Early morning, when the sun rises and the rooster caws. It meant the start of another day for the servants of the royal court. One in particular, A young Chambermaid to the king himself, woke on this morning. She was quick to dress in her uniform, a pale dress and a dark apron tied around her waist. She had her raven hair tied up and out of the way. When she was satisfied with her appearance she left the servants quarters and rushed to the kitchens. The cook had been awake for a good amount of time now, already preparing breakfast. When the young woman entered she was greeted with a warm smile, One of the few she would see that day.

"Morning Yvette." The cook grumbled through his thick mustache. Yvette returned the warm smiled and nodded. "I am to wake the king in a few moments time. Is his meal ready?" She asked softly, turning to the silver platter that was meant to carry the food. The cook nodded, quickly placing the plates of cooked meats and toast, fresh juices and a plate of eggs. Yvette gave a faint nod and gathered the tray up, turning from the kitchen. She made her way up the twisting stair cases and through the hallways until she came to a large ornate door adorned with a large red and gold lions head.

Yvette nudged the door open with her foot and slipped inside, resting the tray on the dark wooden table by the kinds bed side. She set out the plates, turned to the closet to get the kings clothes for the day ready then turned back to the bed. "My Lord." She said softly, reaching out to gently touch the kinds shoulder. The man stirred and his cold eyes turned up to meet the young maids. He said nothing, only grunted at her presence while he sat. Yvette didn't need to be spoken to in order to know what the king desired. She fetched the plate of assorted meats and presented it to her king, bowing her head.

When the king was fed and dressed he stood, hardly glancing at the maid at his side. "Take these plates to the kitchens, then greet the knights when they arrive." He commanded. Yvette bowed once, gathered the dishes and turned to do as she was asked. She stood at the gates with her hands folded, waiting for the knights to arrive.

The young blonde knight sighed softly as he looked up at the rising sun. He knew where he was headed and dreded it. The clouds slowly flowed past the sun as he stood deep in thought. He soon felt a hand on his armored shoulder and looked back to see one of his fellow knights and rather close friend, Lucas. "We should continue on if we wish to meet the trip's end in time, Aliston, my friend," The black haired knight said as he pulled his hand away. "True, let us go," Aliston replied softly as he put his helmet back on that had been resting under his arm. His bright blue eyes were the only feature of his face to be seen under the heavy metal helmet. He climbed up onto the back of his black and white spotted horse who made a grunt due to the extra weight that now sat on him. Aliston nugged the horse in the side, signaling him to walk. "Let us move out!" Lucas shouted to the men as his horse started to walk.
A while later as they saw the castle, Aliston nugged his horse again to get him to catch up to Lucas. "What torment do you think awaits us behind those cold stone walls?" Aliston asked his green eyed friend as he now rode beside him. "I know not but wish I never would." Lucas replied in a soft tone. "Blood, death, and fear is all this place reeks of. No joy, no love." Lucas' voice quaked with fear. "Be calm, my friend, for the devil smells fear." Aliston advised his fellow knight after hearing his fear of what awaits them. Lucas nodded and cleared his throat. "God help us all." He whispered under his breath.
They soon reached the gates, leaving their horses behind. The city was far too quiet to be normal yet the birds sung as if nothing were ever to happen. The hand full of knights walked down the city streets, making their way to the castle. Few people were out of their homes; a good few prayed for the silver knights as they know were they were headed. They had finally hit the castle doors. Aliston took a deep breath, put on a blank yet noble face, and pushed open the doors that seemed like they could lead into the inferno it's self.
The knights pulled off their helmets and pushed them under their arms. They enter the castle and looked around the large room. A few were almost expecting to see people impailed in the parlor but no, it seemed like everything was plain for a castle. A couple whispered something back and forth but Aliston could not make it out nor bothered to ask. He heard movement in the other room and hoped it was a maid of sorts. "Hello there?" He called out though it was not very loud.

Yvette could hear the clatter of the knights armor as they entered the main hall. It rang out like a rare sign of life. It wouldn't last. Even if the king was a kind man, the sound would die off soon. The knights would change their heavy armor for something more practical while they stayed within the castle walls. The king however was not a kind man, as all soon learned upon meeting him. Yvette feared for these knights, but she could not show it, could not warn them. It was forbidden to turn away willing guests to the castle.

When the knight up front spoke, Yvette stepped forward into the dim light from the windows and bowed her head. She glanced up after a long moment, casting her bright green eyes over the mens faces. She could see fear in some of their eyes. Even knights, who would run into battle for the kingdom without a hint of fear shook with it in these walls. The maid forced a smile on her pale face. "My lords." She began. "You are welcomed here." She said, her soft voice ringing in the near silence of the hall. She bowed once more. "Please, have your sick and wounded sent to our healers. The rest of you may request maids of your own, to show you to your rooms and help with your heavy armor. If you desire something, all you need to do is ask. The other maids and i will happily oblige. The king has requested to see each and every one of you at the feast tonight." With that she cast her eyes on the lead knight, the one who had spoken. She stepped forward and bowed deeply to the man.

"Good Sir knight." She said softly. "I am to serve you during your stay. If you would kindly follow me to your bed chamber." She stood properly and turned to walk up the steps that would lead to the guest chambers. She gestured to the other maids, all of which quickly ran to a knight and bowed, giving the same message Yvette just had.