Intro
The young boy gave a soft hesitant knock on the door and it slowly swung open. "Mi'lady? Missus?" he called out quietly. He took a hesitant step into the room; the large canopy bed set to catch the dim light coming from two open windows.
Stepping onto the thick carpet that covered much of the room he looked around the room curious as always to see how the Family lived. Growing up in the castle he knew three groups; strangers, staff and Family. He knew everyone on the staff and as the Chamberlain's son he knew all of the Family as well. As for strangers, they were called that for a reason. The Mosskin family was kind and just in their governing and Gerard was happy to be forgotten and left to explore on a summer morning.
"Gisella, bring me my mirror" a young woman's voice called out from behind one of the hanging tapestries. Gerard looked around quickly for any sign of the Missus's Lady in Waiting. "Gisella is not here Missus, it is Gerard. I was going up to the library and your door was open." She responded with a bright laugh, "Then you are my new Lady in Waiting Gerard, bring me my mirror." Gerard looked around and then stood on his tip toes to look on the table near the window. Spotting an ornate mirror on a handle he reached out to pull it closer to the edge when a soft warm hand covered his. "No that would be too heavy for you still my good young man" the Missus's voice quietly said. She picked up the mirror and looked at the hang of her curls and the set of her necklace. "Gerard, one thing to always remember is a lady wants to always look her best, before any man sees her that day."
Gerard nodded as he thought about this bit of wisdom, "I will remember that and I will ask my father if mother used to look her best in the morning." She looked out the window and smiled, "Your mother was a very pretty lady and your father loved her very much." She turned from the window and looked down at him standing waiting next to the desk with his face upturned.
"You are growing to be a strong young man Gerard, you look just like your father. Maybe one day you can take his place when you are all grown up." Gerard smiled shyly and said "Thank you Missus I hope to make my father proud. He talks to me about how he has served faithfully for many years. I hope that one day I am a lord and can have others serve me."
She smiled and tousled his hair, leaning over to whisper in his ear "I am sorry Gerard you will never be a lord" There was a rustle of cloth and ting of metal. Gerard felt her take a deep breath and suddenly felt sharp stab on his back. He fell forward onto the carpet with a thump unable to make his hands work to catch him. As the dark closed in he heard the sound of silk sliding away.
