BLAZE

PUNISHMENT (PART 2)

Abria

As soon as I read the scroll, I went numb and it started to itch me that how will I be going to help in the kitchen? Though, I do know how to prepare a few of the dishes but I don't think those will be served here…

Ah… why does it have to be me? I don't understand why is this a sort of punishment at all? I was expecting something brutal but this is entirely stupid. What is she trying to do?

"So.. Do you have any problem with that?" The queen asked from me.

I looked at her and shook my head, "no.. it's fine… now, what do I have to do? Do I have to cook? Serve dishes and what else? It won't be a problem because I was raised like this… I was always a helping hand in chores when dad used to go to work…" I sighed and folded back the scroll.

"Then… great… you should start heading towards the kitchen, Anma, the chef will explain your duties.." the queen informed me verbally and then she was diverted by someone standing beside her.

I was standing in the court, watching others doing their duties. I wasn't sure where to go because i don't know where is the f*****g kitchen?

The queen was looking through some documents but then her gaze fell on me. She scrunched her eyebrows and asked me.

"Why are you still here? You should be going and start helping the kitchen staff… they are always short on staff… go ahead…" she waved at me.

"I apologise for the inconveniences but i don't know which direction i should lead? I don't know where the kitchen is? All the corridors are the same and confusing… I have lost a lot of time finding a way here…" i explained my situation to her, hoping she will lend me a helping hand.

"Alright…" she said and formed a small ice ball which was glowing.. she blew on it and it started to float on its own.

"This will guide you to the kitchen.." she smiled and then again caught up with the work she was doing earlier.

I followed the floating ice ball to the corridors… Some left and some right, I didn't even care to remember the sequence but finally, I reached the kitchen. As soon as I entered, my nostrils hit me with the lingering aroma of the fancy dishes. It must be prepared for breakfast.

I was getting inside the kitchen when a huge body just blocked the way. She was a big woman and glaring at me like she would eat me if I dared to say a word.

"Who are you?" She asked me while observing me through her piercing gaze.

"I am Abria…" I replied to her question.

"Oh… you are the brat princess… come inside.. we have a lot of work for you.." she said while waving her hands.

I was shocked when she just said that to me… who the f**k is brat princess? Not me… 

"Would you still stand there for the whole day? Didn't I just say we have a lot of work for you?" She yelled loudly at me.

"What the hell? Who do you think you are yelling at? Do you know who I am?" My inner b***h was ready to come out…

"I don't care who the f**k are you, young lady… as per the notice… you are here to serve your punishment… now take back that attitude and get those piles of clothes washed…" she handed an apron and soap to me.

Really? Washing clothes?.. my eyes widened when I noticed how big the piles were and I was really faint to see them..

With the soap and a brush… i started washing the clothes one by one.. the stains on the table clothes were stubborn and didn't leave the surface. I wondered how dirty they become just at dinner time. I was gasping while cleaning them because I wanted to prove that I don't rely on my powers only. I will serve my punishment without any issue. I have to prove the queen wrong.

I was almost done with the clothes when another pile of sheets were placed.

"I just cleaned them.. I am not going to do these ones too.." i complained.

"They came here right after breakfast, now get your ass up and clean them or you won't get any breakfast too.." she bickered and left.

I stopped the urge of killing this b***h at that moment because I really wanted to pass this as a normal being, not a crazy head monster. 

After cleaning the piles of the sheets, I had breakfast for like five minutes and then I rushed to help do the dishes with other maids in the kitchen.

Anma made me chop tons of vegetables for lunch and dinner as well. My hands were bruised and aching. Moreover, I received several cuts on my palms for using the knife way too much. I was rushing in and out, dropping veggies and spices from one place to another, then I was cleaning them. It was all tiresome… 

Once it was done, I sighed and the ladies were on the floor in relief. Lunch started and I was glad that I didn't have to serve while being a mess. The dishes were taken out but I noticed a few drums were still left. So i asked a staff member about it.

"That is for the poor children and women living at the outskirts of the kingdom… we have to get ready to leave.. you better have lunch in time because if not, Anma will yell at you.." she warned me about it.

I was having my lunch in the corner and I saw two soldiers helping the kitchen staff dragging the drums of dishes out of the kitchen. They are probably going to load them in the vehicle and drive to the outskirts…

"Are you done?" Anma approached me and asked.

"Yes…" I said.

"Great… Now get up and help them with the drums.. we need to leave within half an hour.

I was happy from the inside that I would get an opportunity to run away…