Chapter 7 The Arrival At The Minister's House

As they arrived at the minister's house, Willow's expression was expectant as she looked at Ember and said, "We're here, this is the minister's house." Her voice was soft and gentle, her eyes shining with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Ember's expression, however, turned cold and calculating, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed at the house. In her thoughts, she whispered, "So I'm finally here, this is where Ember's stepmother lives." Her expression was a mask of determination, her eyes flashing with a hint of defiance. Scarlett, the senior maid of Ember's stepmother, emerged to welcome them, her expression icy and unfriendly. "Come with me," she said, her voice commanding and devoid of warmth. Willow's expression turned indignant as she began to speak, "How dare you talk to the second mistress in that manner..." But before she could finish, Scarlett's hand shot out, and she slapped Willow across the face. "How dare a lowly maid question my authority!" Scarlett's voice was loud and venomous, her face twisted in anger. Willow and Selene's expressions were shocked and outraged as Ember swiftly retaliated, slapping Scarlett with equal force. Scarlett's eyes widened in surprise and pain as she stumbled backward, her hand instinctively rising to her cheek. Ember's expression was fierce, her eyes blazing with anger. "How dare you slap my maid?" she demanded, her voice firm and authoritative. "Is that how you people treat maids in the minister's house?" Scarlett's expression turned ugly, her face contorted in rage. "You should know your status," she spat, her voice dripping with malice. "Your mother was just a maid." Ember's expression turned sad, her eyes clouding over for a moment before she regained her composure. "By the way, I'd like to know who you are," she said, her voice calm and collected. Scarlett's expression was triumphant as she replied, "I'm the senior maid of Lady Aurora, your stepmother." Her voice was laced with a subtle gloating, as if she had scored a point. Ember's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with disdain. "So this is how Lady Aurora teaches her maids," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're just a maid, and yet you dare to raise your voice at me." Scarlett's face reddened with anger, and she began to speak, but Ember cut her off, her expression unyielding. "Have you not learned from that slap I gave you?" she asked, her voice firm and commanding. The air was charged with tension as the two women locked eyes, their expressions reflecting their animosity and power struggle. Ember's expression was resolute as she turned to look at Willow and Selene, her eyes commanding their attention. "Let's go," she said, her voice firm and decisive. As they walked past the door, Scarlett's expression turned spiteful, her eyes flashing with malice. "Don't you worry, Lady Aurora will fix your attitude," she said, her voice dripping with venom. Her words were laced with a subtle threat, implying that Ember would face consequences for her defiance. **** As Ember entered the room with her maids, her expression was observant, her eyes scanning the space to take in the people present. Scarlett's expression was commanding as she instructed, "Greet the old madam and Lady Aurora." Ember's face lit up with a happy expression as she turned to her grandmother, and she bowed to greet her. "Greetings, grandmother," she said, her voice filled with affection. The old madam's face broke into a warm smile, and she opened her arms, inviting Ember to come closer. "My child, you're finally back home, welcome back, my beautiful granddaughter," she said, her voice filled with love and warmth. Ember smiled as she walked towards her grandmother, and the two of them shared a tender hug. The old madam's eyes shone with happiness as she wrapped her arms around Ember, holding her close. As they hugged, the old madam's expression turned sad, and she pointed to Lady Aurora. "That's your mother, go and greet her," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resignation. Ember's face lit up with a happy expression as she ran towards Lady Aurora, shouting "Mother!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her voice was filled with anticipation. However, Lady Aurora's expression was fake and contrived, her smile forced and unnatural. "I'm not your birth mother," she said, her voice cold and detached. "I'm your stepmother." Ember's expression changed instantly, her face falling as she took a step back. Her eyes narrowed, and her thoughts turned dark as she whispered to herself, "So she's Ember's stepmother, the one who wants Ember dead." Ember's expression turned questioning, and she asked, "Then where is my birth mother?" Lady Aurora's expression turned venomous, her eyes flashing with malice. "Your birth mother is locked up in where she's supposed to be," she said, her voice dripping with hatred. Ember's expression turned angry, her eyes blazing with determination. "I want to see my mother," she said, her voice firm and resolute. The old madam intervened, her expression convincing and reassuring. "You just came, you still have time, you'll see your mother soon, my dear," she said, her voice soothing and gentle. Ember's expression remained determined, but she seemed to accept her grandmother's words for the moment. The old madam's expression was warm and caring as she looked at Ember, her eyes filled with concern. "Go to your chamber, you have had a long day, you should rest, my child," she said, her voice gentle and convincing. Ember's expression was obedient, and she nodded her head in respect. "Okay, grandmother," she said, her voice soft. As they prepared to leave, Willow's expression was helpful and attentive. "We'll take you to your chamber," she said, her voice filled with a sense of duty. Ember nodded in approval, and they walked out of the room together. When they arrived at Ember's chamber, Willow and Selene's expressions were admiring as they looked around the room. "It's nice," Selene said, her voice filled with appreciation. Meanwhile, Ember's expression was a stark contrast, her face twisted in frustration and anger. Her eyes seemed to burn with a inner fire, as she thought about her plan of revenge. Selene's expression was caring and concerned as she gestured Ember towards the bedroom. "You need to rest, second mistress," she said, her voice soft and gentle. Ember's expression didn't change, her mind still focused on her plans, but she seemed to acknowledge Selene's words. The contrast between Ember's inner turmoil and the calm, peaceful atmosphere of the room was striking. While Ember's maids seemed to be focused on her physical well-being, Ember's mind was already racing ahead, plotting her next move.