Helen's eyelids snapped open, her gaze colliding with the worn ancient ceiling that suffocated her the most. The familiar confines of the cramped room closed in around her , a constant reminder that she was still trapped more like a helpless prisoner to fate. The past day's despair lingered a heavy shroud that refused to lift and Helen rolled her eyes in defiance tossing the tattered blanket aside like a shackle . Her bare feet slapped against the icy floor sending shivers coursing through her veins like a malevolent entity. The chill seeped into her bones, echoing the eerie sense of foreboding that had taken up residence in her heart.
She slid into her slippers and glided silently through the back door of her room her footsteps muffled by the creaking floorboards . However the caution was unnecessary since the household was already stirring it's occupants driven by their respective obsessions. The old lady , a tireless workhorse would soon be up , her hands moving with precision as she sorted her flowers readying herself for the long journey and deliveries through the town.
And then of course, there was Thomas, his restlessness palpable as he chased the dawn, hell-bent on claiming the lake's bounty for himself.
Helen padded to the bathroom, the chill of the morning air clinging to her skin like a damp shroud forcing her to wrap her arms around her body glaring irritatedly upon the dark sky . Helen cursed as she reached for the soaps troubled with the sudden tragedy that turned her once beautiful life upside down. She rubbed the soaps carefully on her delicate skin as her last statement replayed in her mind making her frown in disgust .There was nothing beautiful about that kind of life apart from the plastered confident face she always held firm for everyone to see. Nobody value her emotions. She rinsed her skin with water , dried it and applied some oils .
Once she was done with her morning routine, she made her way to the kitchen which wasn't too far after all it's a small house. Dina's face lit up at Helen's entrance giving her a sense of appreciation."Good morning, Helen. Did you sleep well".
Helen plastered a contented smile unsure of what to tell the old lady. The bed was uncomfortable, the room itself was a mess infact, in a good way to put it, she hated it here. But Helen couldn't say that, perhaps too kind to say such. " I did get some sleep".
She the turned to the pile of dishes trying to make good use of her hands. " I think I'm done here." Dina put the big basket on her back and strolled past Helen." Take care, child." She gently patted on her shoulder before leaving the house. Helen's gaze fixed on the old lady receding figure until it vanished into the darkness before being fixed back to the dishes. She felt a sharp feeling stuck to her chest somewhat a mixture of empathy and admiration for Dina.
However, she pushed the feeling aside and tackled every chore in the house making good use of herself during her stay with these nice people. These people would work so hard but nothing big changed in their lives and this broke Helen's heart. She was also puzzled about Thomas's family or perhaps Dina was his only family. All her questions had no proper answer and even if she tried, there was no way she would get one. Her own life was still giving her a hard time to figure out. Once Helen was through with everything, she decided to make a scrumptious meal for Dina and Thomas for them to enjoy in the afternoon.
However, there wasn't enough water left in the container after everything including the laundry that left her with a terrible back ache.
Helen rolled her eyes at the scene, it was unbelievable. She thought about cancelling the cooking plans but something still didn't feel right with it. "Ahhh, " she growled as her gaze landed on the wooden buckets piled vertically in the right corner of the kitchen.
" I guess l have to ." She picked up two of them which were surprisingly heavy than they actually looked , and made her way out of the house.
This was Helen's first time to step out of the house ever since that day she was brought in unconscious. She had no idea of where she was going but at least clever enough to mark her way back to the old lady's house.
Before her, she noticed a small group of girls her age carrying buckets similar to her's while some were even bigger in size. Helen's eyes flickered with joy as she lifted both sides of her skirt and tried to catch up with the girls maintaining a safe distance between her with the girls.
After a few strides, Helen was now able to see the huge structure that was a couple of steps from her. The girls she had followed were now drawing water from the well into there buckets. It all looked like it would take forever but Helen stood patiently this time close to the girls and watched them as they filled each other's buckets , also close enough to listen to their conversation clearly. " He's a real piece of art though". One of the girls said before rolling her blue eyes sleepishly.
Her friends gathered around her , their faces aglow with excitement as they eagerly awaited her next words. However, Helen's attention wandered, taking in the vibrant scene around her. Women around busied themselves with laundry and different groups of young women like these before her were having lively conversations. Ignoring the commotion, Helen made her way to the well and tossed the rope-tied bucket into the well , to it's fill before beginning the arduous task of hauling it back up. Her abdominal muscles tensed as she pulled , her grip wavering momentarily before she regained control. Finally, after filling the last one , she let out a big sigh , "Huh" .That short period really felt like an eternity to poor Helen. She could even feel the tiny droplets of sweat already formed on her forehead . Even though the distance between the old lady's house and the well was a short one, Helen wasn't prepared for a heart attack on her way back. She slowly leaned against the wall trying to catch her breath.
"Merissa, stop those foolish thoughts already." A girl's voice said firmly reminding Helen of her company. " This is a grand opportunity, think of the benefits your family will gain." It was one of the girls she had followed to the well earlier. It surprised her that they were still glued in the same positions she'd left them. " I know, but I'm still not sure if the prince will choose me." Merissa rubbed the back of her neck worriedly. She was one of the three girls that were invited to the palace. " She has a point, Drucella is tough competition . What if the prince takes an interest in her?" . Merissa's two friends exchanged worried glances.
" Don't say such Olivia, " Zoe frowned at Olivia as she gently caressed Merissa's face. " Our friend is really beautiful, the prince will definitely choose her."
Helen witnessed a slight smile form on Merissa's lips. The girls' conversation had piqued her curiosity that she wanted to longer and eavesdrop but time was definitely not on her side. She flexed her arms in the air as she approached her buckets, lifted them up and started strolling back to the old lady's house with the help of her land marks.
Alot of questions swirled around in her mind. ' This place really has a kingdom '
' ls the real prince in search of a wife or?'
This chapter is a bit boring, but the nice parts are coming though..