To love and be loved

Eliza's sufferings

Chapter 7

Eliza's sufferings

Eliza's life took a dramatic turn when the prince's affections for her became known throughout the palace.The royal household was not pleased.They saw Eliza as nothing more than a lowly servant,a distraction for the Prince.

One morning , Eliza was summoned to the queen’s chambers. Tears welled in her eyes as she faced the woman. “Eliza, I have nothing against you but you are a distraction to the Prince,” the queen declared. Prince Alexander must marry a noblewoman, not a kitchen maid.She stated further,"I have instructed Lady Beatrice the head of the household to remove you from the kitchen".

The next day, the head of the household announced that Eliza was being transferred from the kitchen to the washroom. The news spread like wildfire, and Eliza knew she was in trouble.

The washroom was a damp, dark place, far from the warmth and bustle of the kitchen. Eliza was heartbroken as she began her new duties, scrubbing floors and washing linens.She felt the weight of her suffering. Her hands, once soft and gentle, became raw and red. Her back ached from the endless bending and lifting.

The Prince too was suffering. He missed Eliza dearly. He tried to visiting her, but there were guards at the door instructed not to allow the Prince out of his chambers.Not even Princess Priscilla was allowed in to see her brother.

The king himself visited ithe washroom. Eliza startled, curtsied low, her heart racing.

"Eliza, my dear," the king said.His voice dripping with condescension. "If only you had welcomed my advances but you rejected me, Eliza". The king continued, his voice cold. " You will stay in this washroom until you learnt your place is not that of a wife of a Prince but a kept mistress".

The king's words cut deep, but she refused to show it.Eliza's heart ached, but she stood tall.She knew the king's cruelty was a result of his own pride and wounded ego.She wouldn't let him break her spirit.

Queen Sophia had been walking by the washroom when she heard her husband's voice."With whom was he speaking",She said to herself.She stopped in her track and listened carefully.When she overheard his cruel words to Eliza, her heart sinking with disgust. She had always suspected her husband's flaws, but this was a bit low.

Quietly she dodged into a corner to avoid being seen by the King as he exited the washroom.The queen entered the washroom immediately the King left.

Eliza, curtsied low. The queen's eyes met Eliza's, and she saw the tears and her pains.

"Eliza, my dear," the queen said, her voice soft but firm. "You don't deserve such treatment. You're a kind and hardworking soul, and I won"t allow any one molest you".

"Your Majesty," Eliza whispered, "thank you for your kindness. But please, don't risk your own position for me."

The Queen smiled, her eyes flashing with determination. "I won't let anyone, including my husband, maltreat those under my care. You're under my protection now, Eliza. Don't worry, I have my plans and I will make sure the king doesn't bother you again."

With that, the queen turned and left the washroom, leaving Eliza with a sense of hope