Snow Black

CHAPTER 3

“Princess!” the voice echoed in the hallways.  

Maisie ran towards me, arms open and face scrunched up after holding her tears all this time. 

Some other maid, I assume who belongs to mother, were the one who brought me down from that room. Mother must’ve had seconds thoughts on lending the keys to my maids. 

Maisie pulled me out of the maids’ grasp, defensively embracing me. My other maids followed behind, with expressions similar to Maisie’s. 

It’s been three days. If it weren’t for the cups of water they generously gave me, I wouldn’t have the strength to even speak.  

“I’m...” I said, with my face buries in Maisie’s neck... “hungry.” 

They wasted no time in preparing my breakfast. The dishes that are easy to cook were served first so I can begin filling my stomach while waiting for the main courses.  

“Eat more, your highness,” another maid, Stella demanded, “You need to restore all the fats you lost, or else everyone will sulk!” 

“Of course!” I giggled. 

These people in my palace are the only ones who truly care about Selene. They helped her get through what ever she’s facing. 

I smiled while taking a bite out of a piece of meat, feeling a bit guilty. I’m certain that the king and queen doesn’t supply us with much. Feeding me all this might mean their food proportion will decrease for the next days, but still... 

“Thank you,” I smiled as Maisie placed another dish on the table. 

She c****d her head a bit, feeling a but confused after sensing something, but smiling nonetheless, “You’re always welcome, your highness.” 

Living as Selene is a bit harder than I thought it would be. Because the childhood of the protagonist wasn’t included in detail in the novel, small points like these are overlooked. This is especially because Selene is just a minor character, whose only purpose is to be Eira’s counterpart to maintain the balance in nature. 

Readers wouldn’t possibly know that Eira’s loving parents who supported her on her adventures, were abusers at one point. 

If I think about it, the king and queen might be another factor for Selene’s death. It wasn’t known how she got the curse, and her parents never bothered to find a cure.  

Selene’s character was nothing but pitiful. 

This is no different than possessing the body of a little slave girl. 

“Alright, plans have changed!” 

Having no paper nor pen inside my chambers, I took a mental note of everything.  

This family is filthy rich. Though they may not give me much, but I have to hoarde every nit and pieces that I can get a hold of. In that way, I would be able to provide for myself when I leave this family in the future. I could try asking my parents for money directly since I’m sure they’d be happy to see me off, although I doubt that would end well.  

 A small house away from the capital will be perfect so I can live and blend in with the commoners. They wouldn’t be able to recognize me since only nobles are allowed to attend the parties that we host, and as a child, I’ve never publicly shown my face outside the palace. I just have to endure all the lashings that mother will take out on me in the coming years. 

That leaves me with the final problem, my curse. I have to find a way to lift this but I don’t have a single clue how, at least not yet. 

“Stella,” I called out to her. 

Her head c****d up and relaxed her fingers on the broom’s handle to give me her attention, “Your highness?” 

“Do you know anything about curses?” 

As expected, she seemed taken aback. I also hesitated to ask anyone to continue keeping my demeanor as a child, but I wouldn't get anywhere while only relying on myself. 

“Your-your highness! Why would you ask about that?” panic seemed to take over her senses as she let go of her broom to approach me in my bed, “Are you hurt anywhere? Should I call Maisie over for you?” 

Despite her reaction, I doubt she’s aware that I am truly cursed. This is more like concern over the public opinion of me. 

“No, nothing hurts. It’s just that I overheard some nobles talking about curses during the party.” 

Though I didn’t lie, I still felt mischievous. Well, to be an ignorant child does have its advantages.