The First Princess of Averlyon

Chapter 15- I want to go back!

Zahra stormed up the stairs and hurried to her bedroom. She couldn't stand the people who called themselves her family.

Once inside her chambers, she forcefully slammed the door behind her.

"Even if dad- even if that man kidnapped me... he didn't hurt me. They are so mean! Acting like I'm not properly trained to be their princess is my fault!" Zahra muttered in frustration.

Zahra lifted her gaze, looking at her surroundings. She came to the sudden realization that there were no windows present within the room. She promptly made her way outside and leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"I-it's okay. It's okay," she repeated to herself as she looked downstairs where the windows were open. Despite her desire to descend quickly, she hesitated, wary of facing her family members. However she could request a different room, right?

That room was her so-called prison when she was acting up when she was brought into the palace against her will. However, it was her own choice to come to the palace, and nobody compelled her.

"They should allow me to get another room, right?" Zahra wondered as she slowly walked down the stairs.

The intricately carved railing caught her attention as she hurried through the palace.

Despite the beauty surrounding her, she was solely focused on finding a way to escape.
When she was brought to the guest room, she didn't notice the exquisite artwork adorning the walls.

In the living room, she saw a few maids delicately replacing withered flowers in golden vases with fresh ones.

"Who does that at night? Aren't you supposed to do that in the morning?" Zahra wondered. However, she didn't wish to ask questions.

Entranced by the breathtaking castle, Zahra almost lost sight of her original purpose for being on the first floor - to request another bedchamber. She swiftly averted her gaze from the surroundings and began her search for the dining room.

"Silly me! This thing is a corridor! How the hell am I supposed to find them?!" She shouted internally.

Zahra slowly walked towards the maid bringing the withered flowers away to throw them.

"Uhh, can you tell me where Queen Sameera is?" Zahra asked.

She was hesitant to meet Queen Dowager for fear of possible rejection, as well as the king due to his perceived lack of appreciation for her.

With Queen Sameera showing a soft spot and favouring her, she ultimately decided that she was the most open to listening to her concerns and complaints.

"She went to her bedchamber," the maid replied.

"Where's her bedroom?" Zahra questioned, looking around.

"It's on the third floor," the maid replied.

"Show me the way. I'm gonna get lost in this maze if I go alone!" Zahra stated as she headed towards the stairs.

The maid, still clutching the wilted flowers she had yet to discard, nodded and swiftly followed behind Zahra at her request.

Observing Zahra's behaviour, the maid mused to herself, "Although she may not have been brought up in a royal household, her demeanour certainly reflects that of a princess," shaking her head at the thought.

"You said something?" Zahra, turned her face, raising her eyebrow to face the maid who froze at her question.

Caught off guard by Zahra's question, the maid stumbled over her words before quickly retracting, "No, I was simply humming to myself."