The dining hall was colder than the kitchen
Linet felt it the moment she stepped through the door_the shift in air & sound. The clatter and shouting of the kitchen faded behind her, replaced by low quiet voices. The kind of room where mistakes echoed loudly.
She adjusted her grip on the tray, posture straight, steps measured.
Serve, breath and leave linet, you got this.
(She told herself inwardly)
Then she looked up and saw him going up the stairs.
Her body reacted, before her mind could stop it.
Her stomach dropped so fast it felt like falling. Her chest tightened, slowly catching her breath halfway in, like her lungs have forgotten their job. Heat rushed up her spine, sharp and dizzy, and her heart slammed violently against her ribs.
For one wild second, everything in her screamed.
No_
Her fingers dug into the tray, knuckles whitening, a faint tremor ran through her arms, small but dangerous, threatening to give her away .
Panic surged hard and fast. Her instinct begged her to turn around, to drop the tray , to leave the room before he noticed. Before he saw her_ in his house wearing his uniform.
Her pulse thundered
But her face_
Her face didn't move( being a master at disguising fear and all emotions)
Years of honed survival instinct kicked into place without asking permission. The same discipline that had taught her when to fight and when to endure. When to show teeth and when to lock everything down tight.
She inhaled slowly.
(Control it she told herself quietly)
Her shoulders straightened "
Pride followed, sharp and stubborn.
Why should I be the one to panic?
I've worked to hard, survived too much _ to crumble now_ in front of him. Not ever.
She lowered her gaze, every step she took felt heavier than the last, as if the marble floor had turned to deep water.
She reached the table and began to serve.
Wine poured smoothly into the crystal glasses, not a single drop spilling. Her movements where precise, professional, practiced. Anyone watching would see nothing but a maid doing her job.
Inside, her mind was spiraling.
Is this a trap?
What I'm I going to do?
Where can I run to.
The subtle shift in the room, the quiet pause in the conversation.
Something had changed.
She didn't look up.
Her pride wouldn't let it.
She finished pouring and stepped back, eyes still lowered.
And who might you be?
(A low cool magnetic voice echoed)
Richard's jaw dropped when he noticed linet was the new maid.
Linet being a master of disguise masked her anxiety and anger in a smile.
I'm linet.
Nice to meet you.
Really ".
What a magnificent coincidence, or is it?
Linet couldn't bear to hear the next word that was gonna come out from his mouth.
Goodnight sir, my work here is complete so I'll be taking my leave.
Mr Julian, Madame August
Goodnight.
She says it with a passive aggressive smile on her face.
Goodnight to you too linet
With that linet leaves with her pride and dignity unfazed.
Not even daring to look back one bit.