The Wolf and the Maiden

NOVA CLASPED HER HANDS TIGHTLY AS SHE APPROACHED THE LAVISH MANSION OF THE Smiths, her new workplace. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the grandeur of it all. She had come a long way from her dingy apartment, and this job as a servant was her way out of poverty and debt.

As she walked towards the front entrance, she noticed a sign that read "Smith Household Guidelines" and she quickly made her way towards it. The sign, written in elegant script, outlined the rules and regulations for all the servants in the household.

"Rule number one: punctuality," Nova read aloud to herself. "I can do that."

She continued down the list, taking mental notes of each rule as she went along.

"Rule number ten: uniforms must be worn at all times while on duty," Nova read, making a mental note to ask where she could obtain hers. 

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind her.

"Hello there, you must be the new servant," a tall, stern-looking woman said, her arms crossed in front of her body. Nova quickly turned around, feeling a little startled.

"Y-yes, that's me. My name is Nova," she stammered nervously.

"Well then, welcome to the Smith household, Nova," the woman replied, extending a hand. "I'm Mary, the head housekeeper. I'm here to show you the ropes."

Nova breathed a small sigh of relief, glad to have someone guide her through her new job. Mary walked Nova through the mansion, pointing out various rooms and explaining their functions. They passed by a dining room with elegant china and crystal glasses that sparkled under the chandeliers.

"Rule number eight: no food or drink is to be consumed outside of the kitchen or staff quarters," Mary reminded Nova.

As they continued their tour, Mary explained the daily schedule and responsibilities of each servant in the house. She pointed out a small room and said, "This is where you will be staying. It's small, but cozy. And here is your uniform."

Nova examined the uniform, a simple dark dress and white apron, and thanked Mary.

"Remember, punctuality is key, and follow the rules to a T," Mary said sternly. "Now, let's get you settled in."

Nova felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she donned her uniform and settled into her new room. She couldn't believe she was finally living and working in such a grand house. Overwhelmed by her new surroundings, she knew that she had a lot to learn, but also that she was determined to do her best in this new chapter of her life.

As she entered her room in the vast and luxurious mansion, she was struck by its grandeur. Soft golden light poured into the room through the large window, casting a warm glow on the elegant furnishings and finishing.

Nova had never seen such a room before. She had only known poorly lit rooms with saggy beds and dusty floors in the overcrowded and underfunded orphanage where she had grown up. But here, in this opulent setting, she felt like she could breathe again.

As she drifted around the room, admiring every detail, she couldn't help but reminisce about her life before the mansion. Her days had mostly been filled with doing odd jobs around town just to get enough food on the table. That was the life she had always known before she got the job at the mansion.

But now, she had a chance to start anew.

She looked out of the window with a newfound sense of hope. In the distance, she saw green fields and tall trees. She knew that beyond the horizon lay a new world full of possibilities, and she was excited to take a step towards her future.

This new job at the Smiths mansion was her ticket to the life she always wanted. And as she gazed at her beautiful new surroundings, she felt like nothing could stop her.

Nova tossed and turned in her bed, still feeling the ache in her ribs, but despite the discomfort, she knew she had to get up early to start her new job at the Smith Mansion. For once, she had a chance to leave behind the life of despair that she had been living with her drunken landlord, Mr. Konstantin. She rubbed her tired eyes and reluctantly left her bed, changing into her uniform that the housekeeper had previously given her, pressed and laid out on the chair. 

As she walked into the kitchen, she took in the sight of the lavish room with vast counters, a stove with multiple burners, an oven, and a huge double door refrigerator. She noticed another woman who was busy preparing breakfast for the family. The Housekeeper saw Nova and welcomed her warmly. 

"Good morning, Nova. I trust you slept well. Let me take you through your routine for the day." She handed Nova a packed lunch and continued explaining, "Your job is to take care of the upstairs bedrooms, dust, clean the furniture, and tidy up any mess. If you finish early, please help in the kitchen for the meal preparation. Do you have any questions?" 

Nova shook her head, grateful for the job and the security it would provide her. Before leaving, Nova wanted to know about the Smith family.