Even with her hair slightly tousled from the sleep, the princess looked impossible perfect her figure graceful like a model's.
But though quickly soured. beautiful or not ....I already know her fate. the king doesn't love her. in the end....he rejected her ...he kill her.
Her throat went dry and she gripping the edge of the vanity. No...no i can't die like that not when I've only just arrived.
Mia titled her head watching Elena stare at her reflection for too long. " princess, what's tha matter..?? is something wrong with your face ...?? " she asked gently
Elena blinked snapping out of her thoughts. " N...no , I am fine".she replied quietly forcing a small smile on her face.
Mia studied her for a moment longer the let out a quiet sigh. " very well . then allow me to serve you it's time for your bath and to get ready.... your father king Alistair is waiting for you." her voice softened with respect as the she spoke the king's name.
Elena nodded faintly.... and let Mia lead the way....they walked through a gilded corridor until Mia opened... a tall carved door and Elena nearly stopped in her tracks.
The bathroom was nothing like what she knew it's was more like a private hall with marble floors polished to a mirror Sheen and walls lined with gold etched... lantern that filled the air with a soft glow. at the centre lay a wide sunken bath steam curling up into the air . the water shimmered faintly tinted with milk rosewater flowers. the scent was sweet and claiming clinging to the air like perfume.
" Princess, here . Mia said bowing slightly. " the bath is ready."
Elena eyes widened as she stepped closer stunned. "This ....this is really for me ...?? "
What the hell....so this is how a princess bathes..?? Elena thought in disbelief staring at the Milky water and floating petals . no wonder she looks this beautiful every day....
" Princess..?? what are thinking about..?? please come and take the bath." Mia urged gently gesturing toward the bath.
Elana hesitated... her cheeks warming but finally stepped into the large tub . the warn water lapped at her skin carrying with it the sweet fragrance of roses . almost immediately, other washing her long golden hair with scented oils another carefully rubbing her back while a third attended to her arms with soft clothes.
Elana sat stiffy at first her mind racing. I can't believe this . back home i barely had time for a quick shower before running to class...and now I have people scrubbing me like I am some doll.
Mia smiled reassuringly from the side . " please relax, princess. this is your daily routine. "
Elena let her body relax into the warmth and for the first time.... since walking up in this strange world she felt her mind slow down after several minutes the maids carefully helped her out of the bath wrapping her in soft white towels.
Soon after they guided her to a dressing chamber waiting there was gown unlike anything she had ever seen .
It was a breathtaking shade of deep sapphire blue, the fabric shimmering faintly as it caught tha light. silver embroidery ran along the hems in swirling patterns, like waves of the sea while tiny gemstone were stitched...the sleeves were long and gracefully over her arms . a silk ribbon was tied around her waist accentuating her figure and the layered skirt fell elegantly to the floor light yet regal with every step.
When the gown was in place the maids brought forward a velvet case. inside lay delicate jewelry fit for royalty.
First came a sliver nackles it's chain fine as spider slik, with a single sapphire teardrop resting against her collerboun glowing like were clipped to her ears small blue gems surrounded by tiny diamonds that sparkled when she turned her head.
One maid carefully placed a sliver circlet on her hair. a light coronet studded with three small sapphires each catching the lantern glow it wasn't heavy or extravagant but elegant marking her as the true princess of Eldoria.
Finally a sliver bracelet inlaid with thin vines and leave was slipped onto her wrist, completing the look.
Elena gazed at her reflection in the tall mirror. dressed in sapphire silk and crowned in silver. she hardly recognised herself. this isn't me ....this is princess ciora vexly the character fated to die.
Her lips pressed into a thin line . but if this is who i am now.... then I'll have to change her fate.
----------------------
Once Elena was Fully dressed Mia stepped forward with a gentle bow . " princess your father, king Alistair awaits... you in the dining hall.
Elana nodded her Palma damp despite her composed appearance. she followed Mia through tall corridor lined with red carpets and gilded lanterns, until the great doors of the dining hall were opened before her.
The sight nearly stole her breath.
A long table stretched accross the chamber carved from dark polished wood its surface gleaming under the light of crystal chandelier. golden plates and silver cutlery were arranged with meticulous care and in the centre ran a line of dishes...that seemed to overflow with abundance.
There were loaves of fresh bread still steaming from the oven glazed meats seasoned with herbs bowls of fruits piled high carried delicate pastries filled with Cream and Jem , while crystal golden juice. the scent of roasted vegetables, honey and butter lingered in the air rich and mouthwatering.
At the far end of the table, seated beneath a towering crest of Eldoria, sat king Alistair himself his presence commanding his eyes fixed on her as she entered.
Mia lowered her head . " princess, your father awaits. "
Elena swallowed hard and forced herself to take a step forward.
King Alistair of Eldoria set talk at the head of the long table, hai posture straight and unwavering. his hair are dark streaked faintly with silver at the trimmed beard framed his strong jaw and his deep blue eyes sharper then the sea watched Elena with an unreadable expression.
He wore a dark nevy robe trimmed with a gold thread a heavy mantle draped across his shoulder and small crown of silver rested on his head though his features were stern there was a quiet weight to him the kind authority born not only from ruling a kingdom but from enduring countless battles and burdens.
When Elena approached his gaze softened just slightly thought his voice remained steady.
"Ciora", he said addressing her by the princess's name,"you are late."
Elena lowered her head quickly." S... sorry, father I was feeling unwell this morning... that's why I was late. "
King Alistair study her for a moment then gave a slow nod."If that is so, then I will not press the matter but ." his tone grew heavier . " there is something important we must discuss."
He gestured to the seat at his right. " sit , Ciora."
Heart pounding Elena moved closer and took place at the table.
Alistair's gaze lingered on her , firm and unwavering. " i have arranged your marriage, " He said at last his words echoing across the grand of hall . "you are to be wed to the crown prince of Drakensberg prince leonhart."
Elena froze her breath catching.
Drakensberg....the most powerful and healthy kingdom in the novel . and leonhart....the male lead . the king's beloved queen was meant to be his bride....
Her stomach turned cold. which means...I am being pushed right into the story's tragedy.
Elena fingers tightened in her lap . her voice trembled as she spoke hesitate but firm. "Father.... I don't want to marry. not now...and especially not to Prince leonhart .
The words hung heavy in the air.