A fight for dominance and nobility

Chapter twenty-two: If you cannot brace yourself for battle on land...

if you cannot brace yourself for battle on land, head to the waters and show me who you are, Lord of the sea.'

I squinted my eyes at the sun rays that seeped through the curtains. Not only did my eyes hurt but my head felt like I was hit by a sledgehammer which increased the unbearable feeling of discomfort shrouded by pain. I clutched tightly at the soft blanket beneath me. The feeling was silky as it slips through my fingers repeatedly trying to grasp onto it. My frustration grew along with my headache. I groaned, a loud frail-like groan of annoyance.

After a few moments of silence, I heard loud footsteps approaching my bedroom. I am sure that's Lady Crowe. We must have passed out from dancing too much at the coronation and-

'Hello dear.' An unrecognisable voice greeted. It sounded too sweet and nice. That is not Lady Crowe. Did she send someone to check up on me? I am too tired to open my eyes and I am already on the verge of passing out again. 'When Murray told me he was travelling with a lass I could not believe it.' She whispered again.

Murray? Who is Murray?

'w-water.' I croaked with my parched throat. I tried swallowing my saliva, but it was too uncomfortable and hard to do so.

The strange lady giggled. 'I am sorry. I forgot.'

I slowly opened my eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of whoever was talking and to my surprise, it was not Lady Crowe at all or someone I know. Her attire was something Lady Crowe would not approve of. I watched her intently as she grabbed a small bowl full of water filled to the brim and handed it to me. I smiled faintly before drinking it all. I gasped as I handed her the bowl.' Thank you.'

She smiled before putting it down next to her feet. 'You are welcome. 'We stared at each other for a few moments. I read her expression, she seemed pleased to see me. I cannot remember what occurred last night, but I have a premonition it was something bad to have rendered me senseless and bedridden. 'Elizabeth. 'She held out her hand for me to shake.

I stared at her hand and realised it would be too rude not to shake it. So, I kindly smiled and shook her hand. 'Zadie.'

'I prepared bathing water for you and there are clothes in the bathing chambers as well. I think it would be best if you bathed and put on clean clothes.' She patted my leg before grabbing my shirt off the floor. 'Your clothes are full of vomit as you can see. Spirits are not meant for you.'

Spirits? What does she mean by spirits? What happened last night?

She quietly left the room, and I was tooconfused that I forgot to ask where exactly the bathing chambers are. I guess I mustfigure it out myself. I threw the covers off me and realised I was wearing asilky brown nightgown. I stood up from the bed and walked out of the roomsearching for the so-called bathing chambers. I glanced around the space I wasin and realized I must be in 

the space I was in and realized I must be in a manor or something bigger than that. What is this place? Why am I even here? I am trying my best to remember last night's events, but I barely remember a single thing.

The decorations are mesmerising. Sculptures are put on either side of the hall, dark red carpets are making the floor radiate the formal energy of the rich, beautiful paintings of landscapes must define the house owner's love for nature's divine beauty and the chandeliers must be made of diamonds they reflect light making them appear sparkly.

I trudge down the stairs, lost in the intricate designs of the house I even forgot I was searching for the bathing chambers. I can hear distant voices, and not wanting to be seen I run into the next room to avoid attention. Luckily, it is the bathing chambers I was searching for and there are clothes placed on top of a chair. They are the ones Elizabeth was telling me about. This room does not look like any bathing chamber at all. It is big, dark and the water is too much. It seems like they have created a deep square hole for the water, and I must say it is huge. Candles are lit up on each wall making everything compelling with its dimly lit lights and steam rising above the hot water. I strip off the silky nightgown and step into the warm water. I descend till the water level is above my shoulders. I run my hands through my dreadlocks making them wet. I look up at the ceiling, I could feel some of my dreadlocks sink deeper into the water and it was undoubtedly a pleasurable feeling. I close my eyes, trying to reach the depth of my mind and unlock my inner peace.