chapter 7:scars of loyalty
Laurel entered her room, she was greeted by Molly, who waiting with a bowl of soothing warm water and a soft towel ,Laurel beckoned Molly to come closer. With a nimble stride, Molly approached the bed, delicately placing the bowl of water upon the nearby nightstand. As she dipped the meticulously folded towel into the pristine liquid, she skillfully squeezed out any excess water, ensuring the perfect balance between moisture and comfort. With remarkable finesse, Molly began to tenderly apply the damp towel to Laurel's supple face, tenderly dabbing away the worries and cares of the day.
" milady, this might leave a mark," .intoned Molly, her voice filled with empathy, as she adeptly pressed a soft cloth onto the laceration, meticulously removing the crimson fluids.
Laurel's lips gracefully curved into a smile that held a delicate equilibrium, neither embracing warmth nor projecting icy coldness. It was a smile that seemed to carry a hint of mockery, a subtle jest that concealed deeper meaning."Molly," Laurel began, her voice a gentle caress in the air, " it's crucial to remember that scars are a natural part of our journey through life and should never be a source of shame or self-consciousness. Regardless of the reasons behind our scars, they're always valid and never diminish our worth or beauty," Laurel conveyed, rising from her seat and strolling towards her vanity table. Gazing into the mirror, she allowed another smile to grace her face, this time emanating a frigid air. "Molly, you need to grasp these principles as life essentials. I may not always be by your side, and circumstances might arise where you'll have to fend for yourself.
"
Upon hearing Laurel's utterance, , Molly's body immediately succumbed to gravity, causing her to descend onto her knees. With an overwhelming sense of loyalty and devotion, Molly humbly pleaded to the noble lady before her with a voice resonating with an amalgamation of agony and suffering. "Mi Lady, I beseech you," she implored, her voice trembling with anguish and sorrow. "I long to remain by your side, to dedicate my life solely to your service. I implore you, do not cast me away."
Laurel retrieved a soothing balm from the vanity. She delicately applied it to her injury, feeling a faint sizzling sensation as the ointment met her skin. Suddenly, a surge of pain coursed through her body, as if she were being electrified from within.She gently called out, her voice filled with both tenderness and sadness, "Molly." Her eyes fixed on the figure of the maid, who was knelt on the ground with her head bowed low. It was a sight that tugged at Laurel's heart, but she resisted the urge to rush forward and offer a helping hand. Instead, she let her words convey her emotions.
"I don't wish to ever depart from you," Laurel began, her voice quivering slightly. "You have been nothing short of loyal to me from the very beginning, and in many ways, you've become like the younger sister I never had. However, circumstances beyond our control have now governed my fate, as the king has chosen me to represent our kingdom in this delicate truce. And while I must comply with his decision, I cannot bear the thought of dragging you alongside me into the depths of this turbulent journey."
"You have a life of your own to live," Laurel continued softly, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity. "Your dreams, aspirations, and desires deserve to be pursued with unwavering determination. I want you to embrace the possibilities that life has to offer, to seize every opportunity that "As Laurel spoke these words, her eyes welled up with tears that she chose not to shed. This parting was undoubtedly painful, but she held on to the hope that Molly would understand the significance of this sacrifice. Their bond was too precious to be forsaken amidst the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.
"No, Milady," Molly said, her tearful eyes fixed on her mistress. It was the first time she had ever interrupted, or even raised her voice, in the presence of her Mistress. "If you truly consider me your sister, I implore you to allow me to accompany you. I yearn to serve you exclusively for the rest of my existence. My loyalty belongs solely to you. Please reconsider and take me with you, wherever your path leads. I beseech you," Molly's voice faded to a whisper as she continued to kowtow in humility and reverence.
Laurel felt a wave of fear and anguish surge through her as she watched Molly struggle. With compassion, she rushed over to lend a helping hand and guided her towards the nearby bed. Gently, Laurel embraced Molly, conveying the depth of their connection. "Molly," she began softly, "because I consider you family, I've made a difficult decision. You possess a bright spirit and a freedom that I am denied as the illegitimate child of a foolish father."
As they released from their hug, Laurel clasped Molly's shoulders tenderly. "I will personally make all the arrangements for your departure. I vow to provide you with a life unlike the suffocating one I am forced to endure. You will be your own person, free to pursue your desires. My only wish for you is to have a perpetual smile adorning your face in the years to come."
With a playful pinch on Molly's cheeks, Laurel continued, "I anticipate feeling immense pride if our paths should ever cross again. Promise me, as my loyal confidante, that you will honor the plan I have laid out. It will be your final obligation to me as my devoted maid."
"M' lady, if that should be your esteemed desire, I shall obediently comply and shall never defy it. When fate reunites me with that young lady in times yet to come, I yearn for you to be brimming with pride for this humble servant girl," Molly conveyed, delicately inhaling a breath to punctuate her sentiments.
In spite of being fully aware that the probability of them ever crossing paths in the future was exceedingly low, Laurel still greeted the situation with a heartfelt smile, radiating warmth and kindness. Recognizing the deep passion her interlocutor harbored for the field of medicine, she reassured them with unwavering determination, saying, "Given your passion for medicine, I'll find a way to make it happen for you," she assured with genuine sincerity.
Laurel gracefully emerged from the majestic doorway, striding towards the awaiting carriage with serene composure. Suddenly, a voice filled with anger ruptured the tranquility, commanding Laurel's attention. Maggie, seething with fury, stormed towards her, unable to contain her frustration. "Laurel!" she bellowed. " didn't you hear me call "
"Good morning, Sister Maggie! You're positively radiant today, any special plans?" Laurel asked with a composed tone and a sweet smile hung on her rosy lips,Meanwhile, Lady Maggie, standing tall and proud, fixated her piercing gaze upon Laurel, her eyes filled with a mix of fury and disbelief. Delicately, Laurel's smile only grew brighter, shining like a beacon against the dawn's soft and golden hues. To Maggie's astonishment, the unsightly scar that marred Laurel's visage the night before had vanished, leaving no trace behind, not even a faint whisper of its existence. This turn of events sent shockwaves through Maggie's being ,This unexpected turn of events left Maggie baffled, as she had anticipated seeing the unsightly mark on Laurel's face.
As Maggie glanced at Laurel's flawless face, a surge of anger coursed through her veins. How was it possible that there wasn't a single scar to mar Laurel's otherwise perfect visage? In fact, Laurel appeared to be even more stunning than she had been before. Unable to contain her curiosity and the simmering of jealousy in her voice, Maggie interjected, "Shouldn't I be asking you that? Where are you gallivanting off to all on your lonesome? To partake in another one of Carlos' renowned tea ceremonies, perhaps?"
Laurel, upon witnessing this, felt compelled to tease Maggie further. However, noticing that the coach had already waited patiently, she wore a serene smile as she approached Maggie. Leaning in close to her ear, Laurel whispered gently, "Why fret? After all, you'll be married into the esteemed Viscount household sooner or later. It might be more worthwhile to ponder how you'll explain your affair with Mr. Carlos to your father. As for me, I'll only bring you restless nights." With that, Laurel gracefully walked away from Maggie, ascended the carriage, and cast one last glance before shutting the door.