Chapter 14 Chapter 13
Evelyn.
After we finished from the mines, we prepared to go to the village to have some fun before settling for the night. For a brief moment, the oppressive weight of the palace and its secrets seemed to recede, allowing me to breathe a little easier. Today was different, a day of escape, a day when I could briefly forget the chains that bound me.
Amaris and I stood before a modest mirror in our quarters, carefully selecting our attire for the day's outing. The clothes we wore were far removed from the regal gowns and jewels of my former life. They were simple and practical, garments that allowed us to blend in with the villagers of the nearby town.
Amaris wore a cheerful, sunflower-yellow dress that complemented her radiant smile. She looked as though she belonged in the vibrant tapestry of the village, a picture of warmth and kindness. I, on the other hand, opted for a modest blue frock, one that concealed the markings of my past status as a princess.
As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I saw a different version of myself staring back—a girl who had lost her crown, her title, and her family. But I refused to dwell on it, choosing only to enjoy this short moment of freedom. I glanced at Amaris, a gentle smile on my face as I watched her twirl in front of the mirror.
"We look lovely, don't we?" Amaris said with a twinkle in her eyes as she adjusted the sunflower-shaped brooch in her hair.
I managed a small smile, a genuine one that reached my eyes. "Yes, we do."
The anticipation of our outing bubbled within me, a rare feeling of excitement that had been buried beneath layers of grief and despair. Today, we would venture into the village, enjoy its simple pleasures, and experience a taste of normalcy.
We made our way through the palace corridors and toward the palace gates, the sounds of the bustling village drew nearer, filling the air with the lively hum of activity. The scent of street food and the distant strains of music tugged at our senses, promising an afternoon of laughter and camaraderie.
As we walked along, Amaris skipped ahead as usual, humming to herself and greeting passerbys as she walked by her and though I did my best to blend in as well, I still had the bearings of a princess and they caused me to stand out, causing me to receive strange stares from people who could not recognize me, wondering who I was. I brushed them off. They would not ruin this moment.
The market square was a vibrant place of colors and scents, a sensory delight that enveloped us in the heart of the village. Street vendors hawked their wares, children played games with laughter that echoed through the air, and the strains of local musicians filled the atmosphere with an infectious rhythm.
Amaris and I indulged in the simple pleasures of the village—sampling street food, admiring handmade crafts, and joining in the festivities. We danced to the music of a local band, our laughter joining the chorus of joy that surrounded us.
I stopped by a bookstore and started browsing a collection of books, looking for some books on certain topics. I finally found what I was looking for but since I was a slave, had access to no money to buy it. Amaris, of course managed to save the day.
She offered to pay, bringing out some coins from her purse. Taking the books to the bookstore owner, she read the titles and her brows furrowed. "Why are you buying a book on herbs and potions?" She asked.
I smiled, keeping my voice steady as I answered her. "It used to be my favorite books to read when I was a princess and my favorite past time as well. Making potions and planting herbs. I just want to relive it if I find the chance."
Amaris didn't think too hard into in and I let out a sigh of relief at that. I don't really want her to know my real intentions of buying the books. We paid for the books and left, stepping back into the village square and choosing to have more moments of fun before going back to the palace.
For a few precious hours, I was not a slave, and Amaris was not a mere servant. We were two women, free to experience the world beyond the palace's gilded bars. It was a moment of respite, a reminder of the world that still existed beyond the shadows of our captivity.
But even as the hours slipped away in a blur of joy, I knew that the palace and its secrets still awaited our return. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting longer shadows, and the reality of our lives began to creep back in.
Reluctantly, we made our way back to the palace, our steps heavy with the knowledge that our day of escape was coming to an end. The laughter and music of the village faded into the distance, replaced by the looming presence of the palace and its unspoken horrors.
As we approached our quarters, Amaris and I exchanged a wistful glance, a silent acknowledgment of the brief respite we had shared.
"So, this is it." Amaris muttered, still sounding wistful.
"I guess it is. Thanks for the outing, Amaris. It's been really helpful."
Amaris smiled at that. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. See you later!" I bade her goodbye and headed back to my crib, a tiny smile on my face. But it was soon wiped off when I saw the king's guard in front of the door. My heart skipped a beat and I slowed down in my steps. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and continued forward. The guard saw me approaching and walked towards me.
"What's going on?" I asked cautiously, gripping my books tightly.
"The Alpha King has summoned you. Do not keep him waiting."