don't be fooled by their appearance." Rosie said. "They're actually quite hardy."

"I see. Such fragile looking flowers are actually strong." I said.

"Yes." Rosie smiled. "They have a lovely scent too."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes." Rosie said. "Do you want to smell one?"

"Yes please." I said.

Rosie picked one flower and handed it to me. I smelled it.

"It smells nice." I said.

"It does." Rosie said. "But I think the real treat is when you put it in your hair."

"In my hair?" Rosie came closer to me and took the flower from my hand. She placed it on my head.

"That's right." Rosie said. "It will make you smell even nicer."

"Rosie!" I protested."I probably look ridiculous now. I can't wear flowers in my hair."

"Oh, but it's not a big deal." Rosie said. "You look really cute with them."

"Cute?" I asked.

'I have mixed feelings about this.' I thought that I was uncomfortable about the whole thing. I touched the flower on my head.

"I'm not sure." I said.

"Let me show you." Rosie said.

She took a small mirror from somewhere and showed me how I looked.

"See? You look really cute." She said.

"You're right." I said.

I was surprised at how pretty I looked. The flower really made me look different. I took the flower out of my hair and put it back into her hands.

"Oh..." Rosie looked somewhat sad. "I guess you didn't like it after all."

"It's not that! It was just... I don't know." I said flustered. Rosie's sad face made me feel guilty somehow.

"I'm sorry." I said.

"Don't be, Miss Katherine. I was just teasing you." Rosie smiled.

"Rosie..." I said.

"What?" Rosie asked.

"Nothing." I said. "I'm just feeling a little strange today."

I felt a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable. I didn't know what to say.

"Rosie, could you just call me Katherine? I feel more comfortable with that. It doesn't feel so distant that way."

"I could never...! I mean, I wouldn't dare." Rosie denied. "I'm just a lowly maidservant. I don't deserve such an honour."

"Rosie, I'm just asking you to call me by my name. I don't mind." I said.

"But it's impossible." Rosie insisted. "If master and mistress would hear about it, I would be punished."

"I see. I'm sorry Rosie. For putting you in such a difficult position." I said. "Please forget what I said."

I looked down. I felt a little guilty. I felt like I had done something wrong. But I also didn't like that sense of distance between us. It felt so sad and lonely. I felt gloomy and down.

"Please don't apologize, miss Katherine. It's not your fault...” Rosie said. "I just want to serve you. I'll do anything for you. It's all because my own inadequacy."

"No, I shouldn't have asked you to call me by my name. You have your own circumstances after all. Please forgive me." I said with sadness. I felt like my heart was being squeezed by something heavy.

"Uuuu..., Miss Katherine. You will ruin me someday "she said looking exasperated. ”Alright, I will call you, Katherine. But only when we are alone. It would be bad if master or mistress heard about it."

"I understand." I beamed at her. "Thank you Rosie, For agreeing to my selfish request."

"If it really made you that happy Katherine, then I think it was worth it to put my life on the line to be able to see that smile of yours." Rosie said.

"Thank you, Rosie." I said.

I felt better after talking to Rosie. I felt lighter. My heart was no longer so heavy and full of worries. I smiled. I felt just a little bit happier now.

"You're welcome, Katherine." Rosie said. "Now, let's go back inside."

"Yes." I agreed.

I walked back towards the mansion, escorted by Rosie and Evan. I was feeling very much better. I couldn't help but smile as I walked along.

***

We returned to my room. Evan stood outside the room and resumed his guard duty. I sat on the bed and Rosie went to prepare some tea.

I mulled over what to do next. I was feeling a little restless. I needed to do something to keep myself occupied. I wanted to talk to someone, but there wasn't anyone I could really talk to. I had a lot of thoughts and emotions going through my head, but I couldn't share them with anyone.

"Here you go, Katherine." Rosie came back with tea and cookies. She put them at the small table. I sit down on the chair and sipped the tea.

"It's really good." I said.

"I'm glad you like it." Rosie smiled.

"This is my first time drinking tea this good." I said. "I'm surprised."

"But, isn't it the same tea you always drink?" Rosie asked confused.

I realised my mouth slipped. "Oh, yes, I guess it is." I said. "I just didn't expect it to taste so nice."

"You're too kind." Rosie smiled. "I'm just doing my best to make it as delicious as possible."

"That's amazing, Rosie. You're really talented." I said.

"It's nothing. I'm just happy to serve you, Katherine." Rosie said.

I took one of the cookies from the plate. It wasn't too sweet, and the flavour was pleasant. I ate it slowly, savouring every bite.

"They're so tasty." I said. "I can't believe how good they are."

I enjoyed the tea and the cookies. I felt a little sleepy, so I decided to rest for a while. I cleaned my face with a handkerchief. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. I felt like my body was rather weak and got tired easily.

"Katherine?" Rosie said. "Are you going to rest now?"

She looked a little sad. Or was it my imagination?

"I'm sorry, Rosie." I said. "I think I'll sleep for a while."

"Alright. If you need anything, just call for me." Rosie said.

"Rosie...?" I hesitated. I opened my eyes and looked at her.

"What is it, Katherine?" She asked, looking into my eyes.

"Can I... Can I trust you, Rosie? I mean, can I really rely on you? Are you loyal to me?" I asked.

"Of course, I am." Rosie said. "I will always be by your side, Katherine."

She clenched her fist with determination. Her eyes were clear, with no hint of deceit or doubt.

"Then I will trust you Rosie." I said. I turned around and closed my eyes again.

"Good rest, Katherine." Rosie said.

I heard her walking towards the table and cleaning up. Then the sound of the door opening and closing. I was alone again.

I sighed and relaxed. I felt myself drifting off to sleep.

I was lying on my bed. I could feel my body relaxing. My mind was calm. I felt like I was floating in the air.

'Can I really trust her? Am I really safe?' I thought.

I was worried about the future. I was afraid of the things that might happen. But I decided to put my trust in Rosie anyway.

My heart felt lighter. I was no longer weighed down by worry. I smiled.

I felt like I was falling asleep. The world became blurry and faded away.

***