Abiva's Day
The sun had only barely begun to force its beams through the curtains of Arch Maid Abiva’s room. The long slices of light cut through the deep blue of shadows since the Xaltean woman had not turned on any of the other lights.
Abiva had the room to herself. It was on the second floor of Blue Blossom Estate, where the offices and other important rooms were—like the Emissary Maid’s training rooms and the two libraries. Lord Henry Patton-Avernell’s private quarters and spaces were on the floor above. Only the Mistress had a room up there, and it could only be accessed in the day. At night, only the Mistress, Security Chief, or an Honored Maid assigned to tend the master could enter.
That did not mean the Arch Maid’s room was lacking. It was big enough to contain her slumber bed, a low frame made of rare woods, piles of blankets that made the base, and her pillows. There was a small kitchenette, a refrigeration unit, and only a small table and comfortable chair for her to read or enjoy the sunset. Further from her bed, the carpet became nistilian marble where the floor-level bath was made available. Abiva could bathe, dress, and eat without leaving her room, ready to command the Estate Legion of a hundred or so personnel. There was even a generous stipend at her rank for higher quality clothing and personal items, most of which went to her personal savings account held by the Maid Directorate.
At the moment, the redhead was standing in front of the full-body mirror, wearing nothing but the water from her bath. She let the water drip off her, enjoying the breeze from the window and trying to decide what needed to be done today. Abiva wanted to pick out the right outfit. Today was a special day—she was going to be Lord Henry’s personal maid. She wasn’t quite an Honored Maid nor an Apprentice learning to become a Mistress herself.
Siv was unavailable, handling the Winter Rose wine shipment in Belentine, and Maevin had a Council of Servants to oversee. That meant Abiva had to step in as the Personal Maid. The young woman couldn’t imagine what Maevin Maer went through with the responsibility of being not only a Mistress of an Estate but the sector’s primary servant leader. Mistress Maer was responsible for all other vassal estates of House Avernell.
Abiva’s lover, Nish, would handle both of the Legions today. Nish was normally in charge of the Reserve Legion that handled all supplies but said she could manage both.
The young woman finally noticed the time, grabbed a towel, dried herself off, and opened her small closet. She found the loose tvekel she loved to wear and a skirt to go around her waist. The medallion she always wore was still around her neck, and within a few moments she looked like she always did when on duty. Something familiar was the best option here. She didn’t want to stand out. Abiva was pretty sure her master would not like that, and she did not want to give Mistress Maer the wrong idea. Trust was hard to earn in this life but so easy to lose.
She loosened the tie around her waist so her shirt laid easily on her curves. The other thing Abiva looked forward to was that Lord Henry was cute. Nish teased her when they were alone about having a crush on him, which always brought heat to Abiva’s cheeks.
‘Maybe I can get him to blush,’ she thought to herself, letting the cloth shift, a breast slipping out exposing it. Lord Henry was so adorable when his face would turn red, desperately trying to look elsewhere. She never realized humans could be so fun.
The alarm hummed. Grabbing the last bite of bread, slipping into her soft sandals, she hurried out of her room towards the stairs. Skipping two at a time, Abiva caught her breath, slowed her breathing, and tried to walk as dignified as possible to Lord Patton-Avernell’s office door. She gently knocked.
“Come in.”
Pushing the heavy wooden doors open, Arch Maid Abiva made her way in and bowed at the waist, hands folded politely in front of her.
“Arch Maid Abiva is here as your personal attendant today, my master,” she said, trying to sound as dignified as she could.
“Good morning!”
Abiva looked up to find his blue eyes locked on her and that smile on his face. The human always seemed so happy. How could one not smile back?
“I appreciate it, Abiva. With Maevin and Siv gone, I’m feeling a bit at a loss,” Henry said, motioning to the glass panel displaying statistics while running his other hand through his hair.
“Anything in particular, Master?” she asked, stepping closer to his side and looking at what was displayed on the screens.
“I’m trying to arrange a meeting between the estates on Victory.”
“Which were you thinking?” Abiva asked, concern crossing her delicate face as she saw the map of the planet displayed.
“I’m wanting Black Forge, Silver Moonlight, and Emerald Hope Estates.”
“That would be the Houses Irisik, Nevakev, and Devenek.”
“Yeah.”
“And your purpose?” Abiva asked, trying to figure out how to be helpful. Within the first few minutes of walking into his office, this job had already proven difficult. The realization that she had to advise him on decisions that could affect the sector settled hard in her stomach like a bad piece of fruit.
“Well, the tekiasetel was pretty rough,” Henry continued, flipping through the digital pages. “And I want something that’s more… homey? Safe? Something that people will feel a bit more open and not so… political.”
Abiva understood, but for the life of her, she did not know if it was even possible. All the houses, under the same roof, and not worried about being taken advantage of? Every house of the Empire was loyal to the Empress and their people, but anything more, they fought over. No house wanted to be at the bottom, and even with their shared traits, each house had its own culture which clashed with others.
“Have you spoken with an Emissary Maid yet?” Abiva offered.
“No. I wanted more of an idea before I got them involved,” Henry admitted with a sigh. “I know I want it here, but I just don’t know how to make them feel safe.”
“They will come if you summon them.”
“I don’t want to summon them. I already tried to be mean. Almost got me killed.”
The Arch Maid had heard rumors about what happened at the tekiasetel and the arrival of the Crown Princess. How much of it was true, she had no idea. Abiva tapped the screen to turn it off.
“How about you tour your estate, my master? Maybe you’ll get some ideas.”
Henry leaned back in his chair and stretched, his blond hair catching the light streaming through the window. Abiva tried not to smile. He was so cute. If she didn’t prefer women…
“Shall we?”
Most of the morning was spent exploring the estate, checking on the workers in the field, listening to reports, and making decisions. For the half a year he had been here, Henry had picked up a lot. Abiva watched quietly at his side how he handled himself. He may not see it, but the Terran had the respect of those under him. The way he stood there listening, giving each person his complete attention, soliciting feedback, and making decisions. Many of the servants had been surprised, used to being just commanded, not actively consulted.
It was about midday when they found themselves at the technician’s complex. A very nervous young man was trying to explain the day-to-day operation of the construction battalion. Henry listened patiently as the other stumbled over his words.
Abiva had given them room so it did not feel like she was hovering. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone approaching. He was dressed with a loose shirt and skirt around his waist, though it was dark and rich material. His movement was perfect, head held high. His dark beard was trimmed neatly and his medium-length hair had the ribbon marker of an Emissary Maid.
“Arch Maid,” he said, coming to a stop by her, bowing slightly. He extended a computer tablet. “Arch Maid Tashak believes he found the best thing for Lord Henry, based upon your explanation, if it is correct.”
Abiva took the tablet and ignored the tone. She had gotten used to it.
“It is called the veehaneaset. It is the least formal gathering of estates that meet the master’s request, though it has rarely been done with houses. It requires a level of comfort that foreign estates have never been comfortable with.”
Soft War. Abiva took a moment to be amused at how many of their formal gatherings had the word war in it. It summarized their entire negotiation culture.
“Thanks, Colleague Kanesh,” Abiva said, clicking it off and folding her hands in front of her to wait patiently.
Kanesh did not move but stood beside the Arch Maid, folding his arms and watching the Lord of the Estate.
“He has surprised me,” Kanesh volunteered.
“He has surprised a lot of us.”
“I appreciate your help, Abiva,” Henry said as they made their way down the stone path toward the house. “I think I have a much better idea on how we should handle this.”
“I’m really glad to be able to help,” she said, pleased. There was a bit of a skip in her walk, hands clasped behind her back, and she swayed back and forth like a child on her way to the candy shop.
“You did a really good job. I'll let Maevin know,” the young man said.
Wow. He was willing to provide a personal review to the Mistress? She had done that well? Abiva could feel pride in her chest. She was doing well, wasn’t she.
“You don't need to, Master. I'm simply happy being useful to you.”
Henry gave her a smile that brought one to her own face. This Terran was so cute and adorable.
“You're amazing, Abiva.”
“And you're cute.”
Maybe it was how friendly and comfortable he was, or how Henry complimented her, but before she could even register what she was doing, she gently booped his nose. He froze for the barest second before breaking into a laugh. Abiva said with relief. That was stupid. Thank the goddess Mistress Maer did not see that.
Turning to look up toward the open veranda, Abiva's chest tightened in sheer terror. Standing within the doorway, blue eyes locked on her, was the Mistress herself.
“Maevin!” Henry called out, picking up to a trot and waving at her. Mistress Maer’s eyes turned to the Lord of the estate, and the terrifying expression melted into a calm and mellow one. “You're back early.”
“It was postponed. Virdirin Flu. We didn't want to take the risk of spreading it. Did Abiva take care of you?”
Those eyes turned back toward the woman who was walking submissively behind her master.
“She was amazing. Helped me resolve a lot of problems. Thank you for assigning her.”
“It is good to see that she is able to remember her place and help you.”
The knot in Abiva's stomach twisted even tighter.
“I have something I want to talk to you about,” Henry said, offering the computer tablet Abiva had earlier. “You got time?”
“Of course, Master. Abiva—”
Abiva quickly dropped her head in a polite bow. She was actually too scared to look at those eyes.
“You did well. You're dismissed for the day.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
She did not wait around.
For the rest of the day, Abiva took over her position from Nish, who was quite frazzled running both Legions. The Arch Maid threw herself into her work, trying not to think about the expression on Maevin's face. There was more in there than just disapproval. She had to have seen her boop her master's nose and how close she was standing. There was something else, though. By evening, when the sun had gone down, the realization slowly sank in.
That was why she was standing in front of the private office of the Mistress, the ornate wooden door between her. Abiva's heart raced, her stomach flipping, and a faintness washing over her. What she was about to do could earn her a whipping or even the altar if her superior so inclined.
Raising her hand and tapping lightly on the door, she heard Maevin's voice call to her.
“Enter.”
Walking in, she stood in front of Maevin's desk. It was a cozy room, the holographic projector lazily showing a scenic view of one of the many mountains on Victory. Bookshelves lined the walls, and there was a comfy sitting chair in the corner by a lamp table, a tea set sitting on a shelf ready to be used.
“Arch Maid Abiva requests an audience with the Mistress,” she said, head bowed.
Maevin set down the stylus and folded her arms across her chest.
“Well.”
“I came to apologize for my actions. I believe I was too familiar with our lord.”
Abiva forced herself to look at the icy eyes boring into her. The hidden anger was almost noticeable on her face.
“I asked. Lord Henry does not report any untoward behavior. I have nothing to discipline you for. You're dismissed.”
Maevin picked up the stylus again, her knuckles white from how hard she was gripping it.
Here I go getting myself a beating. “Mistress. I have angered you.”
Maevin looked back up, her sleek brown hair tumbling down her shoulders. “The master was happy for your assistance. My opinion in this matter is moot.”
“Mistress,” Abiva pushed. “I... I do not want you to lose your faith in me. I have worked hard to earn your trust and I do not want you to start doubting me now.”
Maevin Maer's eyes coolly watched her. This was it. This was the point that Abiva knew she was going to get her butt whipped.
“I am not trying to usurp you and be bedded by the Master.”
Those blue eyes turned cold and horrifying within seconds.
“I—”
“Be very careful with your next words, Arch Maid,” Maevin said, her voice coming out in a low hiss that would have frozen a summer lagoon. It was too late though. Abiva had crossed the point of no return.
“My mistress. I do not seek to steal his affection that he gives you. I am not a Vtedeega for you desire to be his Mbakihanxash.”
The sound of the stylus splintering shot through the room as Maevin snapped it. She flew to her feet, the rage escaping in a screech of fury. Maevin backhanded Abiva, and the Arch Maid did not move her face and accepted the blow. Her head snapped to the side, and she stumbled. Abiva forced herself to stand straight, resume her position, and not wipe away the blood that trickled from her broken lip. She could feel the heat swelling in her cheek.
“How dare you,” Maevin hissed. Abiva had never heard it so quiet and deadly. How could she blame her? The Arch Maid had just openly accused Mistress Maevin of trying to become Lord Henry Patton-Avernell's consort and lover while claiming she was not a rival.
The redhead forced herself to stand her ground as Maevin came forward, fury burning in her eyes and face.
“How dare you make such a claim,” Maevin choked out, the anger making it hard to speak. “If I did not have my master's trust, I would break every bone in your insolent body for such a disgusting accusation.”
Abiva could see in the Mistress' eyes that she had hit upon something. There was no way that Maevin would have even considered it, though based on months of behavior, there was the dimmest hope. The Arch Maid had dragged out that scandalous secret into the light.
“I would accept it a thousand times over, my mistress,” Abiva said, dropping to one knee. “I only say it to make clear to you that I am not a threat. I am loyal to you, loyal to the master. I would rather face your fury than have you doubt my integrity and would give my life so that you know I would never betray you or Blue Blossom.”
Maevin Maer towered over her like a shadow of death, silent and unrelenting.
“Stand,” the woman finally said.
Now only inches separated them. Maevin's cold eyes studied the Arch Maid's face, but there was something new there: understanding and maybe just the smallest bit of respect.
“I accept, Arch Maid Abiva, that you have no intentions towards our master and that your transgression of touching him was a lapse in judgement.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“You retain my confidence.”
Abiva's shoulders sagged in relief. The Mistress believed her.
“I am overjoyed to still have your confidence.”
Maevin gave her a slight nod, but that coldness returned. “Your words though.”
“I understand.”
“Give me your left hand.”
The Arch Maid's gut twisted again, knowing full well what was coming. Of course, there would be consequences. Her insult had to be answered. She offered her non-dominant hand to Maevin. Maevin pulled it toward her chest with both hands and, in a sharp move, twisted and pulled. Abiva let out a strangled cry of agony as the loud pop echoed in the room. The Mistress had dislocated her wrist. Maevin held on to it, pressure still applied.
“Don't you ever say anything like that to me again, Abiva,” Maevin said coldly. She added just a slight bit more pressure to get a strangled sob from the Arch Maid. “Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mistress,” Abiva whimpered.
The woman released her hand, which the redheaded maid held to her chest, the pain radiating from it.
“Go see Doctor Torbet for treatment,” Maevin said dismissively as she returned to her desk.
“Yes, Mistress. I need to be more careful about running in the courtyard.”
Maevin's head shot up, fury returning because of the planned lie.
“Abiva!”
“Please, Mistress,” the redhead said quickly. “Allow me this lie. I do not wish Lord Henry to learn of your discipline and be cross with you. I could not let you be scolded for my sin.”
The two women kept eye contact before Maevin went back to her paperwork. Exiting the room, Abiva leaned against the wall, clutching her wrist and sighing with pained relief. She had survived. It could have been so much worse. The lines she crossed could have had her stripped of every right and privilege for such a statement. But Abiva had fixed it.
The Mistress still trusted her.