Chapter 01.
Sorrows of A Child
by trishii
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Freya's POV :
Void. Darkness. I was slowly drowning in an empty abyss with nothing to do but see my death again and again flashing between my eyes. A horrible cold ending fitting for a slave like me.
The fact that the only person I had thought liked me took my life. And what's twisted enough is that, I don't blame Lady Bela for it.
She had exclaimed how everything was my fault. The reason why her parents hated her more when I was known for the plans I've made for the Capella Family. I saw the pain embedded in Lady Bela's eyes, she did hate my capability and intelligence that a mere slave shouldn't have.
A freak. Weirdo. I've been called many names as I got older at the Capella Estate. I was merely three when I was sold for a few coins by my own biological parents and was the a slave for Lady Bela who was the sole daughter of the Viscount.
I did my best trying to fit in with others. I had only wished for a place where I belonged. However, with my sharp skills, I was deemed a pushover and was isolated by my peers. They forced their jobs on me to which I naively accepted, only hoping to gain their trust and friendship by my acts of kindness.
To think that just made me a target of the people within the Estate. The maids got the chance to vent out all their frustrations and anger towards me for the smallest mistakes. I believed I deserved the slaps here and there, but thinking back at it now, I was just straight up abused because of the authority they had over someone who didn't own their own life.
I was fed merely leftovers at nights which mostly consisted of a small portion of hard bread and some water that I brought from the well. I was malnourished and overworked by the maids. When I had believed there was nothing more to my life but to stay as a slave forever, I then met Lady Bela in her mother's garden.
She was a year older, the only one who smiled at a lowly child such as myself. The only one who held my dirty calloused hands and told me that I was beautiful. She answered my prayers, finally having the chance to be loved by someone.
I did everything for the young girl that I practically wished was my sister. Even if she was more immature and childish than I was, I still greatly idolized her for her bubbly personality and charm.
The only problem was that, the Viscount and Viscountess only had their eyes on their first two children who were considered gifted at such an early age, the reason why Lady Bela did everything possible to please her parents and finally get praised.
She worked hard, taking lessons that not many noble children would take an early age of seven. She did multiple crafts and outdoor activities, trying to be good in everything her brothers also took when they were her age.
However, she couldn't exceed her family's expectations of her skill. In all honesty, the multiple lessons was too much for her, that it only stressed her out and ruined her self esteem.
They couldn't see the friendly person that I've served with my life. They asked for something else when they were so lucky to have Lady Bela as their daughter. She didn't get mad nor complained about her parents and older brothers, even when they tormented her with their words.
Though, I couldn't let that stay that way. Lady Bela deserved more than looks of disdain, and the lack of love from her family members. So I decided to impart the knowledge I come across to help her. I told her what to say when it came to the weekly sharing of opinions about the government or politics. The current trends of the kingdom. I asked her to memorize them and share it with her parents, to which she evidently got praise and finally, smiles that she had always longed for.
But, that didn't stop there. All of a sudden, Lady Bela made me take lessons with her. Started learning the different activities that only women of her ranking would have to learn. I was so grateful for the opportunities that she gave me to learn by her side as she knew my love for knowledge that any commoner would never have.
Then she made me take competitions in her name. Specifically in fencing, archery, and horseback riding. Since the person must wear helmets or safety measures to protect the face, she asked that I partake in her stead. Me, being the ever loyal servant, I did my hardest and won them all behind the masks that I wore.
And that's when she started getting more attention by the public. Much so that hundreds of invitations come in a daily basis only to ask for her presence. That's when I felt she was slowly changing.
She brought me along whenever she went, from parties to events. I had to study extra hard so I could come up with quick responses over a multitude of subjects and tell her telepathically through an item she bought from a merchant.
Bela Rose Capella had then been deemed the flower of the socialites. A true beauty with a great mind.
The next Crown Princess of the country.
To think that she had only used me. I really am a naive girl who was so optimistic that I couldn't even see reality with my own two eyes.
I closed my eyes once again as I felt my heart ache at the past, not noticing that tears was starting to fall from my cheeks. I deserved such a cruel fate for being born as a slave.
No. Stop that, Freya. I was good. I did everything for others without anything in return. You did all you could even when you didn't have the resources you needed to help.
"They were the one who didn't deserve you."
My eyes fluttered open at the sudden eerie voice who whispered against my ear. I couldn't see anyone else with me in this darkness. Nor did I have the strength to stop my eyes from drooping once more.
"Stop hating yourself. Stop taking the blame. Stop thinking for a second that you are nothing. Stop feeling as if your death was inevitable."
"You should have survived. You should have lived. You should've had a better life. You should have stayed alive until you grew old. You should have had a family who would love you on your own."
If I was born a lady, I would've had a different fate. I wouldn't let myself die with such a bad ending. I deserve much better.
"And as an innocent child with more to share with the world, you shall get your wish." And with a snap echoing through the chasm of the void—
There came light.