The days following Mariane's arrival at the castle unfolded like a gentle dream. The grandeur of her new life, with its towering walls and endless corridors, slowly began to feel less like a foreign world and more like a place she could call home. It wasn't just the lavishness of the surroundings that made her feel this way, though. It was the warmth and kindness that the Princess showered upon her every moment.
In the mornings, after a peaceful breakfast in the grand dining room, Mariane would follow the Princess through the gardens, exploring the sprawling estate. The Princess, who had taken to treating her like a daughter, was always by her side, guiding her with soft words and gentle laughter. The connection between them grew each day, and Mariane couldn't help but feel that this bond was the missing piece of her life, the one she had longed for in her years at the orphanage.
One particular morning, after a light breakfast, the Princess suggested they take a walk to the far end of the gardens. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of flowers. Mariane felt a sense of freedom here—freedom she had never known before. The gardens were vast, stretching far beyond what the eye could see. Flowers of every colour imaginable bloomed in abundance, their vibrant petals swaying in the soft breeze. The garden was alive with the hum of bees and the chirping of birds, and it seemed like a perfect world—a place where nothing bad could ever touch her.
As they strolled down a gravel path, the Princess leaned toward her and smiled. "There is a little corner of the estate I think you'll enjoy, Mariane. It's a place where you can truly feel free."
Mariane looked up at her, a question in her eyes. "Where is it?"
"You'll see," the Princess replied, her voice soft and inviting, as though she were sharing a secret.
They walked for what felt like hours, winding their way through the maze of flowers and hedges. Finally, they came to a clearing, and in the middle of it stood a large, rustic wooden gate that led to an open area where a collection of animals roamed freely. The scene before her was unexpected yet delightful—she had never expected a royal estate to have a space so humble, so inviting.
In the field, she saw horses grazing peacefully, their coats shining under the sun. Nearby, a few goats nibbled on the lush grass, while chickens wandered around in search of food. A large golden retriever lay sprawled out in the sun, its tongue lolling lazily from its mouth. It was a scene of peaceful coexistence, where the animals roamed without constraint, and Mariane could feel the pulse of life in the air.
"This is where you can come whenever you need to be alone, or when you simply want to enjoy the company of the animals," the Princess explained, her voice full of affection. "I know that it's sometimes hard to adjust to a new life, and I wanted you to have a place where you could feel comfortable and free."
Mariane's heart swelled as she took in the beauty of the scene. She stepped forward cautiously, but as soon as the animals saw her approach, they seemed to welcome her. The golden retriever rose from its resting place and trotted over, tail wagging excitedly. Mariane crouched down instinctively, her hand outstretched. The dog immediately nuzzled her, licking her face in a display of affection that made her laugh softly. It had been so long since she had been around animals—long before the orphanage had become her home.
She spent hours in that magical place, walking alongside the horses, feeding the goats, and playing with the dog. The sense of joy she felt was indescribable. The animals, with their unconditional love and acceptance, made her feel a connection to something pure and free—something that transcended the formalities of her new life. For the first time since arriving at the castle, Mariane truly felt at ease.
The Princess was always nearby, watching her with a kind smile, but she never intruded. It was clear that the Princess understood the importance of these moments, the importance of feeling grounded in something as simple as the presence of animals. It wasn't long before Mariane found herself looking forward to these moments more than anything else.
After several days of spending time in the garden, Mariane began to feel a deep sense of belonging. She was no longer the girl who had arrived at the castle with uncertainty in her heart. Now, she was a part of this world—this family—and she was beginning to understand that she didn't have to leave behind who she was in order to embrace the life that awaited her here. The Princess, too, had become a constant source of support, always by her side, always ready to offer love and guidance.
One afternoon, while sitting on a stone bench beneath a large willow tree, Mariane turned to the Princess with a thoughtful expression. "You've made me feel so welcome here," she said quietly, the words more meaningful than she had ever expected them to be. "I don't think I've ever felt this… this at home before."
The Princess, who had been gazing out at the horses grazing in the distance, turned her gaze back to Mariane, her eyes full of affection. "That's because you belong here, Mariane," she said softly. "You were always meant to be a part of this family. I know it may feel overwhelming at times, but you are no longer alone. You have a place here, and you have me."
Mariane felt a lump form in her throat as she absorbed the Princess's words. It was true. For the first time in her life, she didn't feel like she was drifting, without a purpose or a sense of belonging. She had found something precious in the Princess, a mother figure she never had. It was a bond that had grown naturally, day by day, and Mariane couldn't imagine life without it.
"I don't want to let go of this," Mariane said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The animals, the gardens… everything. I don't want to forget this feeling of being free."
The Princess smiled warmly and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "You don't have to forget it, my dear. This place will always be here for you. And if ever you feel lost or unsure, you can come here and find solace in the company of these creatures and the beauty of the land. It is yours as much as it is mine."
Mariane smiled, the weight in her heart lifting just a little. She was beginning to understand that she wasn't just here to fit into a royal mould. She was here to create her own place, to forge her own path alongside the people who cared for her. She could still hold on to the parts of herself that mattered—the parts that loved the simple, quiet joys of life.
As she stood up from the bench, the dog came bounding over again, and Mariane laughed as she reached down to pet its soft fur. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the garden. It was the perfect moment, and Mariane felt completely at peace. She was here, in this place of beauty, surrounded by kindness, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was truly free.
Later that evening, after spending the day in the garden, the Princess invited her to a small family dinner. As they sat at the long, ornately set table, Mariane found herself feeling more at home than ever. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories of the Princess's childhood and the adventures they had shared together as a family.
Mariane was surrounded by love and warmth, and as she looked around the table at the faces of those who now embraced her, she knew that this was where she belonged. This was her new life—a life of love, connection, and freedom. A life where she could grow, explore, and be exactly who she was meant to be.
And, most importantly, she was no longer alone.