TO LOVE AGAIN

SOPHIA MEETS CAMILA

Princess Sophia! I have been asked to let you know that you'd be ready to have your wash in 5 minutes. A tiny little voice echoed from outside the room, followed by a loud knock on the door.

Sophia sat up right. It wasn't a familiar voice, however she obviously knew the voice sounded feminine. She gradually began to come out of her reminiscence, for she still couldn't believe she was going to have a party in her honor for the first time in her life.

It was two days after her father's promise, she hadn't left her room since then.

Princess Sophia! The voice accompanied by the knock came again.

Come in ! Sophia ordered

There was a short silence.

The door gradually began to open, rather very slowly. It felt like the person behind the door was very frightened to come in.

I said come in! Sophia said again, exerting some level of command.

In a short while, a young girl appeared at the door. She didn't look like the way her voice sounded. She had the weirdest of looks, Sophia thought within herself.

She was short and plump, almost round. She was so fair that she looked pale, and she had had red hair.

An awkward silence continued as Sophia continued to access her.

She had large bright eyes that continued to stare into the room in no particular direction. She was wearing the black pinafore and white inner shirts that other palace maids were wearing.

Did father bring in new Maid? What for exactly? Sophia wondered within herself.

It was obvious she was new, because no one will pass a message to the princess standing outside the room.

Besides she had a personal maid that attended to her, especially about sensitive matters like her bathing or eating. Series of thoughts and questions kept running through the mind of Sophia who kept staring at the girl.

Come forward! Sophia spoke softly but firmly.

What is your name? Princess Sophia asked.

Camila! The girl answered with a shaky voice. She had somewhat lost all her confidence for she didn't know if she had committed an offense or not.

Who asked you to deliver this message you brought? Sophia asked again in an interrogative manner.

The queen my Lady!

Call me Sophia!

Sophia ordered almost interrupting the girl.

The girl bowed her head and began to speak very slowly and calmly...

Sophia observed another short silence.

It is not my wish to dishonor you my princess, but the king and queen warned against any kind of frivolous activity. They said it's a punishable offense. They warned that all sorts of frolicking were prohibited, Hence their reason for dismissing the other maids!

Wait! older maids are no longer with us at the palace? Sophia opening her eyes widely asked as she sat up.

I didn't meet any my lady. I arrived yesterday, along side the others. Camila replied still in a bow.

So Gabrielle left too? Sophia asked again.

There was the looks of shattered hopes on Sophia's face.

Camila must be wandering who Gabrielle was and why an ordinary maid would matter so much to the princess.

Camila was still in between trying to figure out if the princess's last question was rhetoric or if she needed to give an answer, only for her to be interrupted by yet another question from the princess.

Did my mother and father say anything about Gabrielle to you ? Anything at all?

Not for once my lady! As a matter of fact, in all my sincerity, I'm just getting to hear of that name for the first time since my arrival to the palace.

Camila answered as softly as possible.

Did they also say you'd be my personal maid? Sophia asked one more time.

Yes my lady, that was the queens order. Camila managed to answer knowing quite well that the princess will only accept her because it's an order from the king and not because she really likes her.

Sophia was quiet. She couldn't even hide her sadness and disappointment.

Sophia assessed the girl again, from the crown of her head to the sole of her feet...

Camila bowed again, obviously shaking with fright.

Where are you from? Sophia asked the girl after a short silence.

I am a native of the land My princess! Camila answered.

I see! Sophia responded, standing up. She walked towards the large window in the room . When she got to the window, she leaned against the wall and before the open windows. She looked down, it was the same view, people felt like ants, so she quickly put her head back into the room.

Do you have parents? Are they still alive? Why did they release you to be a maid this early? Sophia asked simultaneously

Well I have parents and as a matter of fact, they are still very much alive. Only I can't be with them. I have to serve this term for my father.

I'm sorry about that

Sophia mumbled trying to show remorse

What really happened?

Sophia asked again, this time being more intentional

My father owes the king from the sales we made from a land My father owns but because of the ill health of my younger brother, we had to sell that land to generate funds for his treatment. At the end of the day we couldn't meet up with submitting the palace share. Camila began to explain.

How's that possible? How can you be suffering because your father owes my father something he can decide to share or not? Look you're a child and you do not have the full details. Only speak about a matter you're very sure of. Besides we have everything we want and wish. Why will it be that it is the little that the poor has to themselves is the one my father will seem to want for himself? I am of the opinion that you didn't find out the exact reason. Sophia defended.

Sophia bowed her head. I speak no lie my princess. Every one that sells a landed property, has an amount that is remitted to the palace. They came to get my father arrested, I decided to pay the prize for him. My father is not even aware I am at the palace, I didn't say a last goodbye to my parents before I was taken forcefully.

Hmmmmm! Sophia expressed still not believing the little girls claims.

*********************

Camila!

The queen's voice roared.