The pair walked through the halls of the royal castle, for the most part empty outside of the scarce maids and butlers. Most of them ignoring the two but few did shoot Mia an angry glare but did not do anything further upon noticing Ashley.

Mia attributed herself being left alone due to Ashley’s status as a maid directly under the control of the princess or it was her size and the fact she could lift a dresser with ease which was very intimidating from Mia’s point of view. She couldn’t imagine someone getting in her way. Thanks to that, they navigated the halls in relative peace.

Until they came to a part in the castle that opened to a larger decorated hall. “We are passed the living quarters for the nonroyals.” Ashley spoke as she stopped momentarily, pushing Mia to the side of the hallway to hide her from view.

Looking out into the bigger hall Mia saw the numerous paintings, statues, gold trinkets, and rugs that decorated it. She also saw there was more foot traffic moving about, more than just maids and butlers, but people in suits, some knight, and other noble-like people from what Mia could tell. Even some who wore white robes that were currently kneeling down in front of a grand panting of someone Mia didn’t know.

“Ok, keep close.” Ashley ushered Mia forward at a quickened pace. Leaving the hallway they were in and traveling down the new one.

Noting her hurried steps, Mia did her best to keep pace with her. All the while trying to glance around. Finally spotting a window she noticed the time was still very early in the morning, the sun had just got done rising from the horizon, a bit later then when she usually woke up at the village. she then turned her attention to the knights, that wore full metal armor and were stationed at every intersection.

Her gazing was interrupted as she was pulled closer to Ashley as they passed the white robbed people, glancing back at them as they passed Mia did feel like the robes were familiar but were somehow different… a different style? She couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Almost there...” Ashely whispered, her gaze fixated on the up coming intersection.

They had just passed the guards when Mia heard a shout from behind.

“You there! Stop! Stop this instant!”

Ashley didn’t stop, stealing a glance back she sighed “oh…” She slowed down, pushing Mia in front of her and turning around to face the man yelling for her to stop, meanwhile slowly inching towards the hallway “If it isn’t Earl Ferly, what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You… Did you not hear me? I said stop!” The man huffed.

Looking back Mia got a better look at this Ferly fellow, fat. Fat was the only thing that stuck out to her, fat and balding. He looked to be an older man, wearing a suit 2 sizes too small. With a sweaty balding head and was currently struggling to breath. He was also shorter than Ashley, at 5”5.

“I am terribly sorry Earl Ferly. I am on an errand for the princess right now.” Ashley said, still taking tiny steps out of the main hall “If you have business with me or the princess, perhaps after I am done with my current matter, I can let her know?”

The man huffed “No, that right there! That thing! What is it doing here?!” Ferly started to approach them, reaching his sausage like hand out towards the space behind the maid, who, because she was still back peddling, moved Mia out of the way and out of the main hall “You!? Stand still!”

Ashley, now out of the main hall and away from prying eyes, stopped. “I am sorry but if you are referring to the girl behind me she is the property of the hero, the princess has requested her.” Ashley said, standing between him and Mia.

Ferly snorted; a cough followed immediately after. “The hero’s property?! Then the rumors are true.” He retracted his hand, instead leaning his entire body to get a view behind Ashley.

Sighing, Ashley moved Mia out from behind her “Yes, the HERO’s property.”

Ferly brought his palm to were Mia assumed his chin would be, stroking it as he inspected her. Something that caused Mia to writhe in displeasure “Hrm, I must say he has good taste in beasts at least, proper breed, cleaned… Very good.” Nodding to himself in approval he once again reached his hand out, stopping when Ashley moved in front of him. “…I may request him letting me borrow it later.” He coughed.

Ashley smiled “That is unlikely, he favors this one greatly. Now if you don’t have anything else…”

“I’d say, if it wasn’t for the collar, I would not have known she was a slave! It is like he hasn’t broken her in yet!” He shouted, “It isn’t my place to say, but he isn’t one of those perverts who just buys up a slave for dress up is he? Does he need a proper man to show him how to treat a slave?”

Mia shivered, reaching to one of Ashley’s hands and giving it a light squeeze. This man was gross… twisted… Possibly the worst she has ever had the displeasure to meet if not for her sadly having met worse. He had solidified his place in the top 3.

Ashley noticed Mia’s hand, grabbing it with hers she refaced Ferly “Earl Ferly, I will request you reframe from such talks least the princess hears of them.”

Ferly quickly raised up both of his arms, one of the buttons on his suit not being able to handle the sudden increase in stress and escaping to some unknown location “I jest! The hero is the savior of us all! I wouldn’t dream of doing anything that would displease the princess.” He then attempted to bow, giving up halfway “I will let you go… give the princess my regards.” He then scuttled away back into the main hall.

Once he was out of sight Ashley wordlessly started down the hall again, only when they were a fair way aways from the main hall, and alone, did Ashley angerly groan “That pig!” She grumbled.

Mia looked up at Ashley, their face red with angry as she continued to mumble to themselves. She opened her mouth, wanting to question who that man was but was stopped when Ashley shook her head.

“Later, the less you know of him the better. The princess can not know we got stopped by him or took interest in you.” Ashley said, sounding worried. “I’m sorry…I was aware he was here today but hoped…he was in a meeting or… I’m sorry…” She said as the two walked.

They walked in silence for a bit, then Mia spoke “no…”

Ashley froze in place “M-Mia?”

“It is, ok.” To Mia, even though it was unpleasant, this out come was better then the alternative. She could imagine that without Ashley’s help she would have suffered greater misfortune and could tell that her presence was keeping many of them at bay. For what it was worth, Ashley had already shown that she was on her side, if this wasn’t a twisted joke, but at this point she could tell Ashley was putting some effort in keeping her as safe as she is able to. Any other maid would have gladly let Ferly ‘borrow’ her and knowing the princess’s personality they would’ve gotten away with it, maybe even gotten a reward “…Thank you…”

Ashley teared up “you are welcome!” She moved to hug her but stopped. Straightening herself she cleared her throat “We are nearing the princess’s room, when we arrive… I wish you luck.”

Mia nodded, soon after they stopped in front of a door.

Ashley nocked on the door “Sorry to disturb you mistress, this is Ashley… I have brought Mia.”

It was time to see what the princess had in store.