affection chapter 2

Inside the room stood a man whose finery seemed out of place in the castle. Gold embroidery traced patterns across his blue coat, above a collar stiff with ruffles. In this dilapidated old castle, only one person would dress so: Limerio Carlton, the lord’s steward and young Master Damon’s tutor. Fearing she’d be accused of slacking, Sienna quickly grabbed a nearby mop and dipped her head in a respectful bow.

“You called for me?”

“Ink has spilled on the carpet.” But Limerio didn’t scold her. He didn’t seem to care about Sienna at all, regarding her with the same detached interest he might a passing insect. Sienna glanced inside. Sure enough, a dark stain marred the beige carpet. It looked as though an entire inkwell had fallen and shattered.

“I’ll bring the cleaning supplies right away.”

“Quickly, then.”

“Yes.”

Click. Her palms slick with nervous sweat, Sienna wiped them on her apron and hurried toward the supply closet.

***

Clatter. Sienna opened the door to the supply closet, where three or four maids were huddled together, taking a break. Without a designated rest area, the closet served as their makeshift refuge. They greeted Sienna with welcoming smiles.

“Sienna, are you here for a break?”

“Come sit. Kanna was just telling a funny story.”

“No, the carpet in the young master’s study is stained with ink. I have to clean it.” Sienna gently declined their invitation, a flicker of regret in her eyes. At her words, the maids exchanged glances, then asked hesitantly, “Sienna, was Baron Limerio in there with him?”

“Yes, he’s the one who called for me.” Sienna answered casually as she gathered cleaning supplies – a stain remover and some old rags. The maids let out a collective groan.

“Oh dear, here we go again.”

“Sienna, how long have you been here?”

“A little less than a month. Why?” Sienna looked at them, puzzled.

“Then you wouldn’t know. Come here, Sienna. We have something to tell you.”

“I really need to get to cleaning…”

“It’ll just take a moment. Come on.” Their serious expressions prompted Sienna to join them. They sat her down in their midst and, like gossiping sparrows, began to chatter.

“Sienna, when you go in there, pretend you’ve turned to stone.”

“Stone? Like, a hard rock?”

“Exactly. Of course, you still have to clean, but… as soon as you enter, Baron Limerio will find some fault with Master Damon and start beating him.”

“No matter how upsetting it is, don’t react. Don’t even acknowledge it.”

“He… disciplines him?” Did noble families resort to such violent methods of education? Sienna recalled reading about children being beaten in place of their masters. Seeing her confusion, the maids shook their heads with grim smiles.

“No, it’s not discipline. It’s more like… taking out his frustrations.”

“Baron Limerio was originally from the capital, but his career prospects were completely ruined when he was sent here. He takes it out on Master Damon.”

“The poor young master… But if you try to intervene, you’ll suffer the same fate.”

“Three years ago, a maid spoke up, saying it was too much. She was beaten so badly she was dismissed, and later died from her injuries.”

“You’re new, so we’re telling you this for your own good. While the young master is being beaten, don’t say a word. Just clean the ink and get out.”

Sienna hadn’t known. She hadn’t realized how cruel Baron Limerio was. But something still didn’t make sense.

“Why would he do it in front of us?”

“He wants an audience, I suppose.”

“I think so, too. He enjoys it. It’s a display of power. ‘Look at me! I may be stuck in this backwater place, but I can still beat a prince of the realm!’”

“And it’s a way to keep the young master in line. It shows him he has no allies in the house. ‘So don’t even think about defying me.’”

The maids’ words were convincing. Sienna’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the cleaning supplies. It was horrifying. What justification could there be for beating a twelve-year-old boy? The man was despicable. Seeing the anger twisting Sienna’s face, the maids jumped up and stopped her as she started to leave.

“Look at her face! She’s going to do something rash.”

“Sienna, we’re telling you this for your own sake.”

“That’s right. Master Damon may be suffering now, but what about your own life?”

“The Baron may look frail, but he’s a nobleman. He could crush you like an insect.”

“Promise us you won’t do anything.”

Their concern was genuine. Knowing this, Sienna couldn’t lash out at them. A heavy feeling, like a lump in her throat, choked her.

“…Alright.” The words were a sigh, forced from her reluctant lips. Relieved, the maids released her.

“Go on, Sienna. Finish quickly, and then we’ll eat together.”

“…Okay. I’ll be back.” A bitter taste, like she’d swallowed a mouthful of poison, filled her mouth. As she walked down the hallway, Sienna felt utterly defeated.