Page 8 of A Rose Among Snakes (Gardens of Ruin and Revival)
Chapter Seven
I t wasn’t until I was standing in the sitting room that I realized I didn’t have the faintest idea of where Kezara’s room was. I wandered around the hallway for a moment and listened for any sign of someone to ask, but was distracted by the enticing scent of roasting meat wafting through the air. I sniffed, turning in the direction of the smell, following my nose deeper into the manor. Past the open double doors of the dining room, I turned a corner and heard the kitchen before I saw it. Behind a cracked door, the sound of dishes clattering and food sizzling in pans trickled through. With a soft press, I pushed the door open and stuck my head in to confirm the pathway was clear.
A tall woman with gray hair tucked under a white cap was standing behind a monstrous stove, tossing vegetables in a frying pan. The scent of garlic and rosemary hit my nose making my mouth water. As I pushed forward a little more, the door creaked, and the cook glanced over her shoulder.
“Hello,” she said, her booming voice rising above the din.
“Sorry to interrupt. I’m looking for Mrs. Shulling. Do you happen to know where I might find her? ”
“No, love, I’m afraid I don’t. Hold on.” She cupped her hands to her mouth and yelled, “Narell!”
Out of an expansive pantry came a pretty woman around my age. She was tall and lean with high cheekbones and a tawny complexion. Her black hair was pulled into a tight bun behind her head, and she arched an eyebrow as her brown eyes landed on me.
“Yes, Shandy?”
The cook jerked her head in my direction. “She’s looking for Mrs. Shulling. Do you know where she is?”
Narell shook her head. “I don’t.” Then cocking her head to the side, she asked, “Are you the new maid?”
“Yes, I’m Mihrra.”
Her face lit with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Mihrra. I’m Narell and this is Shandy. I think you and I are sharing a room.”
“Nice to meet you, too. Could you point me toward Kezara’s room?”
“Oh, of course. Go up the stairs, take the first right and her door is at the end of the hallway. There’s a flower carved into her door, you can’t miss it.”
“Wonderful, thank you.” I clasped my hands together in a gesture of gratitude. “I suppose I will see you later this evening, Narell.”
Narell waved as I left the kitchen to traverse the lengthy hallway at a brisk pace. Back in the foyer, I climbed up the staircase, running my hand along the wooden banister, admiring the intricately carved balusters. At the top, a dazzling display of lights cast a rainbow of colors on the cream-colored rug and muted cornflower blue walls. Looking behind me, I could somewhat make out the image in the stained glass window; a red rose in the center engulfed by green vines on either side. The sparkling light filled me with a sense of relaxation, soothing the tension in my shoulders.
Taking a slow breath, I turned and walked down the hallway, passing several doors until I came to the one at the end. I knocked on the door in the space below the engraved rose, and turned the handle after Kezara called out her permission. I stepped into the room, accosted by the scent of rosewater and the wet nose of a giant, scruffy dog. I retreated a step, bringing my hands up to shield myself from its affection. I liked dogs, but having one appear in your face when you’re not expecting it is another thing entirely. The dog backed off but stood in front of me panting and wagging its tail.
“Wolf, come,” Kezara said.
Wolf lumbered over to her on spindly legs and curled up at her feet where she sat on a round, tufted ottoman before her vanity. Laying down, the dog’s neck was long enough to rest its head in Kezara’s lap as she rubbed its ears.
“Come in, Mihrra. Don’t mind him. He’s Velian’s dog, but I like to steal him from time to time.” She grabbed his face and planted a kiss between his eyes.
I walked over and stood behind her, catching her gaze in the mirror in front of us. “How do you wish for me to get started?”
Kezara stared at her reflection, and quirking a brow, she fooled with her hair. “I’m not sure, what do you think? I want to wear that gold gown this evening,” she said indicating the dress draped over an armchair in the corner.
I pulled the pins out of Kezara’s hair and fluffed out the curls to acquaint myself with her mane. I’d always had an affinity for styling hair, which is part of what led me to seek work as a Lady’s Maid. With a lifetime of braiding and pinning my mother and sisters’ hair, it was a skill I was confident in.
“What if we pull it all to the side and pin it here?” I moved the hair over Kezara’s right shoulder and held it there to provide an example.
“Ooh, yes. That’s lovely.” She smiled and sat up straighter in her seat.
I got to work, finger-combing and pinning until the style was perfect. After the arduous task of getting into her gown, Kezara stood in front of a full-length mirror and beamed at her reflection.
“Mihrra, I don’t feel I’ve ever looked better! You do excellent work.” My chest swelled with pride as I examined her, grateful to be improving on my first impression. She twirled around and smoothed her dress out. “I’m famished, I hardly ate earlier today.” She waggled her eyebrows at me and continued, “I was a little distracted.”
I scoffed. “ I’d say.”
Once again, I was toeing the line between informality and disrespect. I clamped my mouth shut, appalled at my lack of self-control. Fortunately, Kezara only giggled and picked up her skirts .
I escorted her downstairs and over to the dining room. After pushing her chair in, I stepped back and glanced around, trying to get a cue for my next step. I spotted Franz pressed against the back wall and he waved me over. I stood next to him, watching as Kezara grabbed a roll, tearing off a piece and stuffing it into her mouth.
“You look lost,” he mumbled without turning to look at me.
“I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be,” I whispered back.
“You can go to the kitchen and eat your meal there. If Kezara needs you for any reason, she will ring the bell,” he replied cheerfully, still keeping his voice low.
I thanked him and made my way to the exit, only to bump into someone’s chest. I inhaled sharply, the scent of cedar and spice wrapping around me. Craning my neck, I met Velian’s emerald eyes shining with amusement, and I shuffled back, heat flaring in my cheeks. Heavens, he was tall.
“Please forgive me, sir,” I said with a slight curtsy, grateful for a reason to look at the floor.
“No, forgive me. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going,” he said, backing up to give me the space to walk by. “Allow me.”
I flashed a nervous smile, and scurried past, wondering if I would ever get used to his effect on me.