Anezka's Pov
A warm ray of sunshine streamed through the expansive balcony door, illuminating the room with a soft golden glow.
The gentle sound of a knock on the door gradually pulled me from my deep slumber.
I blinked away the remnants of sleep and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the coolness of the floor beneath my feet. As I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of the same maid who had served me a delightful dinner the night before.
She wore a charming vintage outfit in shades of green and brown, the fabric slightly faded, which added to its nostalgic charm. A brown apron was tied neatly around her waist, accentuating her warm and approachable demeanor.
"Good morning! I've brought you a delicious breakfast, freshly prepared cinnamon rolls and a steaming cup of brewed coffee," she said with a bright, cheerful smile that instantly lifted my spirits.
I stepped aside to let her enter the room, while I settled on the edge of the bed, still feeling the drowsiness linger. The maid gracefully moved toward the balcony, her hands expertly pulling open the curtains to let in more of the morning light.
"I'm sorry I couldn't introduce myself yesterday; you looked so tired," she said, her voice filled with genuine empathy. Her expression was apologetic, and I could sense her desire to make a connection.
"That's alright; you don't need to apologize for that," I said humbly, my voice softened by the morning light streaming through the window.
"I'm Rhea," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of formality. "Queen Serena has instructed me to serve you breakfast and prepare you for lunch, which will take place in the grand dining hall."
As she spoke, she deftly arranged a plate of steaming breakfast before me, the aroma wafting up and making my stomach rumble in response.
Queen Serena? What is going on here? My mind raced, and I felt a mix of confusion and intrigue. Serena is a queen? And she possesses magic? This is all so bizarre. Countless thoughts swirled in my head, but instead of burdening Rhea with my questions, I chose to keep silent.
I would seek clarity from Serena and that man later. I reached for the delicate porcelain cup adorned with intricate designs, its warmth radiating through my fingers as I lifted it to my lips. "Yesterday, Serena mentioned I would meet her for breakfast instead of lunch. Why the sudden change of plans?" I asked, curiosity creeping into my tone.
Rhea turned and began walking towards the door nestled in the right corner of the room, the soft rustle of her maid's dress accompanying her steps. Without turning back, she replied, "I don't know anything about the change of plan. I'm just a maid; I'm only here to pass along messages and attend to your needs."
Not wanting to press further since it seemed futile to seek answers from her, I sighed, letting the weight of uncertainty settle in my chest. I turned my attention back to the breakfast before me, determined to enjoy the meal while I pondered the mysteries that surrounded me.
Just as I was about to savor the last bite of my breakfast, a soft sound floated through the air from the room where Rhea had just stepped in.
Curiosity piqued, I watched as a few moments later, she emerged, radiating beauty in the prettiest pastel blue dress. The fabric flowed elegantly, adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery that shimmered subtly in the light.
Rhea's sparkling eyes caught my attention, her excitement palpable. "Did you have your breakfast?" she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she carefully draped the gorgeous dress over the chair in front of the ornate dressing table. "Yes, I did," I replied, still lingering on the delightful flavors of my meal as I finished chewing the final bite.
"Good! Now come on, I'm going to dress you up like the most beautiful princess to ever exist in this world," she exclaimed, her eyes alight with delight, promising a magical transformation.
Rhea gently urged me to take a shower while she meticulously arranged the array of stunning accessories that would beautifully complement my dress.
As I settled into the luxurious, polished stone-carved bathtub, the warm water enveloped me like a comforting embrace. I was savoring the sweetness of the bath, yet my mind was adrift in a sea of bewildering thoughts.
Questions swirled around me like autumn leaves in the wind: "What is happening? Who am I? Why does this place feel so different, so fresh, as if I've been transported to a heavenly paradise? Yet beneath the surface, there's a mystical air here, something almost otherworldly that instill the space with a strange, enchanting vibe. Am I losing my sanity?"
My inner voice echoed with doubt, and just then, Aunt Alora's wise words played in my mind like a haunting melody: "Illusion means fantasy, my child. It's a realm where reality feels altered and surreal. If ever you find yourself surrounded by an air of unreality, remember, it's your world—a vast and magical domain, a cosmos of Aislinn." Was this the fantastical world she always described? Does it truly exist? How could Aunt Alora have known about this enchanting place? My thoughts spun in a whirlpool of confusion as the beauty and mystery of my surroundings deepened, leaving me awestruck and puzzled at the same time.
My train of thought was abruptly interrupted when Rhea knocked gently on the bathroom door, her voice a playful lilt as she asked, "Are you done yet or not, pretty one?"
"Almost, I'm coming," I called back, hastily rinsing off the last remnants of soap and trying to gather my thoughts.
As I finally stepped out of the steamy bathroom, the cool air met my damp skin. I wrapped myself in a plush, white royal bathrobe, the soft fabric comforting against my body.
My hair hung in wet strands around my face, droplets trickling down my shoulders. Rhea rushed toward me, her steps light with excitement, a fluffy towel clutched in her hands. "You should dry your hair first," she suggested with an encouraging smile, and without waiting for a reply, she began to gently pat my hair dry. Her touch was warm and careful, and I could feel the tension melting away as I enjoyed her attention.
Once my hair was partially dry, she guided me to the dressing table chair, urging me to sit. "Are you ready, my beautiful girl?" she asked, her sparkling eyes brimming with happiness. I could see the genuine joy radiating from her as she spoke. Wanting to maintain her infectious delight, I softly and whispered, "Yes, I am."
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"After all, we are nothing more or less than we choose to reveal"
- By Sylvia Path