With a soft sigh, Matilda rose from the floor, using the table for support. She gently reminded Elestria to change her clothes.
Changing into the long gown that covered her entire body, Matilda guided Elestria, who sat on a chair and started combing her soft silver hair, which flowed like a waterfall down her back.
Matilda's voice lowered to a tender whisper: "Your hair; they are beautiful, just like hers, my child." Her words hung in the air, carrying a certain weight that puzzled Elestria.
Furrowing her eyebrows suspiciously, Elestria shifted her gaze to the side. "What do you mean by 'her'? Who are you referring to, Aunt Matilda?"
"Just someone I used to know," Matilda responded while securing her hair in a tight bun. She continued, "Don't think much; for now, just be stronger, just like Agatha always wanted you to be."
Hearing her mother's name stirred a familiar ache in Elestria's chest. She nodded timidly, her gaze dropping to her lap, fixating on her soft hands.
Matilda wrapped a long scarf around Elestria's head, covering her soft silver hair. She whispered to Elestria, "If someone asks you about your hair, just say it's inherited from your father.".
"Father..." Elestria whispered, the word feeling foreign, as she had never met her father.
"Yeah, father, since no one currently knows about your father, it's the safest thing to do," Matilda explained.
Thinking it's the best option for her now, Elestria nodded her head. Matilda walked past her and opened the wooden gate as she gestured for Elestria to follow her.
As they strolled through the corridor, Elestria couldn't help but notice the intricate designs adorning the beautiful walls.
The palace buzzed with activity as people moved about, preparing for Agatha's funeral. Agatha, a woman who had dedicated years of service to the prince, She was not just a mere servant. She held a significant place in Crown Prince Zephyr's life.
Acting as a mother figure since the death of the crown prince's mother eight years ago, Agatha's passing struck a chord deep within him.
The crown prince, Zephyr, personally took charge of the investigation into her death, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding it. His wish was clear: Agatha deserved to be laid to rest alongside other members of the royal family.
The final resting place for the royal family lay not too far from the palace grounds.
The back side of the palace is known as a haunted place, which is slightly visible from Prince Zephyr's personal library windows. This area, cloaked in a haunted reputation, boasted large, foreboding trees. It's the only place where no one dared to set foot.
Walking at the back of the royal palace, Matilda took Elestria's hand, leading her towards the waiting carriage. The soft sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet space.
Matilda gestured for Elestria to climb onto the stool and settle inside the carriage. Following suit, Matilda sat beside her, interweaving her hands with Elestria and resting on her lap.
The carriage came to a halt. As they descended, Matilda held Elestria's hand, making their way directly to the imposing gate of the forest. The forest stood tall, with two small lanterns hanging on either side of the walls.
Advancing further into the forest, they meet Alfred, who took the lead, guiding them to the hallowed grounds where the royal family rested.
As the funeral commenced, the priest beckoned them to bid their final farewells to Agatha.
Everyone closed their eyes in prayer except crown prince Zephyr. His bright red eyes were fixed on a particular figure. A knowing hum escaped his lips, and a subtle, wicked smile played on his lips. 'Full of hopes and dreams,' he hummed.
Once prayer concluded, the priest solemnly suggested proceeding with the burial.
With the funeral rites concluded, Prince Zephyr instructed the butler "bring her to my study room" while his eyes pierced through Elestria. With that, Prince Zephyr walked away, his steps crushing dry leaves that had fallen to the ground.
But little did they know, there was certain someone who had his eyes fixed on Elestria since the moment she set foot on the royal palace grounds.