Light beamed from the slightly opened curtains, the sun rays gently caressing Elysia's face, causing her to flutter her eyes open. She heard gentle noises coming from the bathroom, assuming it was a maid who had come to bath her. It's been like this for about three days, yet she couldn't get used to this lifestyle.
Yesterday, she had a bath with the king, her face flushed red, recalling the ways the King's toned body glistened in the water. She bit her lower lip in embarrassment. He had asked her a few questions which she replied to, remembering her past last night made her cry. It felt comforting to finally be able to cry to someone who cared for her.
Cared for her? Elysia thought to herself. Did the Dragon King really care for her? Last night, he had helped her ease the pain she was feeling in her neck, but then, he was the cause of it. If he hadn't bitten her, she would not have had the bruise in the first place. Yet, he saved her at no cost.
Elysia ran her over her face, her mind was in turmoil. She didn't know if it would be totally okay to trust the king. He was being way too nice to her for someone who is known to be ruthless. Maybe it was his way of manipulation.
Elysia couldn't care less if he was manipulating her, she would gladly accept whatever he had to offer, no matter what she would repay with. She had nothing to lose after all. Her family, friends, reputation were all gone. She was starting afresh.
"My lady," Elysia was jolted from her frenzy when the maid she recognized as Helen called out. "The King's advisor Sevastian told me to get you ready, he is waiting for you in the garden," she added.
Elysia rose a brow at Helen. This was the third day since she's been in the palace, she didn't expect to be allowed to leave the walls of this room anytime soon.
"Where's king Azrael?" She asked as she walked to meet Helen, turning her back facing her, while Helen worked on the lace of her dress.
"The king left the palace at dawn, I do not know where to, but you could ask Sir Sevastian" Helen said, her hand undoing the lace of Elysia's dress.
Elysia couldn't help but wonder why he left without letting her know, they were just together a few hours ago. She palmed her face lightly, who was she to the king for him to tell her about his affairs. She sighed loudly, this special treatment was starting to get to her head.
"Hope all is well, My Lady?" Helen asked as she watched Elysia step out of the dress.
"Just Elysia please, You don't need to address me as lady in private," Elysia said taking a deep breath in. There is no way she would get used to the title.
Helen nodded her head curtly, a smile gracing her lips. Elysia noted how Helen appeared younger when she smiles.
"You should smile more often, it looks beautiful" she commented making Helen's smile broden.
"Thank you, Elysia" Helen replied, bowing at her.
---
Helen's hands moved skillfully, helping Elysia into a fresh dress. The fabric was soft and luxurious. Elysia had never ever worn anything like this. The dress had a corset which pushed her bosom into view, slightly exposing her shoulders too. She wondered if this was how all the women in the palace dressed.
As Helen continued to adjusted the dress's straps and smoothen out the wrinkles, Elysia's mind wandered to the King again. She wondered why the king would allow her to leave the room now.
"Do you know why the king left so early?" Elysia asked casually, trying not to sound too interested.
Helen shook her head, her face neutral. "I'm not privy to the king's affairs but it must have been important for him to leave before sunrise."
Elysia nodded thoughtfully. Important, indeed. She wondered if it had anything to do with the her.
Once she was dressed, Helen handed Elysia a small shawl. "It might be a bit chilly in the garden this morning," she said.
"Thank you," Elysia replied, taking the shawl. She wrapped it around her shoulders, "Shall we go then?"
Helen led the way, opening the large door of the room and stepping aside to let Elysia pass. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, she couldn't help but marvel. Every corner, every archway, every piece of furniture was crafted with meticulous detail.
After a short walk, they arrived at a set of gilded doors that led to the garden. Helen opened one of them and motioned for Elysia to step through. Elysia did so, and was immediately hit by the fresh scent of flowers and the crisp morning air. This was the greenest garden she had ever seen in her life, healthy flowers everywhere.
Sevastian was waiting, seated on a bench. His head turned as Elysia approached. "Good morning, Lady Elysia," he greeted. "I hope you slept well."
"Good morning, I did, thank you." Elysia replied, returning the polite smile. She stood awkwardly waiting for him to speak again.
"I am Sevastian, the King's right hand man" he introduced with a smile to which, Elysia returned. He sounded polite and friendly.
"Nice to meet you," she replied politely.
He nodded in acknowledgement, before proceeding. "The king has arranged for a governor to be appointed to you. He will be here within a few hours to assist you with anything you need and to help you learn the affairs of the Valeria." he said.
Elysia's eyes widened in shock. A governor? For her? She couldn't believe the king would do all this for her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
"I… I don't understand," she finally managed to say, her voice barely a whisper. "Why would the king do this for me?"
Before Elysia could get a response from Sevastian, she suddenly heard a voice call out from behind her, a voice she hadn't heard in a long time, a voice she feared, a voice that sent cold shivers down her spine.
"Elysia?"