As we arrived, I could see the view of Croford kingdom. All I can see is it so beautiful.
So lively.
So sparkling.
I couldn't help but be amazed by the scenery.
"You will like it here, my lady." Gerald beams.
"Agreed!! Here, you will get the treatment how you dream of!!" Blaze added.
The treatment...I dream of?
"Don't worry. This kingdom has a protective barrier. So you don't have to worry about any monster and enemy attacking us." Ian confronts me.
Ruth scoffs. "Yeah. A magic barrier that you ask me to work on for years to make it perfect. He even willingly throws gold on it."
Just from Ruth's words, I could guess that Ian cherishes his kingdom so much that he could do anything for his kingdom.
No wonder why everyone adored their king.
We walk through the marketplace. The breezes almost make my hood fall but Ian holds it up for me.
"Don't let anyone see you," he whispered.
My head hung low. He must be embarrassed to bring a woman like me.
"Welcome home, my lord!!"
"My lord!!"
"Welcome back!!"
It is so much different from my palace.
I wanted to look around but Ian didn't let me so I just obeyed.
We stop in front of the main gate. The bell rings and the gate opens slowly.
As it opens widely, my jaw drops. The palace looks so astonished. How rich is Croford Kingdom anyway?
A lot of maids and butlers waiting in front of the main door. They smiled and bowed.
"Welcome home, my lord." they wish.
Ian got down from the horse and brought me down gently. But of course in his arms.
I just remember I didn't have shoes on. Maybe he doesn't want my feet to get dirty.
"Prepared a bath and meal. Call a doctor also. We will rest at our chamber." Ian demands.
"Yes, My Lord." the butler nods.
Ian brings me in. My eyes keep moving around the palace. Everything is so much different from my old palace.
It is not dull, dusty, or scary. But everything is so lively.
"B--Beautiful," I mutter.
"Really? My mother designed this. She hopes that you will like it." Ian said.
What? His mother did this for my sake?
"My parent wants you to be comfortable and delighted," he added.
Why?
The question is why they did it for me. I'm no one but just the wife of Ian Croford.
He pushes the door open and walks in. My body landed on the soft bed as he put me down.
"Maid will wash you up. I want myself to wash you up." Ian grumbles. Hearing that made me flush. "But I know you wouldn't be comfortable with it yet."
I let out a sigh. Thank goodness.
"I will wash up in the other bathroom. I will come right after I'm finished," he said before walking away.
The door shut closed. I stay still waiting for anyone to come.
As I fiddle with my dress, the door opens. Two maids walked into and bowed with a smile.
"Greetings, My Lady. I'm the head maid, Claire." a girl with a hair bun speaks.
"I'm Shelly, My Lady." the maid that looks much younger than the head maid speaks.
"N--Nice to m--meet you." I bowed my head.
"We will be your maid starting today. If you like something, please inform us immediately. We will be at your service." Claire said.
Not even one maid has spoken to me like that. Not even once.
I didn't know what to say. I just nod.
They exchange looks but then smile. Shelly walks toward me. "Let's go, My Lady. We will help you wash up."
"S--Sure."
Their touch on my skin was so gentle. The way they scrub my body, and my hair everything they did was so careful.
It makes me quiet.
"My Lady? Are you alright?" Shelly asks.
I just nod.
"My Lady, we're so happy to welcome you to the Croford family," Claire speaks.
"W--What?" I look at her with confusion.
"When we heard about Lord Ian getting married, we couldn't hide our joy." she chuckles.
"Yeah!! Even all the butlers and guards have a party for Lord Ian's marriage. They got scolded by the majesty the next day." Shelly almost burst into laughter as she remembers the scene.
"But...y--you don't...e--even know me. You haven't m--met me."
"That's right. But, we don't care about it. Whoever it is, we accept it with open arms. And when we saw you, we were merry." Claire smiles.
Aaa.
Is this what it feels like to be treated nicely? But why I don't even feel anything from their touching words?
Maybe because my heart getting numb. Maybe I'm afraid that they will change.
People can change.
Anytime.
My bath time ended quickly. They make me wear a nightgown. I sit in front of the mirror letting them brush my hair.
Not even a single complaint from them. Instead, they have a huge sweet smile on their face.
"Your hair is beautiful, My Lady." Shelly beams.
"M--My hair?"
"Yup. You must heard a lot of compliments about your hair, didn't you, My Lady?" Claire caressed my hair gently.
No. You are wrong.
I don't know what will be their expression when they know my true life at my palace.
Compliments?
Huh. That was never in my life before.
Then, someone knocks on the door. Ian and one butler who pushes the cart walk in.
The cart was full of food. Claire guided me to the bed and let me sit. She pulls the blanket and Shelly opens a small table to put it on me.
"I ask the chef to cook anything that I think you might love," Ian said as he sat on the bed.
"I hope it reaches your taste, My Lady." the butler smiled.
Why would you worried about it?
"You are dismissed," Ian speaks.
They bowed before going out of the room. I look at Ian who is already in simple clothes.
I look at the food. So many. It looks delicious. Yet, it still makes me don't have an appetite to eat.
"Don't you want to eat?" he asks.
"I....c--can?"
"Why not? You don't need to wait for me to say it, Maya." Ian crosses his arms on his chest.
Weird.
I never eat without my parent's permission. I thought it would be the same here.
I take a bite. When the food touches my tongue, I halt.
"M--Maya!? What's wrong!?" Ian stands up in a panic.
I don't realize tears falling in drops from my cheeks.
I'm crying?
But why?
Ian moves forward and wipes the tears. I swallow the food.
I couldn't hold it anymore.
The delicious food, the nice treatment, the smiles, the lively atmosphere, the happiness in their eyes...
Everything is overwhelming.
"Maya.." Ian call.
"I--I'm s--sorry..." I cried.
I can't hide the fact that I felt relief to leave that palace.
I don't know if it will last long but let me cherish it for a while.