Elodie POV:
I woke up to the sweet serenade of birds and the gentle rustling leaves of the trees outside my window. It's another fruitless day, another day to be reminded of the crap that I am, another day to be a mistake. I wish I could sleep and never wake up, just me in my fantasy world where I ride dragons and wage war against evil trolls.
The sun's rays pierced through my curtain, making it difficult to look outside. The birds, however, seemed to be enjoying the day, jumping from branch to branch, happily greeting each other. The thought of getting out of bed facing another day feels like an insurmountable task.
"Meow!"
My cat, Ginger, clapped her paws on my bed, rubbing her forehead against my bare hand.
"Good morning, Ginger," I said. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"
"Meow"
I brushed my fingers through her fur, and she seemed to understand every little thing I said. If only she could talk, my life wouldn't be as boring as it is.
"Let's get you all cleaned up," I said, standing up and staggering to my closet. I brought out Ginger's meal bowl and headed for the door, while she walked slowly behind me.
My quarters are close to the castle servant area, so it's easy for me to access all my needs. I have no personal maid, unlike my step-sisters, who would just ring a bell and the maid would come running.
As I stepped into the female quarters, it was chaos. Clothes were flung everywhere, and the maidens were moving hastily down the hallway. My eyes scanned the area, searching for the chief maid, Miss Veronica. She was my mother's friend and had been a mother figure to me.
I stood in the midst of the chaotic laundry room, surrounded by clothes belonging to my step-sisters. They had been piling up laundry for their maids, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for them. But as I recalled the numerous times they had belittled me, my sympathy was thrown out the window.
Just then, Miss Veronica, the chief maid, approached me.
"Oh, my dear Princess " she said, pulling me into a warm embrace.
"Veronica"
Her comforting hug was just what I needed on that chilly morning.
"Good morning, Veronica ," I replied.
"How was your night?"
"Order then the cold and Ginger's funny noises, it was fine"
She escorted me to her quarters, where I began to undress. I was accustomed to doing things myself, so I didn't wait for Veronica to assist me.
As I made my way to the bathroom, Veronica followed close behind. "You sound just like your mother," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia.
"I wondered what my mother was like"
I said trying to get words about my mother but Veronica's expression hinted that it was a topic for another day.
"Today is your father's 60th birthday, you must look good"
"He is not my father."
The room fell silent, the only sound being the gentle lapping of the water against the bathtub.
Veronica's expression changed, and she continued to wash my hair in silence. I felt a surge of anger and resentment towards the man who had never recognize me as his own , he's always irritated whenever I'm around so why should I acknowledge him as my father. He should go to hell with his 60th birthday, Afterall he doesn't even know the day I was born. I felt my blood boil.
"Meow"
Ginger made her way across the bathtub, cat walking on the thin ceramic.
As I stepped out of the bathtub, Veronica handed me a towel to dry my hair. But instead, I wrapped it around my chest. "Please help me clean Ginger," I said, "I'll get dressed myself." Veronica's tone changed, and she replied, "Okay, mi lady."
I felt a pang of guilt for snapping at her. "Call me Elodie, madam," I said softly. Veronica's expression softened, and she hugged me again.
"Elodie, everything is going to be fine," she whispered.
I felt a sense of comfort wash over me, and I wanted to pour out all my emotions and experiences to Veronica. But she simply smiled and said, "Now, dress up. Today is going to be busy." She hurriedly went to the bathtub to clean ginger.
Even after knowing the fact that I can't attend or show my face at any event held at the castle, she still prepare my clothes and acknowledge me as the princess that I am, illegitimate actually, She said I was born out of wedlock .
I sat before the mirror, staring at my reflection, admiring my beautiful features. At least I was born pretty. I didn't need makeup like my step-sisters to boost their confidence and for that I'm grateful.
I smiled happily to myself . I brushed my red,wet, wavy hair into a ponytail and wore my signature necklace and earrings.
Veronica had picked out a simple, peach-colored flora dress for me. I looked cute in it.
"Hurry now so you won't miss breakfast".
The thought of going back to the castle made me feel sick.
"Come on, Ginger, let's go," I said, resigned to facing another day at the castle.
After giving Ginger some milk, I stopped by my room to make sure she was comfortable. She couldn't come with me to the dining table, as my stepmother was allergic to cats, especially Ginger. I still remembered the time my step-sisters had planned to throw Ginger into a pot of hot water. Thankfully, I had been there just in time to save her, I couldn't let that happen again. So, I always made sure to lock her safely in my room before leaving.
Ginger seemed to understand every single thing I did, and she had adjusted to our routine easily. I smiled to myself as I thought about her little face and playful antics .
I walked down the hallway, with a book I had borrowed from the castle's library. The grand preparations for the day's celebration were in full swing. Servants were rushing to and fro, carrying trays of food and decorations. I noticed the chief baker pushing a trolley with an enormous, gigantic cake on it.
I headed straight for the royal throne room, trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of the servants. As I got closer to the dining room, I could hear my stepmother and sisters giggling and chatting. My heart began to beat faster, and I clenched my book tightly, trying to calm my nerves.
I didn't know what today had installed for me, but I was determined to face it head-on. I stood in front of the door, took a deep breath, and tried to settle my racing heart. I motioned for the guard to open the door, and I stepped inside, ready to face whatever lay ahead and it's never good.
As I approached the dining table, I bowed my head slightly, careful not to make eye contact with my stepmother. "Good morning, Your Majesties," I greeted, trying to sound as polite as possible. However, none of them replied, and I took my seat at the end of the table, in the last chair. Their eyes shooting daggers at me.
A young maiden poured wine into my cup, while another servant presented a roasted fish wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, accompanied by a vegetable sauce. My stomach rolled at the sight of the food, but I didn't wait. I started digging in, savoring the rich taste of the fish. It was well-seasoned, and for a moment, I felt a spark of joy. Although my meal was different from my sisters they were served whatever meal they want but for me the chefs don't care about what I want. I was served Whatever the queen decides.
However, my happiness was short-lived, as my stepsister,
"Eww Eugh eugh"
Lucinda the eldest, looked at me with disgust. I honestly can't wait for her to get married to lord Pedro and get the hell out of this castle. She's 22 already and has been betrothed to Lord Pedro who for some reasons has not return from his journey to the eastern side of the kingdom.
"Look at her, eating like a maid,"
one of the twins, Ophelia, added. Ophelia and Odessa, the twins, were born just a few days before me. I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger towards them.
I couldn't challenge them because the queen was at the table. The one thing I'm good at is the use of words my anger increased at thought of not been able to speak at the table.
"She lives with them what do you expect".
Lucinda hissed in disgust. The Queen chuckled enjoying the scene her daughter were creating. Regardless I continue to eat I don't care if I eat like a maid.
"Where is your cat, scared to bring him out?" Odessa asked, her wicked smile making me want to slap her. She didn't even know Ginger's gender, and yet she tried to kill her at every single chance she got.
Just then, the doors swung open, and Philip stepped in.
"Philip!!! They all chorused
The queen rose from her seat and ran towards him, as did my stepsisters. I, on the other hand, continued to focus on my meal, trying to ignore the commotion.
Who didn't know Philip, that proud Evil prince and sole heir to the throne.
Trust me he is the devil himself