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As the moon cast its gentle glow upon them, Charlotte and Ana found solace in the quietude of the starry night.
"I became too emotional; I'm very sorry," Charlotte said, gently separating from Ana, her sincerity reflected in the shimmering tears she wiped away.
Ana, looking up at Charlotte, nodded in response, "It's alright, princess. Thank you for comforting me."A genuine smile graced Charlotte's lips, gratitude filling her eyes.
"Come with me," she implored, extending her hand towards Ana, determination resonating in her gaze. "Be my trusted servant."
"I don't know if I'm capable enough," Ana replied weakly, "but if you're willing to trust me." She held onto Charlotte's hand with grateful eyes, a silent pact forged under the celestial tapestry.
In a reversal of their first encounter, Charlotte, driven by newfound strength, pursued Ana to join her. The air hung with unspoken understanding as they journeyed back to the palace, riding on the back of a horse that seemed to dance with the shadows.
The moon and stars, like celestial guardians, guided Charlotte and Ana back to the palace atop the noble steed, Celine. The rhythmic echoes of hooves created a melodic cadence, a harmony against the backdrop of the night.
During the journey, Charlotte, determined to undo the future's shadows, encouraged Ana to share her story. In the quietude, rain started to fall as if the heavens themselves awaited their arrival at the castle before unleashing a storm.
"We made it to the palace before the storm," Charlotte sighed with relief, the stable manager taking Celine to shelter. Ana's soft voice cut through the rain, addressing Charlotte as "Your Majesty."
"Hmm?" Charlotte hummed, removing her cloak while Ana expressed gratitude. Charlotte, hands on Ana's shoulders, offered a reassuring smile. "You don't have to thank me," she said, thoughts of repaying Ana's loyalty echoing in her mind.
Ana, scarred by the Al Hère family's cruelty, had become fragile and timid. Yet, her loyalty to Charlotte persisted. The rain intensified outside, thunder resonating with the emotions swirling within the castle.
Charlotte, mindful of Ana's traumatic past, ensured her comfort. As the rain whispered its lament, Charlotte cared for Ana, knowing she deserved more than life had given her. The night unfolded with Charlotte preparing a simple yet comforting meal, a gesture of solace for the fragile girl who would soon be her private servant.
In the dimly lit palace, the sound of water echoed as Ana bathed. Charlotte, in the kitchen, crafted a nourishing meal and watched over Ana, aware of the healing power of kindness.
As night deepened, Charlotte's need for a confidante led her to Ana. Unlike her busy siblings, Ana was always there, a comforting presence. Charlotte, preparing for the revenge she sought against the Al Hère family, knew Ana would be her pillar of support.
The night pressed on as Charlotte fed and settled Ana on the sofa, her observant eyes catching sight of the bruises that adorned Ana's fragile form. A whispered "Poor Ana" escaped Charlotte's lips, a silent acknowledgment of the pain Ana bore.
Haunted by the memory of her mother's anger towards Ana, Charlotte ventured to Queen Charlene's private chamber. A playful entrance led to a heartfelt conversation, with Charlotte sharing every detail about Ana, seeking both advice and comfort.
She went to her mother's private chamber to talk about Ana and inform her about getting a new servant. Soft raps echoed through the door, a prelude to the gentle entrance of Charlotte into her mother's haven.
"Mother?" Charlotte's voice danced through the chamber, a melody that invoked warmth. The door creaked open as she entered, playful eyes peeking into the room, seeking the familiar comfort of her mother's presence.
"Come in," Queen Charlene, engrossed in her delicate embroidery, welcomed her daughter with a smile. Charlotte, a graceful silhouette, slowly approached, settling into a smaller chair beside her mother in the dimly lit chamber.
"What brought you here?" Her mother's voice held a soft curiosity as she set aside her tools, the flickering flames of the fireplace casting a warm glow upon them.
"I just wanted to inform you about my private servant," Charlotte's words were gentle, an offering of a newfound connection. Seated beside her mother, she began to share the story of Ana, a seventeen-year-old girl who had become a part of their world.
"A new servant?" Queen Charlene's intrigue was evident, and she continued to embroider, inviting Charlotte to share more about Ana.
"Yes, mother. Her name is Ana," Charlotte replied, a serene smile gracing her lips. Mother and daughter, in the quiet intimacy of the chamber, became entwined in a tale of a new presence in their lives.
"Ana... seventeen, interesting," Queen Charlene mused, her hands crafting a delicate flower on a blue handkerchief. "Tell me more about her."
A shared moment unfolded, with Charlotte narrating every detail about Ana—her birthdate, her family, the intricacies of her life. The topic, though sensitive, became a bridge for the two women to connect, to cherish their bond anew.
"She has a very interesting and complicated story, just like this pattern," Charlene remarked, revealing a finished handkerchief adorned with an intricate blue flower pattern, bearing Charlotte's initial 'C.'
"This fits you the most, mostly because of your eyes and features. Blue, the color of royalties," Queen Charlene observed, linking the embroidered blue to Charlotte's regal essence.
"Thank you, mother," Charlotte expressed her gratitude, "I'll make sure to always carry this" she said leaning in to rest her head on her mother's shoulder.
A moment of quiet affection enveloped them before Charlotte reluctantly stood, preparing to leave.
As she moved towards the door, Charlotte sealed their connection with a tender kiss on her mother's cheeks. However, the tranquility shattered as Queen Charlene dropped unexpected news.
"By the way, Charlotte," Charlene called her daughter Charlotte who was just about to leave. Charlotte turned around to look at her mother as she gets called.
"The Al Hère family will be here much earlier than expected," her mother revealed, casting a shadow over Charlotte's composure.
"They'll be here tommorow." Charlotte's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. The impending arrival of the Al Hère family promised upheaval, but Charlotte, armed with knowledge of their weaknesses, steeled herself for the confrontation that would mark the beginning of her revenge.
The chamber held the echoes of a shared history, a tapestry of love and strategy, as Charlotte prepared to face the storm that loomed on the horizon.
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To be continued...