Chapter 4 BEING INVISIBLE

Taking light steps not to make any noise, walking over the supply closet, I brought my equipment for cleaning, heading to the King's room.

With one hand holding on to the cleaning supply, the other was raised up to the door, and I knocked softly, waiting to see if anyone was in.

When I heard no sound, I twisted the knob, going inside the room.

Be invisible.

I chanted to myself before walking fully into the room and was welcomed with total darkness. Not having a clue where I was going, I used my hands to make a part for myself. Falling two to three times on the ground till I got to the window, pushing the curtains aside.

The once dark room was graced with light, allowing me to get a better look at the place. The first thing I noticed was how big it was, if that was the correct word to use.

This was by far the biggest room I have ever seen; it was massive. To think I needed to clean every inch without missing a spot.

The wall of the room was painted red; there were two doors on the other side of the room. One, I'm guessing, was the bathroom, and the other was probably the King's closet.

I walked over to the shelves, spotting different types of books from different genres. He must love reading.

Looking over to the side of the shelves, I saw a different set of swords lined up against the wall, but one caught my eye. Just by seeing it, I could tell it held more power and strength, emitting a glow anytime the sunlight was on it.

I sighed, ending my exploration as I half-heartedly picked up the broom and began working.

There wasn't much to tidy since the place was already clean without a spark of dirt, so I decided to give the place a good base cleaning.

Dusting all the furniture and cleaning the windows and glasses. Mopping the floor and doing the laundry. I was folding the clothes after drying them when a wave of drizzling spells hit me, making me hold on to the closest thing beside me, which was the couch.

Glancing towards the wall clock, I saw I had only two hours before lunchtime and an hour before the king got back from his usual morning meetings. Thanks to the information Josiane gave me this morning.

Putting my head down to my knees, I tried focusing on my breathing, waiting for the dizziness I felt to pass. A second later I started feeling like myself again. I waited another minute before getting back to work. Folding the clothes and putting them in the closet.

I closed the closet door behind me, then walked over to the window, contemplating whether to leave it open or close it back the way I saw it. Suddenly, I felt a shiver behind me. I turned back but saw no one.

Choosing to leave the curtain open, I picked up my cleaning equipment, making my way to the door when I felt another shiver. This time, I was certain that someone was staring at me.

I turned back yet again, not seeing anybody behind me.

What was I thinking?!

Of course, there was no one in the room but me. Ugh.... I should stop being paranoid.

Pushing the door open, I walked out of the room. I turned to close the door behind me and could have sworn I saw red eyes staring at me. In the blink of an eye, it was gone.

I was beginning to think I was seeing and hearing things. Clearly, my dizziness was affecting me in a not-so-positive way.

Quickly closing the door and putting the cleaning supply back in the closet. I walked downstairs to the first class, going to the maid's quarters and to my room.

It was only 12:00pm, which meant one hour more until lunch. Lying down on the bed, I thought back to what happened moments ago.

Was I being paranoid, or was I really being watched? I couldn't tell. Choosing not to dwell in it anymore, I closed my eyes to rest for an hour before 1pm.

When I woke up, the clock was set at 1:15pm. Racing out of the bed, tidying up my hair. I ran out of my room to the hall, where the maids gathered. Taking a plate of bread and tea, I walked over to where Josiane sat, taking a seat beside her.

" Hey, thanks to the heavens, you made it." Josiane whispers, giving me a smile.

" Yeah, I finished early and decided to take an hour's rest, ending up oversleeping."

" I understand; it's not easy working seven hours straight. I thought I was going to faint if I carried on working." She sips her tea, nudging my shoulder. "Did you see the thing when you left his chamber?"

" No, I didn't. I thought you said the king always comes back from his morning meeting by noon."

Josiane gave me an apologetic look. " Yeah, he usually does, but from what I heard from a friend of mine, something must have happened because the king became furious, stomping out of the meeting hall. He often goes back to his room; that was why I asked if you did see me when you were tidying up the room.

I shake my head, having a bite of my food. " I didn't."

" Oh well, I guess he didn't go back there." She shrugs her shoulders as she carries on eating.

I thought back to the feeling of someone watching me earlier but shook it off. There was no way the king would have gotten in without coming through the door.

Right.

An hour after we were done with our lunch, I walked into the kitchen to assist the maid working there.

I was not allowed to serve the king his meal except for a beast like his kind. The human maids were only allowed to clean and tidy up the Palace while the beast maid did the cooking and serving.

I spent the rest of the day helping out in the kitchen. You might be wondering why or just resting. I couldn't, not with my thoughts going wild. We had our dinner at 8pm before being dismissed to our room.

And just like today, the rest of the days pass by in a blur. Till it was up to a month appointed as the king's personnel maid. Becoming more and more accustomed to our daily chores, repeating the same thing over and over again.

Like every other day I was on my way to the seventh floor

"You three, come with me." Madam Despina yells, pointing at Josiane, another maid, and me. We trail behind her, walking up the stairs to the fifth floor of the palace. "I want you three to tidy up this place; make sure every room here is sparkling clean. The king is expecting some guests in the palace; do well not to put his name in ruin, or you won't live to regret it." She threatens, going back downstairs.

" Ugh... They don't mind working us to death. We still have our assigned task to do. How does she expect us to meet you with our morning duties before 1pm for lunch?" The maid with Josiane mumbles, her hand to her waist as she looks at Madam Despina's retreating form.

When she realised we were still here, her eyes widened, clapping her hand to her lips. "oppss."

The three of us stood looking at each other before bursting out laughing.

"I'm Godiva."

"Josiane."

"Micaela."

"It's nice to meet the two of you." Godiva gush,

"Nice to meet you too." Josiane said in a cheery tone.

I stared at them laughing, wishing I had their enthusiastic feeling. How are they so cheerful and happy?`

"We better get to work before the she-devil arrives and causes havoc." Josiane says, picking up her broom. Godiva and I followed suit, picking our cleaning supplies, and began cleaning.

We cleaned every room on the fifth floor, finishing in an hour and a half. We were all going to our various tasks when I heard Madam Despina's familiar voice again.

" You, come with me." Madam Despina yelled from across the hall, pointing directly at me.

"Yes, ma'am." I bow, trailing behind her as we both made our way to the kitchen.

" What task are you assigned to?" She asked, hands folded to her chest and her usual scorn.

"Hmm....mm."

" You can't even speak properly, stupid mutt." She yelled, slapping me hard on the face. "When I talk to you, I expect a proper answer. Am I clear, you flit?"

" Yes, Madam Despina." I say, holding back the tears.

" Now I believe I asked you a question."

" I was tasked to work as King Selinofoto's personal servant. Ma'am"

" You..." She yells again, pointing at another maid, "Come here." She orders, turning to look at me. " Scram out of my face and get back to work."

Without wasting any time, I gulped, running out of the kitchen like I was running for my dear life. Because I was.

I had no idea why she called me in the first place, and I didn't want to find out. I carried on, climbing the stairs till I got to the King's floor, taking my cleaning supplies. Thankfully, I haven't made contact with the king, and I hope it remains so.

I walked over to the door, pushing it open as I stepped in. Looking around the empty room, I began tidying up.

When suddenly, I felt a gush of wind blow past me, lasting for only a second. I rolled my eyes, continuing with my chores.

Yeah, yeah... anyone in my shoes would be freaked out by the sudden gushing of wind when the windows are shut close and fans are turned off.

Well, let's just say I have had my own share of freaking out. The first day after I started cleaning the King's room, I shivered and felt watched, yet there was no one but me in the room.

So, what would you do in my situation? You continue working without any complaints; after all, any crime committed in the King's Palace results in death.

I continued vacuuming the room, my breath was rigid, my eyes red. No doubt I had a fever.

Looking at the wall clock, I saw that I had only 30 minutes before the king arrived.

I can do this; I just need to fold the clothes and fix the bed. My head ached, and my legs were slowly giving way.

I was done fixing the bed when the door burst open abruptly.

I froze.

Literally.

I felt a strong aura flow around the room, sending a wave of shivers all over my body. I wasn't sure if it was due to fear or not, but one thing was for sure: whoever was at my back had a strong, powerful aura.

" Who are you...?" a deep velvet voice yelled behind me, startling me to the core.