Ell

The sound of clanking silver startles me out of my reverie as Berndell drops my lunch tray on her way into my room. Hurrying to help her, I hide a smile. My shy little maid is a miracle worker with flavors, but one of the most clumsy, clod-footed girls I've ever seen. She blinks hard, trying to hide tears behind those dark, timid rabbit lashes of hers.

  "I'm so sorry m'lady. I'll clean it up straightaway and bring m'lady's luncheon up." Her apology is a whisper so soft I'm forced to wonder if I imagined it.

  "Don't worry, Bernie. It's of little matter, since I'm not very hungry anyway." I sigh without thinking, then catch myself. Bernie doesn't say much, but she sees all, and I know she just caught me in a moment of weakness. Weakness will mean my death someday if I'm not careful. A sigh is only a sigh for a moment when witnessed by the wrong pair of ears. It can become a tool for my defeat if I let it. "Take these things downstairs." I pile on the last bowl, adding, "On second thought, I suppose I'm getting a bit hungry after all. Bring up whatever is left over." Her eyes dare to glance up at me, and I see into them for the first time, though she's been with us almost two years. Those onyx spheres gleam bright and knowing, their blackness so deep that I feel they might hold a thousand unspoken secrets. Before I can see more, she turns away. I shiver, feeling a chill creep beneath my skin, although the day is warm, and the sun shines in through the open window.