fanqie novel
18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Alice POVContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
So the Prince decided to take Stuart away yesterday. I was enjoying his company but he just had to come. I had no idea what I might have done to get this much hatred from him but heaven does it choke more than I could swallow.
Now it is almost morning and the sun is about to shine. All of me is placing a huge hope on Stuart coming to visit again like he did yesterday or maybe the Prince would have his station changed again.
The door opened again but only two guards came in, I could not stop my disappointment that overcame me when I saw that he was not with them.
“Get up, the King, request your presence.” One of them said, my whole being was thrown into chaos. Guess it was time for him to deliver my verdict and to go die, I forced the tears that wanted to fall back and I stood up. I will go to my death with my head high.
“Okay, I’m ready.” I stood up and dusted myself to the best of my abilities, my cell door was unlocked and I walked in the middle of the two guards again going to one of the places I dreaded most in the castle; the throne room.
I walked down the long, dimly lit corridor towards the throne room, I felt a sense of anticipation. The walls were lined with tapestries, depicting battles won and heroic deeds accomplished by the kingdom’s ancestors, in spite of its beauty my mind could not appreciate it.
The sound of my footsteps echoed down the hall, accompanied by the occasional clanking of armour from the guards stationed at regular intervals. The air was filled with the scent of wax from the torches that flickered along the walls, casting shadows that danced along the stone floor. I walked on taking in the looks because this might be the last time I have the chance.
I approached the throne room, I still could not stop the gasp every time I got to this place. The door was massive, with intricate carvings and symbols of the kingdom etched into its surface. Two guards stood at attention on either side, their armour glinting in the flickering torchlight.
The door was pushed open and we all stepped inside, I was met with a breath-taking sight. The room was enormous, with a high, vaulted ceiling and walls lined with ornate columns. A plush carpet covered the floor, leading up to the throne at the far end of the room.
The throne was made of gold, with intricate carvings and designs that sparkled in the light of the candelabras flanking it on either side. It was a symbol of the kingdom’s power and wealth wasted on the room.
The walk to the throne room was a journey of anticipation and terror lacing my every being, I could not help the shaking in my bones. I got to the presence of the king and I fell to my knees, my head bowed waiting for my final verdict.
“Rise child.” The King commanded. I was beyond surprised as to why he sounded so calm and gentle. Regardless I obeyed his command and stood up to my feet.
“Your majesty.” I said, still bowing my head low.
“You are being released from the dungeon and the crime against you will be wiped off. You are free to go and resume your duties.” He commanded, the guards removed the chains used to hold me down.
“Pardon????” I choked out not only was I really frozen and happy that I got to keep my life but my heart could only take so much.
“The prince did say that you should go get a goblet but he never specified which he wanted and so I could easily conclude that it was all a huge misunderstanding. Therefore, leading to the event that happened today and you being free.” The king explained. I was only able to nod my head.
I was just so happy I got to keep my life, the king waved his hand and I guess that I was dismissed. I got out and saw Meredith waiting for me, she and two other maids.
“Take her and go clean her up.” She commanded the two behind her. Those two took my arm each and directed me to the bath chambers.
I know that I’ve been here before, yet the bath chambers for the maids were spacious, with a large marble bathtub at the centre. The walls were tiled with gleaming white ceramics and the ceiling was painted with intricate designs and frescoes. There were several large windows that let in ample natural light, giving the room an airy feel.
The room was furnished with plush towels, stacks of washcloths, and bottles of perfumed oils. There were several small wooden stools scattered around the room, as well as a large wooden bench. The walls were lined with shelves that held soap, brushes, and other bathing essentials.
As I looked around, I noticed that the bathtub was surrounded by a low wall that kept the water from spilling onto the floor. There were several taps that could be used to adjust the flow of water, and a set of stairs that led down into the bathtub.
I also noticed that the room was steamy and warm, with a large fireplace burning brightly in one corner. The fire was tended by a servant, who was stoking the flames and adding fresh logs as needed. The heat from the fire combined with the warm water to create a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
Although the palace is filled with a lot of headaches and Prince’s who are after one’s life but I could not deny the small pleasures and luxury that I did not have when I was living in the streets.
Been washed again by the maids brought about the first time I was presented to the King and Queen.
Twice now I’ve been in the dungeons and both times it had been because if an individual Prince Edward.
Yet my mind flashed back to the cell when Edward entered and saw Stuart stroking my cheek while I cried, I saw the anger in his eyes and that was not helping my confused mind as to why he would be that angry at me.
Was he angry because he wanted me to suffer alone? What could I have done to make him hate me to such extent. Was he really angry that I had someone who was offering me hope and strength? And he was angry because I had someone to rely on? A string of curses escaped my mouth, I liked around and saw that the maids had left me alone when most of the dirt on my body had been removed. No maid likes serving another maid lower than her rank after all.
The more I thought about it the more I hate Edward, he is not even worthy of me to keep on calling him a Prince. The dislike I had for him grew up in leaps more than I could ever imagine, I stood up and made my way to the kitchen.
I was not able to see Stuart before I left the dungeons and that could mean that it’s either he has been stationed or he was done with his week and the latter does not seem to be the case. I entered the kitchen and I saw some maids around, I asked them if any of them had seen him and none was able to tell me, I was about continuing my search when I was called by ine of the maids.
“Alice, the Head maid Meredith asked you to meet her immediately.” She said before she turned away.
I grumbled under my breath but I made my way toward her without nay complaint. I walked the ever so familiar hallways to go meet Meredith. I got to her door and I knocked hearing an immediate permission to enter, guess she had been waiting for me.
I opened the door and I was engulfed into a tight hug, the sweet scent of rosemary tickled into my nose and the softness of her body amazed me.
“You scared me Alice.” She said.
“I am sorry Meredith.” I answered, I was a bit happy to see that someone was worried about me.
“You really should be careful in the palace Alice. You must be vigilant, you managed and narrowly escape death today and please let it be a one-time thing.” She pleaded while holding me at arm’s length. I saw her face and I could see the uneasiness in them.
“Do not worry, it will really be a one-time thing.” I smiled as I tried her to calm her down.
“It better Alice. It better be, do you know how many maids have died due to the tantrum thrown by the royal family? Yes, they do care about the citizen but mostly from afar and they would not hesitate to get rid of anything they find to be disturbing. All I am saying is that you should please be careful.” She said still pleading with her eyes.
“Okay Meredith, I will be.” I assured her again.
“I would love to have you back in my station but you know that my authorities and power are limited. If I could I would shield you bit alas my powerlessness is shown.” She complained. I felt my heart stir at the emotions I felt, I hugged her again and tighter this time around.
“Thank you so much Meredith, that meant a lot to me.” I said. I felt her calm down in my arms and I released her.
“Okay, now try and lay low for sometimes but in the meantime return to your station.” She commanded and returned to her sit. I smiled and turned leaving her alome in her room.
As I walked I knew that what she said was true and I needed to find a way to leave this place as soon as possible or Edward might just one-day request for my life. But the question still remains as to how I would leave here but not to return back to stealing in the streets.
Or maybe I should ask Stuart for help, bit would that not be inappropriate? I know that if I were to return to the streets I would not be able to live there properly again. I have relaxed myself in these past few weeks and I would also be putting myself in unnecessary danger which I should be able to avoid.
“Alice?” I heard a voice and I looked up to see a maid in the colour of the Queen’s quarter.
“Yes?” I answered curiously. What would a maid of that place want to do with me?
“Your presence is required by the Queen.” She said, and just like that all time stopped. I have no idea what I ever did to these royals but they could not just let me rest without meeting anyone of them for a day.
“When?” I asked
“Now.” She answered
“Where?” I questioned. I know I was not supposed to but I am just tired and I needed something to think in my brain.
“What non-sense is this. You dare question the order of the Queen?” She replied in an authoritative tone
“I apologize but that was not my intention at all.” I replied politely.
“The queen is waiting for you in her Chambers and expects you to go meet her immediately.” She said and turned on her heels. Guess it’s high time we go find out what the Queen wanted