I wake groggy, and make my way to the kitchen where Lady Thorn is eating, she glances up at me and nods for me to join her. "Good morning, Duna." she says softly, her voice like honey. "How did you sleep?"

"Very well, thank you," I reply, sitting down across from her. "And yourself?" She smiles, her blue eyes twinkling. "Well enough, my dear, well enough. I trust you didn't have any more strange dreams last night?" I hesitate, not sure how much to tell her. "Well, I did have some difficulty sleeping, but nothing... untoward." She nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Where are Alden and Marik?" "Marik left early this morning to attend to some business with Alden. They should be back by lunchtime." Her voice trails off as she looks out the window, lost in thought. Something in her expression makes me uneasy. "You know, Duna, I've been meaning to speak with you about Marik. He's always been a bit... mysterious, but I can't help but feel there's something different about him these days." 

"I've noticed that as well, my lady," I admit, feeling a weight settling in the pit of my stomach. "But I don't know what it could be. He's been acting strange ever since I arrived here." 

"Perhaps it's just nerves," she offers, her voice gentle. "Being in a new position of responsibility can be daunting, even for someone as experienced as Marik." 

"Perhaps," I say, although I'm not entirely convinced. "Or perhaps there's something more going on. "Lady Thorn sighs, her gaze distant. "I doubt that." 

"So, Duna you have a very special day coming don't you?" Lady Thorn chrips, snapping me back to the present. I blink, realizing that she's not going to tell me anything about the day she's referring to. "So, what do you think you might like to do today?" 

"I-I'm not sure, my lady. If you'd like, I could help with any tasks you may have need of." She smiles warmly "Oh no, no don't you know you have the day off today?" 

"But why?" I ask, confused. "Well, Duna, I thought it would be nice for you to have a little time to yourself. You've been working so hard since you've arrived, and I want you to feel appreciated. So, why don't you take the day and do something that you enjoy? Maybe go for a walk in the gardens, or explore the Castle. Perhaps even visit the bathhouse and take a swim. The choice is yours, dear. Just remember to have fun and relax."

I'm still slightly taken aback by this generous gift, but I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of having the entire day to myself. "Thank you, Lady Thorn," I manage to say, my voice soft with gratitude. "I'm honored by your trust in me."

"She waves away my words with a graceful hand. "It's no trouble at all, dear. Now, why don't you get started? The day is wasting away!" I gather my courage and rise from my seat, bowing to Lady Thorn before turning to leave the kitchen. As I make my way through the halls of the Castle, I can't help but marvel at its beauty. The intricate tapestries on the walls, the gleaming suits of armor standing sentry in every corner, and the stained-glass windows that bathe the hallways in color. It's like walking through a living museum, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience it firsthand. As I wander, I eventually find myself drawn to the gardens. The scent of flowers fills the air, and the sound of birdsong echoes through the trees. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past few weeks begin to lift from my shoulders. I stroll along the winding paths, admiring the meticulously trimmed hedges and perfectly sculpted fountains. It's like walking through a painting come to life. I spend several hours wandering aimlessly, lost in thought and the beauty of my surroundings. Eventually, I find myself growing hungry again. The bathhouse and its tempting pool of water still beckon, but for now, I decide to find something to eat. Perhaps I'll visit the kitchens and see if I can find something to snack on. As I make my way back toward the Castle, I can't help but reflect on this amazing day. Lady Thorn's kindness has truly touched me, and I feel a newfound sense of loyalty and appreciation for her. Perhaps, just maybe, my suspicions about Marik were wrong. Maybe he was right, and Lady Thorn really does trust me. Regardless, I know that today will be a memory I'll cherish for a long time to come.

The day passes quickly, filled with adventure and wonder, and as the sun begins to set, I retire to my chambers, feeling grateful and content. Tomorrow, I'll return to my duties with renewed vigor and determination, but for today, I am Duna, the servant with the day off. The next day, I wake up early, eager to see what the day will bring. I sit up in my bed and look over to Alden's bed to find it empty. He's not here. I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. I hope he's not in trouble. I open the door and walk to the kitchen to find the lights out. "Suddenly I'm started by some figures jumping out from behind the table and screaming happy birthday." I turn around, shocked, to find Marik, Vergo, and Alden standing there, grinning from ear to ear. Even Cook is there with his arms crossed smiling at me. "What's going on?" I manage to squeak out. "It's a surprise!" Alden exclaims, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "We just wanted to make today special for you." I can't help but feel touched by their gesture. "How'd you know about my birthday?" "Oh, that would be because of me." Marik says casually smirking." Well, thanks guys. This is really nice of you." I say, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "But where's Lady Thorn?" "She had some last-minute business to attend to," Vergo explains, "but she wanted us to make sure you had a good time." "Well, I think I've had a wonderful time," I say, glancing around at my friends. "Thanks again."  As we sit down to breakfast, Alden hands me a small, wrapped package. "Open it," he says with a grin. Inside, I find a beautiful pendant, crafted of silver and adorned with a tiny ruby. "It's been in my family for generations," he says, "and I thought you might like it." I am stunned by his generosity and touch the pendant reverently. "Thank you, Alden. It's perfect." "I also have another gift for you Duna" Alden says smirking. He then reaches for my slave collar and removes it. I gasp, suddenly feeling lighter and more free. "Alden, you didn't have to do this...""Yes, I did," he insists. "You're not just my friend anymore. You're family and now, you're free."

I look over at Marik and Vergo, who are both beaming with pride. Then, I glance at Lady Thorn, who has returned to the dining hall. She meets my eyes and smiles warmly, nodding her approval. It's as if she's saying, "You've earned this." Tears well up in my eyes as I realize the depth of their trust in me and the incredible journey I've been on. As I step out of the dining hall, I take a deep breath and explore my new quarters. The room is spacious and elegant, with a canopy bed fit for a queen. There's a large window overlooking the garden, and I can almost hear the birds singing. A comfortable writing desk sits in the corner, and I imagine myself spending countless hours pouring out my thoughts onto parchment. There's a bookshelf to the side. The rest of the day passes in a blur of excitement and refection.

That night, as I lay in bed, I can't help but feel grateful for the life I've been given. Despite the hardships and challenges, Lady Thorn, Alden, Marik, and Vergo have shown me love and kindness beyond measure. They've given me a home, a purpose, and, most importantly, a family. I close my eyes, drifting off to sleep, and for the first time in a long time, I feel truly content. Days turn into weeks, and the castle becomes a second home to me. I continue to learn about my new duties and responsibilities, often seeking the counsel of Lady Thorn or Alden when I am unsure. The time I spend with them is invaluable, and I cherish every moment. My bound with Marik deepens as we spend more time together, training in the art of swordsmanship and strategy. He is a patient teacher, always encouraging me to push myself further. Vergo, on the other hand, becomes more of a brother to me. He shows me the ins and outs of the library, introducing me to a world of knowledge that I had never imagined existed. We spend hours discussing history, politics, and philosophy, our debates often growing heated but always ending in mutual respect. One evening, as we are all gathered around the fireplace, Alden produces a small velvet box. He looks at me with a mischievous glint in his eye and asks, "Duna, would you do me the honor of becoming my betrothed?" I am stunned into silence for a moment, my heart racing wildly. "Alden," I manage to say, ""I know we haven't known each other for long," he continues, "but I've never felt this way about anyone before. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, sharing our adventures and building a future together." I look into his sincere eyes and realize that he means every word. My own feelings for him have grown immeasurably over the past few weeks, and I know without a doubt that I want to be his wife. "Yes," I breathe, "I would be honored." "Well, you two a bit young to be a couple so you're both going to have to wait till you're older let's not get ahead of ourselves now." Lady Thorn chimes in, her expression a mix of amusement and pride. "But perhaps, someday soon." As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, I grow more confident in my role as Lady Thorn's advisor and protector. I am not afraid to speak my mind or voice my concerns, and she values my input greatly. She has become more than just my mistress; she is my mentor, my friend, and almost like a second mother. The bond between us deepens with each passing day, and I know that I will always be there for her, just as she has been there for me.I also find myself becoming increasingly close to Marik and Vergo. We are no longer just companions; we are brothers, bound by our shared experiences and our loyalty to the House of Thorn. Our training sessions in the courtyard become more intense and competitive, but there is always an undercurrent of camaraderie and respect. Vergo has taken it upon himself to teach me the intricacies of politics and diplomacy, preparing me for the day when I will assume leadership of the House. Alden tells me I'll be royalty soon, and I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation at the prospect.

                                     The end.