Bluey Ember

Episode 3:The concubines

His back was hard just like his face and his shoulders, broad. He continued at same pace until we got to a point where he suddenly slowed down. I could tell we have reached his abode. My heart throbbed more now. As he rode through the tall grasses, my eyes caught the magnificent castle that stood not so far from us now. I was awed, the rumors about him looked as if he was a rogue beast who lived in marshes. I didn't know, if my thoughts are to change about him. If this new discoveries should make me scarier or less.

We finally arrived, climbing down our horses. I was still admiring the question when he threw a meaningless question at me.

"Do you feel sick?"

I kept wondering if I should feel sick or he wanted me to be sick. However, I had little knowledge why he asked that question. Maybe it was due to the rough ride.

"Should I be?" I answered rather.

"You should start learning to talk politely"

"And you should learn to ride gently" i retorted. He stared at me for a while, observing my shaky hands and feet. I was gripped by fear but I was a princess, he should learn to treat me with respect as my father said. So I maintained my composure.

"The maids will show you to a room" he said and left as his guards followed him just like chicks follow their mother. It irritated me, but why?

I was a princess, being a royalty, I myself was followed by maids not to talk of my father. I should have gotten used to it.

I turned around, and walked in the direction of the hallway. He talked of maids but I am not seeing any. As i stepped inside the hallway, I saw how beautifully this edifice was constructed, yet again, lost in admiration, a maid finally came running.

"So sorry m'lady, I never heard of your arrival" the young maid apologized. I could guess she's a little older than me.

"Apology accepted, you can now, please, show me to the room" I was exhausted, I needed rest.

"Follow me" she gestured.

I went with her as she led me out the hallway. We stepped unto a quadrangle, the most beautiful space I have ever seen. It was wide and within the space stood a garden. It was so enthralling that by oversight, I did not recognize that some people sat around the garden, giggling and chatting away.

"Luna?" One of them called me back to reality. "I told you it is her"

My brain quickly searched itself, I remembered. They were my people, all the maidens that had been taken from us. Just at seeing them, my fears and fatigue disappeared.

"The room can wait" I told the maid. I ran over, my pride returning. At least I have my people here. People who recognize me as their princess and would protect me. Vain thoughts!

"I knew you would fail!" One of them blurted. I halted, shocked to the bone marrow. This isn't the reception I expected.

"With all the love and pamper, you people were fools to cast your hopes on her" another added.

I now understand a bit, where the anger lies. They hoped to return home. I failed them.

"Can she even recognize us, when she's been locked up all her life!" They continued to utter.

But they were right. I never left the comfort of my home. I have but a little knowledge of who they are. Little? I don't know them! My failure began from my upbringing. I knew why it was so. My parents had failed to produce an offspring on the night of the ancient wolfmoon, an ember, magnificent moon that marks the beginning of a new decade for the wolfblood. You would be a fool to attack any wolf community on the night of the blue ember, that's what they called the ancient wolfmoon, the Blue ember!

I stood there, moping at them like a dumb. Words failed me.

"You don't even know what to say?" The one on blonde hair spoke. She seems more enraged than the others. I seriously had nothing to say, so I turned and left with the maid.

"I'm sorry milady" she apologized.

"It's not your fault" I replied.

She stopped in front of a door. I waited as she unbolted it. On opening the room, I gasped. Yes, everything seems so perfect. But this time I wasn't lost. Those women, those Concubines have spoiled my mood.

"Please, make yourself comfortable, dinner will soon be ready"

"Dinner?" I asked. "It's almost dawn"

"For you personally, others have had theirs. We guess you will be tired." She replied.

Of course I would need some food. My stomach grumbled. As she slammed the door behind her, everything returned. I almost forgot that I just left home. For the first time in my life. The insecurity returned, especially with the agitation of those concubines. Now, I'm their level, no more a princess. What would they do to me? It wasn't even my fault.

At this point, my mom would come with words of solace. I remembered her tears. Then Tristan, a love that wasn't even given a chance. At least we could have known if it was actually love that we felt for one another at first sight or our youthful exuberance. My eyes welled up and let them all out till I fell asleep on the soft mattress. Then, a knock came, waking me up.