Selena sat crossed-legged in the cold, damp cave, her fingers smudged with charcoal dust as she painstakingly traced the contours of the sunset on the rough stone wall. Each stroke of the chalk brought the image to life, mirroring the vibrant hues she had read about in countless books. The rhythmic clanking of her chains provided an unusual melody, a haunting symphony that had become strangely comforting to her over time.
Suddenly, the rusty iron gate behind her screeched open, shattering the tranquillity of the cave. The guards' voices echoed through the chamber, breaking the solitude she had grown accustomed to. "Princess, it's time to go," they called out, their words carrying a mix of authority and impatience.
Selena's eyes flickered toward them, her gaze sharp and defiant. Ignoring their presence, she continued her work, her voice steady as she replied, "After I am done."
The guards exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond to her audacity. But they knew better. They had to follow the Lord's command. Instead, they stepped forward, their heavy footsteps reverberating against the cave walls. With a firm grip, they reached out to pick her up, intending to carry her out against her will.
As they approached, Selena's grip on the charcoal chalk tightened. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the fragile stick slipped from her fingers and snapped into two, leaving her masterpiece unfinished. It clattered against the stone floor, its fragments a bitter reminder of her lack of autonomy.
Refusing to be treated like sheep being sent to the slaughterhouse, Selena resisted their attempts to carry her. She pushed against their grasp, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I can walk by myself," she yelled as someone unlocked the chain that was wrapped around her ankle.
Reluctantly, the guards released their hold, allowing her to stand on her own two feet. With measured steps, she walked past them, her head held high despite her body not being used to being free of the chains that weighed her down for years.
A colourful bruise appeared on her arms where they had grabbed her. It seemed that she bruised easily. The bruise on her ankle from the chain was even colourful and dazzling underneath the dim light.
The guards led her through a labyrinth of corridors until they arrived at a lavish private bathhouse in the castle, bustling with activity. The room was adorned with glistening marble and intricate mosaics, the epitome of luxury.
A swarm of maidservants rushed forward, their hands extending to undress her and attend to her every need. Selena barely had time to protest or refuse their assistance.
As they guided her into the warm waters, Selena couldn't help but feel a fleeting sense of relief. She couldn't even remember when was the last time she took such a warm and comforting bath. The gentle caress of the water against her skin offered a respite from the harsh reality of her captivity.
Yet, deep within her, an inexplicable sense of fear arose. Her father never did anything nice for her. Her sister on the other hand only did something nice when it was to get her in trouble with their father or she wanted to make herself feel good for a moment.
Her body was swaying with the movements of the maidservant's skilled hands diligently scrubbing her delicate skin until it felt raw yet invigorated. The sensation was intense, and Selena winced as the rough texture of the scrubbing cloth grazed her flesh. Her fair complexion turned a rosy pink, a testament to the thoroughness of the maids' work.
The tranquil satisfied expression on her face suddenly vanished as she sat up. She wanted to ask them what was going on but she knew none of them would answer her.
As the servants finished scrubbing her body, they moved on to her hair, lathering it with fragrant shampoo. Selena sneezed a couple of times, her nose tickling from the perfume's potency, yet the maids persisted, their nimble fingers massaging the scented oil into her locks. The fragrance enveloped her, and even though she longed to voice her discomfort, the words stayed trapped within her.
Once her hair was thoroughly washed, the servants carefully rinsed it, allowing the water to cascade down and wash away the perfumed oil.
Draped in a loose silk gown, Selena was led to another grand room, a stark contrast to the dark cave she once called home. There, the maids attended to her hands, meticulously shaping and polishing her nails until they gleamed like precious gems.
As she observed the transformation, Selena marvelled at how delicate her hands appeared, their natural beauty enhanced with a faint pink blush.
While one group of maids worked on her hands, another focused on her feet. Selena glanced downward, astonished to see her feet, which had always been rough and calloused, now adorned with a newfound elegance. The maids gently filed and buffed her toenails, making them look dainty and refined.
They prompted her to lie down and Selena could only comply. With a meticulous touch, the maids applied various masks and creams, each designed to rejuvenate and nourish her skin.
As they worked, Selena's face underwent a comprehensive facial treatment, leaving her complexion radiant and refreshed. Her skin which had been neglected for years in that humid cave surprisingly didn't take long before it was restored to a supple, soft and fine-pored appearance like all those years of neglect didn't exist.
Suddenly, a shift in the atmosphere disrupted the serenity in the room. A heavy presence seemed to permeate the air as if someone had entered the room.
Though Selena's eyes were concealed by a gauze soaked in rejuvenating elixir, her body tensed, and a shiver ran down her spine. Her sixth sense, finely attuned to danger, sent a clear warning.
That's because Sienna stood quietly at the doorway, arms folded across her chest, her gaze filled with contempt. Sienna's resentment toward Selena had festered for far too long. She despised her sister for being a curse bestowed upon their family. A curse that took their mother and would be the downfall of Rosemane.
She sincerely believed that marrying Selena to that black-hearted King was her sister's retribution. The universe was finally correcting itself and getting rid of this curse.