[spoiler]Double Chappies Guys, since I forgot to post yesterday[/spoiler]
Previously
Silence greeted my words. I could feel their eyes on me, filled with concern and hesitation.
"It's dangerous out there," Mother said, her voice softening. "Not everyone will treat you kindly, especially since you're royalty."
Father spoke up next. "And you're the princess. We can't risk your safety."
I nodded, knowing they would react like this. "I understand, but...I have a proposal. What if I went out incognito, with Estevan as my guard? No one would know who I am, and I could see the outside world for once."
Father looked at me warily, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "That could work. But it can't be tomorrow. You have your tutor lessons for the next three days."
My heart sank. I had forgotten about the tutoring sessions, but I tried not to let it show.
"Of course, Father. After three days, then."
As we finished our dinner, my brother came up beside me. "Allow me to take you," he said, grinning.
I couldn't help but smile back. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
XXXXXX
Mera's sense of duty and loyalty to her family had always been strong. She was the second oldest child and one of the two daughters of Baron Bjorn and as such, felt a great responsibility to help support her family in any way possible. Then, one day her family's once affluent household had been on a downward spiral, and her father's status as a baron was under threat. They were becoming impoverished, and the territory was declining. They didn't have any influential connections, and the future looked bleak.
Determined to help her family, Mera decided to become a maid in the royal palace. Despite her young age, she knew it was the best option for her family's survival. The training was challenging, but she persevered. With her new position as a royal maid, her family now had the backing of the crown, which somehow made their position secure.
As she began her work in the palace, she quickly realized that it was not an easy job. The training to become a maid was rigorous, and Mera struggled at first to keep up. But she was determined to succeed, and pushed herself to learn everything she could about her new job. The hours were long and the work was hard, but she knew that she had to do her best. She was grateful for the kind treatment she received from her superiors, and felt privileged to be able to serve the royal family. She was thrilled when she was finally accepted as a maid in the palace, and felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that she had never felt before.
It was during her time as a maid that she first met the princess, Estelia. From the moment she saw her, Mera was struck by the princess's beauty and grace. But it was not just her physical appearance that captivated Mera - it was her gentle nature and kind heart that truly made her stand out.
Being a maid was not easy, especially when there were guests to serve. However, Mera was fortunate that her superiors were kind, and the entire royal family was unlike many nobles she had heard of.
It was during her time as a maid that she met Princess Estelia Vernisia Wisteria, a delicate and timid girl with platinum hair and hypnotizing crimson eyes. Mera was initially nervous and unsure of herself when she was assigned to attend to the princess, but she soon realized that there was nothing to fear. Estelia was a delicate and timid creature, and Mera felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect and care for her.
As time went on, Mera and Princess Estelia developed a close relationship, almost like friends. However, there was always a distance between them, which Mera couldn't quite understand.
Then, the accident happened. Mera didn't know what had happened at first, but when she saw the princess lying at the bottom of the stairs, bruises covering her body, her heart sank. She was overwhelmed with emotion as she saw the princess being treated and feared for the worst. But when the princess opened her eyes, Mera was filled with relief and joy.
Over time, Mera and Estelia became closer, and Mera began to feel like they were almost friends. She was honored to be able to serve the princess, and did everything she could to ensure that she was safe and comfortable. From that day on, Mera's devotion to the princess deepened. She saw Princess Estelia as the purest of all existence, a treasure that must be protected and kept away from all danger. And whose purity must be preserved at all costs.
As she continued to work in the palace and serve the royal family, Mera knew that she had found her true calling. She felt a deep sense of satisfaction in her work, and knew that she was making a difference in the lives of those around her. And through it all, her loyalty and dedication to her family remained as strong as ever. Mera was a humane person, with her own fears and doubts, but her loyalty and dedication to the princess was unwavering. She worked hard to ensure that Princess Estelia was well cared for, and she took great pride in serving her.
***
At the moment, Mera was leading the princess to the baths. It was early in the morning. Princess Estelia's eyes were still half close, that was understandable since it was still early in the morning, she must still be sleepy. However, she had to wake and clean up.
Today was her etiquette lesson. She had heard that the princess had already gone through that, but she was to take it again. The princess was already graceful though, Mera couldn't understand why they have to make her go through it again.
Mera had also gone through the same thing since she was to serve as a palace maid. Therefore, learning proper etiquette was crucial. And the instructor was somewhat strict, she was a fellow maid. She would rather not go through that again. She still couldn't forget how many times she was scolded.
Perhaps that's just how it is with royalty. Must perfect etiquette.
The way one presents and delivers themselves was important in aristocracy. And the king's family must be the top of the hierarchy, thus, the way they move must be of the highest class.
They have arrived at the bath. It was a wide pool within a luxurious large chamber. Faint steam emitting from it. It was warmed up by "Heat Stones", because it was early morning, it was expected to be cold. And the princess shouldn't endure something like that. She must have a leisurely time.
Mera untied Princess Estelia's clothes and carefully undressed her. In the process, she was greeted by the princess' skin as white as snow, incredibly smooth looking and flawless. Every time she saw this, her heart would always beat fast.
Her movement stopped for a moment. She was often a bit flustered by this. The princess had the form of any woman could dream of.
"Mera?"