Theaella

2

2. Melanie

Immediately they entered her room, Theaella quickly changed as fast as she could with the help of Mary. When they were about to hide Theaella’s dirty cloak, top, trousers and gloves, they heard footsteps coming their way. A very familiar set of footsteps. Melanie hurriedly threw them under the bed and helped Theaella with her dress.

“Ella, dear.” A feminine voice called out as her door opened and in came in, Eleanor, her mother, in all her beautiful aristocratic glory.

Like most women of high social status, Eleanor was the definition of perfection. She had it all: an attractive face that was without any mark; an exquisite body that had no fat in sight and having a beautiful long sleeved gown clinging to her form and showing off her envious curves; and a pair of stunning emerald and turquoise eyes; and a head filled with luscious wavy, back length, black hair. Just like her son, her skin tone was a smooth olive – unlike Theaella who inherited her father’s cashmere skin color.

The woman hardly showed any emotions outside her home. Seeing her daughter’s handmaid braiding her hair (who was unknowingly to her removing tiny leaves from her hear), she smiled at the picture of innocence her beautiful daughter portrayed. “Hello, my dear.”

“Good afternoon, mother.” Theaella smiled at her sweetly. “Welcome back. How was your outing?”

“The usual. Still the boring old scenes we’ve seen before, along with the usual irritation that is the rest of the Lords and their chatty wives.” Eleanor heaves an exasperated sigh. She made her way into the room and over to them, taking a sit on her daughter’s bed. “And how was your day, my sweet?”

“It was fun,” Theaella smiled happily.

“Oh, really?” Eleanor c****d an inquisitive brow at her daughter.

“Yeah. Today was… crashing.”

Melanie paused in her current task and covered her mouth to hold in her snort. Theaella just grinned all the way.

“O-kay,” Eleanor drawled, confused and feeling like it was an inside joke for the two. “Anyways,” she stood up and brush off invisible dust from the skirt of her gown, and smooths the non-existent wrinkles from it. “We have a guest for dinner, and I came to inform you about it personally. You must not miss it.” Eleanor told her sternly, giving her a pointed look.

“Yes, Mother.” Theaella sighed out.

With a curt nod, Eleanor turned and took her leave. She paused by the door and turned her head to address her daughter. “A maid will come to call you when it’s time.” And she walked out.

When they heard her footsteps far off, Theaella and Melanie released sighs of relief they didn’t know they were holding in.

“That was terribly close.” Melanie groaned out, her head thrown back and a hand placed on her chest to calm her rapidly beating heart.

“Tell me about.” Theaella breathed out, sprawling back on the bed in sheer relief. “I think my heart stopped for a second or two.”

Melanie chuckled in amusement and Theaella turned her head and pouted at her.

“Stop laughing. You too nearly had a heart attack.”

Melanie just dissolved into laughter, amused by her Mistress’ expression.

“Stop pouting, Princess.” Melanie pinched her cheeks and got her hands swatted at. “Come on, let’s look for a dress for you to wear.”

Three hours later, it beacame dark outside. The stars came out to light the sky up with their wondrous beauty; and Theaella wished to be one of them. To be one of the stars which had a clear view of the world and have total and complete freedom. She placed a hand on her window and sighed. Feeling a comforting hand on her shoulder, she looked back and saw Melanie.

“Don’t stress yourself thinking too much, Thea.” Melanie squeezed her shoulder a little. “Soon, you will be out of here. And by God’s grace, the man you’ll marry will give you the freedom you so desire. This I pray for you.”

“Thanks, Mela.” Theaella turned to face her fully and drew her into a tight hug. “You are such a good friend. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“Well, saving my life is one.” Melanie chuckled out, returning her hug.

Melanie was a slave before being free. She and her family were brought down here, but unfortunately she was the only one in her family that survived on the way here. When she was on her way to being sold, she escaped, but didn’t go too far. And that was when she met Theaella – all bruised and battered.

Theaella’s parents were going to purchase a new slave to help her daughter in everything. Although the ground was caked with mud and dirt, Theaella went down on her knees, gave no concern to Melanie’s awful state, and helped her up, carrying all of Melanie’s.

All the pureblood there gasped in horror and shock, and Theaella’s parents looked at her with concealed embarrassment.

Melanie was baffled by Theaella’s kindness, even in the face of all the judging stares, and couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”

Theaella’s answer was plain and simple, “Because you looked like you were calling for help. I decided to answer.” And she gifted Melanie with a lovely smile.

With a look that promised trouble, most likely an embarrassing tantrum, Theaella asked her parents to purchase Melanie. They tried to refuse of course, but when they saw the narrowing of Theaella’s eyes, they submitted.

A knock dispelled the cloud of old memories and both of them faced the direction of the two large oak door.

“Yes, come in!” Theaella answered and a maid walked in.

“My lady, the guests have arrived.”

Theaella groaned under her breath, getting an amused chuckle from Melanie. The two ensured that they were properly set before heading down to the dining hall.

Melanie dutifully walked behind Theaella, her head held high like her Mistress taught her too.

To their greatest surprise, they saw someone who they haven’t seen in months.