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So, I know that お前 nowadays is used as a rude way of saying "you". However, during one of my readings, I came across a strange use of お前 which, from the context, won't really make any sense if it was meant to be rude.
Basically, this is a "noblewoman" talking to her servants : she used お前たち although she spoke with them in a rather friendly way, always using polite forms such as ～です or ～ます.
Could I have more information about this お前 ?
No, it can't. お前 is a rude way of saying "you", even if she always uses polite forms such as ～です or ～ます. Probably she didn't use the word except to her servants , right?
The author may want to contrast polite forms with a rude way of speaking and expect that the readers will be a bit surprised to hear it just like you were.
Addition: お前 was used as a respect way of saying "you" till about 400 years ago, but it doesn't be used like that now. This is the source. http://gogen-allguide.com/o/omae.html
お前 is clearly rude only when its used to address your boss, a stranger, etc. It's a very common friendly second-person pronoun among close friends, especially young male friends.
Being able to use お前 is often the sign of friendliness, frankness or a good vertical relationship. There is nothing wrong if you used お前 to your children, servant, etc., although it sounds more or less "bossy" or paternalistic. I imagine how this noblewoman can feel at ease with the servants.
