Chapter 6

Chapter 6: A Pair of Helping Hands

Isabel's POV

As the first light of dawn filtered through the small window of my room, I immediately rose from my bed. The events of the previous day still fresh in my mind. Today marked the beginning of my journey in the palace.

With determination, I dressed quickly and made my way to the communal area where the other maids were beginning to gather. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation, each of us eager to prove ourselves worthy of a place in the palace.

Mrs. Eliza stood at the front of the room while her gaze swept over us with a steely resolve. "Welcome, ladies," she said, her voice cutting through the silence. "Today, you will begin your duties in earnest. Remember, the work you do here reflects not only on yourselves but on the entire household. Do not disappoint."

Some of the other girls exchanged nervous glances, and I could sense the tension in the room. I glanced at the girl beside me, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll be fine," I whispered. "Just do your best."

With a nod from Mrs. Eliza, we dispersed to our assigned tasks, each of us eager to make a good impression. I was assigned to assist in the kitchens, a role that I approached with both excitement and trepidation. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, but the scale and precision required in the palace kitchens were unlike anything I had experienced before.

As I entered the bustling kitchen, the heat from the fires and the aroma of spices filled the air. Cooks moved with practiced efficiency, orchestrating a symphony of culinary creation. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, I squared my shoulders and approached the pastry station, where a kindly-looking man was busy preparing dough.

"Good morning, sir," I greeted, my voice steady despite the nerves that fluttered in my chest. "My name is Isabel, and I'm here to assist you with whatever you need."

The pastry chef glanced up from his work with a warm smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Isabel, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said while his tone were friendly and welcoming. "I'm glad to have an extra pair of hands today. We have quite a lot to do before tonight's banquet."

I politely returned his smile, relieved by his friendly demeanor. "I'm eager to help in any way I can, sir," I replied earnestly. "Please, just tell me what you need me to do."

"Well then, Isabel come her." The pastry chef spoke, beckoning me stand where he stood as he stepped away. "You'll be helping me with the desserts for the banquet tonight."

I nodded eagerly, joining him at the pastry table. "What can I do to help?"

The chef handed me a lump of dough and a rolling pin. "Start rolling out this dough for the tarts. We need them to be uniform in size and thickness."

With careful guidance from the chef, I began to knead dough while my hands moved with a confidence. Despite the pressure of the task, I found peace in the excitement of the work.

Hours passed in a blur as I worked alongside the other kitchen staff. The intensity of the environment drove us forward. Despite the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm us, all of us refused to falter.

As the day drew to a close and the last of the desserts was placed on the banquet tables outside the grand throne room hall, I allowed myself a moment of quiet reflection. The fading sunlight bathed the courtyard in a golden hue, casting long shadows across the elegant spread of food and ornate decorations.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of servants, I found myself approached by a fellow maid, who had been assigned to assist with the banquet preparations. Despite the flurry of activity around us, her warm smile and friendly demeanor instantly put me at ease.

"Isabel, isn't it?" she asked, her voice soft amidst the lively chatter of the courtyard.

I nodded, returning her smile. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"

She introduced herself as Emily, another apprentice maid eager to lend a hand with the banquet. As we worked together to tidy up the outdoor dining area, we exchanged stories and shared in the excitement of being part of such a grand event.

"It's my first time working on a banquet like this," Emily confessed, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I'm still learning, but it's been quite the experience so far."

"I feel the same way," I admitted, grateful for the chance to connect with someone who understood the challenges of starting anew in such a prestigious environment.

Together, we put the finishing touches on the banquet tables. The scent of freshly cooked delicacies filled the air as the sun dipped below the horizon. As the first guests began to arrive, Emily and I exchanged a knowing glance.

With the outdoor banquet set and the festivities about to begin, us maids, stood at the sidelines with our heads down, missing the beauty of the ceremony.