Chapter Text
Soft steps, as always, fading into the background. All was well, all was quiet, in the early hours of yet another morn. Tucked away in a corner of the castle library, you went about the final of your shift’s tasks. Most hated this job; either for the difficulty of the family’s organization techniques, or for the frequency in which said family appeared. Not you, though. Here, in this hall of literature, you found your peace, carefully ensuring every last book was where it belonged.
In the end, it was a particularly good thing that you were both efficient and quiet. As you went around one last shelf, tucking another novel into place, you found yourself very, very close to one of your employers. Your heart nearly stops (if only for a moment). Bela Dimitrescu was draped across a chair, perfectly reclined, a book lying forgotten on her lap. It took you several seconds to realize that which should have been obvious at a glance: She is undeniably asleep. This is the first time you’ve ever seen one of the sisters in such a vulnerable position- or at least in what you believe to be one.
Oddly enough, it sends a spark of warmth into the center of your chest. Still, your chores for the day were now accomplished, and it was about time for you and the rest of the night shift staff to go to bed. For once, something made you hesitate to head back to your quarters. Normally you’d be thrilled to return to the safety of your room. But now? Now you pause, glancing around the room, noting how light was already beginning to filter in through the windows. Perhaps, you think, I should do something? A pointless thought, really, as you had already decided.
Yes, softer steps still, caution controlling every movement, as you pull forth the curtains. Another moment of hesitation, then consideration. Gently, for your life depended on it, you removed the book from Bela’s lap, carefully placing a bookmark within it, before setting it on the side table. Last, but not least, the act which required the most courage of all: Placing a blanket over your employer, to ward off any and all shivers. With that accomplished, you finally feel ready to go to bed, comforted with the knowledge that you weren’t the only one enjoying a nice, warm, well needed nap.