The office was low but bright, windows stood tall and clean behind a small oak desk. Guinevere quietly approached The House Keeper, Madame Bonaire, who sat behind the desk. She was scrutinising a piece of parchment which Guinevere could not make out from the doorway. After what felt like a miniature century, Bonaire ceremoniously plonked the document onto an ever-growing pile in front of her and faced Guinevere.

"You must be our new hire, excellent," said the Housekeeper brightly. She moved quickly towards Guinevere, causing her to flinch slightly but the Housekeeper did not notice. "Let me look at you properly, Miss" she trailed off.

"Guinevere. Guinevere Archer " Guinevere responded sharply, keeping her hands hidden in the recesses of her cloak and her eyes fixed on Madame Bonaire's quaff of curly reddish brown hair. Guinevere had not expected the Housekeeper to be so young. She had envisioned a strict, grey old woman with a stiff upper lip and beady eyes. Madame Bonaire was noble and had an air of direct compassion.

"Where have you come from Miss Archer," Bonaire asked, breaking Guinevere out of her contemplation, and pointed to a low stool in front of the desk which Guinevere obediently sat on trying not to let her sword slip from her side.

"Madame, I have come from the town of Ware. My home was attacked by Paladins and I was forced to flee. I have no one to turn to but I have the recommendation of Madame Miriam Cardoso" she stated, biting her tongue to avoid letting on that was only part of the truth. Bonaire's eyes softened and she tutted some obscenities under her breath about ungodly bastards.

"I apologise for the loss you have experienced Miss Archer. ". She looked at Guinevere sternly and laced her gloved hands in front of her. "Do you have any specific gifts or talents Miss Archer?" the euphemism in her voice was clear and Guinevere focused on the frosted glass of the window and clenched her hands in her lap to keep herself steady.

"I am a proficient healer and medic Madame Bonaire," she said slowly, holding onto each word tightly as they slipped from her throat. Bonaire studied the young woman quizzically but quickly nodded and stood suddenly from her high wooden chair.

"Good," said the Housekeeper briskly and gestured absentmindedly for Guinevere to stand. When they reached the door, Bonaire rested her hand on the doorknob and turned to face Guinevere.

"Before I release you to Marina, who will show you your duties" the Housekeeper stated slowly, razing an eyebrow towards Guinevere who froze at her deliberate tone. "Next time you come into this office, I expect you not to be armed". Guinevere went ice pale and her hands began to shake as she ghosted her hand over the too-big handle of the stolen long sword which clung to her hip.

"You will not need that blade anymore Miss Archer", her reassuring, low, warm voice caught Guinevere's attention as the House Keeper turned the brass door knob. "The King is a merciful man and these walls were crafted by unity but built with iron. You will be safe here."

The House Keeper's message echoed in Guinevere's head as she exited the office. Mariana, who had been leaning against the stone wall was now standing straight as a bean pole in front of Madame Bonaire. The Housekeeper turned to face the two servants and rested one hand on her hip.

"Guinevere, you will be scheduled to the infirmary as a Healer and your wage will be given to you every week by the Head Physician". Guinevere's eyes widened at the news which the Housekeep did not see as she had focused her gaze on Marina. "Marina, I expect you to teach Miss Archer the rules and show her the servants' quarters". "I will see you Ladies later" and with that, the House Keeper opened the door to her office and went back inside.

"I can't believe you got a job in the infirmary, you get to work with the King's Guard" Marina giggled, rushing down the stone passageway. This girl is like a whirlwind, Guinevere thought and smiled to herself at her new acquaintance's copious energy and followed after her.

"The King's Guard?", Guinevere asked furrowing her eyebrows in confusion as they entered into a busy courtyard. The Courtyard had four tunnels off each side and a large well in the centre. Servants were rushing to and from, errand boys from the town and maidservants carrying baskets of bread and fish. Guinevere had to focus on Marina's voice to guide her through the crowd of people. Once they made it to the other side, Marina turned to Guinevere and gave her a knowing smirk. "The King's Guard is not only an elite group of fiercely loyal soldiers, they aren't bad looking either." They continued down another passageway until they arrived in front of a large wooden door. "This is the infirmary and I will leave you here, see you at supper ". Before Guinevere could ask her new friend any more questions, she had disappeared into a puff of smoke and the hallway was empty.