The Marí

Part.14

Picture of Emerald's dance practice outfit above.
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With a gentle tap on the door Hena sauntered into the room few minutes later accompanied by three other maids who appear shamefully underdressed I gawked at her incredulously as she drew near. "It's time, mi lady," Hena's voice trilled with authority.
"Indeed," I replied my voice tinged with tiredness. Not to lie I was a little bit excited; since I was bound to stay here the very least I could do was make every moment count, how was it said again? Enjoy it while it lasts. I tugged at the covers gently standing up to my feet, all set and ready to go.
"You can't go dressed like that," Hena accused her finger wagging in my direction her eyes scrunching up in disapproval, i furrowed my brow in bewilderment as she persisted, "At the very least, not in that."
"And please tell me what would you suggest I wear Hena?" I retorted pointedly finding absolutely no fault in my attire, left to me I'd say it was rather ravishingly subtle for a morning dress but still pretty.
"You shall be wearing this," Hena declared gesturing to a dress held by one of the maids, I walked up to the maid who stepped forward to present the fabric to me. Taking the fabric in my hands I walked up to the vanity placing the dress gently on my clothed body. It was a dazzling white midi dress adorned with golden embellishments, the hem shimmering with opulence the dress was a beauty no doubt but it was rather exposing. I shared a glance back at Hena who winked in return and then looked at the maids before turning back to the vanity in defeat, letting them take over. Once the maids had finished dressing me I stood before the vanity once more, gazing at myself in full the dress hugged my figure snugly accentuating the most flattering contours of my breasts, while the daring slit on the left side left little to the imagination, tracing a seductive path from my legs to my waist my hourglass curves were boldly on display practically begging for admiration. I screeched in horror; this was far worse than I imagined when I held it up a few moments ago "Goodness, Hena! There's simply no way I could wear this! I'm practically naked! It feels utterly wrong!" I pleaded desperately unable to fathom the idea, I was a princess not some shameless sex slave and I strongly refused to be paraded as such.
"I'm afraid mi lady, there's nothing we can do. It's Lena's orders and if you think this is scandalous just wait until you behold your true attire," she chuckled with a hint of mischief. "All I see is a stunning woman hesitant to embrace the power she holds." She added as she walked toward me gently removing the pins that secured my hair, allowing my fiery locks to cascade freely past my waist her fingers grazed through my hair reassuringly "Now, you're truly prepared."
"This is just excessive" I muttered under my breath blocking out every word of encouragement Hena could offer. I was certainly not a fan of taking lessons from my mother—or should I say, my second mother—but I knew that as a princess one needed to carry herself with dignity and pride, one that should reflect in her attire—not prance around like a retired courtesan. Hena snorted disapprovingly as she ushered me out of my room forcefully pulling me toward the far end of the inn's right wing as she rambled on and on about how an attire doesn't change a person, I could hardly focus on her words my thoughts were scattered and the last thing I wanted was to face what awaited me. When she swung open the door I was met by the sight of four unfamiliar men each one striking in his own right save for Simon as I walked past them, I offered a polite wave which they returned with breathtaking smiles that sent a flush to my cheeks. Their gazes lingered on my body more than I'd like, a fact that made me blush deeper than I cared to admit. I could practically feel the heat of their attention especially focused on my butt a sensation that made me squirm inwardly. Hena like a silent sentinel led me to the center of the room and I couldn't help but feel the weight of every eye in the space, the heavy silence pressing in on me. The underdressed maids shuffled behind me—one of whom I had shamelessly become, as we reached the center the air grew thick with anticipation each beat of my heart echoing like a drumroll in the cavernous hall. Hena's piercing gaze locked onto mine and with a dramatic flourish she broke the silence, her words rang out like a clarion call powerful and commanding slicing through the stillness of the room, every part of me braced for what would come next.
"The Maríhinì dance emerges as a spellbinding display of one's cunning, prowess and grace It demands utmost proficiency. With each movement practitioners weave a tapestry of impossible sway techniques and mesmerizing belly dancing casting hex that captivates all who behold it. It is reserved for the most esteemed virgins—this dance of mystique is performed as a rite of passage, marking the transition from innocence to the depths of womanhood yet in the realm of gods and legend it is also called upon in times of great need when the very fabric of existence hangs in the balance and a sacrifice is required to appease the forces that dwell beyond the veil." Pacing back and forth the room she continued, "The true power of the Maríhinì dance lies in the mesmerizing gaze of a woman, for her eyes are said to mirror her soul as she gracefully moves through the dance her eyes convey a depth of emotion and presence that captivates all who behold them. It is therefore believed that through her gaze she channels a subtle yet profound magic weaving an enchantment that transcends mere physical movement but heed my caution for the Maríhinì dance demands perfection a single misstep during the harvest festival and the Marí would seize your very soul forever!" she added with a chuckle noting my apprehensive expression.
"Now sit and observe," she advised fixing her gaze on me I nodded wanting nothing but to run away after the unnecessary introduction that sounded like an initiation to some unknown occult. I scanned the room for a place to sit, smiling when my eyes landed on Simon. Waving gently I made my way toward him not bothering to check if he returned the gesture I took a seat on the floor next to him, fixing my gaze on the center of the room as the drum beater began with a mesmerizing intro the rhythmic beats filled the air and soon other minstrels slowly joined in adding layers to the melody. The music sounded nothing like the melodies played at balls back in Brushtn but it had a unique flair of its own, I watched as Hena and the maids shamelessly fluttered their breast to the rhythmic beat of the drums their movements fluid and mesmerizing swaying like serpents their gaze locked in with intense concentration, their hips undulated in perfect harmony with the beat creating a hypnotic spectacle that held me transfixed, whenever the tempo of the drums quickened so did their movements showcasing their mastery of fast and slow techniques that seemed rather abnormal, It was as if they could anticipate the next rhythm before it even emerged. Their fingers moved temptingly delicately tracing patterns along their curves as they seamlessly synchronized their movements with the ever-changing rhythm the entire room was captivated by the ethereal aura they exuded including me I guess? I could tangibly sense the lure coursing through the air weaving its way into every corner of the room each movement seemed to carry a whisper as their dance reached its crescendo and the music faded into silence a hushed stillness descended upon the room not a word was spoken every soul was held in the grip of enchantment unable to break free. Reality crashed down upon me as the realization sank in that I was expected to perform the same mesmerizing dance.
"Mi lady, it's your turn," Hena called out her voice cutting through the air like a command breaking the silence once again with trembling steps I made my way to the center of the room every eye fixed on me and my nerves threatening to betray me at any moment.
"You shall begin with a simple hip sway," Hena urged her tone both demanding and encouraging as she circled around me like a predator. I nodded attempting to sway my hips back and forth thinking it couldn't be too difficult but before I could fully immerse myself in the movement a sharp pain tore through me causing me to yelp in surprise as Hena's cane whipped my side.
''Sway mi lady, sway" she demanded her tone more insistent now, completely different from the hena that woke me up this morning.
"Imagine yourself as a feather," she continued, her words urging me to embody a sense of lightness and grace—qualities that I must admit, I certainly did not possess.
''Alright,'' I mumbled gritting my teeth as I felt the sting from where the cane had struck my side. With each sway I tried to muster the grace and fluidity demanded of me but it seemed like an impossible task as the noon stretched on I endured several more whips and corrections from Hena each one serving as a painful reminder of my inadequacy which in my opinion did not count for it was nothing like the dance in Brushtn. The sheer excitement that had initially washed over me had long since dissipated, replaced by a desperate desire to escape a wave of relief washed over me when Hena finally announced that the lesson was over, her voice echoing through the room expressing gratitude to everyone for their time and assistance. Suppressing a sigh of relief, I couldn't help but do a mini dance of joy inwardly, utterly grateful for the reprieve. I winked at Simon who returned the gesture with a friendly wave and a thumbs-up, his encouragement brought a small smile to my lips before Hena intervened instructing the maids to escort me back to my chambers and casting what seemed like a warning look at Simon. I followed the maids quietly my entire body sore and exhausted the walk back felt longer than usual, though I knew it was only because of how drained I was. Once inside my chambers I instructed the maids to prepare my bath immediately, settling gently onto the stool by the vanity I undressed catching sight of the red marks marring my sides from Hena's unforgiving whip. I knew with certainty that I couldn't stay here much longer although I had once considered surrendering to fate, I now had to devise a plan for escape—any means of escape.
"Mi lady, your bath is ready," a maid called stepping forward to take my arm and guide me to the bath area, I sank into the long warm bath, letting the water soothe my aching muscles. Once I was refreshed and properly dressed for the night I dismissed the maids and lay gently on my bed, a soft knock at the door interrupted the brief silence. Hena entered now dressed more modestly carrying a tray laden with food and juice.
''Thank you Hena,'' I said wearily as she set the tray down.
"It's an honor, mi lady" she replied with a respectful nod.
I ate my fill while Hena patiently waited then she helped me into the covers urging me to rest knowing that tomorrow would bring another day filled with challenges and trials. Without a word of protest I watched as Hena collected the empty tray my body moving on autopilot as exhaustion washed over me my body surrendered to sleep's embrace shutting down in a matter of moments, deep down I knew that I still had a long way to go before mastering the Maríhinì dance but for now I was simply relieved that the ordeal was over.