“You are always so kind towards the working staff. I guess there’s still many things that I can learn from you,” Regina replied before laughing sweetly. “Darius told me that you were waiting for me at the afternoon tea party that was held recently. I didn’t feel well so I didn’t attend. Anyways, I’m here to officially and unofficially welcome you to the palace. I hope you enjoy your time here, Regina,” Leonard said with a slight nod of his head. “Thank you so much, Your Highness,” Regina said with unveiled pleasure. “Great. I won’t take up more of your time,” Leonard said as he got up from his seat. The smile on Regina’s face froze in place when she realized that he already intended on leaving. The visit was much shorter than she had ever imagined. It wasn’t like she could think up of a valid reason or excuse to stop him; however, there was one thing that she wanted to inquire about. “Prince Leonard…the night of the full moon is fast approaching…” Regina drawled suggestively. “You’re right. You should stay indoors and lock your bedroom door properly. Stay safe, Regina. Beware of wild wolves…” Leonard said before he turned and walked away. Regina watched as Leonard walked away without turning back. Her hands clenched hard around the fabric of her dress as she tried to contain her embarrassment. Even after summoning up the courage to bring up the night of the full moon, the prince just ignored her implied intention. No way. Does he really not intend to… “My Lady, I just saw the prince leave…” Sophie said hesitantly after entering the room and approaching her lady. “I already know that!” Regina snapped loudly before taking in a deep breath. “My Lady…” Sophie said with worry heavy in her voice. “He can’t just ignore me this way…” Regina whispered to herself as her body shook from a mix of anger and hurt. … For the first time in a long while, I slept deeply and without dreams. I woke up feeling fresh and ready for another day. After lining up and eating my breakfast in a rush, I was on the way to Lady Regina’s palace. The air felt fresher today and the wind blowing against my face felt extra soothing and gentle. The smell of the red roses in the garden smelled sweeter than before and I couldn’t resist stopping to smell them and admire their beauty on the way to the Lady’s palace. The smell of these roses reminded me of him… Sophie announced my job for the day, and I wasn’t surprised that it seemed like intensive work. At least the task for today seemed more interesting than sweeping up leaves. I followed her as she led me through the garden that I worked in yesterday. My eyes glanced over at the large tree and my chest tightened and felt heavy. It took me a moment to figure out that the slight pain in my chest was from the disappointment of seeing that there was no one waiting for me at under the large tree. Well, of course, he isn’t here today… “Do you know how to take care of horses?” Sophie asked as her eyes narrowed at me. “No, I am sorry,” I replied apologetically. “I didn’t think so…” she muttered before her lips smirked with clear distaste my way. She led me to the stables where she told me that she wanted me to work here for the days to come. Since I didn’t know how to deal with horses, I was ordered to clean the stables and help arrange the haystack. “Basically, just clean the place and do what you can. Don’t leave the stables until the workday is over. Do you understand?” Sophie ordered as she planted both hands on her hips and stared at me. “Yes. I understand…” I replied obediently. After glaring at me, Sophie turned on her heels and stomped out of the stables. The stables were quite far from the palace building but I felt better to be far away from Lady Regina. Something about her and the way she spoke and looked at me made me feel extremely uncomfortable in her presence. The stables smelled unfamiliar to me. This must be what they refer to as the smell of horses. I walked deeper into the stables as I wondered if there was someone else here. There were many horses, and the place wasn’t truly unclean. It seemed that someone was taking care of the stables. Maybe if I can find the caretaker then I can ask him how I can be of use. A horse whinnied quite loudly when I walked past it, and I jumped in fright. “Oh…that scared me…” I whispered as I pressed a hand flat against my chest. There was a large stack of hay on the floor deeper in the stable. As far as my eyes could see, no one else was in here. “Excuse me! Is anyone here?” I called out but not too loudly. The whinnies of horses were the only response that I got. I decided to walk around the stables to look for something that I could do. Sophie didn’t give me any precise instructions except that I shouldn’t leave this place until it was time for me to head back to the maids’ quarters. I walked along the stables as I turned to observe the horses on both sides. There were so many horses here. Do all of them belong to Lady Regina? After walking around all inside and around the stables, I was convinced that I was the only one there. Where did the usual staff go? I was sure that there was at least one person that ran this huge stable. “What am I supposed to do now?” I mumbled questioningly to myself. I marched my way passed a door before the sound of something crashing down onto the floor made me jump in shock. The sound seemed to be coming from the other side of the door. Is someone inside? “Hello…is someone in there?” I asked in a shaky voice. --To be continued…