"Father!" I went happily into my father's chamber, on my hands were the newly made golden jeweleries Mother had given to me. She bought it personally from a renowned Goldsmith in our kingdom. Being a wise woman, knowing what I'd like, she got my name to be curved on one.
I had been too excited when she handed it to me. I hadn't expected her gift to be so posh and different. Perhaps I had expected her to once again gift me some dear clothes.
Father turned to me, an heavy scowl on his face.
I knew I was disturbing him, as he was busy on scrolls but I couldn't help it.
Tomorrow was my 18th birthday and Mother would be throwing an inside party for me. It was a small party and wouldn't last an hour. It solely consists of few people like my stepmothers, Barney and a few close maids.
If it had been any more extravagant, I was sure Father wouldn't had agreed to it.
I would have preferred an ample party but I was female, Father considers it as a waste of money and time.
He prefers me to be in my chamber all day listening to teachings and engaging in books.
"How dare you, Almira? Do you not consider it as a lack of respect barging into my chamber like that?!"
He seemed quite grilled as he snarled at me.
I had expected this attitude before I came in — It was usual anyway. I had only risked it because I wanted my complete family to attend my birthday feast.
I knew utterly well, it would be my last birthday here. Father had been recently busy finding an husband for me, I would most likely be getting married soon and would possibly not see my family again.
I desired to celebrate with all of them before my brewing departure.
"I'm sorry Father but I wanted to show to you my birthday gifts which Mother had gifted..."
He didn't even stare at me.
"Get out if you don't wish getting punished!"
I felt shaken by his threats.
He was obviously solemn. If I annoy him once more, I was absolutely sure he would cancel my birthday celebration without any second thought.
If that happens, Mother wouldn't even be able to talk him off it.
I hastily bowed, retracting my steps as I walked out of the chamber.
I urged to ask or even plea with him to attend the celebration but I knew it was obviously a waste.
Father had never attended any celebration of mine. He considers it as unsuitable for his sex, he does attend that of Barney though.
It hurts me but I never do show it. Somehow, I felt I should be used to it by now.
"Almira! Oh here you are!" Mother suddenly came in, startling me much.
I knew she'd be angry. She doesn't like me pestering Father.
"I've been looking around for you! Tomorrow is your big day! But why are you here? And why are your gifts on your hands?" She glared at me.
I was a princess. Holding this many jeweleries might seem thoroughly bizarre.
I bowed ruefully.
"I'm sorry, Mother..."
"Are you here to disturb your father?"
"Not really."
She scoffed. "Leave us alone then and don't come back here without his permission. You know your father is a king and quite busy."
I nodded although reluctantly.
I only wanted to show off my gifts to him and invite him to my birthday celebration, why was it so difficult?
Disappointed, I went out of the chamber and headed back to mine.
~~~
"Ahhhhh!" I jerked up from the bed, my eyes wide and my heartbeat loud in my ears. Sweats drained my skin and I was utterly sure I looked like I've seen some horrid ghosts.
"Are you okay?" Evelyn rushed to my side, apparently awoken by my scream.
She had allowed me lay in her chamber for just a night. I would be leaving to the maid's dormitory tomorrow.
"I'm fine." I said quietly and quickly to disperse her worry.
"Oh, you had a nightmare?" She asked with a genuine concern.
It wasn't at all a nightmare. It was a memory from few months ago. Though now with my parents gone, it'd frighten me a little to see them quite alive and well.
I heaved a doleful smile, clenching the sheets around me hard. I felt like crying. I expeditiously turned to the other side of the bed, not wanting her to see my tears dropping rapidly from my eyes.
"It's nothing." My voice was a mumble. I wondered if she'd hear but she said not a thing more and left back to sleep.
I couldn't sleep. I couldn't even shut my eyes.
I spent the rest of the night painfully drowning in my tears.
~~~
Evelyn introduced me to some set of maids. These were the kitchen maids. They were in their hundreds so of course she couldn't introduce me to most, but I most likely didn't need any introduction cause immediately they saw me, they seemed to had known who I was.
"Madam Evelyn, it's quite dangerous for her to work with us here in the kitchen!" A pump, blonde girl retorted angrily. A frown coming up on her pale, freckled face.
"What do you mean, Nora?" Evelyn did ask.
"I mean... She is an enemy of Sihasin and for sure, won't hesitate to poison the foods."
"That's my job to worry about. Treat her nicely and I don't want to hear anymore complaints from you all." Evelyn left and I of course knew I did be plagued.
These maids, all of them, they didn't like me at all and it was obviously palpable.
"You are Rupert's daughter!" One of the maids snapped, her eyes piercing at me with aggression.
"You were formerly a princess but now is just some shabby rag in our kingdom, how does that feel, huh?" Another sneered and every of the kitchen maids present bursted out in mocking laugher, making me to jiggle in discomfort.
"This is a perfect example of justice well served!"
"How ugly she looks! I doubt she was a princess."
"Don't you know? The king had her locked in the dungeon for some days, sad she didn't die in there!"
"Why is she still alive though? Her father just died, she should be killed along with him!"
"Yes! She should go to hell, just like the rest of her evil family."
"Stop it! My family isn't evil!" I snapped back furiously.
I wondered what my family, especially my father had done to them that couldn't be forgiven. Why do they have to transfer their aggression on me?
"What did you say?" One of them spat out and tugged at my hair, causing me to yelped in pains.
"Your father killed my father!"
What?
I wanted to ask questions as I was made confused but the pain from her firm grip on my hair couldn't allow me to. I kept screaming until thankfully, Evelyn barged in, shock on her face as she saw the scene.
"Katy!"
The maid tugging my hair immediately released her hold in sudden fright while the rest of the maids comported themselves, some pretending to be busy with something.
"What were you doing?"
"Nothing m...ma." She stuttered.
"Nothing? You were clearly hurting your new colleague."
"I wasn't. She was cursing me and hit me, so I held her hair in self defense..."
"What lies!" Evelyn was clearly annoyed.
"You know fighting could get you sacked or even punished but yet you did so. Do you not care for yourself?"
Katy seemed terrified. She instantaneously knelt to the floor. "I apologize madam, this would never happen again, I swear!"
Somehow I indeed wanted her to be punished. She had spilled lies and insulted my family. I couldn't tolerate that.
"You are spared this time but next time it happens again, it will be reported personally to the King. The king is the only one to hurt the girl, no one else!"
"Y..yes ma." Katy sounded much nervous.
"I'm talking to all the maids here!" Evelyn yelled.
All the maids present immediately turned to her.
"Yes Madam." They all chorused, while Evelyn gave me a 'be careful' look before exiting the kitchen.
~~~
The rest of the day I was ignored in the kitchen. The only thing I did was rinsed the many dishes washed by some maids. I couldn't even rinse them properly as it was my first time doing so.
That of course got the maids washing to glare and vilify me.
When I finished, it was almost noon. We were served a late breakfast but I was given the smallest portion. It was just few spoonful of rice.
I wanted to complain but kept silent, knowing they were all doing this to spite me.
I ate and though still highly hungry, I joined them sweeping the kitchen and arranging some disorganized items.
I felt so tired when I was done. I wanted to take a snooze at least but there were still many things to be done.
I was instructed to wash the used pots and kettles. They were extremely much and gigantic in size, and only six girls were assigned with me to wash them.
I couldn't even wash accurately so after many decry and affronts, someone was told to replace me.
"Such lazy girl! She couldn't even wash simple pots!"
"She was a spoilt rat! And certainly didn't do any chore at Perston."
"Ew... Thank goodness she is here now. She would experience how and what we maids suffer."
"Yes!"
I could hear some maids blabbing loudly behind me. They didn't even care whether I could hear them or not.
Sighing, I went to the faucet to wash my hands clean but I was stopped when a guard approached me.
"Hey!" He called directly to me. I was baffled. Was he really talking to me? Did I unknowingly do something wrong?
I felt a shiver run through my spine.
"His highness desires you to appear in the courthouse. Follow after me."
I felt much apprehension and affright as I followed in front of him. I was perplexed also.
Was I going to be judged? Was I going to be killed?
I dug my fingers into my palm to ease my panic.
I urged to ask the guard but I knew he wouldn't answer.
As we walked, the maids stared at me, their gazes filled with curiosity and their lips moving rapidly as they gossiped.
"Oh, guess she is finally leaving the earth today."
"We can't be so sure. She was invited to the courthouse, not a dungeon."
"Still doesn't make much difference. She would be judged and later killed. You don't expect the king to spare her, do you?"
They sniggered, causing me to feel more timorous.
I tried not to overthink as my trepidation would worsened.
Indeed, the king might slay me. He had killed my whole family anyway, I truly do not expect him to spare me.
I bit my lips hard, trying to block the memories of my mother dying or of my father's public decapitation.
I abhorred this heartless king and wished the worst for him.
As soon as we arrived into the courthouse, I saw some people seated. They were all males. Seven men at the right and then seven men at the left.
I gulped nervously as I caught sight of King Luther sitting majestically on his throne. He was staring at me with an apathetic look on his face which did make me feel some trembling caress my skin.