As Eliana sat in the chamber, enveloped by the warmth of the crackling fire in the hearth, her maid Sarah assisted her in shedding her gown, replacing it with a comfortable linen shift. Meanwhile, Sarah poured hot water into the tub, preparing for Eliana's bath. With curiosity tugging at her, Eliana couldn't resist asking, "What brought you here, Sarah?"
Sarah fumbled and dropped the pitcher upon hearing her mistress's question, a sensitive topic for her. Sensing Sarah's discomfort, Eliana quickly added, "You don't have to answer."
"My lady, it's not as simple," Sarah began, her hands gripping her dress tightly. She continued, "My parents came from humble beginnings, and as their only child, I had to toil alongside them to make ends meet." A tear escaped Sarah's eye, a painful memory resurfacing.
Silently, Sarah excused herself and proceeded into the bathroom. "Your bath is ready, my lady," she informed Eliana, who rose from her seat and approached the bathtub, Sarah supporting her gently.
As Eliana settled into the warm water, a wave of relaxation washed over her. "Please, go on, Sarah," she encouraged, closing her eyes.
"My mother fell ill, and the treatment costs were exorbitant. My father, desperate for funds, made a decision that haunts me to this day," Sarah revealed as she began washing Eliana's hair.
"Shall I continue, my lady?" Sarah asked tentatively.
"Yes, please," Eliana replied, a soft smile playing on her lips, realizing Sarah's newfound courage in sharing her story.
"My father sold me into servitude to a vampire in the king's service, seeking a human to satisfy his needs," Sarah confessed, causing Eliana's eyes to widen in shock, a sharp intake of breath causing her to wince in pain.
"My lady, your wound," Sarah exclaimed, concerned.
"Don't fret over that. I thought the king obtained his blood from animals," Eliana remarked, prompting Sarah to pause, her hands hovering nervously.
"My lady, such words can be deemed disrespectful. Only the impoverished vampires resort to animal blood," Sarah explained in a hushed tone, caution evident in her expression.
Intrigued by Sarah's revelations, Eliana contemplated her newfound knowledge about vampires, realizing the potential implications of her connection to the king. Before Sarah could respond, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation.