Lady Rebecca's POV
Lady Rebecca walked fast away from her father's presence, tears welling up in her eyes, holding her dress's silhouette up to not trip on it. She needed to find solace in the nearby garden, a place where she could gather her thoughts and regain composure. As she reached the garden gate, a gentle breeze brushed against her face, offering a momentary respite from the overwhelming emotions that had consumed her.
She continued walking until she reached the big tree, where she used to seek refuge. Its branches stretched out like welcoming arms, providing shade and a sense of comfort. Lady Rebecca leaned against the tree trunk, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. The familiar scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds helped to ease her troubled mind.
Heavy breaths escaped her lips as she closed her eyes, allowing the peaceful ambiance of the garden to envelop her. She was gripping her dress so tight, like she was holding onto life in it. She didn't know what to feel; she was about to have a mental breakdown. She couldn't believe her father's madness. How could he allow this to happen to her, like he only cared about the family's reputation, allowing her to be treated like a pawn in their game? The weight of her emotions threatened to consume her as she struggled to make sense of the situation.
And she couldn't believe her father had to use the poor woman to pursue his own personal interests, to make amends with the Maurer family. It was as if her father had completely lost sight of what truly mattered: her happiness and well-being. The realization of his betrayal left her feeling betrayed and abandoned, desperately longing for someone to understand the turmoil she was going through.
"How could I refuse such a condition?" She whispered to herself, feeling defeated.
Her father's words echoed in her mind, adding to the pain and confusion she felt: "Then why are you concerned about this lowly person? She is just another random maid you had. I can give you more maids far better than this?!" It was clear that her father's priorities had shifted, and his actions spoke louder than any words he could say. She couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to trust him again or if their relationship was forever damaged.
"But why am I really concerned about her?" She asked herself.
"But she's my friend." She whispered to herself again.
Why did it feel wrong to call her her friend? Her mind raced with questions and doubts, unsure of how to navigate her conflicting emotions.
Is it because she's just a maid?
No. I already answered it earlier with my father.
What is happening to me? Why am I so affected when it comes to her?
Why am I feeling this way?
"She is just another random maid you had. I can give you more maids far better than this?!" Her father's words echoed in her head again.
"No. She's not just a random friend," Rebecca blurted out to herself, "she's more than that to me." She added.
"What are you doing right now, Rebecca? This woman should've been thrown out long ago. This woman's family took part in the poisoning of the king of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Keeping her here will only bring more trouble and danger to our household."
"I am afraid. I am somehow willing to risk things for her, but why? Why do I feel this way towards her? Am I really going to risk everything for her?" Rebecca wondered. She couldn't deny the strong connection she felt toward the maid, despite her father's warnings. But was it worth jeopardizing her family's safety and reputation? The internal struggle intensified as Rebecca contemplated the consequences of her actions.
Because you love her, a voice said in her head. Rebecca was terrified to hear the voice in her head.
She looked around and saw nothing. She roughly combed her hair back and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She knew she needed to make a decision, but the fear of the unknown and the potential fallout weighed heavily on her. Rebecca realized that her feelings for the maid were undeniable, but she also understood that love alone might not be enough to justify risking everything.
If someone were looking at her, they would think she'd gone mad.
"You have one day to decide." She reminded herself. Slowly, her knees became weak, and she sat on the ground, holding her knees. Rebecca's mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The weight of her decision bore down on her, causing her body to physically react. As she sat on the ground, she felt a mix of fear, uncertainty, and a growing sense of responsibility toward the maid. The gravity of the situation was undeniable, and Rebecca knew that whatever choice she made would have far-reaching consequences for both herself and her family. Feeling dizzy about the whole situation, Lady Rebecca leaned her forehead on her kneecaps and her lap. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing thoughts and find clarity amidst the chaos. The weight of the decision pressed heavily on her shoulders as she realized that the fate of Freen rested in her hands.
"Flower girl. I wish you were here to calm my mind." She muttered, feeling a pang of longing for a companion.
"Becky,"
"Becky,"
When she felt a little tap on her shoulder, Lady Rebecca gently opened her eyes. And she saw a figure standing before her, radiating a sense of calm and wisdom. The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the figures, casting a halo of light around them.
And she recalled such a precious memory when she saw the image of the flower girl when she first saw her face in this very same place when she was still young. That was also the day when everything changed for her. Her mom was forced to leave her with her father, and they lived in Great Britain, separated from her mom for many years. And her father was never the same after that day. He was always out of town or in another country, especially when he entered politics, leaving her in the custody of her grandmother until she was old enough to take care of herself.
Until she was old enough to take care of herself, she relied on the love and support of her grandmother to navigate through life's challenges. Though her grandmother was so strict, she always thought about the family's reputation and never let her granddaughter forget it.
"Freen?" She muttered when she noticed a woman's stillness become visible through the dense fog.
"It's me, Lady Rebecca, Irin." Irin put the lamp down on the ground.
"Irin?" Lady Rebecca now clearly saw the face of the woman.
"Yes, my lady. It's me, Irin. Milady, it's getting dark. Your father is worried about you, so he commanded me to call you already."
"My father? worried about me?" Lady Rebecca chuckled upon hearing that, for her, it was a big joke.
"Yes, my lady, he seems quite concerned," Irin insisted.
Lady Rebecca sat up straight and composed herself. She checked her lips for saliva by touching them with a finger. She'd fallen asleep here after breaking down earlier.
"Come on, Irin, let's go home." Irin helped the lady get up, as she couldn't do it herself because of her dress.
Irin picked up the lamp, and they started walking back to the mansion. As they reached the mansion, Rebecca stopped in her tracks and stared at the grand entrance with a gloomy face.
Knowing she had to make her decision soon.
"What is it, Milady?" Irin asked as she saw Lady Rebecca looking at the grand entrance.
"Can you please bring me to Freen?" Irin hesitated but obliged and led Lady Rebecca toward Freen.
They walked in silence, the weight of Lady Rebecca's decision hanging heavily in the air. Lady Rebecca got confused when she was brought to the small door at the back of the mansion, rather than the grand entrance she had expected. Irin opened the metal door. When they entered, there were stairs going down, leading to a narrow hallway that seemed to stretch on endlessly.
"Irin? Where are you taking me?" She asked, confused, as they were now far from the expected opulence of the mansion's interior. This place seemed under the mansion and hidden from the prying eyes of the world. It was a secret place, known only to a select few.
"Shh," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the dimly lit hallway, as they carefully made their way toward the hidden entrance. The entrance had small metal bar doors that blended seamlessly with the concrete wall. They stopped a few meters from the door. Irin blew the lamp off and motioned for Lady Rebecca to stay quiet.
"Where are we?" Lady Rebecca whispered to Irin.
"We are at Punishment Hall," Irin replied, her voice filled with both fear and determination.
"Punishment Hall?" Lady Rebecca felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the gravity of their situation.
"Freen," Lady Rebecca said when she realized what Irin had just said.
"Don't worry, she's safe." Irin calmed Lady Rebecca and soothed her as she saw how Lady Rebecca gripped her dress with so much anger.
"There," Irin said, pointing to the entrance at the end of the hall, where a guard stood. A torch was hung beside the door.
"What did they do to her?" Rebecca asked Irin in a low voice, looking down at the ground.
"I don't know yet. When you walked out of the house, I just heard your father command Mr. Lee to bring her here. I just happened to know this place, as my father was a former guard of the nobles who owned this mansion first before your family came here."
"Kirk's family?" Lady Rebecca asked, her voice filled with concern. Irin nodded solemnly. "Yes, they were the ones who lived here before your family took over. I've heard rumors about their cruel treatment of prisoners, but I never thought I would see it firsthand."
"What do you mean?" Lady Rebecca asked Irin, curious about what she meant by what she said, but Irin just turned her back from the lady.
"We need to head back, Milady. We don't want to alarm your father and send guards about your disappearance, and I am sure he will not be pleased if he finds out about your visit here."
"But you said he commanded you."
"I apologize; I lied, Milady." Irin admitted.
"But why?" Lady Rebecca asked, more confused about what was happening.
Irin stopped and faced Lady Rebecca.
"Because I want you to see her situation, and I know I have no right to ask you this, but the moment I have served you up until now, I have seen how good your heart is towards us as your servants, and I know how heavy the decision you have to make is, but would it be possible for you to consider my humble request?" Irin asked, not knowing if she would receive a positive response.
"What is it that you're asking for?" Lady Rebecca inquired, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
Irin looked at her straight in the eyes.
"Lady Rebecca, you can save Freen from this mess; you know yourself; she doesn't deserve any of this," Irin pleaded, hoping to convince Lady Rebecca to intervene.
"Her whole family already suffers a lot from the consequences of this situation," Irin continued, desperation evident in her voice.
"They suffer a lot for those things they didn't do, and I can't stand to look at it anymore and do nothing when I know for a fact her mother has nothing to do with the king's poisoning." Irin ended. Lady Rebecca looked at her with a shocked face.
"Irin, all this time, you knew about this?" Irin nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Lady Rebecca. I've known for quite some time now, but I couldn't find the right moment to tell you. Please, you have the power to make a difference and bring justice to Freen and her family. They need your help now more than ever."
"Why did you stand by and watch while Freen and her family suffered?" With anxiety in her voice, Lady Rebecca inquired. Irin replied, drawing in a deep breath, "I was afraid of the consequences, so I didn't say anything. The poisoning of the king is a serious issue, and there are some very influential people involved. I was worried about my safety and the protection of the people I love, we are just ordinary people, a family of servants, but you, Milady, you have the power to at least save Freen from this misery."
Irin pleaded with Lady Rebecca, looking for a ray of optimism in her response.
"Take me to my room now, Irin," was Lady Rebecca's only reaction.
Irin sighed and nodded, realizing the weight of Lady Rebecca's responsibilities. She understood it was difficult for her to make a decision that could jeopardize her own safety. However, Irin couldn't help but feel sad that she hadn't been able to save Freen again, and that Lady Rebecca might still refuse to aid Freen because of the risks involved.