Chapter 175 Melody
I nod, agreeing to go with Cordelia. She grins in excitement, "Let us go get you ready then"
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I step out of the carriage, my eyes taking in the overwhelming site of the building in front of me. Gold lining the marble pillars, a lavish red carpet leading from my feet further into the glamorous building. Beauty and splendor seemed to shine all around, women dressed in gorgeous embellishments, their faces dolled up to resemble porcelain dolls. I stood there gaping, like a fish out of water.
Cordelia walks up to me, "What a sight, isn't it?"
I nod, wordlessly. My feet itching to walk on and see the insides. Cordelia laughs at my reaction, leading me inside as I drink I'm everything, from the prim and proper people from high society that tripped in and out, woman chatting and giggling, casting me side glances as they passed. Cordelia linked her arm with mine, dragging me all around, showing me the different stages, millions of red velvet chairs lining the walls, filled to their capacity with the bustling high society as they watched with eager anticipation, fevor as the women graced the stage, their angelic voices ringing in high pitches, as of putting the audience in a trance.
The adoration they felt, shared through the roses they threw at the stage once the show was over. The colorful ambience drew me in and refused to let go. I was enthralled, captivated by the enchanting atmosphere. I was still in awe as Cordelia dragged me over to the private booth high up along the seats where two seats were positioned at the best view point of the whole hall. From up here I could see the breathtaking scenery, the naked renascence baby cherubs that decorated the walls and floors, the silk fabrics accentuating their perplex artistic origin.
The booth came with a server who offered us claret: a type of red wine famous among the aristocrats here at Bludhäven. We were provided with spy glasses to give us a closer look at the stage and after the captivating performance which involved dancing, Cordelia invited some of the crew members who she was told were eager to see me.
A group of five scurried into the booth, guided by some guards who were told to wait outside so as to not frighten the children. I frowned, watching all of them more closely now. Looking beyond their extravagant attire and polished facial features I could see that they were all going children, all years younger than me.
I turned to Cordelia, "Why are they so young?"
I voice my concern, confused as to why children would be performing such dangerous but highly skilled dances.
"They are refugees we took in. They had no home, their pack had thrown them out, labelling them as worthless omegas" at Cordelia's words my heart lurched in my chest. Such familiar words were used to describe me before, it hurt to see the same derogatory words be used for my people.
I exchanged concerned looks between the five children who stared at us in curiosity, all but one of them, who looked to have fury burning in her eyes. Her gaze was fixated on me, in a silent rage that had gone unnoticed. I walked up to her, kneeling before her and taking her little hands in mine. She looked to not be a year older than 9 or 10
"What is your name, dear?" I asked, tilting my head to the side to try to read her. Her angry gaze faltered a bit at my question, she looked surprised and did not answer me immediately.
She hesitates, her words coming out unsure, "Melody" she whispers, not quiet enough for my ears to miss. I give her a big smile, squeezing her little hands as a show of affection, "Are you angry with me, Melody? You have a very beautiful name by the way. I really like it a lot"
She shakes her head, her silver wig swaying with her movements. I release her hands, placing mine on her wig and pulling it off. Her natural ginger locks cascade down her miniscule form. She is really petite for a 9 year old.
"I do not like royals" she tells me, her big forest green eyes ogling the tiara that sat atop the crown of my head.
"And why is that?" I ask, gently smoothing down her hair. For some unknown reason I felt my heart thug towards this little girl. Maybe it was because I saw a little of myself in her
"B-because they do not care for us. They only care about balls, parties and celebrations. They are selfish and do not love us" my heart shatters into a million little shards at her words.
Years gather at the corner of my eyes bit I blink them away. "I thought the king was a nice man. He used to bring food to our pack families but ever since they threw us out, the king does not care for us because we are misplaced. He does not care for us that do not belong to any pack families"
"We do not have any to eat for days. Some of my friends refused to wake up after they took a nap. I remember begging them to open their eyes but they did not" tears slip down my cheeks at her words. She frowns at the ground, her little fists balled "The kind Marchion led us here and we were taught to dance for our food and shelter. We were no longer misplaced. I am grateful to him, but I wish my family could have stayed with me-"
Before she could complete her words I pulled her into a hug, tears streaming down my cheeks. I sniffled, squeezing her little form in my hands. My heart bled, from everything she had to endure. I had no idea there were children, people who had no packs
"I'm sorry" I pull away, caressing her bony cheeks. Oh how I wished to make them plump with life
"Do not cry Madame" her little fingers swipe at my cheeks. "You may be a Royal but I like you! You're different, not like the other ones. You are kind like Mrs. Cordelia, you give the misplaced a home to stay and food to eat"
For the first time a little smile tugs her lips and my heart shatters even more. How did I not know that things like this happened? Had I been too shielded in the castle? Too kept away from the little matters that troubled my people?
I placed a kiss to her cheeks, "You are an intelligent girl my dear. I like you very much too and I will visit you again soon with a lot of sweets for you and your friends"
Her eyes light up in glee, "Really?"