After the endless walk through the castle I ended up back in the main hall. In a distance I saw two male guards standing by the door like statues. Somewhere other maids worked on their daily tasks. I could only hear their distant chatting and their feet shuffling on the marble floors. Occasionally I could get a glimpse of their silhouettes, but their forms disappeared as fast as they had come.

Castle was quiet, here were not many people to talk to or almost any at all in that matter. The only meaningful conversation I had was with Adam - he seemed to be a hard working man. By delivering the goods from the market every day, he provided this house with the most exquisite ingredients for our meals.

I wished to have someone close to talk to or spend my time with, while Edmund is gone.

I saw a door being opened by guards and inside walked Edmund's mother - or I think this woman was. I had not seen her for very long time.

Without acknowledging the guards, she smoothly slid in my direction. Like every other time I expected her to ignore my presence, but when her eyes came up, she stopped and faced me.

"How is your new life?" She said with her chin raised high. "Hmmm... I still don't understand, what he sees in you. But... what's done is done, I guess."

With that, she just left me standing with none answered question and endless thoughts of, why she said that. For a minute I awed stupidly, but then put myself together and tried to come up with a plan for the rest of the time today.

Somehow she was right on her statement. Even I don't know, what Edmund sees, to have made a choice to marry me. I know he cares for me, he has always wanted to provide me with the best things, though I was nothing more than a slave. We have spent time together, but what else? Do I like him as a woman? Am I pretty enough for him or with enough of manners to fit in his world?

I couldn't help, but feel little bit depressed. Her words affected me greatly, somehow they lingered in back of my mind.

"Excuse me, your highness!" I noticed Violet coming from the long halls that divided the castle. "I have assigned a maid for you, who will do, whatever you need help with. Her name is Sophia. And this girl is Anna. She is learning her work with Sophia. If you have any problems, please inform me and I will see to assign her for someone else to take care of."

"Uhmmm... Alright." I glanced on both girls in front of me.

Sophia was tall and slim young woman. Her coal black hair were styled perfectly in tight braid. She wore the same maid's outfit, that every other female worker did - black, body tight cotton blouse and skirt reaching down to her knees. It showed her tall legs, but nonetheless it looked very elegant. Definitely the choice of the outfits showed perfectly, that they were far from wealthy and higher status people. I could not see her eyes as they were set down looking on her feet. The same could be said about the small girl beside Sophia. I remembered her from the time I entered the castle. She looked scared and even now, she appeared extremely nervous.

I pondered of what I need help with or what I can ask them to do. I have been used to do everything myself, but now I was kind of obligated to use maids. For another moment I observed them.

"Sophia, you can look at me." I said quietly.

She hesitated.

"You can do it. Nobody will get in trouble." I ensured.

She slowly glanced at me with her brown eyes. There was no emotion in her face, it was blank and empty.

I smiled and hoped to bring some feeling in her sad form.

"Could someone show me the garden?" I waited the response from both of them.

Anna's face visibly lit up and then pulled on a sleeve of Sophia. She glanced at the small girl and then nodded to her.

"As my Lady wishes. This way, please."

I followed them through labyrinths of wide corridors. I saw that Anna was very happy, but at some times Sophia unnoticeably told her to behave by nudging her arm.

I wanted to get to know them, as my time will be spent with these girls a lot from now on. Sophia was very mysterious and it intrigued me. The same could be said about Anna. Maybe I could find some source of friendship in them?

I didn't want the silence to drag any longer.

"How old are you, Anna?"

"I am ten years old, your majesty."

"I will tell you something... . Call me Thea, please."

"As you wish... Thea." She seemed nervous on saying my name.

Anna looked quickly at Sophia, who didn't seem alright with her addressing me this way. It saddened me. I knew too well, that no matter how much someone insisted to be called by their name, it is hard to break the habit and social rules. I am their master... I am their queen and no royalty should be called by their name by... lower class. It was very hard for me too, when Edmund always insisted it. I just want to be friends with these young women, get to know them and make them feel more relaxed in my presence. Little hope stayed in my heart, that they will get used to me.

"Why are you here, Anna? Where are your parents?"

"They died of sickness not long ago. Her mother and then her father too. She has no one, so our King allowed her to stay here. She is learning her duties with me at the moment." Sophia explained with nonchalant face expression.

Anna's face lost a light she carried all along.

"I...I am so sorry to hear it... ." I needed to change the subject to sway the negative thoughts elsewhere. "What are her duties, may I ask?"

"She will be a maid, like others, though Anna has a long way to go." Sophia gently brushed over the small girl's shoulder in comforting motion.

"C...can I ask you something, your majesty?" Anna timidly chirped in her tiny voice.

"Sure, whatever you want."

"I heard you were a slave, before you became a queen. Is it true?"