As the door creaked open, the girl's eyes locked onto the maid who entered the room. The maid's warm smile and gentle demeanor put her at ease, and she relaxed slightly, her gaze following the maid as she approached.
"Good morning, miss," the maid said, her voice soft and soothing. "My name is Elara. I'll be helping you get ready for the day."
Elara began to assist the girl in dressing and bathing, her skilled hands moving with precision and care. As she worked, she quickly rebraided the girl's hair, weaving it into a neat and intricate braid.
As she finished, the girl asked, "Where am I? What happened?"
Elara's expression turned thoughtful, and she replied, "You're in the palace, miss. You were brought here after...after an incident in the river. His Majesty, the king, found you and brought you back to the palace to recover."
The girl's eyes widened as she processed this information. "The king?" she repeated, her mind racing with questions. "Was it...was it him who saved me?"
Elara's eyes sparkled with a hint of knowing, and she smiled. "Perhaps, miss. Perhaps it was."
As Elara opened the blinds, letting the warm sunlight flood the room, the girl's thoughts whirled with wonder and curiosity. Could it be true? Was the man who saved her the very king himself?
The girl's eyes widened as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The green dress Elara had helped her into was stunning, its silky fabric hugging her curves in all the right places. The dress was a vibrant emerald green, its color so rich and deep it seemed to glow in the sunlight streaming through the windows. The neckline was high and rounded, framing her face like a delicate flower. The sleeves were long and flowing, billowing behind her like a misty veil.
Her skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone, its smooth surface radiating a healthy sheen. Her hair, now neatly braided, shone like dark chocolate in the sunlight, its intricate strands weaving a crown of beauty around her head. Her eyes sparkled like bright stars, their deep brown depths flashing with a hint of mischief. Her full lips curved into a gentle smile, revealing a hint of straight white teeth.
And then there was the gold necklace, its delicate chain glinting like a thread of sunlight around her neck. A small, glittering emerald pendant hung from its center, its facets catching the light and sending tiny shivers of brilliance dancing across the room.
The girl's beauty was not just a passing glance, but a lingering gaze, a slow and sensual appreciation of curves and lines, of sparkling eyes and luscious hair. Her fair skin shone with a fierce and elegant beauty, a true masterpiece of nature, and the dress was merely the frame that set her beauty free.
The knock on the door broke the spell, and Elara hastened to answer it. Chris stood in the doorway, his expression formal. "The king requests your presence in his study, miss," he said, his voice low and respectful.
The girl's heart skipped a beat as she nodded, her mind racing with wonder. What could the king want with her?
As she followed Chris through the winding hallways, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty around her. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, their colors vibrant and rich. Golden threads glinted in the sunlight, weaving tales of ancient myths and legends. The floors were polished marble, their smooth surfaces reflecting the light like still water.
The ceiling above was a masterpiece of art, its frescoes depicting scenes of grand battles and triumphant victories. The girl's eyes traced the curves of the arches, the delicate carvings that seemed to dance across the stone.
Chris led her to a large wooden door, its surface embossed with the royal crest. He knocked twice, and a deep voice called out, "Enter."
With a gentle bow, Chris pushed open the door and gestured for the girl to enter. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in anticipation, and stepped into the king's study.
As she entered the study, the girl's eyes met the king's, his piercing gaze looking up from the papers he was writing on. He flashed her a charming smile, his expression warm and kind, and gestured for her to approach.
"Ah, welcome, my dear! Come on in, don't be shy!" he said, his deep voice gentle, with a hint of playful teasing. "I'm King Damien, but you can call me Your Majesty... or Damien, if you want to get all informal and friendly."
The girl's heart raced as she drew nearer, her eyes taking in the king's powerful build and chiseled features. His dark skin gleamed in the sunlight, and his dreadlocks cascaded down his back like a rich, dark waterfall. The braided strands were adorned with tiny, glinting beads that caught the light, adding to his regal presence.
"How are you feeling today? And can you tell me what happened? How did you fall into the river?" he asked, his concern evident, but his tone light and playful, like he was trying to put her at ease.
The girl's brow furrowed, her mind struggling to recall the events leading up to her rescue. She shook her head, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "I...I don't remember, Your Majesty. I'm so sorry."
King Damien chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, my dear. It's not uncommon for the mind to block out traumatic events. Perhaps, in time, your memories will return... or perhaps you just wanted to forget the whole ordeal and start fresh!"
He winked at her, his playful tone putting her at ease. "In the meantime, I want you to know that you're safe here. You're under my protection, and no harm will come to you within these walls. Unless, of course, you try to steal my favorite snack, then we might have a problem!"
The girl couldn't help but laugh at his teasing, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the king for making her feel more at ease.