Chapter 6.
The door of my carriage opened, I stepped down with the help of commander Roland. He was a nice and gentleman I must admit. In as much I dislike men from Aerendia. He seemed different from them.
"Thank you, lord," I appreciated with my head bent low. He did not say anything except for letting go of my hand.
Due to this, I did not realize that we were standing in front of the most beautiful palace in the wall. My lips parted as I stared at it. The structure was the finest I have ever seen in my entire life.
I have been to at least 13 palaces and this one was totally different from all. It was the biggest palace I have ever seen. Now, I understood why people were envious of the king. He had everything in life. What a lucky devil he was?
"Welcome to the palace, your highness," commander Roland said with a smile. He ushered me in as I walked behind him maintaining my pace.
The walls were breath taking. I could stop admiring the paintings and portraits on the wall. They were magnificent.
The names of the people in the portrait were written at the edge. All were kings, queens, prince and princess. None of them spoke of the present king. Since he was the first conqueror, I expected him to have a very much big portrait at the entrance of the hallway.
"Watch your steps, princess," Commander Roland interrupted my thoughts as he stopped to look at me. I halt in my track. We were about climbing the stairs. He must have noticed my foolish stares.
"Thank you," I managed to say with my eyes on the floor. The floor was different from ours back home. It was white and black. My shoes did not make much sound as I walked on it.
Commander Roland told us to wait here, beside a room. I wondered who was in. After some minutes, he urged us to go in and we did. It has just bed and mirror stand.
He told to make ourselves comfortable in the meantime. The queen mother will meet with us.
The queen mother? He said she was going to decide our fate in Aerendia. I prayed she understand my pain and let me go back home to my people.
"What do you think?" Liza held the curtain in her hand, after commander Roland left. I rolled my eyes and sat on the edge of the bed. I was thinking of how to get us out of here and she? She was concern about a stupid curtain from Aerendia. "I'm not talking about the curtain, my lady."
She left the window side and knelt in front of me. Her big eyes caught my attention even though I did not want to listen.
"What are you talking about?" I asked showing little interest.
"Its about lord Roland," She got up immediately and held her fingers. Liza was nervous all of a sudden and I knew at once she was going to vomit rubbish.
"What about him, dear Liza?" I gave a foolish smile that would ginger her more.
She nodded and looked down instead "he is a good man. He is been nice to us, through out the journey… in case, the queen refused to grant you, your freedom, I will get happy if you give him your attention."
I shook my head. I have been thinking of a way to get us home all day and this dumb head was talking about getting married to a stranger. A man I had no idea what his character was like, behind the closed doors.
I glared at the silly girl standing in front of me and sighed. If only she knew that everything comes with a price. Commander Eli was been nice because he was interested in me…but what if he was not? How will he had treated us? I did not even want to know.
"Keep quiet, Liza. Someone might hear you say rubbish," I warned, looking at the door to see if it was opened in anyway. "We shall wait for the queen mother to grant us freedom. Before then, do not say anything about lord or commander Roland."
"As you wish, my lady," she bowed deeply.
Oh Liza, she would understand someday. I was still studying the room when a knock came on the door. Liza opened it and commander Roland walked into the room. He changed his clothes from soldiers to a royal rope. With his fine face and body the rope looked magnificent.
"Are we to meet with the queen now?" I was excited, grabbing the edge of my dress. A few steps I took, before he shook his head.
"No, princess. She is busy," he informed. My face dropped and he came closed. "But she will meet you in two hours time, I promise."
"Fine, but what shall I do than to sit here and wait?" I sat back on the bed, wondering what to do for two hours. If I dare stay indoors, I might die of anxiety.
"If you don't mind, shall I show you the imperial gardens?"
Gardens? Sure, I would be interested. I love the cool breeze and welcoming of the sweet scented flowers.
The garden was going to different from ours, back at home. This was Aerendia. Things were much different here. I nodded as I managed to be on my feet again.
Commander Roland led the way while I followed him. Liza joined us shortly. Maybe she arranged the bed before coming to meet us.
We met no servants on our way, just the guards. It seemed like this side of the palace was reserved.
But why?
**
In the garden, I cut some of the rose flower and placed it on my hair. Liza told me it was beautiful. I wished I could see myself in the mirror. After a few minutes of running in between trees, Commander Roland was called by a maid who served the queen. He excused himself before leaving.
Now, we were left alone, we wandered into the garden. The guards kept their distance. They were not bothered if we will escape….or was there no escape way for us?
"We should follow that path and see if there is a way out of the palace," I suggested, pointing at a thin path that led to an unknown destination. Liza had no choice but to agree to whatever I said.
We followed the long path and it led to a gate. The wall was highly fenced. It drew my attention. What was this building and why was it hidden in the garden?
I went to have a close look and found that the gate was half opened. Someone must have been there a while ago. I summoned courage and pushed the door a little.
I was speechless with what I saw. The yard was a dumped building…no. Not just that, it was a cemetery as well.
My heart skipped as I took steps back, marching Liza's toes. She let out a meow sound. A masculine voice asked from afar "is anyone there?"
Beads of sweats began to appeared on my forehead. I covered my mouth with my hand and moved back.
Liza was still grinding her teeth when I heard the movement. Someone was coming…. Maybe the grave cleaner.
I tried not to look too scared "sorry, Liza," I apologized and focused on the figure coming. Something about that walking step seemed familiar. I have seen a figure like this before…where could it be?