Maria Leaning against the wall of the factory where I worked, I tried to catch my breath but I knew I couldn't stop even for a second. If I got caught, my wage would be deducted and I couldn't afford that. I needed every single penny I could get my hands on. The deafening roar of machines filled the air as I assembled iron parts at lightning speed. The monotonous routine left my hands calloused and my back aching, the constant fear of accidents or losing a limb haunting me every moment. I glanced at my old, wristwatch that had so many cracks, I could barely see what was written on it anymore. And it was time to head over to my other job.I wrapped up everything quickly and walked towards my boss who was sitting on a chair and counting money. He looked up at me, took out a couple of dollar bills, and tossed them on the table without a word. He was always all about his money and business. I took it and darted out of the factory. The cold air immediately hit my skin and I sighed in reli

Maria In the dimly lit chamber, I sat on my bed, my eyes filled with sorrow as I gazed out the window. That seemed to be the only thing I did these days, gaze out of my window all day. My heart was heavy with the weight of loneliness, and I was lost in my thoughts, unaware of the world outside my room. Suddenly, I heard the door creak open snapping me out of my trance. Zoe walked in with a tray of food in her hands. Zoe was my handmaiden. She told me she was assigned to me the first day I was brought here. However, I never spoke to her because I had way too much on my mind but she was the only one in this castle who ever took her time to speak with me.And it wasn't just because it was her job. I never had any friends but I knew a kind person when I saw one, her warm brown eyes oozed with kindness and her long black hair shone brightly. But I didn't trust her completely yet. Looks can be deceiving. She placed the tray on the table and approached me smiling warmly."My lady, I brought