Chapter 2 Homecoming
952 Words
The firewood crackled as it burned, filling the attic with the piney scent of resin.
The warmth made my head feel unbearably heavy, causing it to droop against my chest.
I was drifting off when Teal's gentle voice reached my ears.
"No, Your Highness, that won't happen."
I strained to lift my head, barely managing to open my eyes enough to see her.
Teal reached over, smoothing my tangled hair like a mother comforting her child. "Don't worry, my princess. I'll stay by your side."
Her embrace was warm, reminiscent of Abby's.
That night, I slept restlessly.
One moment, it felt as if I were in an ice cellar, shivering uncontrollably, my teeth chattering.
Minutes later, it felt like I was on a hot iron griddle, being cooked alive.
My nightgown was soaked with sweat, its colorful patches vivid against the damp fabric like the flags hanging in a cathedral.
Teal stayed at my bedside, wiping my forehead again and again, never leaving my side.
Each time I regained a moment of clarity, I found her watching me with a caring gaze, so gentle that it blurred into Abby's in my mind.
As dawn's first light crept in, I finally woke up fully. My mouth tasted bitter, and I felt drained, unable to move even a finger.
Teal had fallen asleep with her head resting on the bed.
In the morning light, the fine hairs on her cheek glowed like golden threads, like the halo of an angel.
As I managed a faint movement, Teal stirred and looked up. "Your Highness, are you feeling better?"
My throat was parched and aching, and my voice came out barely above a whisper. "I... I'd like some water."
Teal nodded, and found a white porcelain pot from the cabinet, then poured me a cup.
The water was a bit icy, jolting me awake as soon as it touched my lips.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Teal murmured, looking distressed. "I didn't have enough wood to keep the fire burning, so..."
"It's all right, Teal." I attempted a reassuring smile. "The water is perfect. It was enough to wake me."
But Teal only lowered her head further, visibly upset.
"Please lift your head, Teal," I said, taking her hand. "This is more than enough. For someone cursed like me, a clean cup of water in this manor is a rare luxury."
"Your Highness, I must go downstairs. Madam Isabella will be up soon," Teal whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she quickly wiped her face and headed for the door.
I nodded. If Isabella found out that Teal had been helping me in secret, Teal would definitely have a hard time.
Just as Teal was about to step outside, a voice echoed up from below.
"It's no wonder she was banished to a remote place like Northtown," Isabella's tone was sharp and mocking. "It's been years, yet the esteemed Princess Anne still thinks she's in the palace."
"Perhaps the Princess of the Attic finds it too warm to leave her quarters." Daisy's shrill voice joined in, laced with scorn. "Your Highness, it's time for cleaning. Please wake up, or you might end up starving."
Isabella scoffed, her voice colder than the Northtown snow, "Tell the Princess to come down and clean the rooms. Winter isn't an excuse for laziness; Jenny Manor isn't a place without rules."
The sound of Daisy's heavy steps thudded up the stairs, quickening the fear in my heart.
Teal and I exchanged a panicked glance.
We couldn't let anyone find her here.
Bracing myself against the wooden boards, I struggled to my feet and staggered toward the door.
very breath felt like needles pricking my chest, and the short distance to the door seemed an insurmountable challenge.
Clutching the brass handle, I let out a slow breath and opened the door, composing myself.
"Auntie, I'm coming down to clean—"
"No need, Anne." Owen interrupted me. "Stay in the attic and rest. The blizzard last night made it colder than usual; you must not have slept well. It's a harsh winter this year."
I stood on the staircase, not saying a word.
Isabella's indignant expression softened under Owen's watchful gaze.
The two of them exchanged looks, and finally, Isabella relented with a grudging smile.
Now, she seemed fake and strained as a performing dog's grimace. "See? Your dear uncle cares for his little niece. Just don't think you can get away with this, Anne. Stay in the attic quietly, and if I find out..."
"That's enough, Isabella," Owen interjected, gently taking her hand. "You should check on the children, and Beau's waiting for you."
He pulled Isabella away, hurrying her down the stairs before she could say anything more incriminating.
Isabella shook off Owen's hand, swaying while descending the stairs.
Then, Owen waved at me with a gentle smile and followed her.
Once the third floor fell silent, I stood in the doorway of the attic as if frozen in place.
Behind me, I heard the soft rustle of fabric. I blinked and turned to look at Teal. "Do we have visitors today?" I asked, my voice low.
"Come look, Your Highness," Teal whispered, her voice brimming with joy she could hardly contain. "A magnificent entourage is approaching the manor—our estate has never seen such grandeur. It must be someone important."
Moving to the window, I peered through the grimy glass to see a caravan of crimson-clad guards riding across the snowy plains, surrounding a gleaming, elegant carriage that sped toward the manor.
Teal clasped my hand, her voice trembling with hope. "It has to be the court's envoy. They've finally come to take you home, Your Highness."
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