Strange Encounter
After hearing the young lady's words, Nora was shocked. It was rare for Florin to want to go outdoors, especially while the sun was still high in the sky. "Yes, yes my Lady." She rushed to prepare. Soon two ladies walked out the front door. Nora handed the hooded cape to Florin and they walked down the street. Florin never left the estate without a cover over her head. While most ladies within the wealthy class would prefer to use an umbrella or take the carriage, Florin believed that both of those methods attracted too much attention. She would rather wear a cape and remain incognito. Besides, Florin's looks were already considered a rare sight. Most people within the central kingdom had lighter hair with brown or green eyes and their skin contained a light hue. However, Florin's appearance was a stark contrast to the typical lady of the realm. She was blessed with the blackest of hair, so black that at times it reflected blue. It enhanced her pale skin which seemed to sparkle in the moonlight. It was truly a sight to behold. After placing the hood over her head, the pair of women walked towards the marketplace.
It had been months since I last went to the marketplace, but today, I felt as if something amazing would happen. Believing in my senses, I allowed myself to be lured outside. The town's center was busy as usual. I grabbed Nora's hand and led her through the crowd of people.
"My Lady, what's with you today? Is there some place you want to go?"
"Mm. I will let you know once we arrive. If you want to stop, let me know since I am the one dragging you around today."
"Yes, my Lady." I gave her a small smile and we continued onwards. Nora Drage was the only person I was close to in the entire world. She was the daughter of the head maid and had been my attendant since I can remember. Nora should have left to start her own life, but she convinced her mother to allow her to stay by my side. In turn, Nora would one day take her mother's place as the head maid. Although I was disappointed that she would remain a servant, I was more excited she chose me over herself. To be honest, I am not a kind person and I am admittingly selfish; but I am loyal. Since she was willing to hang around, I would never push her away.
"My Lady!" Nora's voice snapped me out of my own thoughts. I looked up, but it was too late. I bumped into a wall and fell flat on my butt. "Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
"Mm. I'm fine." Nora started to help me to my feet when we heard the angry voice of a young man.
"What filth! You dare touch me with your dirty self?" Apparently, this wall could speak.
"My Lady, you have to be more careful! The Earl will have my head if anything were to happen to you. It's not good to daydream while walking!" Nora continued to chide me as she checked my body for any scratches or injuries. "Maybe we should go home and call a doctor just in case," she muttered to herself.
"No, I'm fine, truly." I comforted her. Besides I hadn't figured out what had drawn me out today. However, the magnetism seemed to become more powerful. Could this man be—
"Hmmpff." The young man continued to vent. "Do you know who my father is? How could he ever allow such a lowly person touch his son? This will not go unpunished!" By this time, the man's shouts had caused a crowd to gather.
The threat put Nora on guard. She immediately turned around, and shock and fear filled her face. She stepped in front of Florin and while clasping her hands together, she bowed slightly. "I apologize Your Honorable One. It was my negligence that allowed for My Lady to accidentally bump into you. Please do not take it to heart." Symounde looked past Nora and into the face of Florin. Astonishment flashed across his eyes. His lips curved into a mocking smirk as he stared at the young lady, whose hood no long hid her appearance.
"Am I to believe this was merely a simple accident and not some scheme set up by your lady to get into my bed?" Symounde's eyes ignored Nora and ogled the person standing behind her.
Nora was completely enraged, but with the great discipline of a proper servant, kept her emotions calm as she placed the hood back over Florin's head. "Your Honorable One, I will admit that it was our fault for crossing you. However, do you understand the meaning behind your words? How could a man of your station say such uncivilized words without the least amount of evidence and in front of so many people? Your words truly slander my mistress and may affect the way she is able to marry in the future. Do you have no shame!"
"Shame—this coming from a servant of a lady full of wanton lust…"
At this point, the crowd began to murmur. "Do you see that, Honorable Symounde can't walk through the square in peace without someone trying to climb into his bed."
"Do you know who that young lady is? That woman called her 'Lady' so she must be from a good family. Why would she lower herself to such disgusting deeds?"
"Hmm, I'm not too positive. She sure is beautiful but clearly a foreigner. Maybe this is how ladies behave from other kingdoms…"
The insults and slanderous comments continued. Nora's face turned beet red as she clenched her fists. Her young lady didn't have friendly relationships with most other people let alone indecent ones. How could she allow such damning words continue to be spoken against her mistress?