[Music Recommendations: Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi]
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"Elestria, wake up, my dear." Matilda gently shook Elestria's shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. A sweet smile graced her lips, her eyes shining brightly with relief.
Ever since Elestria had gone missing from the royal crypt, Matilda had been plagued with guilt, blaming herself for her disappearance. Now, seeing Elestria before her eyes, a wave of relief washed over her.
As Elestria opened her eyelids, Matilda walked over to the window and drew back the curtains, allowing the morning sunlight to flood the dark room with its brightness.
Elestria closed her eyes instinctively, feeling the sudden change in light. She rubbed her eyes with her hands and adjusted herself on the bed, sitting up slightly from her sleeping position.
"Where am I?" Elestria questioned herself, her mind racing with thoughts of being abducted once again. Looking around, she spotted Matilda adjusting the curtains. Her eyes welled up with tears. Has someone saved her?
"You're back, my child. I'm so happy to see you fine," Matilda said as she walked towards Elestria and sat on the bed. She enveloped Elestria in a warm hug, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I left you there alone. It was my fault."
Hugging back tightly, Elestria whispered, "Aunt Matilda," her voice lowering at the end until it was almost inaudible. Tears dripped from her eyes, and she closed her eyelids, letting the tears fall.
"Shh, it's okay, my child. I'll not let you get hurt again, I promise. I'll protect you just like my own child," Matilda said, her voice wavering with emotion. Her hands shook as she held Elestria's cheeks in both of her palms.
Elestria's heart sank. Aunt Matilda's care reminded her of her mother's love. Wiping away tears with her hands, she nodded her head.
Parting away from Elestria, Matilda stood up and walked towards the bathroom, saying, "I'll get your bath ready."
Elestria nodded silently. As she peeled off the duvet covering her body, her feet met the cold floor, sending a sharp pain shooting through her heels and shaking her whole body.
She lifted her legs off the floor, examining them closely, her face etched with worry. Her mind raced, replaying the events that led to her losing consciousness in the arms of a man who seemed no more than a dark layer of smoke.
She stepped onto the floor, gritting her teeth against the shooting pain. Ignoring it, she hurried towards the bathroom door, where Matilda had vanished.
Elestria pushed the door open with a force that startled Matilda, who was inside. As she strode into the bathroom, her eyes fell upon the head maid, who was preparing the bath.
Matilda walked towards Elestria with a concerned expression on her face.
"What happened, my child?" she asked gently, noticing the tense look on Elestria's face.
"Who brought me here, aunt?" Elestria questioned, her voice tinged with suspicion. Her eyes searched Matilda's face, desperate for answers. She wanted to know about the person who seemed to be mentally ill.
Matilda let out a soft breath before responding, "I don't know exactly who brought you here, but based on what I can gather, it's likely the crown prince. This area of the palace belongs to him."
"Prince saved me? But why?" Elestria's face was twisted in disbelief. Without waiting for an answer, she walked towards the bathtub and immersed herself in the water, still fully clothed.
She raised her hand under the water. "You know what? Someone was there watching me the whole time. He wasn't human. His presence felt dangerous. The way he spoke, it was unsettling. Do you understand what I mean?"
"My child, for now, forget about what happened before and let's focus on getting your wounds fixed," Matilda replied gently. She sat behind Elestria and poured warm water over her hair. As she rubbed soap into Elestria's scalp, she informed her, "You've been invited by the royal family for a morning meal."
"I see, but why?" Elestria questioned.
"Because you are the daughter of someone who worked for the royal family. Someone who was cherished by everyone in the palace, my child," Matilda explained to her with a sad expression planted on her wrinkled face.
Once Elestria's hair was washed, she excused herself, saying, "I'll handle myself from here, Aunt Matilda."
Understanding Elestria's uneasiness about being naked in front of someone, Matilda nodded and stepped out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Once Elestria had changed into a simple yet soft fabric, she walked out of the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. She wore a loose gown in a soft blue fabric that reached down to her heels. "It's beautiful," she exclaimed, admiring her reflection. She had never worn something like this before, and it caught her eye immediately.
Matilda smiled at her reaction and guided her to sit on a chair while she dried Elestria's hair using a towel.
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Elestria made her way towards the dining room, guided by Matilda, her steps carrying a hint of nervousness. Her eyes darted left and right, falling on the servants who hurried past her.
Feeling Elestria's tension, Matilda squeezed her hands softly. "Don't be nervous," she reminded her, her voice gentle.
The grand wooden gate of the royal dining room was pushed open by the guards, granting them entry.
"Welcome Miss Sinclair". Walter, who was wearing a white and black colored clothes wished her.
Elestria stumbled upon her dress at the sudden noise of the person. Her eyes landed on a man in his mid 50s. He might be the butler, she thought to herself, and she bowed.
She glanced towards Matilda, asking for confirmation. Matilda, noticing Elestria's eyes, replied in a hushed tone "He is the butler of this mansion, he will take you from here"
"You heard her right, Miss Sinclair," said butler, the corners of his eyes forming wrinkles due to the wide smile plastered on his face.
"I'll go and attend my work" Matilda said to Elestria, while she walked away, leaving Elestria with walter.
Elestria took deep breaths to calm her nervousness down and moved her feet further in the dining hall.