Majesty of Obsession

8

ELIZABETH

So much for the beach excursion. What really happened was that I merely became a dupe of an accessory to him. They orchestrated a business transaction with the ruler of the kingdom across the sea. On a satirical, almost unbelievable note, how aggressively alienated the king feels when I'm not around, then? I wasn't even needed there and yet I was brought. Foolish and needy, if you ask me.

Although the shore is not far from the castle, traveling time is not the issue. It only felt like it was far because traveling with your aggressor sensibly makes time slower.

The landscape of the sea is a terrific view, remarkably behind these pointed arched windows up from the high grounds of the castle. I can still smell the saltness and feel the itch of splattering my skin with seawater. Though, I bet the sea is alarmingly cold due to the fainting winter season.

My view shifted when I caught the moving image of the king across' their carriage, furthering away and over-reaching the gates. I guess the convocation was over and I better hope that King Vhin has other duties to tend so he can leave the poor lady alone; me.

"Ms. Elizabeth? May you please come with me? You are summoned to the castle garden, my lady." A blonde maiden, I'm guessing the same age as I, had spoken behind me startling me for a bit. I was almost gladsome knowing I have someone young thereabout whom I thought I could get along with. But I saw those eyes. She who glances at me sideways in meaningful, envious looks, is a she who fakes a smile once caught. I knew that obtaining a friend here would be grueling and troublesome. We walked our way to the garden and before leaving, she insincerely gave yet another fake smile that her eyes have failed to hide.

Now, I'm in the care of an old woman. I have to admit that the young maiden's feigned kindness was a lot better than this old, scary, grim, old, lady in front of me. Did I say old twice? Twice the truth, then. I'm a tad bit concerned about her being, she looks like one blow away from turning into ash. I think she needs help.

Well, not only that but she radiates a menacing presence which makes me instantly uncomfortable. It's like you already sense her evil motive. Or is it just the looks? I could never tell.

Too bad, I did not bother to entreat the name of the young lady who escorted me here. On account compared to this old woman, whom I think is ready to tear me apart, I feel she was way better. Huh, who would've thought I would miss that young maiden?

"I am Ms. Jane Pollock, the general caretaker of the castle chambers and the lady of the house."

"Oh, pleasure."

"As the king prioritizes your comfort in staying here, I was tasked to assign you a leisure pursuit. One that is oppositely too tiring as to cause birth difficulties, a hobby befitting of lady errands, and at the same time that of which would entertain you."

"Pardon? Did you say birth difficulties? I must've heard you wrong, I-" She sighed disappointingly at my choice of words and rolled her eyes at me.

"You heard correctly and here I am older than you but with my hearing heightened. Simply, the kingdom protects its future Lady and its offspring, it shouldn't be a surprise if you have common sense."

My face flushed crimson with an overwhelming sense of embarrassment. She has a feisty tongue which I surmised was likely due her very long existence on this earth. Or perhaps she leveraged her old age as a convenient excuse to manifest her rude nature. Or maybe, all old people are just tired of bullshit in all its form and glory.

It seems like the king is the only one obsessed with my being here, because considering his ever-expanding entourage of devoted female subjects, they immensely dislike me. Well, believe me when I say, I don't desire to be his, they can worship him for all they want.