Chapter 19: Summoned
Rose made her way to the servants’ quarters as quietly as she could. It wasn’t as busy as when she left, but some servants were still awake, and a few gave her odd stares as she approached. Rose clutched the robe she was wearing a little tighter. It was flimsy, and the night was a little cold.
There wasn’t any sign of Edith or any of the maids she had seen earlier. Not knowing what to do or where to stay, she made her way to the kitchen and sat on one of the benches. She pressed her knees together under the table and placed her head on the table. She didn’t know if she could stay there, but since no one asked her to leave, she would take that as a yes.
It took her a while to fall asleep. She was exhausted from the journey, but she was worried. She was certain the crown prince was angry, but all he had done was chase her out. Rose grabbed her head. He wasn’t that forgiving; she was certain she would pay for it one way or another. She just hoped it would be her and not her father.
"Wake up!"
Rose jerked, but her body was sluggish, and her eyes didn’t open immediately. They flew open the instant her hair was yanked, lifting her head off the table. Rose locked eyes with Martha, who let go of her hair.
"I said wake up!" she stated.
Rose rubbed her eyes, trying her best not to react to the stinging pain at the back of her head. The kitchen was quite busy; a servant was cooking by the fireplace, and others were rushing in and out of the kitchen. Rose still felt drowsy, so she knew it wasn’t that she had overslept—they just woke up pretty early.
"Edna, give her some dishes to wash. If she’s here, she might as well make herself useful."
"Are you sure?" Edna asked. "Her back must still be sore from last night."
This caused snickers to erupt from the rest of the maids. Whispers echoed in the small kitchen, and all Rose could do was pretend she didn’t hear them.