Katrina's POV
For the first time in as long as I could remember, I had what people called a luxury bath. Different scents filled the bathroom as I rinsed my skin from the soap which I used to scrub my body clean.
At some point I discovered I had been crying which didn't surprise me thus I was so overwhelmed with joy and relief as I did so. I knew it was too early to be happy, nonetheless my body and mind couldn't help succumb to the peace and calmness of the new environment I had found myself in.
The past hour felt like heaven and I could say the difference was clear from where I was coming from. Exiting the bathroom, I strolled to the bed, my heart clenching in warmth and brow lifting in surprise as I caught sight of white cotton shorts and a blue vest laid out on the mattress.
Already having an idea who's action it was, I simply dropped the towel I had wrapped around me and lowered my body on the bed. I picked up the vest, my fingers rubbing the soft material with admiration in my eyes at how clean it was and new too from the label hanging off the neck.
I threw the vest over my head and slid on the shorts too, releasing a sigh at the softness that graced my skin once I had them on. Being deprived of the basic things about life since I was born made every new experience seem special despite the fact it was normal to a lot of people.
For the second time since I entered the room, my eyes roamed every inch and corner of the space. My eyes taking in every little detail as if commiting it to my memory.
The fact I was used to tragedy and my life taking a drastic turn for the worst made a hint of fear to hang at the back of my mind. Maybe everything was a dream and I would wake up to find myself at the river where I was sent to fetch water.
I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror that was directly beside the exit door of the room and as if compelled, I made my way to it. I couldn't remember when last I saw myself.
The only reflection I picked up in the past was from the small broken mirror I had or when I went to the river. Which was why I offered the glass a scrutinizing gaze as I observed every inch of me I could see.
My hair was a mess though it wasn't too bad, however I wondered if that was how people saw me with the strands having tangles and hard knots.
As the thought popped in, my hand instantly reached for the hairbrush on the vanity table to my right and fixed it on my hair. I hissed at the sharp pain when I dragged the brush downward.
Sucking it up, I did the same to the other strands, brushing it thoroughly till my scalp throbbed from and I felt a headache coming on.
Nonetheless I was glad at the result, my hair appeared smoother and softer as my fingers touched it. I never knew I had such straight silky hair.
My blue eyes shone back at me through the reflection as I took in my figure for possibly the 100th time. My slender figure appeared a bit too tiny for the loose fitting attire I had on, rather I admired my long legs which I had never noticed.
A knock came at the door, startling me a tad but I relaxed as I reminded myself I wasn't going to be punished anytime soon.
'You are safe here,' I breathed, a palm already on my chest as I closed my eyes for some seconds and unraveled them.
Deep down I was certain it was foolish of me to think to let my guard down so easily. I've barely been in the new environment for an hour or two.
Yes, I was given a warm welcome and treated like every other person for once, it couldn't go far to reveal what these people were like or why I was there or why I was being treated with warmth and hospitality.
It was sweet and at the same time? Suspicious. A knock came again at the door reminding me what I had forgotten in an instant. Dropping the comb I went towards it and slid the bolt aside before tugging it ajar.
"Ariana what are you—"
"Excuse me please," she cut me off with her statement and urged me to the side with her body as she walked past the door, a large tray in her hand and a grin on her lips. "I brought you dinner."
The scent of food filled my nostrils and my stomach rumbled the exact second my mouth watered as she lowered what she held carefully on the mattress.
"Aren't you busy?" I asked as I pushed the door closed once she sat down, and receiving the signal she wasn't leaving yet. "Sorry if I sounded rude by asking."
"It's no biggie," she waved me off and pointed at the chair beneath my desk and indicated I bring it over. "You are looking out for me and my job so I understand."
"So you are not?" I inquired, trying to make sure. I had once been a worker so I had an idea about how these things worked.
"I'm not," she revealed. "My work ended by 5pm and it's 7pm."
"Oooh," I let out in understanding and pulled the chair she indicated to bring it close to the bed. "So why are you here?"
"Like I said, to bring you food," she answered, frowning at me. "Why are you sounding hostile?"
"I don't know," I sighed and gradually got sitter as she indicated again by making a hand gesture. "I'm just used to being wary around people and not used to affection."
"Hmmmm," she hummed as if processing my words, her facial expression going blank for a moment. "Well you should get used to it from now."
"Okay." I nodded.
"Because the King loves when his affection is appreciated," she revealed, a strange look in her eyes.