Ruby Shimmer (re-write)

CHAPTER TWENTY

When I eventually recovered from my fainting spell, I found myself back in Gramma and Grampa's private suite tucked beneath the plush comforter, which proved to be just as soft and comfortable as it had looked before.

I was still feeling a bit out of it at the time, however, I ignored my condition and immediately threw back the thick blanket, only to jump slightly in surprise when I realized that someone, hopefully a woman, had removed my former robes and had even replaced them with a set of cream-colored silk pajamas that felt incredibly smooth against my skin.

I had also noticed that my hair was once more back to its usual free-flowing waves, albeit slightly tangled, probably from tossing and turning in my sleep.

I rubbed the remaining tiredness from my eyes for a moment or two before glancing around the room curiously, finally noticing that the sheer curtains were still open, though now they were showing off a gorgeous sunset that lined the sky with a pale orange glow.

As I was admiring the outstanding view, I gave a quick jolt when I suddenly heard someone knocking on the bedroom door. Luckily, the light from the windows was still bright enough for me to see, because just seconds later, an oddly familiar young woman wearing the mansion's maid's uniform walked in without waiting for a real answer.

But, due to my dazed state, I was unable to remember exactly why she seemed familiar to me in the first place.

"Greetings, Miss Hawthorn." she said with a deep curtsey before tilting her head to the side in obvious confusion. "Forgive me for asking, young miss, but do you not recognize me?"

"Sorry. No. I'll admit to feeling like we've met somewhere before, but my head's so fuzzy right now for some reason. So, I actually can't remember much of anything really."

"It's no bother, young miss. Your memory should come back at its own pace. We met earlier today, but please allow me to properly introduce myself this time around.

My name is Ava and I was the one who helped you get dressed for your meeting with the High Counsel and their heirs before. And as of today, I have also been officially assigned as your personal attendant."

Before I could respond to her statement, Ava had already walked away and passed through another door that I hadn't noticed was even there. She closed the door behind her, leaving nothing but a small sliver of light shining through a thin crack.

I soon began to hear the sudden sound of running water coming from the other side, and a short time later, the blonde maid finally came back out, immediately giving me another slight curtsey.

"I apologize for the wait, young miss. I have prepared your bath."

"Oh. Thank you, Miss...Ava, was it?" I said with the friendliest smile I could muster in my still dazed state.

However, though I was just trying to be respectful and polite, my words seemed to have caused a far different reaction than I expected, because her previously formal behavior and way of speaking took a quick 180 as she was now giving me an ice cold stare and even answered me in an equally chilling tone.

"Young miss, I am nothing more than a humble servant. So there is no acceptable reason that would need you to address me with such formality. As such, please feel free to call me Ava."

As she spoke in such a highly different tone of voice than she had been so far, I didn;t know why but it just felt a bit...off. Like what she was saying was less her own opinion and more like something that had been drilled into her. But, unfortunately, I was unable to give it too much thought, for just as quickly as the change had occurred, she was back to her initially polite and formal attitude like nothing happened.