Selena's heart raced as the heavy doors of the chamber swung open, revealing a maidservant standing in the doorway. Startled, her legs gave way beneath her, causing her to collapse onto the plush carpeted floor. Panic surged through her veins as she struggled to catch her breath.
Swiftly, the maidservant rushed to her side, concern etched across her face. With gentle hands, she lifted Queen Selena from the floor, cradling her like fragile glass. "Your majesty!!" she exclaimed the commotion alerting the other maidservants. They hurried into the chamber, their eyes filled with worry.
Together, they carefully guided her to a nearby chair, providing support while checking if she wasn't injured. Selena was terrified by their sense of care. Never in her life had she had this amount of people care for her wellbeing. It was making her very anxious. Did they see her fading silver hair? Shouldn't they be berating her for being a fake?
When they saw the distress etched on her face, they quickly sprang into action, ensuring her well-being. One maid prepared a warm bath, while another gathered fresh garments for her to wear.
Selena felt vulnerable as they gently undressed her. She crossed her arms on her chest her body trembling slightly. She felt the same way she felt when she was dragged from that cold dark dungeon and scrubbed from head to toe. That time she found out she was getting married and this time who knew what sort of bad news they would deliver to her.
She was immersed in the soothing waters, her mind racing with overwhelming pessimism. The maidservants worked diligently, temporarily washing away her troubles. They lathered her with fragrant oils, their soft hands tenderly caressing her skin, as if attempting to infuse her with strength. Their presence was a lifeline, offering solace amidst the anticipated storm that was about to erupt.
Once the bath was complete, the maidservants cocooned her in a silk robe, delicately tying it at her waist. A sense of vulnerability washed over her as she allowed herself to be dressed, her body moving like a puppet at their command. She felt powerless, a mere pawn in a game not of her choosing.
With each step, the maidservants guided her, their gentle touch providing both physical and emotional support. They led her to a grand dining hall, where a lavish breakfast awaited her arrival. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed tea filled the air, offering a momentary respite from her turmoil.
She took her seat at the ornate table and obediently sipped the fragrant tea and nibbled on morsels of food, her appetite affected by the weight of her circumstances. The royal chef placed a small piece of a strawberry roll cake in front of her with a smile.
"His Majesty asked that we save a piece for you for when you wake up," he said and the maidservants standing on the side giggled leaving Selena very confused.
The one in charge of all of them asked them to leave and before she exited the door Selena took the courage to ask, "So-sorry but where do I go after this?"
The maidservant was a little confused at first. But she soon showed a kind smile and said, "Anywhere you like Your Majesty. This is now your new home."
Before leaving her side, she administered a small vial of medicine, assuring her it would help with the wound on her back. Selena swallowed it without question.
"I will be outside if Your Majesty needs anything," she said and Selena was about to ask for her name but the young woman had already closed the door.
When the door closed shut she gazed at the small cake in a daze. She wanted to truly believe the maidservant's words but it was simply too good to be true especially when her position here came to be through lies and deceit.
She picked up the dessert off the table and cut through the piece before eating it. Her eyes flickered with blissful delight the flavours erupting in her mouth. It did cross her mind that it might be poisoned but she would most definitely die a happy person if it was the case.
While she taking her second bite Selena felt a powerful gust of wind behind her. She turned around and watched in awe as a magnificent messenger hawk gracefully flew through the open window.
Its wings, bearing the colours of the kingdom, fluttered with regal authority, capturing her attention instantly. The hawk landed on its designated perch and fixed its piercing gaze upon Selena, its eyes as cold as its owner's.
Initially taken aback by the sudden entrance, Selena's confusion flickered across her face as she glanced from the window to the hawk. She had never been so close to a bird before, and the encounter left her both intrigued and slightly bewildered.
With a mixture of curiosity and caution, she rose from her seat, and as if sensing her movement, Storm curled its talons with an icy stare.
Selena's fascination grew exponentially. She had only seen such a majestic creature within the pages of a book, its beauty captured by the artist's brush. Now, here it was, perched before her very eyes. She longed to observe it from a distance, to marvel at its grace and power.
But as if sensing her desire, Storm took flight once more, this time landing gently upon Selena's shoulder its feathers shimmering in the dim golden light. Its talons, sharp and strong, dug into her delicate skin, but despite the initial discomfort, Selena remained surprisingly calm.
"Hello...," she whispered making sure not to make sudden movements. A smile plastered on her face she glanced at its talons. She slowly reached to touch them before retracting her fingers her heart almost bubbling.
Suddenly a whistle came from outside the window and the bird that was perched on her shoulder stirred before spreading its wings wide and flying out of the window.
Intrigued, Selena's curiosity piqued, and she hastened to the window, her gown rustling softly as she moved. She watched with awe as the hawk soared gracefully through the open sky, its wings slicing through the air.
A radiant smile graced her lips, captivated by the harmonious dance between bird and freedom.
As the messenger hawk began its descent, Selena's gaze shifted, and her heart skipped a beat. There, standing in the courtyard, King Liam, his expression devoid of emotion. Her eyes widened, and a sudden rush of apprehension flooded her veins, causing her to instinctively duck down into a squat.
King Liam, "..."