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glimmervoi · 8 months ago

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A SEALED FATE: EMERALDS AND BLOOD - VIII The Part Where It All Begins

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WARNINGS: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE/BLOOD. Please do not read if this is something that you do not wish to see.

As you sat at the large dining table in the servants' kitchen, flanked by Alice and Rae, the ache in your body persisted. While putting on your uniform that morning, you couldn't help but notice the myriad of bruises painting your skin.

Alice had delivered a satchel of herbs from the castle's healer, promising relief from the discomfort. However their effect was hardly strong enough for the pain that you were in, leaving you grimacing with every movement. It made the simple act of eating a challenge, thanks to the tension in your muscles.

You spooned the porridge into your mouth slowly, praying you'd manage to consume it all before you were due in the supply room. The prospect of facing Sanria's wrath for being late loomed over you like a dark cloud.

"We'll pace ourselves today," Rae assured you, her soothing touch on your back providing a momentary comfort. "After we're done with the north wing, you can take a few hours to rest. I'll handle things here, and I will make sure that Sanria has no reason to harass you.”

You offered Rae a thankful smile before directing your attention to Alice. She was reading a piece of parchment, a faint smile gracing her lips. "What's that?" you asked, seeking a distraction from the persistent ache in your body.

Alice glanced up at you, before carefully folding the parchment and setting it aside. Taking a spoonful of her own porridge, she replied, "It's a letter from my family." There was warmth in her eyes, tinged with a hint of longing as she gazed at the neatly folded parchment.

"A good one, by the looks of it," you remarked, eating another mouthful of your breakfast. Rae let out a happy hum from your other side, her grin widening as she took a hearty gulp of water.

"Indeed," Rae chimed in, her gaze fixed on Alice with admiration. "Alice's family is truly remarkable. They often send her fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. They’re quite popular.”

Alice nodded in agreement, finishing her porridge. "Yes, they're known for their exceptional crops," she confirmed. "But winter poses challenges, especially this year. I'm uncertain if we'll have any surplus to rely on this year. And, I highly doubt they’ll be sending me fish…”

The thought of receiving a package of old fish made you instinctively wrinkle your nose. Growing up in Greenriver, you'd grown accustomed to consuming a variety of questionable foods, but thankfully the experience of eating rotten fish had yet to catch you.

"What about your family?" Alice inquired, her empty bowl pushed aside as she leaned forward. Her gaze was fixed on you with curiosity. You paused, contemplating her question with a furrowed brow.

"Well..." you began slowly, setting your spoon down. Memories stirred, swirls of images from your childhood beginning to swarm your mind. Your father had been absent from your life, and your mother had passed away when you were just a child. With no siblings and no spouse, you found yourself understanding the reality that you didn't truly have a family anymore.

"My mother was a remarkable woman," you said, a gentle smile on your lips. "She was intelligent and strong, always working tirelessly to provide for us. Despite the absence of a man to hunt or offer protection, she managed to keep us not just alive, but thriving. Well, as much as we could thrive in such a poor village."

Rae's comforting hand once again ran down your back, her expression sympathetic. As you delved deeper into memories of your mother, a wave of emotion washed over you. Her passing, shrouded in the mystery of an illness you couldn't understand, had left a painful mark on you. You recalled her final moments, her cold touch against your cheek as she whispered words in a language you couldn't comprehend.

You shook off the memories that now threatened to consume you, resuming your conversation. "She made sure I learned how to read and write," you continued. "Even if it meant sacrificing what little coin we had on books from the rare traveling merchants that passed through our village."

"What a valuable gift she gave you," Alice remarked, leaning forward with genuine interest. "The ability to read is priceless, particularly in our circumstances. Your mother sounds like she was a wise woman."

"She truly was," you said with a nod, fondness in your voice. "I have no doubt she's watching over me." Glancing around, you added with a hint of humor, "And probably scolding Iseul for her behavior last night."

Both Rae and Alice laughed. "What about your father?" Rae asked curiously, leaning in slightly.

You shrugged as you pushed a stray strand of hair from your face. "I'm honestly not sure," you admitted. "My mother never spoke of him, and I never had the chance to meet him. I stopped asking about him when I was about six; it seemed pointless as my mother never provided any answers."

"Interesting," Alice remarked, a strange note to her voice. Before you could ask what she meant, she rose from her seat. "Well, it's time for me to make my way to the southern wing. I'd rather not be the next target for Iseul," she quipped, casting a sympathetic glance in your direction.

You offered her a strained smile in response, bidding her farewell as she rinsed her bowl and exited the kitchen. As Rae stood and stretched, a loud groan escaped her lips.

"We should get started soon, too," Rae suggested, gesturing towards your half-full bowl of porridge. "Finish up quickly, and then we can head to the northern wing."

You sighed softly, acknowledging her with a nod. Another day of labor was waiting for you, which was made more challenging by the bruises on your body. Frowning, you took another bite of your food, grateful for the temporary distraction it offered from the unsettling events of last night with Hoseok. Pretending as though it hadn't occurred seemed to be the most effective coping mechanism this morning, so you resolved to maintain that facade until you were confronted with it by someone else.

When you entered the supply room with Rae at your side, the usual sight of Sanria standing at the center with her parchment in hand was gone. Instead, you were greeted by a different figure – a blonde woman who radiated warmth and kindness.

Isabella's smile welcomed you, her blue eyes sparkling. Despite her position as a service maid, she wore the same blue uniform as yours. The unexpected sight caused you and Rae to pause in surprise.

"Good morning," Isabella greeted, smiling. "How are you feeling?" Her question seemed directed primarily at you, prompting you to offer a feeble smile in return. "Ready to work," you replied, mustering an attempt at cheerfulness. Isabella chuckled softly, though a hint of concern lingered in her expression.

"If you don't mind me asking, Isabella..." Rae interjected, hands planted firmly on her hips. "Where is Sanria? Is she unwell?" she inquired. Isabella's gaze shifted to her parchment, pausing. Eventually, she raised her eyes to meet Rae's.

You were interested in Isabella's response. Though you harbored no particular fondness for the old maid, you still found yourself wondering about her well-being, if only out of basic human concern.

"Don't worry about it. Just think of today as a... relaxing day," Isabella reassured, her smile seemingly forced. "You won't have to worry about me looming over your shoulder, so enjoy it."

Surprise flickered across you, sensing that something was amiss. Had your actions from last night truly resulted in such dire consequences for Sanria? Could she have been reprimanded or even dismissed? You shook your head, marking the thought as unlikely. Surely, Sanria's absence was merely due to illness – a common occurrence during this time of the year.

You mulled over it, reasoning that if Sanria had truly been replaced, Rae would have likely been informed. After all, she would have been the natural replacement for the position. Even if she declined the promotion, she wouldn't have felt the need to ask about the whereabouts of her head maid.

"Will you two be working in the north wing today?" Isabella asked, reaching for a smaller piece of parchment from the nearby table. Rae nodded, accepting the parchment handed to her by the blonde maid. "Everything should be tidied up from the party last night before the guests awaken. By the time you're finished, it should be time for lunch."

You both murmured in acknowledgment, and Isabella, seemingly satisfied, gracefully made her way past you. Just as she reached the doorway, she paused and glanced back at you. "Try to take it easy today, alright?" she advised before disappearing through the threshold, leaving you and Rae alone.

"Yes, ma'am," Rae replied, humor lacing her tone as she saluted the now-empty space where Isabella had stood. You turned to Rae, a bemused expression crossing your features.

"Sanria, missing a day of work?" Rae exclaimed incredulously, handing you the parchment. "Who's going to threaten us with beatings and dungeon sentences today?" Her eyes widened with mock horror as she looked at you. Despite the ache in your ribs, you couldn't help but let out a light laugh at her joke.

"Still, I wonder why I wasn't informed of her absence," Rae mumbled under her breath, busying herself with filling a cart with the necessary items. "I feel like Isabella is hiding something from me."

You shrugged, scanning the neatly written list provided by Isabella. "I don't think she would do such a thing... but I suppose we'll have to wait and see."

Rae nodded in agreement, letting out a sigh. "You're right. Let's just see how this unfolds," she muttered, before straightening up. "Now come on. We're the first ones at the north wing today, so let's get a head start on our tasks."

As soon as you stepped into the main hall of the northern wing, your jaw dropped in astonishment. The sight before you was nothing short of shocking. You had expected a certain level of tidiness from nobles, but you found yourself sorely mistaken.

Nobles often projected an air of superiority, as if they were inherently cleaner and more refined than those of a lower status. Yet, the reality before you shattered that illusion entirely. Glasses of various emptiness cluttered every available flat surface. Some held remnants of red and white liquids, undoubtedly wine, their thick scent permeating the air. However, among them lay glasses containing liquids clearly not meant for drinking.

Amidst the chaos, plenty of glasses had been carelessly spilled and shattered, leaving stains scattered across the ground. Glass shards glinted menacingly, prompting a silent thanks from you for the sturdy shoes provided to you. Despite the protective footwear, you remained cautious, gingerly navigating your way around the hazardous debris.

Pearls lay strewn across the floor, becoming unwelcome obstacles as they caught under the wheels of your cart. Rae emitted an annoyed huff as she attempted to kick them out of the way, clearing a path as best she could.

A torn curtain hung from the window. Furniture was haphazardly pushed around, obstructing your path. More stains adorned the upholstery, and you wrinkled your nose in disdain, suspecting that not all of them were the result of spilled wine.

As you traveled further into the hallway your gaze swept over the messy scene before you, causing you to groan softly. If this was merely one segment of the wing, you could only imagine the state of the rest. Clearly, you had your work cut out for you.

Your attention was drawn to a particularly large wine stain, its presence unignorable. Initially appearing as a small trail, the stain gradually expanded into streaks against the carpet as you followed its path. Spatters of wine adorned the walls as you drew nearer to the final bedroom.

A fleeting thought crossed your mind as you surveyed the scene. Could it be that a Lady had engaged in a heated altercation with a bottle of wine in hand? Or perhaps she had clumsily spilled an excessive amount and resorted to... unconventional means of cleaning it up? The absurdity of the thought left you confused as you simply stared.

Coming to a halt in front of the final bedroom door, any semblance of amusement faded as the gravity of the situation became apparent. Smeared red stains marred the surface of the large wooden doors, while dried crimson puddles seeped ominously from beneath the threshold. It was abundantly clear that this scene was far from the result of an innocent spill.

With anxiety gnawing at your nerves, you hesitated with your hand over the door knob, uncertain of the horrors that lay beyond. Your heart raced erratically, and beads of sweat formed on your brow.

Observing your sudden change in demeanor, Rae stepped closer, attempting to lighten the mood with a joke about a messy couple and their expensive red wine. However, her words trailed off abruptly, realization washing over her features in a wave of dread.

"B-blood?" you murmured, the word barely escaping your lips as your eyes widened in horror. "Is it blood? Should we call for a guard? Someone might have been killed." Rae shook her head frantically.

"No, we can't raise the alarm yet!" Rae's voice trembled with fear, mirroring the panic in her wide eyes. Despite her own apprehension, she was attempting to maintain a level head, and you were grateful for it. Two panicked maids would only escalate the situation.

"We need to assess the situation first," she insisted, her brow furrowing as she stared at the ominous door. "What if it's simply an extraordinarily bad wine spill? We could land ourselves in serious trouble if we disrupt the guests by sounding a false alarm."

Your instincts screamed that this wasn't merely a spilled drink. The color was too ominous, too reminiscent of something far more sinister than old wine. Yet, fatigue and lingering unease from the previous night clouded your judgment. Could it be that your mind was playing tricks on you?

Taking a steadying breath, you reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Alright. Let's investigate before we involve the guards," you said. Rae seemed hesitant to approach the door herself, so you stepped forward.

Each step over the hardened stain beneath your feet sent a shiver down your spine, the quiet crunching noise amplifying the dread in your stomach. Suppressing a nervous gulp, you approached the door and knocked gently. Your breath caught in your throat as you strained to hear any response from within.

The stained door remained painfully silent, offering no indication of what lay beyond. Casting a desperate glance at Rae, you found her gesturing for you to try again. Frowning, you reluctantly turned back to the door and knocked once more, this time with more urgency.

Still met with silence, your body quivered with apprehension and a whimper escaped your lips. Fear gripped you tightly, your instincts urging you to flee, to turn away from whatever darkness lurked on the other side of the door.

But you knew you couldn't. You had to confront whatever lay beyond. You couldn’t just leave it. Drawing what courage you could muster, you exchanged one last glance with Rae, seeking solace in her unwavering presence, before finally pushing open the heavy doors.

The sight in front of you was utterly horrifying, causing your legs to give out from underneath you.

Blood was splattered across every surface and the sickening stench of iron and death mingled with it, saturating the air. Amidst the red, a blonde woman was motionless on the bed.

She lay on her back atop the grand bed, her head tilted over the edge and her wide blue eyes fixed blankly upon yours. Her blush-colored gown lay in tatters, revealing the gaping hole in the center of her chest.

You retched, the contents of your breakfast emptying from your stomach violently. You could hear Rae's horrified screams echoing behind you. Heavy footsteps thundered away from the room, the sound fading as your gasps and gags filled the air.

The room lay in disarray, a chaotic jumble of blood and gore. It resembled the aftermath of a frenzy, as if some untamed beast had stormed through, wreaking havoc in its wake. Once a serene pastel pink, the walls now bore the crimson stains of spilled blood.

What horrified you the most, however, was the sight of her own heart nestled in her bloodied hand. It was a jarring sight, as if she had taken it out herself. Yet, you couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that this was precisely what the murderer wanted it to appear like.

Your mind struggled to understand the sheer cruelty of the scene before you. You couldn't fathom why someone would commit such a gruesome act. As thoughts raced through your mind, a troubling possibility surfaced – Taehyung. Had she somehow angered him? Could he have been capable of such brutality?

The notion sent a chill down your spine, but you found yourself questioning whether he could truly be capable of such an atrocity.

Footsteps approached once more, and strong hands lifted you from the grisly scene. Moments later, you found yourself deposited unceremoniously in the disheveled hallway, alongside Rae. Together, you watched in silence as guards flooded into the room, some recoiling in horror and others rushing out to empty their stomachs into a nearby vase.

The commotion drew the attention of the guests, who emerged from their rooms with questions on their lips, only to be swiftly silenced and ushered back into their chambers by a stern-faced higher-ranking guard.

"Come with me, ladies," a gruff voice commanded, belonging to a younger guard who gestured towards a nearby door. You scrambled to your feet, your body trembling uncontrollably as you followed him down the hall. Clutching your arms tightly around your chest, you attempted to quell the unsettling tremors that coursed through you.

Rae shuffled along behind you, her faint sniffling betraying the tears she was attempting to hold back. You, however, remained too stunned to allow your own tears to fall. Shock held you in its grip, rendering you speechless.

As the guard swung open the door, revealing a room reminiscent of the tea room you had cleaned on your first day at the castle, he gestured toward the large table at its center which was surrounded by large chairs. Taking a seat, you flinched as he slammed the door shut behind you.

"Tell me everything that happened," he commanded, settling into the chair opposite you. Rae opened her mouth, but no words emerged, her voice lost in the grip of shock and fear.

With a sickening realization of the gravity of the situation, you understood how dire things looked for both you and Rae. A Lady brutally murdered, discovered by you both – it painted a damning picture. It was important to clear the air immediately; now was not the time to let shock and horror render you mute.

Clearing your throat to steady your voice, you began to recount the events. "Well... we arrived at the wing to clean before the guests awoke. I noticed red liquid on the curtains and walls, initially thinking it was wine. But as we approached the door, we realized the liquid was... smeared," you explained, pushing the image of the woman's dead eyes from your mind. "We hesitated, uncertain if it was truly blood. Then, we knocked, and upon receiving no response, I entered... and saw..." Your voice trailed off, the memory too ghastly to put into words.

The guard's expression remained stoic, unmoved by the horror etched on your face. "So, you didn't witness anyone entering or leaving?" he inquired. You shook your head.

“When we entered the wing, it was deserted. There was nobody there,” you confirmed, meeting the guard's intense stare head-on, hoping to convey the sincerity of your words.

“Sir,” Rae interjected, her voice steadying slightly as she regained some composure, “we swear we didn’t see anyone, nor did we have any involvement. We were simply here to clean up the aftermath of last night's events.”

Sensing the guard's lingering skepticism, Rae pressed on, her voice tinged with urgency. “If it were fresh blood, it would still be wet, wouldn’t it?” she asked, her gaze shifting to the guard in search of any hint of acknowledgment or understanding.

His expression softened as Rae's words sunk in. "When we arrived, the blood was already dried and caked into the rugs. I rushed to get you as soon as we saw it," she elaborated, her voice firm.

The guard's demeanor shifted, his initial disbelief giving way to understanding. "You're right. I'll inform my commander. Stay here," he instructed before rising from his seat and exiting the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, a wave of relief washed over you.

"Rae, you're so smart," you murmured gratefully, offering her a small smile. She attempted to return the gesture, though her expression betrayed a hint of discomfort. You felt a twinge of gratitude that you had been the one to open the door; at least Rae hadn't been directly confronted with the grisly scene.

"Who do you think did it?" Rae's voice was barely a whisper, heavy with disbelief. "They'd have to be completely deranged to commit such a brutal act..."

Shrugging, you frowned in contemplation. "I'm not sure. But I do recognize the woman," you murmured, your gaze fixed on the table in front of you.

Rae's head whipped around to face you, her eyes wide with shock. "How?!" she whispered urgently. You recounted how the woman had rudely declined a drink from you the previous night, the memory still fresh in your mind.

"Perhaps... She had said something disrespectful? Maybe to a prince?" Rae's voice was barely audible, laden with uncertainty. "If she treated you with such rudeness for no apparent reason, then it's not unthinkable that she might have mistreated someone important as well."

You shook your head slowly, pondering her words. "I considered Taehyung... but would he really resort to such brutality?" you whispered back, your voice laced with doubt. "Besides, most nobles are rude towards servants. She ought to have known better than to provoke the royal family."

Before your conversation could continue, the door creaked open once more. Instead of the guard from earlier, Namjoon entered the room, his presence sending a wave of apprehension through you both. Rising hastily, you and Rae bowed deeply, your hearts sinking as you awaited his words.

"Please, sit," Namjoon's deep voice broke the tense silence, accompanied by a tight yet amiable smile. You and Rae complied, settling back into your chairs with rigid posture as he joined you, producing a folded piece of parchment from his coat pocket. You couldn't help but wonder if he recognized you from the previous encounter when he had requested tea.

"The two of you seem to have found yourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time," Namjoon began, his gaze firm yet not unkind. It reminded you of the way an older brother or father might look at you when you'd done something wrong. "However, the guard who was just questioning you mentioned that you raised some valid points. You arrived when the blood was already dry and hardened, correct?" he inquired, his eyes scanning your faces for confirmation. You nodded eagerly, a desperate desire to prove your innocence evident in your expression. "And you didn't witness anyone entering or leaving the wing."

Namjoon continued to ask a few more questions, his imposing presence amplifying your growing anxiety with each passing moment. Once satisfied with your responses, he released a heavy sigh.

"The atrocity of this crime surpasses any blame that could be placed on a few maids," he declared solemnly. "I choose to believe you in this matter. We will pursue the perpetrator diligently. In the meantime, I will instruct your head maid to assign you to the southern wing instead."

With a decisive fold of his parchment, Namjoon concluded his statement. "You may return to your chambers now. I can only imagine how traumatizing this must have been for you, so I will grant you the day to rest. However, I expect you back in working order tomorrow," he stated firmly.

As he rose from his seat, you followed suit, bowing respectfully and expressing your gratitude. Sensing his gaze lingering on you as he granted you permission to depart, you did your best to ignore it. The last thing you needed was to draw the attention of another prince.

You hurried back to your chambers, Rae close behind. The room greeted you with emptiness as you burst through the door. Finally feeling safe enough to let go, you collapsed into Rae's arms. Almost instantly, you felt her trembling against you as she buried her face into your shoulder.

The two of you stood there, clinging to each other, and allowed the tears to flow freely. Tears for the tragic loss of life, tears for the near accusation hanging over you, and tears for the overwhelming stress of life within the castle walls.

In the midst of your tears, you found yourself offering up a silent prayer, perhaps the millionth time that day, that things would somehow turn out for the best. You couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get worse, the regret creeping into your thoughts over your decision to come to the palace. For once, you didn't push the regret away; instead, you allowed it to settle within you, acknowledging the weight of your circumstances.

#bts #yandere bts #yandere bts fic #bts fic #emeralds and blood #yandere hoseok #yandere jimin #yandere jin #yandere jungkook #yandere namjoon

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glimmervoi · 8 months ago

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A SEALED FATE: EMERALDS AND BLOOD - VI The Beginning of the Winter Ball

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notes: phew, that took forever for me to write ;-; i was really struggling with this one and Idk why because i was so excited to write it when i left off at the last chapter. oh well, it's up now - i hope you all enjoy it!! cant wait to get the next chapter up :D

The winter ball shimmered with life and elegance, a spectacle that drew envy from all corners of the kingdom. Dressed in gowns spun from the most expensive of threads and suits tailored with utmost precision, guests from far and wide glided across the floor in a symphony of laughter and music, each step a testament to the grandeur of the event.

The ballroom buzzed with energy as guests mingled and danced. The musicians in the corner belted out lively tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Glasses of bubbly wine clinked together as people laughed and chatted, the room alive with excitement and joy.

The ball was just getting started, and you couldn't help but be amazed. Coming from a humble village, the grandeur of the event was like something out of a dream. It was a stark reminder of how far you'd come, even if your presence there was not something you had initially expected nor wanted.

You weren’t supposed to be serving at the ball that night. Rae had assured you that the service maids would take care of it, giving you a rare night off. It was a welcomed relief, as you had plans to sneak off to the stables, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious man you had encountered days before.

You were almost certain he was a stableboy by his attire, but when you mentioned the handsome man to Rae, she drew a blank. Still, you felt compelled to check the stables, just in case.

He had lingered in your thoughts since your first encounter, leaving you yearning for that electrifying, joyful sensation he brought. Yet, your plans to visit the stables were ruined upon entering the maids' chambers to change. Sanria's unexpected presence stopped you in your tracks.

An hour later, you found yourself in the small kitchen adjacent to the ballroom, gazing through the open door at the guests reveling in laughter and joy.

Sanria had already departed, leaving behind a chilling warning of a painful beating with the thin wooden rod she kept tucked in her apron. The threat hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the consequences awaiting any mistake or offense against Iseul, the stern head of the service maids.

Iseul, while not as imposing as Sanria, still commanded respect. The young woman's raven hair framed a stern expression, her lips set in a deep frown, and her slender frame seemed more stiff than a stone pillar. Like Sanria, she too carried a wooden rod tucked into her black apron, a silent symbol of her authority and a promise to punish any who angered her.

Isabella, a bubbly blonde maid, stood in stark contrast to Iseul's severity. Despite the initial shock of being summoned to serve at the ball, she had lent a hand in getting you ready. With her assistance, you managed to squeeze into the all-black service dress and frilly apron, a uniform reserved for special occasions.

In Sanria's presence, Isabella remained silent, but her eyes spoke volumes. They conveyed an understanding of your confusion, discomfort, and alarm at the daunting task of serving important guests in such a grand event, especially considering your recent arrival at the castle. You couldn't help but wonder who had requested such an inexperienced servant for such a significant occasion.

You had to shake off the unsettling feeling and muster your courage. Allowing your nerves to affect you would only invite trouble, but if you pretended to be confident and composed, you might just get through unscathed.

You stood in silence, observing as Isabella and Iseul quickly arranged two sleek black trays laden with tall, slender glasses brimming with sparkling wine. You willed the slight tremor in your fingers to cease, your focus fixed on the task at hand. Iseul didn't spare you a glance once she finished, merely snapping her fingers before pivoting to prepare another tray.

Isabella's kind gaze met yours as you approached. "Have you ever carried a tray filled with glasses like this before?" she inquired, her tone gentle. Her presence brought a sense of comfort, causing your tense shoulders to ease slightly. You shook your head in response.

"It's easy, really," she reassured, smoothly sliding the tray from the table onto her waiting hand. The liquid in the glasses barely rippled, and she held the tray with ease, despite there being at least ten glasses resting on its surface. "Just carefully slide it onto your palm. But don't go too fast or too slow. It can practically sense your fear when you do it that way."

Your brows furrowed as you gently tugged on the edge of the tray. Not too fast, not too slow—just right. You hoped you'd get it just right on the first try, before Iseul turned and witnessed you dropping an entire tray of wine on the ground.

You tugged the tray onto your hand, mimicking Isabella's technique, wincing as the wine threatened to spill over the edge of the glass. The blonde nodded her approval and offered a small smile. "Perfect," she said, brushing a stray droplet off the surface of your tray.

"Now, when you go up to serve someone, you must first bow your head like this," Isabella demonstrated by dipping her chin lightly, her eyes cast downward. A respectful and simple action. "Then, ask them if they would like a glass. If they ask what the wine is, it is a Sparkling Snowdrop from Shivermaw. It’s their specialty."

You faintly remembered the name, Shivermaw. One of the girls a few beds down from yours was born there, but had left due to the crumbling economy of the winter city. Supposedly, the Duke and Duchess were doing just fine, and so were the wealthier inhabitants of the city. But the further out from the city's main area you got, the poorer the families were. And that wasn't even considering the rural villages, comparable to your own.

You shook off the thoughts of Shivermaw and nodded at Isabella. "Alright, ready?" she asked quietly, approaching the doorway of the kitchen. You swallowed, tempted to admit you weren't ready and that you just wanted to go to bed. But you followed her, once again gazing into the beautiful ballroom.

"Ready," you said quietly. Then, you both entered. The music swelled, and so did the voices of the guests. The scents of their perfumes enveloped you, making it feel like the air in your lungs had vanished.

So many people, you thought to yourself, trying to steady your breathing. It had been one thing to peer in from the outside, but standing amidst the crowd was another matter entirely. Your legs began to shake; you were terrified. The reality of it all sunk in deeper now that you were actually there. The fear of making a mistake and facing Sanria's wrath felt closer than it had before.

Isabella seemed to sense your anxiety and gently nudged your arm with hers. "Hey," she murmured softly. You looked into her bright eyes, your breath coming out shakily.

"Act like you've been doing this for years. Confidence is key - if you show it, they won't question a thing. All they really care about is having a good time, indulging in food and drink, and enjoying each other's beds," she said with a playful smirk.

Indeed, she had a point. They'd likely glance past you without a second thought; you were merely a background figure. With a resigned sigh, you summoned a faint smile. "I'll handle the right side. You take care of the left?"

Isabella nodded, her gaze filled with reassurance. Alongside you, other maids clad in attire identical to yours were already circulating on the right side as they handed out drinks. You surveyed the area, noting the guests who had yet to acquire a glass of Shivermaw’s wine.

You made the choice to approach a stunning woman with ivory skin and hair that looked to be made of the sun's golden rays. Her gown, a blush colored silk, was adorned with so many pearls that it looked as though it was twice as heavy as she was. Yet, she moved with effortless grace as though it was as light as a piece of chiffon.

You followed Isabella's instruction, gracefully bowing your head as you presented her with a glass of wine. She momentarily halted her conversation with a handsome, dark-skinned man, casting her gaze upon you. However, instead of acknowledgment, her expression shifted from flirtatious to one of disdain. Without a word she turned away, dismissing you with a subtle gesture and once more engaging in conversation.

As you willed away the prickling irritation and embarrassment from her reaction, your focus shifted to an older woman, her hair gracefully streaked with silver. She wore a gown of deep blue, its simplicity heightened by its quiet elegance. With a composed demeanor you approached her, bowing your head respectfully before extending the offer of a glass of wine from your tray once again.

"Thank you, dear," she murmured softly, graciously accepting the glass. A sense of satisfaction washed over you, prompting a gentle nod from you in response. With a silent step backward, you gave her the space to savor her wine in peace. Slowly you distributed the rest of the contents of your tray.

For the next hour, you conducted your own quiet waltz, moving in harmony with the music resonating from the heart of the room. It was a dance of five steps: a “graceful” journey to the kitchen, where you retrieved a fresh tray from Iseul, whose silence remained unbroken. Returning to the ballroom, you distributed the wine, then retreated back to the kitchen to restart your dance. Each repetition carried its own rhythm, blending seamlessly into the elegant cadence of the evening.

On your eighth trip to the kitchen, Iseul abruptly halted your motion as you reached for the replenished tray. Her hand landed firmly on the tray, blocking you. "Let Nidora handle this one," she instructed, her voice carrying a raspy edge. You complied, withdrawing your hand as the quiet redhead silently took the tray, avoiding your gaze as she did so.

"Is everything alright?" you inquired softly, clasping your hands behind your back. Despite your lack of prior experience in service, you had believed you were managing quite well.

Iseul set down the dark blue wine bottle that she had been uncorking and fixed her gaze upon you, her eyes filled with nothing but disdain. "I don't like you," she declared bluntly, causing your brows to raise in surprise.

"O-oh," you stammered, searching for a more composed response. You understood that everyone had their own thoughts and opinions, but you couldn't help but wonder why the head maid had chosen this moment to share hers with you. After all, you hadn't knowingly given her any reason to harbor such animosity.

A few seconds of uncomfortable silence passed before Iseul broke it, her voice tinged with accusation.

"The only reason you're here is because a Prince specifically requested you," she asserted, folding her arms tightly across her chest. You recoiled slightly, taken aback by her words. Instantly, your thoughts turned to Namjoon. He had been the only prince to engage with you, and it was merely a single request... Had you somehow inconvenienced or offended him?

Rae hadn't shown any signs that Namjoon was concerned or dissatisfied with your performance. Surely if you had done something wrong, she would have brought it to your attention? And if you had, why would Namjoon specifically request you? It didn't make sense. Unless... unless he was planning to make an example of you in front of everyone at the ballroom?! The thought sent a shiver down your spine, unsettling and alarming.

You started to tremble, the uncertainty and anxiety swirling within you. What could you have possibly done to provoke such anger from him? Rae had ensured you that he received the correct tea, so why would he single you out? Was it possible that he wanted you specifically to serve it? But would such a minor detail warrant such public humiliation in front of the entire ballroom? The questions raced through your mind, each one amplifying your anxiety.

Iseul's snort cut through the tension, her smile twisted with malice as she observed your shocked expression. "You're just like that whore Kassie. You slept with one of them, didn't you?" she accused, leaning in with disdain. "Now my neck is on the line. If you mess up, the repercussions fall on me. If I wanted to deal with an inexperienced cleaning maid, I would have gladly taken Rae’s position myself-"

"What are you talking about?" you interjected, cutting her off mid-sentence. Panic surged through you, your hands trembling as you braced them against the counter. Leaning forward, you desperately tried to convey your innocence. "I haven't been sleeping with anyone!"

Iseul's nostrils flared, and she uncrossed her arms with a sharp motion, seizing the bottle of wine from the counter. "Your reaction tells me that you’re lying," she stated icily, her tone cutting through the air like a knife as she resumed pouring the wine into the waiting glasses. “I want you to know that if you make a single mistake, I will be the one beating you. And my rod is much more painful than Sanria’s.”

You attempted to interject, to offer some form of defense or clarification, but she swiftly silenced you before you could utter a single word.

"I do not care about your excuses," she spat, venom dripping from her lips. "Just get back out there and do your job. And do not mess it up." Her words were a cold dismissal, leaving you with no choice but to comply, the weight of her expectations heavy upon your shoulders.

You recoiled, instinctively flinching as she forcefully thrust a tray towards you. The dark-haired maid's stern demeanor left no room for doubt - she wasn't bluffing. If you made a mistake, she would know, and the consequences would be dire. Standing there to argue or seek answers would only further infuriate her. She had already made up her mind, convinced of your involvement with a prince. It was clear that trying to reason with her would be futile. With a heavy sigh, you resigned yourself to brushing off her accusations and returning to your duties.

Shakily, you grasped the fresh tray and cautiously approached the doorway, peering into the bustling room. Tension gripped you once more, just like it had during your initial entry into the crowded space. If Namjoon had indeed requested your presence, you were determined to avoid the tall prince at all costs. Yet, despite scanning the room, you hadn't caught sight of him all night. Was it a stroke of luck, or perhaps part of his scheme to catch you off guard? The uncertainty gnawed at you, adding another layer of unease to an already tense evening.

You made an effort to steady yourself, taking note of the shifting atmosphere within the ballroom. The tables were now being repositioned, guests darting around with metal keys clutched tightly in their hands. The key matching game was underway, evident from the flurry of activity as people hurried to find their matches.

Your thoughts drifted to the stableboy from earlier, and a pang of longing tugged at your heart. Amidst the chaos surrounding you, you found yourself yearning for his company, wishing you were anywhere but in your current position. However, you steeled yourself and pressed onward, continuing your duties of distributing wine to the newly formed couples who stood together, their keys glimmering in the soft candlelight.

You emptied two more trays, although you remained unsettled from the encounter with Iseul. Suddenly, a familiar tingling sensation coursed through your veins, prompting you to instinctively tighten your grip on the empty tray. A small shiver danced down your spine as you glanced around, a strange feeling creeping over you.

Suddenly, a warm hand rested gently on your shoulder, and a soft voice murmured close to your ear, "I finally found you." Startled, you whipped around, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks at the unexpected proximity. Before you stood the stableboy who had occupied your thoughts for days, appearing even more handsome than you remembered.

A smile unconsciously spread across your face as you prepared to ask him why he was there, rather than tending to the stables. However, your question remained unspoken as a glimmer of gold caught your eye from atop his head. Your breath caught in your throat as you realized— he was wearing a crown.

He was wearing a crown.

#bts #yandere bts #yandere bts fic #bts fic #emeralds and blood #yandere hoseok #yandere jimin #yandere jin #yandere jungkook #yandere namjoon

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