????? (Thyme x OC)

Arisa carefully descended the grand staircase of Thyme's mansion, her footsteps barely making a sound on the polished marble floors. The morning sun streamed in through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the opulent interior. Each step she took felt surreal, a stark contrast to the simple life she was used to.

She wore a classic maid's uniform—a crisp black dress that fell just below her knees, paired with a white apron that was tied neatly at the back. Her hair, usually left to fall freely, was now pulled back into a tidy bun, with only a few loose strands framing her face. A delicate white lace headband completed the look, a constant reminder of the role she now had to play.

In her hands, she balanced a wicker basket brimming with freshly laundered clothes. The weight of the basket wasn't the only burden she carried; the circumstances that had led her to this position weighed heavily on her mind. The memory of the shattered vase, followed by the head maid's stern declaration, played on repeat in her head.

The mansion itself was a world away from the modest flower shop where she usually spent her days. The walls were adorned with elegant tapestries and priceless artwork, each piece telling a story of its own. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, their intricate designs reflecting the grandeur of the space. Every corner of the mansion exuded luxury, from the ornate gold trimmings on the furniture to the rich, velvety drapes that framed the windows.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Arisa caught a glimpse of herself in one of the large mirrors that lined the hallway. The maid attire felt foreign on her, a sharp contrast to her usual casual style. She couldn't help but let out a small sigh, the absurdity of her situation finally sinking in. A part of her wondered how long it would take to pay off the vase, while another part was too proud to ask Thyme for help.

Just as she was about to turn towards the laundry room, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was; the familiar, confident stride was unmistakable.

"Arisa," Thyme's voice called out, a mix of surprise and curiosity. "What are you doing with that basket?"

Arisa turned slowly, forcing a smile. "Just starting my day of servitude, your majesty," she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm as she gestured to the basket of laundry.

Thyme raised an eyebrow, his eyes scanning her attire with an amused grin. "You don't actually have to do this, you know."

Arisa rolled her eyes, adjusting her grip on the basket. "I'm the one who broke the vase, so I'm the one who has to pay it off. Besides, I'd rather not get into any more trouble around here."

She pushed open the heavy glass doors leading to the garden, stepping out into the warm embrace of the late morning sun. The fresh air was a welcome change from the cool, almost too-perfect interior of the mansion. She adjusted the basket in her arms, the clean scent of freshly laundered clothes mixing with the fragrance of blooming flowers that filled the garden.

With a sigh, she approached the laundry line strung between two tall trees at the edge of the garden. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground as she began to hang up the clothes, carefully pinning each piece to the line.

She tried to focus on the task at hand, methodically working her way through the basket, but she was all too aware of Thyme following her, his presence unmistakable. He strolled leisurely behind her, hands in his pockets, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

"You know, there are a lot more exciting things we could be doing right now," he teased, leaning against a tree as he watched her work.

Arisa didn't look up, trying to ignore him as she reached for another shirt. "And what would that be?" she asked, her voice flat, though a small smile tugged at her lips.