Akia Buhari; a former servant that lived in a country in Africa called Angola. Her mother and father was poor souls living in a small hut with six kids and nothing but old bread to feed them.
As the oldest; Akia had to help with money and food. Usually the only way to receive good amount of money for a family that large was to be a lady of the night or a servant for royalty.
Akia was beautiful; her brown smooth skin, light brown eyes, curly brownish red hair that goes down her back, perfect white teeth, nice hour glass body and long legs that had every man in her village stop working so they can stare at her as she walk by. Every man dreams of marrying Akia. A few men even went to her father and offered money and goods that would help the huge family survived.
But Mr. Buhari refused on the offer. Her parents always say love and happiness is the most important thing on earth. Knowing that her daughter being traded to a old man that she does not love nor have happiness with was a horrible idea and it would haunt them forever.
During that time Akia was grateful with her parents beliefs, but sad as she felt like she was a burden. Her parents worked in there field that hardly gets crops. As Akia stayed home and watch over her younger brother and sisters play around and have fun.
She admires them. Seeing that they do not have worry on their faces everyday from the lack of food they receive on every meal. Her siblings was to young to understand what was the issue. Which Akia liked; knowing that they only care about is having their family is more important than money and a good hut.
That's why Akia is a former servant. She shipped out on the same day when a shipment of English men came to Angola for goods and servants. Akia said goodbye to her parents and siblings before getting on the large ship with other young adults her age looking for work and money to support their families.
Akia watched as large ship crash into the rapid waters. From a distance she can see green land and the large castle where her new king lives.
She smiled. Excited for her new home and the benefits her family will have when she sends them her earnings.
"Off the ship!" A large man with one eye yelled. The new servants, including Akia grabbed there belonging and walked off the old smelly ship that they traveled in for four days.
Akia walked off the ship with a huge smile on her face as her bare feet touched the soft England grass. The air was warm and foggy, which made the path through the woods look more mysterious.
"Fellow the path!" The same man yelled.
Everyone did as he said and followed the dirt path that felt weird on their bare feet.
Akia lifted the dress the men on the ship gave her so she can fit in more. Everyone had clothing from their new home, it was not the best but it was decent enough to keep them warm and covered.
Akia walked further down the dirt path to see the castle. Akia gasped at the beautiful site; a large fountain made of stone and crystal like water came to view first. The grass was fair green with rose bushes around the edges. Swans sit in the grass; relaxing and basking the sun.
English servants watched as the new recruits walked into the castle and into the back where the servants living quarters are.
"You will sleep here." A older lady said with her English accent. Her blonde locks was pinned up into a tight bun, her dress stopped at her ankles; showing her leather boots that is made for long distant walks and working in the kitchen.
"I'm Lady Adorn. I will be your chief, which means what ever problem or concerns you have come to me. I'm sure I will help. There are rules in living in the castle." Lady Adorn looked at the large collection of servants. That's when she spotted innocent Akia. Her beauty was clearly noticeable in a large crowd, her innocence showed through her eyes. It easily pulls people in.
Lady Adorn averted her eyes and kept looking through the crowd. "Rule one: Do not steal, it would cost you a hand it your life. Rule two: always bow when you greet the King, the kings men and the princess; the Kings younger sister. Rule three.." Her eyes went to Akia like she was only going to talk to her. "Do NOT give relations with any high levels in the castle, there will be consequences."
Akia mentally shrugged it off. Akia has no interest in having relations with anyone while she's here. The only thing she is thinking about is her family.
"That will be all... For now. Put your belongings down and get into a straight line. Ladies on the left and men on the right. Hurry."
Everyone scurried to the bunks. Akia put her sack on the bottom bunk, since she is afraid of heights and always fall out of bed. Soon she hurried behind a young lady that was slightly shorter than her, but looks the same age.
"I will pick your service." Lady Adorn said. "All the men works in the gardens and stables. Lord Bishop will lead you there."
The men follows a old bearded gentleman outside. Lady Adorn turned to the young ladies.
"As ladies, you work in many stations. Kitchen, serving, maids, watching over children, gardening and if you're lucky; you can be the fair lady of the princess, if she picks you. I will choose your work place by name." Lady Adorn took out a old paper full of hand written names. "When I call your name, step to the side."
"Ebele; kitchen." A middle age woman by Akia walked to the corner, away from the line. "Amara; Serve." The young lady two people down stepped out of line.
It took ten more names to let Akia know what job she will do for mostly the rest of her life.
"Akia; clean."
Akia stepped out of the line and went to the others as they waited patiently for more directions.
Lady Adorn was finally done. She folded the paper and turn to the ladies. "If you're in cleaning group, come with me. The rest of you wait for your directions."
Seven ladies, including Akia stepped out of the group and followed behind Lady Adorn.
"Before we go any further, we must give you the proper clothing and cleaned up."
They walked into another area where numerous of large floor in tubs was filled with clear water.
"You will get cleaned here. Cloths are by every tube and it can be up to two people in each tub. Don't worry, the men wash in a different area."
Akia took a breath of relief.
"Hurry and wash up. Soap is in each cloth. Make sure you keep your cloth until we assist you with another." Lady Adorn walked to the exit. "While you wash, we will assist you with clothes and shoes. You all have ten minutes." Lady Adorn walked out the room as the doors closed behind her.
The six ladies started to shed their clothes and get in the tub, while Akia nervously took off her dress. Once she was naked, Akia cautiously stepped into a warm tub.
After washing and putting the proper clothes on; Lady Adorn lead the seven women into the castle where they gawk at their surroundings.
Painting surrounded each hall, status was on every corner. The large windows brought in light from outside which mad the inside of the castle even beautiful.
Akia admired every single art work. Until Lady Adorn made them walk into a large broom closet full of dust.
"You will gather your supplies here. Each of you will have a hallway to clean and beds to make. I will assign you all a hall." Lady Adorn looked directly at Akia with a warning look. "Always obey to the royal family. No matter what they ask; do it."
"Dede and Patience will take the guest hall and its chambers. Subaria and Rudo will take the guards hall and chambers. Sheena and Racheal will take the council's hall and chambers. Akia, you will accompany me in the royal family hall and chambers. You all will start this evening after I show you all around. In a meantime, follow me to the kitchen, where you will have your meals."
Lady Adorn walked out the broom closet first and the rest followed; making Akia the last one out and to close the wooden door.
"You all will awake at sun rise and and go to bed at sun set. I advice you to wash up at night and get your clothes ready. If you are not in your assign halls exactly at sun rise, you will be punish. Is there any questions before we continue further?" Lady Adorn turn to the small crowd.
No one dared to speak up.
Lady Adorn continued on; showing them the kitchen, dining room, ball room where all of them had to clean up from time to time and the halls they was assigned.
The whole time Akia had a smile on her face as she thought about her family and the benefits they will have. Her siblings will not have empty stomachs, her parents will not work like cattle anymore. They will live better; have better clothing, food and a larger hut.
Moving to England was the best thing Akia could do for her family. The years Akia will spend in this castle will be great and worth it.
She prayed nothing will happen to her family nor herself doing the time and only way she can have safety is to follow all the laws. Being obedient is her number one option..