Three Roses

Hayden Shaw stood quietly in front of a large double double door leading to the castle study, looking down at his black and scarlet business suit, deciding he looked more than passable to his boss's high standard. After all, it was his dress appeal that allowed him to live in the first place, the suit The Duke had sold him doubling as a lifeline as well as his work attire.

To say it was an important day would be an understatement, not being his first day by her side, but rather the seventh. His one-week evaluation had crept on him like a long shadow, a dark ambiance he couldn't see, but knew was there.

Hayden came as a runaway, cold and hungry, as so many of the servants here had started. Some sought the shelter the castle walls provided, while others simply had nowhere else to go. It was important to dismiss such memories. They had no relevance; they served no purpose.

The mistress and her three daughters had been gone for a month, having left the very day Hayden showed up, giving him a merciful, ample amount of time to adapt to the way things were run. The very minute he was discovered, the head servant had already thrown him in a uniform, not bothering to find out what his name was until a week in.

Hayden shook his head. He'd need it empty before he opened the door in the next two minutes. He nervously matted his suit down for any wrinkles, then slung a black towel over his offhand, being his right. Through his well-kept hidden panic, he figured he was in pretty good shape. All of the servants were doing their chores, and most didn't require his supervision. Although, that's where her daughters came in.

It took Hayden less than several seconds to remember each of their names, being Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela, each of them having their own personality and hair color to match their bloodlust. He hadn't seen them much, thank the heavens, but he knew they were always around, like clouds of death, acting as enforcers towards the servants, beating or lacerating them if any were stupid enough to backtalk.

Thankfully, he only saw them during breakfast and dinner when they'd dine together as a sadistic family, Hayden himself bathing in the luxury that their mother would quickly shoot down any threats or jeers at him. He never knew why she did that, but he wasn't going to complain about it. His job was simple, and that was to make his boss's life more convenient while acting as a de facto head servant when she was away. The only qualifications were pragmatism and logic, two traits he possessed that his boss appreciated.

He looked down at his pocket watch, another genius purchase from The Duke. Hayden had lost count of how many times his watch had saved his life. He had thirty seconds, giving him enough time for one last look-over. The half-minute took what felt like a year before he knocked on the door, hearing a deep but smooth feminine voice from the other side responding with one word: Enter.

Hayden pushed open the door as the clock just ticked 8:30 am, giving him no small sense of relief this was another day of perfect attendance, down to the second. He approached the middle of the study, seeing his employer seated at a massive desk in a white dress, her dark hair curled to her shoulders as he bowed, not caring if she saw or not. She was using a feather pen, scribbling fast enough to give Hayden the impression the feather was going to burn up in the friction.

Even sitting down, she was at his height, her proportions just right for a woman well over 9 feet tall. A bold compliment that would never leave his mouth. He started each morning with four words to announce his presence.

Hayden: Good morning, Mistress Dimitrescu.

The mistress simply hummed in response, not changing her stance as she continued to write at a ferocious speed. He walked quietly to a small table and started to pour her tea, adding a small amount of red liquid from a flask beside the table, knowing far better than to speak again past an initial greeting. If she wanted him to talk, she'd let him know. With a hurried but smooth step, he approached her as she spoke in a subtle but dangerous tone.

Lady Dimitrescu: Butler, pour me my tea. And don't make me wait while I-

She stopped her demand, her golden eyes narrowing at his as she set her feather pen down as Hayden held out the cup over a small plate. The mistress took the tea and sipped it, then continued drinking, much to Hayden's relief. The silence continued as he stepped back, giving her plenty of space, and more importantly, moving out of her range.

Lady Dimitrescu: Are you going to tell me how you knew what I was going to ask, or have you simply forgotten how to speak, boy?

He hated this, walking on eggshells every second he was with her. Although, she did seem to treat him better than most. He watched her strike a prisoner hard enough they actually caught air on his first day under her direct employment.

Hayden: Forgive me, Mistress. I've worked with you for seven days now, and each morning you take a tea break. The ratio of the red liquid was a mystery at first, so I'd add a little more each day until you stopped correcting me. Now I know the ratio you like.

She hummed in response again, turning forward and picking up the quill again.

Lady Dimitrescu: And do you know what I'm going to ask for now?

Hayden: I can't think of anything you currently need as of right now, so I would imagine you'd ask for my dismissal until I'm needed again.

She stopped writing, Hayden knowing full well that was the notion to walk to her side. Guessing his cue correctly, she turned to him and spoke.

Lady Dimitrescu: A close guess, but no. I want your name, and I'm going to insist you tell me. Consider my acknowledgement a reward.

He took in a breath, quiet enough she wouldn't hear as he licked his lips. Her power was measured by her grandiosity. Names were no different.

Hayden: Hayden Shaw, mistress.

Lady Dimitrescu: Well Hayden, you were partially right. You're dismissed until this afternoon. You'll be meeting me in the courtyard at noon, sharp. Do not be late, and bring a flask of wine. I'll need it.

Hayden: Of course, mistress. If you'll excuse me...

He bowed deeply to her, knowing full well she loved when he stroked her ego. As he started his stride towards the door, she spoke up, prompting him to turn around, looking at her back as if she didn't bother with the same courtesy.

Lady Dimitrescu: That won't do. I haven't liked that from the start, Hayden.

A fool would think she'd let him go without so much as another challenge. Still, Hayden's confidence had grown this last week. Solving her riddle wouldn't be terribly difficult.

Hayden: I beg your pardon, mistress?

Alcina turned, fast enough it almost made him flinch, as if she was testing his resolve not to panic.

Lady Dimitrescu: That... Don't address me with that when we are in private.

Hayden: Very well, then how shall I address you?

Lady Dimitrescu: Figure it out, boy! I have no time to dawdle on your indecisiveness.

He bowed his head a second time, not to show respect, but to simply break the eye contact with her.

Hayden: My apologies. I will see you at noon in the courtyard with a flask hidden on my person, m'lady.

Lady Dimitrescu turned around with a hum and then walked to the window overlooking some of the servants shoveling the snow, deciding she liked her new title of "m'lady" quite a bit more. It was much more progressive, although she would expect to be called "mistress" by everyone else. As the Lady heard him shut the door and his footsteps grew distant, she opened her closet door and started to decide what outfit she would wear. It was going to be an eventful afternoon.

-

During the time Hayden wasn't directly by the Lady's side, he helped supervise the other servants when the head servant Natasha was preoccupied. Lady Dimitrescu demanded six days of work for one day of rest, she and her three daughters taking a very close tally of who was worthy of it.

Hayden never saw the daughters much, although he'd only been working with the family for a week; a short time indeed, but was time enough to pick up on some of their habits. If any of them had a servant by the hair or uniform, they weren't seen again. A similar trait with all of the daughters, but they had their own personalities and quirks nonetheless.

Bela seemed to be the oldest, given her maturity level was quite ahead of her other two sisters. He'd caught her staring at him before, but for what, he couldn't guess; he truthfully didn't want to find out. She spent a lot of time in the music hall, or around her mother when he was assigned to do something else.

Hayden knew she lingered close at all times, for either him or her mother, Hayden couldn't tell. He didn’t think it mattered.

Cassandra was the middle child, Hayden having heard that term come from both of the other daughters themselves. She patrolled the dungeons where her sadistic personality could blossom unchecked. Hayden had volunteered to fetch her once when she was "working", his eyes ever-wide at the sight of a filleted servant strung up on a cross made him regret ever agreeing to the task.

She was also a hunter, giving Hayden smiles laced with venom as she'd carry in carcasses of slaughtered wildlife or servants alike. A show of skill or a sadistic flirt, Hayden decided it was both.

Daniela was the youngest, unpredictable, and full of violence-infused joy, singing and dancing while she slashed her sickle blade wildly, not caring who or what she hit. However, despite the lively, unhinged nature of her persona, she preferred her solitude when she wasn't with her sisters or the servants, oftentimes buried nose-deep in a book, which was an uncharacteristic but nondestructive trait Hayden thought was more than cute.

With each trait and dislike each of them had, Hayden had worked on finding the best way around them. The protection from the Lady had only allowed as much.

He walked through the halls of the castle quietly, alert for anything or anyone that would cause him trouble. It was his evaluation day, after all. He continued his route, deciding to make a short trip to The Duke. The walk wasn't long; Hayden was quick to memorize the hallways in case of an emergency... or if he needed to escape. Conveniently, the Duke was set up right outside the castle, the butler wasting no time trotting out to his carriage.

The Duke was a massive, obese, and gluttonous man, despite being generally friendly. Insulting him wasn't wise. He always had the scoop on the gossip. Lady Dimitrescu actually had a decent relationship with him, as far as Hayden could tell. Upon seeing his approach, the Duke clapped his grubby hands together with a smile and hearty laugh.

Duke: Ahhh Master Shaw! A good day for a sale, is it not? I have a good feeling you'll like some of the items I've brought in.

Hayden bowed to The Duke, showing his respect as he walked forward, the fat merchant shaking his head and waving his hand at the gesture.

Duke: You don't have to do that, Master Shaw. I'm but a humble merchant, and you-

Hayden: And I am but a humble butler who will give my betters the due respect, Mister Duke.

Duke: Very well. I understand you have an image to maintain.

Hayden: I think we both do.

The Duke's smile widened. How he enjoyed chatting with the young man. How nice it was to find his limbs still attached.

Duke: I couldn't agree more. Please! See what I've brought! Browse! Shop!... Buy...

Hayden started from left to right, eyeing different foods, from raw fish to cakes drizzled with honey. A temptation for sure, but he ate well enough in the Castle. His eyes settled on some gauze and medical supplies, as well as a hunting knife and metal bracer.

He never considered defense before Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters had returned to the castle. Perhaps it wasn't a terrible idea to buy some, for protection's sake.

Hayden: I'd be foolish not to take the gauze and disinfectant ointment.

Duke: Of course, my friend. That'll be twenty lei.

Hayden: Deal. And the knife and metal bracer. How much?

Duke: Ahhh the bracer is only 40 lei. Good metal, and you should wear it on your off-hand. It'll stop bites and lighter slashes, but won't be good against heavier metal.

Hayden: Good, I'll take it. And the knife?

Duke: It comes with a holster, but I'm afraid it's expensive. It'll be yours for 300 lei.

Hayden: 300!?

Duke: It's blackened Damascus steel. Very reliable. My sincerest apologies, Master Shaw, but I'm going to have to be firm with the price.

The butler crossed his arms; the cold was starting to get to him. He needed to think, and fast.

Hayden: Alright, let's negotiate. I think-

Duke: Master Shaw, I just told you, I'm going to-

Hayden: 400 lei.

The merchant stopped his rebuttal and blinked as if trying to register what Hayden said.

Duke: Excuse me? I'm only asking for 300.

Hayden: I'll put 100 lei down on it now, and pay you 50 lei every two weeks, up to 400. I take the knife now, and you'll see a larger profit margin.

With a thoughtful look, the Duke crossed his arms. The boy knew how to invest.

Hayden: And here. Until I purchase the knife fully, I'll write it down as your property. If my end comes before I can pay the 300 I'll owe you, you'll repossess the knife in its entirety. That's my offer.

The Duke scratched his chin before bursting into a triumphant laugh, clapping his blubbery hands loudly as he leaned forward to the best of his ability.

Duke: Very good! You must show me more of those business dealing skills in time! You mentioned your father was a hunter, didn't you?

Hayden: From what I can remember, yes. That said, I find diplomacy far more effective than violence.

Duke: A silver tongue to talk to merchants and nobility, I see. The knife is yours, figuratively. I'll take the hundred lei now.

They exchanged metals, each of them talking awhile longer before Hayden slipped him another fifteen.

Duke: Now, what's this for?

Hayden: I want to hear the scoop right now. What do you have for me?

The merchant looked around the best that his humongous body would let him, then waved Hayden in with a hushed voice.

Duke: Ahhh of course! Let's see... Master Heisenberg is coming to Castle Dimitrescu today. I think the fair lady inside and him have a dispute to settle.

Furthermore, there is to be a ball in several weeks. Even Lady Beneviento is coming! What else? What else? Oh!...

The merchant suddenly stopped talking, tilting Hayden's head in confusion.

Hayden: What is it, Duke? What...

The butler looked down to see The Duke rubbing his thumb and index finger together. With an eye roll, Hayden paid another 20 lei to the merchant, stretching the man's smile from ear to ear.

Duke: It seems some monsters have been spotted around the forest area. They don't venture over too far, but it's worth knowing what's out here. And this one's on the house. Her daughters have been curious about one individual of some small importance, enough servants have been saying.

The merchant leaned back with a grin, prompting Hayden to check his pocket watch, obviously troubled by the last sentence that was said.

Duke: If it makes you feel any better, your manners are, as they say, top-notch. If you keep on your path, perhaps you won't need that knife after all.

He bowed to The Duke, truthfully grateful to have such an ally. Of course, The Duke was this bubbly with everyone, but money talks, and kept people quiet when it needed to.

Hayden: Thank you, and good day to you, Sir Duke.

Duke: And you as well, Master Shaw. I'll keep the tip you gave me as insurance to keep quiet about your purchases. Have a good day now!

He turned back towards the castle, more than eager to get inside, quickly sliding the metal bracer over his right forearm and rolling the sleeve down, and sliding the knife into his suit vest, while not bothering to hide the medical supplies.

He made his way through the castle watching the servants work until he got to the private quarters he shared with the other two butlers, Jess and Rowan. Neither of them were in, giving him several hours of privacy. He filled a flask with wine and hid the medicinal supplies under his bed, eager to rest for the time being.

-

Noon came around quicker than expected, Hayden having to do a faster walk to maintain his always-early status. When he arrived, he saw a lone man sitting on one of the courtyard benches with a ragged coat and shades, with what looked to be a metallic hammer by his side. What spooked him the most were two young women chained up beside him.

As he was about to open the door, he heard Lady Dimitrescu's voice from behind him, completely catching him off guard.

Lady Dimitrescu: A disgusting rat, isn't he?

Hayden: I wouldn't want to insult my betters, m'lady. I feel it could lead to consequences I could only describe as unfortunate.

Lady Dimitrescu: Mmm, right you are, Hayden. Well, I suppose we should get this over with. Did you bring the wine?

Hayden: I did, m'lady. Would you like some now?

Lady Dimitrescu: No, that won't be necessary. After.

She moved towards the door as Hayden quickly opened it for her, waiting for her to duck through as he followed her into the snowy yard.

Lady Dimitrescu: Heisenberg, you'd better have a good reason for showing up on my property.

The man flashed a wicked grin to her as he stood, holding his arms out wide as he slowly walked towards her.

Heisenberg: Ah, my big bitch of a sister. Always pleasant, I see. And who's your servant? Got a name, kiddo?

Hayden stayed silent, carefully watching the Lady's movements as she decided how to proceed.

Lady Dimitrescu: Well? Why are you here? As much as I'd love to chat with my toddler brother, I have far more important things to do.

Heisenberg: Oh, I bet. I found these little vermin in my neck of the woods. Keep better care of your property, Alcina. I wouldn't want Mother to hear about how irresponsible you are.

Lady Dimitrescu: So the pot calls the kettle black. I'll deal with these girls now, and you will leave.

Heisenberg: Oh, I thought I'd stay for a late lunch if you don't mind.

To Hayden's horror and brutal curiosity, he watched Lady Dimitrescu step forward and hold out her hand, as claws as large as swords suddenly extend from her fingertips. Hayden hadn't seen a duel coming, but instead of striking Heisenberg, she struck down the two servants, immediately lacerating them into pieces as she stepped backward, her breasts rising and falling with heavy breaths laced with rage leaving her lungs.

Lady Dimitrescu: That was a warning. Leave. My. Home. Now. Karl...

He raised his eyebrows and looked towards Hayden, that gleeful smile returning to his dirty shaven face before turning turning around towards the exit.

Heisenberg: Are you sure you-

Lady Dimitrescu: Leave now!

Heisenberg: I was kiddin... Fat whore. I'll be seeing you.

Hayden smirked subtly enough that Karl didn't notice, instead attracting the attention of the Lady instead as they escorted Heisenberg to the entrance of the castle. When he was several paces out, Hayden felt a large hand on his shoulder, gripping it tight enough he had to struggle not to wince in pain.

Lady Dimitrescu: You dare laugh? After what you just saw, boy? You dare!?

Hayden: M'lady, my laugh wasn't directed at you.

She leaned down, forcing his chin up with a massive hand, her golden eyes staring murderously at him, as her voice came as a menacing, venomous whisper.

Lady Dimitrescu: Then who...?

Hayden: It was Heisenberg. I'm a servant, but even I find it a bit ridiculous he had the audacity to insult you like that with his zipper down the entire time. It takes a lot of power out of his words...

Her eyes narrowed as she called Heisenberg's name, prompting him to turn around. Her butler wasn't lying. It was clear as day, as the mistress found herself grinning at the situation, her malice gone at the show of Heisenberg making a fool of himself.

Lady Dimitrescu: Do watch out for Lycans. I'd hate for something to happen to you.

He raised his middle finger then continued on his way as the castle doors shut automatically.

Hayden: M'lady?

Lady Dimitrescu: Hm?

Hayden: If you would, could you please let go of my shoulder?

Her eyes widened a bit as she took her hand off of him, watching him exhale as he struggled to stretch the muscles she was contorting.

Lady Dimitrescu: Do forgive me. It wasn't intentional, although I should use it as a warning. Don't you ever discuss what you saw today with anyone, or I'll turn them on you. Are we clear?

Hayden: Yes, m'lady. As clear as crystal.

Lady Dimitrescu: Now, I am going to freshen up for a late lunch in my office. Your attendance is required. The flask, Hayden.

Hayden: Of course, m'lady. Do you have a...

His voice trailed off momentarily as Cassandra walked down the stairs, wearing a sadistic grin and her raven hair to one side. Usually she'd be in the dungeons, this was a new behavior he hadn't seen yet. Regardless of the reason, Hayden stood by the Lady's side, ironically naming that as the safest place to be in the current situation.

Lady Dimitrescu: Cassandra, are you off to hunt?

Cassandra: In awhile, yes. Has Heisenberg left?

The mistress took a swig of the flask, letting the wine settle in her mouth for a second before swallowing.

Lady Dimitrescu: He has. That insufferable bastard couldn't even zip his pants correctly.

Again, that small chuckle from Hayden quirked her lips into a thin smile. Seeing Karl on the losing end had always put her in a good mood. The mistress continued.

Lady Dimitrescu: In any case, go to the kitchens and put in my order. You've had a competent streak today. Let's hope it doesn't end at lunch. Sweet Cassandra, if you'll excuse me...

The mistress walked smoothly in between them, then up the stairs and out of view, leaving Hayden in an uncomfortable situation with the daughter he wanted to avoid the most. Keeping his composure, he took the nearest door to his left, knowing he could circle back around the kitchen if he kept to the hallway path, and survived the trip.

Hayden: If you'll excuse me, Lady Cassandra.

His voice came weaker than he wanted it to, nearly betraying his professional stature as he quickly walked around her and to the door, unlocking it as he felt a movement behind him. From 10ft away, Cassandra materialized a menacing-looking sickle, then give a lick up the blade as she started a slow stalk towards him with a dark look on her face.

Cassandra: Run, butler...

Hayden yanked open the door and started to walk quickly through the hall, half thinking this was simply a test from Lady Dimitrescu, his theory immediately shattered as the door he was walking towards opened up as Daniela stepped through with an identical sickle in hand, her face immediately lighting up when her eyes fell on him.

Daniela: Ahhhh Hayden! Just who I wanted to see!

A menagerie of questions started flurrying in his head, but were quickly suppressed by the adrenaline pumping through his body. He was trapped. There wasn't a doubt the two sisters had orchestrated this. As he turned to attempt a retreat, his eyes met Cassandra blocking the other end of the hall with what looked to be blood dribbling down her chin as she dragged the point of her sickle along the wall.

Cassandra: You're going to die here, Hayden. And it's going to be so much fun... Ready sister?

Daniela: Ready, Cassie. First one to rip his heart out wins...

Both of the daughters lunged with a maniacal glee as Hayden prepared for the worst. The last thing he felt before a frenzy of black took over his vision was the darkened ambiance. That blackened evil that was just out of reach, just out of sight, had finally caught up to him.