whispers of a sinful heart

The faint glow of dawn crept through the small, dusty window of Larissa's room. The wooden walls groaned slightly in protest against the morning chill. She lay curled beneath the thin blanket, exhaustion still gripping her body when a light knock tapped against her door.

"Larissa, it's time to wake up," came Alice's soft voice, muffled through the wooden partition.

Larissa blinked sleepily, her body reluctant to move. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on her, but she forced herself upright, stretching her limbs before shuffling to the door. She opened it to find Alice. Just like her, she was yet to get changed, her blonde hair was a mess, her face bright and eager.

"We should head to the bathing area before others fill it up." Alice suggested, motioning Larissa to follow.

The corridor was dimly lit with only a few flickering lamps left from the night before. The servants quarters were quiet, the rest lost in sleep or beginning to stir. As they made their way down the narrow hall, Alice spoke in a hushed but enthusiastic tone.

"I know it must feel overwhelming, but you will get used to things quickly here," she assured Larissa. "The work is manageable, and the food is decent. Some masters barely acknowledge the servants, which can be a blessing and a curse."

Larissa listened but offered a little response. She was still adjusting to the reality of her new life, one that felt surreal and uncertain.

They reached the bathing area, a modest space with wooden partition separating the individual stalls. The air was cool, but the water was thankfully warm. Alice sighed contentedly as she scooped water over her arms.

"I don't mind this place," she admitted. Compared to what life was before, this was almost comfortable.

Once done, they returned to their rooms to dress. The simple servant attire fit snuggly, and Larissa tied her apron around her waist with practiced efficiency. When she emerged from her room, Alice was waiting, and together they made their way to the servant's hall for breakfast.

The morning meal was a modest affair, with loaves of bread, porriedge, and watered- down milk set out on the long wooden tables. The atmosphere buzzed with quiet conversations, but only a few servants acknowledged Larissa. Most were too busy focusing on their tasks, and she preferred it that way.

Alice sat beside her, munching on a piece of bread. "After breakfast, we all go where we are needed. "I will be helping in the laundry area," she said before lowering her voice. "What about you?"

"Cleaning senior Hamilton's chambers." Larissa responded simply.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, that's not too bad. The old man barely makes a mess. At least it's easier than scrubbing the ballroom floors."

When breakfast concluded, the servants dispersed, heading towards their designated tasks. Larissa followed the path that she had used the previous morning, carrying her cleaning supplies. By the time she arrived at senior Hamilton's chambers, the door was slightly ajar, revealing an empty room.

She stepped inside. The room was grand yet restrained, befitting a man of his stature. The fireplace was cold, it's embers long since extinguished and the bed was tidy, with only minor creases disrupting the prestine sheets.

She set to work, dusting the furniture, wiping down surfaces and carefully rearranging objects back to their rightful places. Once she was done, she carefully returned the cleaning supplies to their rightful place before making her way up to the study, where she was to report directly to senior Hamilton.

Upon entering the study, she found him seated on his desk, his piercing eyes briefly settling on her before he gestured for her to approach. "Are you done with cleaning?" He asked, his voice deep and measured.

"Yes, milord," she responded respectfully.

Senior Hamilton leaned back slightly in his chair, steepling his fingers as he studied her. "You're adjusting well, I see. That's good. There is something else I require of you today."

She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"My youngest grandson, is in the music room, and with his mother away for the day, I need someone to look after him. He is quiet particular about who he spends his time with, but I want you to accompany him today."

Larissa hesitated briefly. "Do you have specific instructions, milord?"

He exhaled, his gaze distant for a moment. "He enjoys music, but he struggles with patience. If you can keep him engaged,that will be sufficient.

Understanding the weight of his request, she nodded, "I will do my best."

"Good, do not disappoint me." His tone was neither harsh not kind, merely expectant. With that, he gestured her towards the door, dismissing her.

Making her way towards the music room whereby she had gotten directions from one of the servants, she hesitated momentarily at the door before stepping inside. The soft notes of a piano piece filled the air, and to her astonishment, it was a piece she held dear.

Seated on front of a grand piano was a young boy, his small fingers moving hesitantly over the keys. Larissa recognized the tune immediately but noticed that he faltered at certain points. A warm smile crossed her lips as she approached, her heart swelling with familiarity.

Having spent time caring for children at the orphanage, she knew how to create an easy rapport with them.

"That's my favorite piece." She said softly.

The boy glanced up at her, his expression guarded at first but gradually softening. "I am trying, but I can't seem to get it right."

"Here." Larissa said gently, sliding onto the bench beside him. "Let me help."

She placed her hands on the keys, demonstrating the correct technique. The boy watched her intently before mimicking her movements. Together, they played, the once hesitant notes becoming harmonious melody that filled the room. For the first time in a long while, Larissa freed her mind. Letting the music flow with no negative thoughts obscuring her mind.