After a long bath, Alora was told to wait in her room for the head handmaiden. Feeling refreshed she glanced around the room, viewing the furniture, small bookshelf, vanity, and empty armoires. She instinctively pulled her robe tighter around herself, as if it would protect from these unfamiliar surroundings, from what the future holds.
There was a single knock at the door before it was opened. Alora turned to see a tall woman with curly red hair flow into the room with maids behind her.
"Lady Alora, I am Dana, I have been assigned to you as your head handmaiden. The king has prepared a few outfits that are to his liking." The red head introduced herself with a small bow. Dana motioned for the maids to place the clothing in the tall dressers.
Alora was confused, prepared clothing? Wasn't this just decided a few hours ago?
Sensing the lady's hesitancy and fear, Dana added, "The king did not provide details, but hand picked the design for your room and your clothing months before your arrival. A tailor will come tomorrow to ensure the fittings are correct. I trust everything is to your liking?"
Alora's jaw dropped. What was going on!? Months before her arrival. She was speechless. She needed answers. How much did this man know? She only nodded a response to the head maid.
Dana walked towards the door and came back with a plate filled with food handing it to Alora, "Eat this, my lady"
"I thought we were getting ready for dinner." Alora questioned the maiden while eyeing the plate of food.
"We were told to prepare your dinner, so you may meet the family. The king has instructed me to take you right there once we have gotten you ready, so please eat. He is not a patient man" Dana tried to reassure the young girl without revealing too much.
Once Dana finished, Alora took a quick look in the mirror. Her black hair was securely pinned to her head. The dress was beautiful and to her tastes. There were no petticoats. It consisted of two layers of light gray satin skirt and bodice, topped with a soft sheer fabric the color of lavender. There were a few darker gray designs hand sewn into the dress. It was a simple dress but she looked beautiful. Making her forget where she was for a moment.
Dana led Alora down many winding corridors. Alora had no sense of where she was due to the castle's sheer size. They stepped through a door that led them to the outside.
Dana grabbed a lantern, it was night out. Sensing the lady's hesitancy, Dana tried to assure her by giving Alora a small smile then continued down the dark path until they reached a large door that looked to lead right into the mountain.
Dana undid the fastenings, opened the door and looked back to Alora. "You must hurry, we have made him wait long enough" Dana quietly urged.
"Are you not coming with me?" question Alora as she walked through the door.
"No one enters the mountain. The family only permits the King whose blood runs black" Dana whispered before closing the door, trapping Alora in.