In her chambers

Nyx awoke from her slumber as she stretched her arms and back out. Another day in the castle under the service of Queen Isabella. Nyx groaned. As much as she didn’t necessarily mind dancing for the crowds, she found herself yearning for a freedom she could never have. Nyx looked down at her tattered rags that she used to sleep. She didn’t dare sleep in her jester outfit and she didn’t have any other clothes because the queen wouldn’t provide her any.

Still Nyx endured her hard-knock life hoping one day things might get better. She shuffled her feet to the lower kitchens where the servants and staff ate their meals and served herself a bowl of gruel. Nyx almost puked at the sight of it. It wasn’t exactly the most appetizing meal, but it was better than nothing.

Only the queen and the noblemen got the fancy food from the upper kitchen. No one dared steal any of it. “Hello, Nyx,” she heard a familiar squeaky voice say from behind her.

She turned. “Hello, Jenassa,” Nyx smiled as she looked at the fairy servant. “Another day of luxury.”

Jenassa giggled. “Unfortunately.”

“Do you know if the queen is awake yet?” Nyx asked.

Jenassa looked down. “Nyx, I overheard her talking to one of the workers. They... talked about you. I... I don’t know what they said, but I think... I think they’re planning to do something now that you’re 18. H-have you noticed any changes?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Nyx said. “But I only just woke up.”

“Well, happy birthday,” Jenassa said. “I hope that they don’t have anything cruel planned. Maybe it was just talk.”

“Maybe,” Nyx said. “I dunno, Jen. I just want to get this all over with.”

“I wish you the best of luck,” Jenassa said as she kissed Nyx on the cheek. “Good luck.”

“Thank you, Jen,” Nyx said as she hugged her girlfriend.

Well, not official girlfriend. There was NO dating in the castle unless you were the queen. But Jenassa and Nyx often snuck around.

“Nyx!” She heard the queen shouting. “It’s time for your service!”

Nyx groaned. “I’ll see you,” Nyx mumbled.

Jenassa nodded as Nyx made her way out of the kitchen and saw the queen standing outside her chambers. “Oh, Nyx. Hello, happy birthday,” the queen smiled. “Today is a glorious day... and we have decided... to give you a new outfit for your jester acts.”

“N-new outfit, ma’am?” Nyx asked.

“Yes,” Isabella smiled. “Let me present it to you.”