It took well into the evening for Lila’s group to finish their assigned areas. By the time they reached the kitchen for supper, she was completely famished. The provided meal that night consisted of fresh bread straight from the kitchen along with some water. Much like that morning it wasn't the grandest banquet, but it was more than she had at home some days. Afterward, the maids returned to their rooms to get some much needed rest.

Lila supposed that despite everything, the day had not been bad overall. While cleaning she had been able to fully admire the castle's beautiful interior better than the night before. The walls were made of smoothed grey stone that shimmered in the light and the stairs were of creamy pearl colored marble. The hallway arches and doors were lined with gold trim with dark blue curtains hanging from every tall glass window, and the royal crest decorated all the shields displayed above each doorway. The castle truly was a lavish sight to behold! Lila wondered again what it was like to grow up in such a grand place as this. She knew that the King was still just a young man, not even twenty years old yet. His parents, the late King and Queen had been murdered many years ago, leaving the young prince alone to rule. She pitied his sad story, and wondered if perhaps bitterness contributed to his cruel behavior. Surely such tragedy could affect anyone, even a King.

The next few days flew by in a blur, and sure enough it did not take long for Lila’s life to become routine. She got up before sunrise, started cleaning right after breakfast, and continued on late into the night until the work was done. She quickly became proficient at her job, and even started to feel more comfortable than before with her duties and position. She also became accustomed to the castle layout, and could nearly find any room with ease. For the very first time since arriving, Lila felt a measure of reassurance and hope. So long as things continued on this way, there would be nothing to worry about.

Luckily, it did not take long for the seventh day of their first week to come, tearing their thoughts away from their troubles. That evening the head maid took them to the accounting room to receive their pay, which was one whole gold coin. Then after their work both Daphne and she ran straight to the postman to have it sent back home.

"I am so excited for my father to see this!" Lila said as she handed the messenger her letter.

She had wished to send the whole gold coin, but had forgotten about the delivery fee which must be paid. So after breaking the coin into silvers, she decided to send a letter along to assure her father all was going well. After that she kept the last two copper coins so as to treat herself to a little something. After all, nineteen silver coins would be more than enough to send for now!

"I feel the same! My siblings will be so relieved now!" Daphne replied as she too gave the messenger her package.

Then, the messenger gave a bow and went on his way to pack his horse. It was rather early into the evening at this point still, so the two of them wandered around the village marketplace before heading in. There were so many places to look around and shop at that both of them were simply astounded. There were clothes and foods from all over the world, exotic animals and flowers, and a whole variety of people doing the buying and selling. Tantalizing aromas were everywhere, but one in particular caught Lila's attention, so she left Daphne and went inside a small bakery to find out what the smell was coming from. There were breads and cakes displayed everywhere, but she was after one very special pastry. Then Lila found the special treat and paid the man his fee, and returned to her friend outside a moment later with two fresh cinnamon buns.

"Here!" Lila said as she handed her one.

"Oh Lila, I do not have the money to pay you back for this." Daphne replied with embarrassment.

Indeed, the girl had nothing. She had sent her whole amount, minus the messenger fee, to her siblings. She had not even wanted to spend any on a letter. Her family must be very poor indeed.

Lila smiled. "This is a special treat for the two of us! We have both worked very hard, and I think we have earned it. Do not worry about the money."

Daphne smiled and took the gooey bun happily. "Thank you Lila. You are so kind."

She shook her head. "Do not mention it. Now eat up, they smell divine!"

This was possibly the best thing Lila had ever tasted. It was so sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon and frosting. She was glad to have picked it.

"Mmmm! So delicious!" Daphne said.

She nodded. "Every week we should come and buy something new! My treat."

"Oh my, every week? How long do you think it would take to try everything?" Her friend asked with a giggle.

Lila shrugged. "Let us find out."

When they returned to the castle both of them decided to eat supper on the staircase in the east wing of the castle. Scents from the Kings buffet wafted through all the hallways, making their mouth's water.

"Oh my, I wish we could have been assigned as cooks! I hear they get to eat from the King's table." Daphne said enviously.

"Yes, but I also heard that they have to be taste testers to check for poison before he is served." Lila stated.

Her friend’s face immediately fell. "Oh...then I am grateful not to have been picked for such a job..."

"The smells from here are quite nice though. They remind me of home." Lila said, redirecting the conversation.

Honestly, she felt a little homesick thinking about the stews and nut breads she used to make back on the farm. She also missed how her father would share at least one meal with her no matter how busy the day's work had been.

"Indeed. I miss the food my young brother would always prepare. Although he is but fourteen, he is very skilled in the kitchen. He even works at the local inn with the cooks." Daphne said with a smile.

"Is he the oldest sibling after you?" Lila asked curiously.

Her friend shook her head and went on to tell her all about her family. There were three boys and seven girls in all her siblings. From oldest to youngest it went her, two boys, three girls, the boy who worked at the inn as a cook, and then four more girls. Daphne was twenty, and her youngest sibling was only ten. About a year ago their mother passed away, and soon after that her father too. Daphne said it had been heartbreaking, but at least they had each other so none of them were ever all that lonely. Her twin brothers, who were seventeen, actually tried to come here instead of her to work, but she would not let them. In her mind, this should be the responsibility of the eldest sibling, so she was the one to leave.

Lila was saddened by her story. She could not bear to think of losing her own father in such a way, nor could she imagine what it felt like to provide for so many family members. As a youth she had always wished to have a sister, as being an only child growing up on a farm left her lonely at times. But surprisingly, having someone like Daphne to work alongside each day provided much comfort. Lila had never had a friend like her before, or a friend at all really, aside from Maryann. One day she would be sure to invite Daphne’s family over to her house for a warm meal.

When the two of them were done eating they retired to their room. That night Lila went to sleep feeling quite happy and satisfied, another perfectly uneventful day completed.