Light shined on my eyes, making me groan. Today was a Sunday. Why was my mom waking me up? Wait… Why hasn't she yelled at me? I opened my eyes and remembered yesterday. All the events and people I met, the memories flashed into my head, making me sit up. I looked up and saw the same maid from yesterday opening the wardrobe.
"U-Um… Good morning." I waved at her, trying to get my thoughts in order.
"Good day, My Lady." The maid bowed, smiling with her crystal purple eyes. Her hair was hidden under the white bonnet, but her gray hair matched well with her eyes. "My name is Elma. His highness has entrusted me to look after your well-being while you're staying in this castle. It's a pleasure to serve you."
"I'm Christa Fuller," I spoke and thought about saying if I was human or not. Thinking it was best to keep it a secret, I only smiled.
"Let me help you prepare yourself for breakfast." She smiled as she brought a big bowl of water that had a bit of steam. "Here's your water to wash your face, Lady Fuller."
"Ah, I'm not a lady so you can call me Christa. I might be the princess's friend, but I'm not a noble, so call me 'Christa." I told her, holding my hands up.
"I understand, Christa." Elma smiled and walked to grab the outfit for the day. "I was told you were going to meet the king today so I shall prepare formal wear and later you may change into more comfortable clothing of your choosing."
"Sounds good." I nervously chuckled, starting to panic at the thought of meeting the king. After washing my face, I then thought about my nature in this world. Yesterday I walked around the whole village as a human… Isn't that bad? "Hmm…"
"Christa?" Elma blinked as I wiped my face clean. "Is there something troubling you?"
"Ah, no!" I held my hands up and turned to look at the wardrobe. "I should hurry and get dressed."
"I prepared a bath for you with some scented oils." Elma stopped me and led me to the bathroom. Ah, the smell of lavender helped with my nerves. Such a calming scent was going to be my perfume for a couple of hours.
However, while I was bathing, I kept thinking about my own appearance. There were no mirrors in this restroom, and honestly, it was a huge room. The white marble floors were cold to touch but matched well with the white walls. The curtains and drapes were lavender or lilac color. You would think there would be gold accents but it was all silver. With no mirror, I could only see a blurry reflection of myself from the floor.
Once the bath was over, Elma helped me dry myself and carefully dried my hair. She was actually careful with how she handled serving me. It wasn't like she was doing everything for me, but if I needed something, she would rush to my side and help me get it done. It was kind of surprising since I thought maids were very controlling of how they served others. Maybe it was because I was a guest and not a noble, so she didn't need to be careful?
"Christa," Elma called me back into this reality. She was already used to using my first name after I told her once. Wow. "Here's the dress that I think would suit you for today's meeting."
Showing me a beautiful dress, I only admired her sense of fashion. The dress was a purple sleeveless gown with silver accents at the tips. I felt a bit weird wearing this since it seemed like what someone would wear at a wedding. "Wow," I whispered.
What caught me by surprise was how light and airy it felt through the fabric. Like this dress was made for sensitive skin. Anna has sensitive skin so maybe they thought I was the same? No, wait. The dress from yesterday had a rougher feel to it. Like it was made for outside activities.
"If you wish to see yourself in the dress, the mirror is located over here, Christa." Elma smiled as she turned me to look in the mirror. "Let me grab some brushes so that I may style your hair."
"Yeah, thanks…. Huh?" I blinked as I walked over to the mirror, noticing something. "What…? My eyes…" I blinked at the change of my brown eyes looking more crystal-like. "Is this how they tricked everyone? But when did they change?"
"Christa?" Elma called for me and I saw her confused expression in the mirror. "Is there something on your face? Would you like another bowl of water to watch it?"
"Ah, no." I smiled. "I just like the color of my eyes."
Elma only giggled. "It's quite alright, Christa. I know of your true nature."
"Y-You do?!" I asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.
The maid only giggled more as she led me to sit in front of the vanity. As she combed my hair, she explained. "I am actually the current king's niece. Yesterday, when you awoke, I saw your human eyes. When Master Jason arrived, he used our princess's power to camoouflage your eyes so that you didn't appear human. Of course, once you started to eat our food, your eyes naturally changed."
"Wait, he did what?! How?" I asked, honestly confused. His power is with the earth no? What did she mean by using Anna's power? And also… "Wait! You're part of the royal family?!" I turned to face her and she turned my head back forward. "Ah… What should I do?"
"Nothing, Christa," Elma told me. "My parents have passed away and I am currently a lady-in-waiting. However, due to our princess's personality, I am to be your maid."
"Anna's cousin, huh?" I thought about it as I watched her brush my hair. "Does that mean you can become the next queen?"
"Saying such words can cause a problem, Christa." Elma pointed out, making me cover my mouth with both hands. "The King may choose his successor and he made his decision by choosing his own daughter, my cousin. I am only a small part of the royal family but I am a daughter of the second prince and a commoner."
A bastard child… That must have been tough. I looked at her and took a leap of faith. "Are you and Anna close?" I asked.
"Not really." She responded. "She doesn't act like her usual self around me. I think she's a bit uncomfortable around me. I am to be her royal adviser in the future, but I think the princess is wary of me due to my position as an illegitimate child of the second prince, a possible threat to her standing on the throne."
A princess that's half-human or an illegitimate royal? I'm starting to understand it. But was Anna really worried about her succession to the throne? Anna hated responsibilities… Wait, she hated getting human responsibilities, but she's actually working hard as a princess here. She's taking it seriously here, compared to back home. What if she's…
"Finished." Elma's words woke me up and I smiled at my reflection. "Does it suit your tastes, Christa?"
"Oh yeah." I smiled as I stood up. My hair was curled with oil to help it shine and smell amazing. Some silver hairpins that had butterflies were pinned in my hair to create a butterfly tiara. This girl was better than Jason. "Thank you, Elma."
"It's my pleasure." She smiled and she walked to pick up my nightgown. "As for Master Jason using the princess's power, you'll have to ask Princess Anna herself."
…
Now sitting in the dining room, I waited there alone. Since Elma was also part of the royal family, she was invited to eat with us here, so she rushed out to change. In the same room where I sat yesterday for dinner, it felt like a completely different area. And now, I'm actually able to look around since I was alone.
The room was huge, with a long table in the middle. A royal purple carpet designed with white accents was laid out on the floor. The tables were made from birch trees, maybe? They looked birch from afar, but taking a closer look, they looked like they were made from a type of metal? This and the food made me remember that this isn't my world.
A servant maid came up to me and handed me a glass of water, smiling at me. "Thank you." I nodded as I heard the doors open from behind me. I turned to look and see Elma walking in. "Wow…"
Elma was wearing a periwinkle dress that reached her ankles. Her corset was a light brown and complimented the white sleeves that looked a bit transparent. Her silver hair was so long and reached to her thighs. Being straight and silky-looking, she had braided it half up and a lilac ribbon holding it up. Did it take her ten minutes to glam up? I'm jealous!
"Elma, you look so pretty~!" I told her as I stood up to greet her. "It's like your a princess~!"
Seeing her flinch at my words, Elma looked away and her smile was gone. "Christa, please don't say such words." Following her eyes, more servants entered the room with plates and drinks for breakfast. "Come, let us take our spots."
Before she could lead me back to my spot, a servant spoke up from the door. "Entering our lovely princess, Annabella!" He announced, making both of us turn towards the door. Man, this was an entrance.
Walking inside with Jason holding her arm, Anna had her long brown hair down and curled, her silver tiara shining on her head. She wore light make-up and her dress was long, reaching her feet. Her dress looked like a wedding dress and dark purple flowers around her waist with plum purple ribbons bows. Jason was wearing the same thing as yesterday, but purple was his theme instead of green. The two of them looked like a bride and groom, kind of making my heart hurt. I can't stand to see my BFF marrying someone.
Anna opened her purple eyes and saw me and Elma, smiling. "Christa!" She pulled her arm away from Jason and walked over to me. I was shocked to see him give a small bow and then leave, but my best friend's hug distracted me. "You look so pretty!"
"You look amazing!" I told her. "Your mom's genes are coming out right now!" I smiled.
"Hehe! I know, right?" Anna chuckled. "Dad's in a meeting so we can start before him." She looked to see Elma behind me and smiled. "Hey, Elma. Thanks for helping Christa."
"It is an honor to be of service to you, Your Highness," Elma spoke, a bit monotone. She clearly looked like she didn't want to be here. I mean, I get why, but the king isn't here yet.
"Let's sit down and have the first course." Anna smiled, her smile looking a bit forced. She looked at a servant and nodded. Once they ran off, we all sat at a table, Anna sitting in front of me while Elma was beside me. "Now then, I'm sure you're confused about a couple of things. Let's hear them before Dad comes here."
I nodded my head, mentally preparing all my questions. As I opened my mouth to speak, the doors to the dining hall slammed open and a great yell could be heard. The three of us instantly stood up, confused and shocked.
"The Ice tytolari have arrived! Princess Annabella, your presence is needed!"
Really?