Chapter 26 Anaise, Greer, Astrid
We just stayed there basking in each other's warmth. I couldn't deny how comfortable and how at peace I felt in his arms. I let him hold me there as he took in my scent much to his heart's content. I don't know why but I remained there, not doing anything I just let him hold onto me.
My mind was too scrambled with the past events to hear a word the maid was saying. They had been at it all morning, clearing out my wardrobes and chests looking for a dress they deemed 'appropriate' for me to wear to tonight's ball.
I had totally ignored their presence and just chose to stare out of the window I sat near, letting the wind wisk through my untamed midnight curls. Gazing back down to the wool I had in my hands I hummed in approval when I noticed the maid had stopped talking. If it was something important Faye would have told me anyways. They left a few dressed out on racks before they walked out as soon as I dismissed them. The guard that was posted outside by door pushed it open and closed it behind the last maid.
I sighed slowly, letting my hands fall limp in my lap. I looked out into the wide vast array of trees that surrounded the castle. The garden to be precise. From here I could spot my favourite wood bench that I spent majority of my time on, it looked gorgeous as the afternoon sun casted a glowing shadow creating a magical effect. It seemed like it was a long time ago I was chasing after my freedom and now... Now I didn't really know where I was at this point.
I just felt, lost. I knew what I had to do tonight and it wasn't going to be easy of course but my life had never been easy so I expected the worst but I knew I had to try. The guard pushed the door open and I gazed up to find him standing at the door waiting for me to notice his presence.
"My lady" he bowed and an uncomfortable feeling pinshed at my skin but I still played a small smile on my face in recognition. "Faye wishes to come in?"
"Let her in" I smiled and he nodded, leaving shortly after and Faye walked in with a rather suspicious smile on her face. I noticed the door was left open behind her and the further she walked in four girls followed behind her. I stared at then in confusion, my brows knitting together as I watched them stand in a line each of them wearing the same expressions on their faces. "Faye?" I called out
"My lady" she cortsied, the four girls-who seemed not a year older than me bowed as well. "Sorry to come in like that" she apologized. "These are the noble ladies I told you about yesterday. They will be here by your side at all times to serve you and live their lives out by your side even once you become queen" Faye informed. I held back the urge to correct her. She knew I didn't want to be a queen and I was just playing along because I had a plan.
Plastering a small smile on my face I turned to face the four girls who had their eyes lowered all except two of them- whose eyes seemed to call to my attention and curiosity. They had the same bluish green orbs that seemed to twinkle with different tales of intentions. As I looked them both over I could see they both had the same facial features and the same colour of hair. Caramel locks Cascades down their back stopping right under their shoulders, they had half of it folded into a bun atop their heads. Beady little eyes and a round little nose sat on their face with thin lips that fitted their slim faces perfectly.
Faye cleared her throat and on que one of the girls I had been examining stepped forward, there was something that differentiated her from the rest. Her pupils were steady, dilated. There was this boldness and this strong aura that oozed off of her, her face was wider and her features more prominent than the other girl. Her eyes steadily glued to my frame as she looked me over, assessing me as well. "Your majesty" she curtseys, her eyes never leaving mine as she slightly dipped before rising to her feet.
"This is Astrid my lady, she's Darius's army general's daughter and her sister" she paused and the girl-Astrid retreated and the other girl that had the same bluish green eyes stepped forward and dipped a little more clumsily. Her gaze didn't reach mine but remained on her shoes, I could tell she was more timid and we would get along fine. "Anaise" Faye informed, featuring to the shy girl and when her orbs came up to meet mine I directed a sweet smile her way which seemed to calm her down as she returned my gesture. "Your majesty" her soft voice reached my ears, barely audible but I heard it.
"It's nice to meet you Anaise" I smiled, hoping to ease the tension I could clearly see in her risen shoulders.
She stepped back to stand beside her sister, her eyes never leaving the ground. Faye introduced another maiden- Greer as the neice to one of Darius's courtiers. She seemed to have this edgy look, her dirty blonde hair was thrown in a ruffled braid that wasn't quite done right. Her quirky features were sharp and stunning. She sent a pleased smile my way and I returned the gesture. The last girl- Orchid was nothing special according to Faye. She was the grand daughter of the kin-Darius's favourite cook and on his special request she was sent here from their village in the far East. She seemed to stare at me for a while before Greer nudged her forward and she bowed as well.