Helia spent the hour running around, grabbing her most important things. In the last moment she looked at the cave with a tinge of sadness. She knew without any explanation that she wouldn't be coming back.
Morrow threw her in front of him on the horse and they sped away just as dusk hit. An elaborate carriage sat patiently in seclusion just across a small creek. He opened the door and a lady-in-waiting sat patiently. "Welcome My Lady." The young girl smiled at her.
Helia nodded appreciatively. Before long, the carriage took off down a secluded path away from the main road.
The women in the back held their seats as best they could while they bounced around. "Is it your first time being a lady-in-waiting?"
"Yes madam. I hope I'm able to please you."
"I'm pretty self-sufficient, I hope I won't need you for much." Helia laughed to ease the young girl's fears. That didn't help.
Time seemed to crawl by. The carriage stopped several times along the path before coming to the castle. Helia didn't have long to take in the impressive structure before they went under the bottom of the castle. "Welcome home My Lady." Morrow finally gave her a genuine smile. His white pearly teeth took her by surprise, not expecting him to have such teeth.
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Helia chose to ignore his admission and followed her lady in the belly of the castle with Morrow bringing up the rear. He follows them to a room on the top floor. Decked out in purple and deep blue, Helia tried to take in every detail. "Would you like a bath?" her lady in waiting, April asked.
"Yes. I can draw it myself, you go home. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yes madam." Junie laid out the towels and undergarments for Helia and left as instructed.
What Helia really wanted was a moment to herself to digest what was happening so fast. Luxury followed her everywhere in the room. Finest cloth, down to the underwear she'll put on later.
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Part of her was thankful to finally be away from the cave. But her mind wandered anyway. Drawing her bath, Helia stared in the mirror before tending to her nightly routine. Something was changing...
