The bird squawked and fluttered away out the open window. “You mustn’t do that.” Malcomn’s maidservant rushed over and picked it up, wiping it clean on the hem of her cotehardie and gingerly placing it back on the table. Devon shook her head. “But the things he expects me to do - ” “Are a servant’s duties,” the blond girl finished for her. Devon admired the petite girl for her loyalty, but wondered if she’d ever tired of trying to please her lord. Her large brown eyes looked up to Devon, and she smiled shyly. Devon guessed her to be about the same age as herself, but her body was much smaller. “My name is Devon. What is yours?” “I’m Leahla.” She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, twirling it once around her finger. “You haven’t been a servant at the castle long, have you?” “No,” stated Devon. “And neither do I intend to keep up the charade. I am not a servant, but of noble blood.” Leahla dipped into an extended curtsy. “Forgive me, I had no idea.”
