Azuiel had been yearning for a daughter to call her own for an extended period. She had always envisioned having a little girl to cherish and care for, but the circumstances never allowed for that dream to become a reality. When Tuile came into her life, Azuiel saw in her the child she had always longed for, and she vowed to be the best mother figure she could be.
"How does this feel, little one? Does it hurt less now?" With the utmost care and precision, she gently applied the ointment to the wounds that had penetrated deep tissues, ensuring that the affected areas were given the attention they needed to promote healing.
"No, it doesn't. Lady Azuiel." Tuile says softly, then shakes her head.
" That's good! It means that the medication is working and the pain will disappear quickly."
Her wounds are taking longer to heal and most likely leave hideous scars on her beautiful skin.
As she made her way towards the window, the woman's mind was consumed by thoughts of being reunited with her family in a few years' time. With a gentle hand, she closed the lid of the ointment container and then picked up the candle, its handle warm to the touch. Turning towards the young child, who sat quietly nearby, she asked in a caring tone," Tuile, are you feeling hungry? What would you like to eat tonight?"
"….."
Even though it has been a few weeks, I cannot blame her for keeping her distance.
" I will return with something delicious from the kitchen. Just wait." The woman reassured and walked out of the room.
As the sound of multiple footsteps echoed through the hallway, Tuile's heart began to race with fear. She could feel her palm becoming clammy and her breaths becoming shallow as the noise grew closer to her door. When a sharp know resounded through the room, she couldn't help but pull the covers up over her head in a desperate attempt to hide from whatever was on the other side. Her mind was consumed by the memories that haunted her every waking moment, leaving her paralyzed with terror.
Tuile shivered and let out a scream as the door slowly creaked open.
" Oh my, I did not mean to scare you." Azuiel approached the young child with a gentle demeanor, offering a reassuring presence as she gracefully placed the food tray on the counter. With a heartfelt apology for the inconvenience caused. She proceeded to share some uplifting news in an effort to lift the child's spirits and bring a smile to their face." You would never guess who I ran into."
As Tuile lay in the bed, wrapped up in the cozy covers, she suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out her name. She peered towards the doorway and saw a young boy standing there, accompanied by Mila, his faithful servant. Without hesitation, Tuile pulled back the covers from her face revealing her bright and cheerful smile.
" Noel!!"
He hurried towards her, enveloping her in a warm and affectionate hug, holding her rightly as he expressed his deep emotions towards her.
"Lady Azuiel, I believe this is the first time in twenty years since I last saw you, and this is the longest, we ever held a conversation. You were his majesty's favorite toy." She quickly realizes that her hurtful words caused harm and shame. She redirected her focus toward the well-being of the children playing. "I still do not understand why you decided to stay here and not run away with any chance, but you stick around for that bastard child who should've died."
Azuiel carefully poured the steaming hot tea from the kettle into two delicate cups. Her voice was barely above a whisper, ensuring that the servant could catch her words, while the children remained oblivious to the conversation." Tuile did not ask to be born; unfortunately, kids cannot choose their parents. Children are innocent and cannot tell the difference between bad and good."
" I still do not understand you! I highly respect you, but I cannot understand your actions, and what you are saying is not making any sense."
With her delicate hands, Azuiel lifted the porcelain teacup to her lips and took a leisurely sip, relishing the warmth and aroma of the tea. After savoring the flavor for a few seconds, she gently lowered the cup back onto the table, making sure not to spill a single drop." Over the years, I have been pregnant nine times, and I could not carry it to full term. The physician said that I would've had a daughter, and I see that in Tuile, a child that I can finally call mine and raise with dignity."
" I did not know that. I am so sorry, Lady Azuiel." The woman let out a sudden gasp, clearly taken aback by something. After a moment, she composed herself and offered a genuine apology for her insensitive remarks.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the young children bid farewell to each other. They exchanged warm hugs and heartfelt words, promising to keep in touch and meet again soon. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with both joy and sadness, as they parted ways.
"Now, slowly raise your hands, Tuile." Lady Azuiel kindly assisted the young child with compassion and empathy in donning a set of cozy, yet visually appealing, pajamas, ensuring their utmost comfort and contentment.
Tuile appeared to be in a disheartened state, as she sat quietly and refrained from commenting on the flavor of the food that had been served to her. Once she had finished eating, she left only a plate that had been emptied of its contents, with nothing but a few crumbs.
"What's wrong? " Azuiel questioned, noticing the princess's odd behavior." You were enjoying the company of the young prince."
Tuile's expression became downcast, and her lips formed a slight frown, while her voice took on a sorrowful and mournful quality. "Will I be able to see Noel again?" she asked, muttering quietly.
Oh, there were rumors saying the princess was locked away somewhere
"You do not need to be saddened; you can see him daily if you wish. As long as I am alive, you may roam the castle freely and live correctly as a royal family member."
Witnessing the radiant smile that graces the young one brought a sense of relief and unconditional happiness.
" The food was very delicious, and thank you so much!"
With a gentle sigh, Tuile slipped into the soft embrace of her cozy bed, feeling the weight of the day lift from her shoulders as she nestled under the covers. The plush blankets enveloped her in a comforting warmth, and she felt her body relax as she settled in for a peaceful night's rest.
" Do you think I see my mommy tomorrow?" She yawned and was feeling a bit weary.
How could she think of her real mother when I had taken care of her at a time like this? How ungrateful!
Azuiel was consumed by a strong feeling of envy towards the mother of the breathtaking beautiful daughter. As Tuile closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, a tender kiss was bestowed on her forehead.
What can I do to make this child mine? I want her to call me mother and to always depend on me!
As she settled into the comfort of her bed, she reached out and gently snuffled out the flickering candle flame, allowing the darkness to envelop her restful slumber.
An announcement was made to the public that the execution date of the market slave, the lady in waiting Yavanna, would face her punishment in three months instead of two years. The recent event angered her majesty, and the news traveled faster than wildfire.
While engaged in a playful game of ball in the garden, the children inadvertently overheard a conversation between one of the household's servants.
Tuile's heart sank deep in her chest as she watched the red ball slip from her fingers. She felt a sense of defeat wash over her as everything around her seemed to slow down to a crawl. The voices calling her name were barely audible as if they were coming from a far-off place.
" Lady Azuiel, save my mother! Save her as you saved me!"
" Oh, Tuile. I am sorry, but she is one of the Queen's slaves; there is nothing that could be done."
Tuile firmly balled her fist with her nails digging into her skin.
"…."
The Chamber.
As the doctor carefully placed her fingers on the woman's wrist, feeling for the rhythmic pulsations of her artery, a sense of worry crept over her face. The woman, dressed in standard-issue prison garb, lay still on the examination table, her eyes closed tightly as she awaited the results of the doctor's examination. Despite the tense atmosphere, the doctor maintained a professional demeanor.
"Based on the observations and tests conducted, it can be concluded that you are pregnant, Lady Yavanna.