"Lady Straw, is everything okay? You have been oddly quiet," Diane said.
Straw barely registered the concern in her voice. Her attention was locked onto the far end of the hall, where a maid stood among the servants. The tray in her hands was steady, her posture straight, her head slightly lowered in respect, but Straw knew that stance far too well. The way she stood, the way her eyes scanned the room without moving her head, the way her presence felt heavier than everyone else around her.
Berryanna.
Straw's grip tightened around her cup. Her thoughts raced as she tried to understand how it was even possible. She had left the princess behind. She was sure of it. And yet there she was, dressed as a maid, standing in plain sight like some spy.
"Yes, yes," Straw said quickly, forcing a smile as she turned back to Diane. "Looks like I have to go now, Lady Diane. It was a pleasure knowing you."
She began to step away, already feeling the tension creeping up her spine.
"Wait."
Straw paused.
"Yes?"
"I run a salon by day on Main Street," Diane said warmly. "I would be glad to see you sometime, and we can talk and gossip about our married lives. I also happen to be looking for a trainee. I hope you would be one of them."
Straw blinked, momentarily caught off guard. The sincerity in Diane's eyes was disarming. For a split second, the chaos slipped away, replaced by something lighter.
"Wow, that's so nice of you, my dear friend," Straw said, her smile becoming more genuine. "I will try once I ask my wife for permission. I would love to come."
"Your wife could join too," Diane added. "It would be pleasant to meet her and maybe help convince her to go on a honeymoon with you."
Straw let out a small laugh, lowering her voice as she glanced back toward Berryanna, who had shifted slightly closer without Straw noticing.
"Hahaha, I don't think she likes to mingle, but I will try," Straw said. "Okay, I have to go. Bye bye. See you soon, I guess."
She turned and walked away immediately, her steps quick but controlled. The closer she got to the main hall, the louder her heartbeat became. She barely made it three steps past the archway before someone stepped directly into her path. Her back hit the wall.
The impact knocked the breath from her chest as strong hands pressed her in place. Straw looked up and found herself staring straight into Berryanna's eyes.
"Damn," Straw breathed. "How are you so fast?"
"What are you doing here?" Berryanna asked, her voice low and sharp.
"Hello, hi, wifey," Straw said lightly, trying to mask the spike of nerves crawling up her neck. "Or maybe hello love, would do."
"What are you doing here?" Berryanna repeated, her grip tightening.
"You really don't need to hold so tightly unless you want to make out right now in this hallway," Straw said, attempting a grin. "I would love that, by the way."
"I will ask for the last time," Berryanna said. "What are you doing here?"
Straw swallowed. "I should be asking you why you are here."
Berryanna's stare went cold, unreadable. Straw felt it immediately and sighed.
"I have no idea," Straw said. "One time I was sleeping, then the next, I happened to be here."
"Try again," Berryanna said without hesitation.
"Try again? Are you kidding me?" Straw scoffed. "Okay, I was roaming around and unknowingly walked into this place."
She avoided Berryanna's eyes, her tone deliberately casual.
"Really."
Straw let out a breath. "Okay. I was playing hide and seek with your brother for hours. Then suddenly he appeared and said he had a quest and I happened to be part of the quest. I followed him, we put on some costumes, and then I followed him again. Your hooded young uncle happened to be in the carriage. They gave me a role to play and I ended up here."
"Again," Berryanna said.
Straw snapped.
"Bitch, what the fuck is wrong with you?" she yelled. "I just told you the truth. Stop it with the again. Please let go of me. This doesn't look romantic anymore."
Her voice echoed louder than she intended. Heads turned. Murmurs rose from the women's hall nearby.
"Bitch?" Berryanna said slowly, clearly stunned.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavy, charged. Straw turned her face away, refusing to meet Berryanna's gaze. She could feel how close she was, how dangerous it was to look.
"You should look at me," Berryanna said.
Straw ignored her, pretending to whistle softly.
"Very well then," Berryanna said. "We are going back to the mansion. I will not let you stay here anymore."
"Well, you didn't bring me here," Straw said stubbornly. "I need to find the King and Prince Vinegario first."
"They can manage on their own," Berryanna replied. "Vinegario will guide Apple home safely. Let's go."
She released Straw only to grab her hand firmly.
"No, no, no," Straw protested, pulling back. "I just got here. I want to have more fun. I made new friends and got a job offer. Even though I know nothing about hairdressing, I would be glad to learn."
She pouted deliberately, mimicking Applegario's childish tone.
"This place is not safe," Berryanna said. "Anything can happen. You need to leave."
She tugged at Straw again, but Straw planted her feet.
"No, no. Come on, wifey. Stop playing the dominant one. It doesn't really suit you."
Straw jerked her hand free.
"Look, I have my own rights," she said heatedly. "I can do whatever I please. If the King is here, why can't I be here too? I choose to leave when I want to. You don't get to tell me…"
She never finished the sentence. Berryanna's patience snapped. In one swift motion, she hoisted Straw over her shoulder.
"How the hell are you this strong?" Straw shouted, pounding lightly against her back. "Hey, let me go now. This is not fair, my lady."
Her voice rose into a dramatic tantrum.
The noise drew attention immediately. Diane and several other ladies rushed out of the hall, their faces filled with shock.
"Oh my goodness," Diane cried. "A maid is kidnapping Lady Straw."
She hurried forward with another woman, both of them grabbing at Straw's arms, trying to pull her down.
"What is this?" Diane demanded. "She is my wife," Berryanna said firmly.
"Hmm, Lady Diane," Straw started quickly, trying to calm the situation, "this is a private matter between me and her."
Before she could finish, heavy footsteps echoed through the hall as men rushed toward the commotion.
"Husband, please help," Diane cried. "Lady Straw is being kidnapped by that maid."
Diane's husband pushed through the crowd. Berryanna immediately set Straw down, her posture shifting as she became aware of the attention. Just as Greyjoy raised his hand to strike, Berryanna caught it effortlessly and twisted his arm behind his back. His shout of pain echoed just as an older voice cut through the chaos.
"What is the meaning of this commotion in my house?" the grandfather demanded.
"Grandfather," Greyjoy grunted, "this maid is a spy. She was trying to kidnap one of our ladies."
The grandfather turned his gaze to Berryanna. His eyes widened. Recognition washed over his face. Without another word, he dropped to his knees.
"Everyone, kneel," he commanded. "She is the princess of the nation."
The moment he spoke, the hall fell silent. Everyone obeyed.