A few scattering droplets of iced water lingered on my thin arms, another pattered, then another. I looked out towards the garden and noticed rain pouring from the upturned muddy water like sky. As more of the sticky rain pattered against the flowers, a dreadful smell crawled into my nose.
Sniffling to help myself get rid of the struggling sensation built up in there, I rose up carefully. There should be an umbrella stand near the entrance of the gazebo.
I guessed right. to the left of the entrance, there was a small cylinder container all in black except for the rim, filled with a few tightly sealed umbrellas ready to use.
I opened the metal clip button to reveal the beautiful flower designs which reached all around the umbrellas outer corner. Gracefully I pinned it up against my chest, protecting me from the splattering rain droplets.
I took a step off the gazebo with the book in my hand protecting it, my priceless Ruby heels getting soaked in the puddles each time I took another step. The droplets of rain echoed in my ears like soft dancing drums. I heard my name from a distance.
"MY PRINCESS!" yelled a maid. I swiftly turned my head facing the maid, looking at her and shaking. She called me suddenly, making me jump in an instance. "Yes, what is it?" I asked politely.
"My princess we have ready put your belongings in the carriage" she spoke, with a slight tension in her tone. I quickly realised my gown was getting soaked from the puddle.
"Ah-" I sighed quietly under my breath. what's done is done. a sorrowful expression emerged across my face. I should've been more careful, I thought.
Taking a couple of steps to reach the inner room of the Palace, the young maid ushered me to hurry up. Once I took a step off the middle garden the maid began to sigh and babble on about my gown being ruined.
I gave my umbrella to her smiling wearily, she abruptly stopped mid sentence and asked "My princess? are you alright?" I looked at her from the corner of my eyes, her hair was messy but clean and tied slick in a low bun.
Her attire seemed absolute and fixed. "Yes, I am alright- just a slight headache" I replied. Both her hands shot up in the air clenching then with her mouth half wide open,
"I shall make you some tea, yes?" she questioned, looking stressed and worried.
"that'd be great, well please don't take offence however may I know your name?" I requested calmly.
For a few moments the young maid looked hesitant but surprised to be asked for her name. A bright smile flashed on her face and she responded
"Mary, my princess". I smiled back, placing both my hands together as she bowed down in front of me gesturing to a butler to lead me to the main hall.
The butler escorted me to the main hall. He had strikes of white in his hair, mainly from old age. However he had a quite ambitious posture. His shoulders were back and was straight at all times. I'm sure he must have been working with the Deadralia family for a long time.
He paused for a split moment, "Ah! my mistake, my princess, I should have asked how you were!" he announced looking back at me bowing to apologise.
"Oh- well I'm doing OK butler Keith how are you?" I responded, "it is of great honour to exchange words with my princess" he began to claim. His words sounded confident and proud, making me feel joyful of his loyalty.
As soon as we arrived at the main hall I sat down at the end of the long dark oak table. Butler Keith pulled out a chair for me gesturing me to sit, he was positioned in a half bow and his eyes rested half shut looking down against the warm crimson velvet carpet that spread all underneath the table.
I placed my hands on my bottom half, behind, scooping my dress whilst I sat down slowly. Moments later Mary walked in with a metal silver tray and a small coffee cup, however filled with a yellow substance, probably the tea I asked for.
She picked up the cup holder and gently placed it right in front of me, on top of a silk newly embroidered handkerchief. The tea itself was made of chamomile flowers, it had a strong smell of honey twisting into my nose, I looked up at Mary smiling awkwardly, then looked back down at the tea she had prepared.
I placed my index finger around the handle of the glass cup, taking a small sip out of it. I squeezed my eyes shut thinking it would have a strong bitter taste, but weirdly it was quite fragrant and sweet.
The tea left a refreshing and smoothing taste in my mouth. After finishing the whole cup I leaned back against the chair and sighed, blowing warm air on my face. "Alright I'm ok now, what to do next?" I asked looking up at Mary and Keith.
They looked at each other and Mary responded quickly,
"Well, when do you want to set off my princess?".
"Oh my- I've totally forgotten about the journey I must take to reach Yue kingdom" I giggled slightly, covering my mouth with my hand. We might as well set off tomorrow I told them, since today has been quite tiring for me.
I stood up with the help of Keith, "Mary, may you please show me to my room" I asked, smiling slightly. She jerked her head up, surprised. Eagerly she nodded her head following me like a puppy whilst I walked off towards the main grand stairs.
The stairs itself was made of marble, the staircase railings were made of dark, dusty gold with the top made of the same materials of the actual stairs, marble.
My heels clattered as I took each step onto the stairs. Mary ran up behind me and ushered me to pause as she helped herself to move right in front of me.
"My princess, would you like to take a warm bath?" Mary beckoned,
"Oh yes that would be great, I do have some aches on my shoulders, a warm bath would be perfect, thank you Mary!" I replied excitedly. Before waiting any longer Mary shot up the stairs and called for a few other maids, all speed walking to reach my ensuite bathroom.
Entering my room I sat down on the small sofa the colour of off-white beige, with a smooth velvety surface. I layed back, sighing. relaxation filled my body. A few moments later a maid approached me,
"My princess, the bath is ready," she said. I stood up, slowly taking off my earrings and necklace, whilst the other maids undressed me from the two layer corsets. strolling towards the second bathroom I asked
"Is everything in it?" Mary replied
"yes my princess, I also put rose petals and bath salts in it for better comfort and relaxation". I smiled looking down at the white round bathtub.
The handles were golden, at least it was newly built I thought to myself, whilst I put one leg inside the warm steaming bath water. Then my whole body. The heat of the water gave me goosebumps.
It felt like jolts of electricity picked at every corner of my body, however only in this temperature will I find pure relaxation and satisfaction.
Sitting in the warm water. All I could do was think about everything I can do at Moluans Palace. Having picnics in the garden to spend time going to the public, undercover. I hope It will allow me to get my mind off of things.
These months have been tough. A loud knock engulfed around the walls. "Who is it!" I beckoned, "It's me Clarrisa '' a fuzzy, soft voice spoke with politeness.
"It's been a while sister" she mentioned. Looking down at my peach-red body I stood up grabbing a fresh robe to put on. Right at my reach a black robe was placed carefully with cologne sitting on top, I grabbed it and placed it aside whilst wrapping the robe around me.
Wearing slip proof slippers, I walked towards the large beige door, opening it to reveal my sister. Clarrisa Mutanè Plariski Deadralia, the Light goddess everyone talks about. Unlike my dark, gloomy beauty, Clarrisa had bouncy golden hair that essences down to her hands, swirling into cylinder locks.
Her eyes held the colour of the summer skies and her rosy cheeks looked fresh and bright. She is the love of every young man. My dear famous sister Clarrisa.
"well then, shall we go to the terrace?" I asked. "Oh, yes- well make sure not to get sick" she replied worriedly. It's getting dark outside, I wonder what brought her over I thought to myself.
"Keith!" I yelled, waiting for him to rush in.
"At your service my princess....My- Greetings to his majesty's Golden daughter" he quickly said bowing down towards Clarrisa with a smile on his face,
"As you see Keith, my sister has been so thoughtful as to welcome us with her beautiful presence, Could you ask Mary to bring some tea?" I replied looking down at Keith. Turning my attention towards Clarrisa, I noticed her face in a weary expression, "C-clarissa?" I questioned, her face turning as white as a sheet.
I grabbed her hand, taking her towards the closest chair and sitting her down. "Sorry Elena. This is why I came to you." she said looking down at her hands. I began to worry, grabbing another chair and sitting beside her, placing my hand on hers.