The Woods

Chapter Four

I did anything but rest during the time I was left in my room. My mind was in shambles and I was helplessly trying to put together the whole situation. Faeries were real. I was supposed to be dead. I would never see Father again. It was the last one that really upset me, and it seemed to consume me as the hours passed.

I didn't even notice when a servant entered the room to help me dress for dinner, causing me to jump in surprise when I saw her. She seemed to understand and silently began her work of preparing a bath for me. I watched her quietly, admiring her animal features. She took on traits of a deer, having ears peeking out from her dark hair and soft green eyes hidden behind long eyelashes. Peeking out of her hemline, I saw a tattoo on her neck, in the shape of what looked like antlers. It was unusual, but I didn't comment on it, lest it was offensive.

"Your bath is ready, my lady," she murmured. "I will prepare out here for you."

I nodded and slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I had no idea when I was expected at dinner, so I was quick to scrub at myself, despite how tempting it was to soak in the tub for hours on end. So, after a final dunk to wash the soap suds from my hair, I drained the tub and dried myself, emerging after a few moments wrapped in a fluffy towel.

The maid had laid out three dresses on the bed, each more elaborate than the last. She asked me to choose between them, a simple task, yet difficult nonetheless. I eventually settled on the forest green one. It was less elaborate than the others, but though I had never owned anything of great value, I preferred it because it was simple. It reminded me of home.

"I never asked your name," I said as the maid helped me dress. It had taken ten minutes on its own to get into the corset the maid had brought. Being from just a small village, I'd only worn corsets made from stiff materials. It turned out that higher classes wore them made from ivory, which was sharp and uncomfortable on my ribs, making it hurt to tighten it and even more so to breathe.

"My name is Dimah, youngest of the Stag House," she replied, adjusting the garniture of my dress. Her House likely referred to her family, which explained the tattoo on her neck.

"That's a lovely name; what does it mean?"

Her lips tugged up in a smile, though she fought to contain it. "It means silence. A fitting name for a maid." Indeed, it was. I watched her in the mirror as she braided my hair onto the crown of my head. Being a maid, she likely overheard gossip and secrets often, and silence would save her head, no doubt. "Now," she said, tucking my hair back with a final pin, "His Majesty is expecting you in the dining room. A guard outside will take you there, but ensure you keep your head low. Keep your voice and actions respectful."

I nodded, thanking her for the advice, and watched her slip away. Glancing at my reflection a final time, I walked out into the hallway, where one of the guards from earlier was waiting. He silently escorted me to the dining room not speaking a word. Even his footsteps were silent; too silent. It was unnatural.

He left me at the door, indicating for me to enter, so I hesitantly pushed the door open to reveal a magnificent room. It had tall gilded walls with beautiful tapestries and glittering chandeliers reflecting flecks of light. The dining table was large and made of oak, but not as large as I thought it would be. The king sat at the head of the table, the prince to his right. Both wore expensive suits that were even more formal than before.

"Come, sit," the king commanded, indicating to his left. I was hesitant, but stepped forward nonetheless and sat next to him, perching on the edge of the chair stiffly. They both watched me with amusement in their eyes. "There is no need to be afraid. We don't have the means to kill you just yet." As if that would make me feel better.