QUEENLY QUEST

Chapter Ten-Royal Summons

I woke up with a start, my heart racing as I frantically looked around the unfamiliar room. Then, memories of the previous day's events came flooding back, and I remembered being brought to the palace. I had fallen asleep thinking about my plight, worrying about my future and the unknown reasons behind the king's summons.

As I looked around, I noticed the soft light of dawn creeping into the room, casting a warm glow over the space. I heard a constant banging sound outside, which had woken me up. I approached the small window and placed a chair underneath it, climbing up to peek outside. The chair creaked ominously as I stood up, but I managed to get a glimpse of the outside.

"Oh goodness!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening at the breathtaking sight. A lush vineyard stretched out before me, with row upon row of perfectly manicured vines and bustling workers tending to the grapes. The sound of their shears and chatter filled the air as they pruned and harvested the grapes.

I climbed down from the chair, my mind racing with thoughts of my mother and Asher. They must be worried sick about me, and I longed to be back with them. I realized I hadn't even been allowed to pack a bag or take a bath before being brought to this small room.

Just as I was thinking about how to relieve myself, the door opened, and a middle-aged woman entered. She was dressed in a crisp maid's uniform and had a kind face.

"Good morning," she said formally. "My name is Maria. I'm here to help you get cleaned up."

"Thank you, Maria," I replied, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind stranger. "I'm Helena."

Maria smiled and gestured for me to follow her. "I'm aware. Everyoneis talking about you. Come, let's get you bathed and dressed. The king's summons is not to be ignored."

As Maria led me out of my small room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the palace. The corridors were wide and long, with high ceilings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. The floors were made of polished marble, and the sound of our footsteps echoed through the hallway.

 "I'm just a village girl. I don't belong here."I whispered as we walked.

Maria smiled and placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "You are exactly where you belong, Helena. The king has chosen you for a reason."

We turned a corner and entered a long hallway lined with windows. The sunlight streaming through the windows illuminated the sparkling chandeliers. I felt like I was walking through a dream.

Finally, we arrived at a large door made of dark wood. Maria pushed the door open, and we entered a spacious bathroom. The room was filled with steam, and the sound of running water filled the air.

I turned to see a team of servants waiting for us, their faces smiling and eager. One servant helped me undress, while another poured warm water into a large tub. A third servant added fragrant oils and salts to the water, and the aroma filled the room.

As I sank into the warm water, I felt my muscles relax. But as the servants began to wash my hair and body, I felt a surge of discomfort.

"This is...different," I said, trying to hide my unease.

"Yes, it's a bit overwhelming at first," said one of the servants, a kind-eyed woman named Sophia. "But we'll make you feel like royalty in no time."

I tried to relax, telling myself it was just part of the palace protocol. But as the servants continued to scrub and rinse me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

"I'm not used to this," I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Sophia smiled. "Don't worry, Helena. We'll take good care of you. You're safe here."

Finally, the bath was over, and the servants helped me out of the tub. They dried me off with soft towels and helped me into a beautiful gown made of silk and lace. The dress was a soft blue color, and it hugged my curves in all the right places. The servants did my hair, styling it in an elaborate updo. They added a tiara to my head, and I felt like a real princess.

"Wow," I breathed, looking at my reflection in the mirror. "I don't recognize myself."

Maria smiled. "You are a true beauty, Helena. The king will be pleased."

I felt a surge of nervousness at the mention of the king. What did he want from me? And what lay ahead in this unknown world of palace politics?

As I stood there, admiring my reflection, Maria approached me with a gentle smile. "Helena, you look stunning. But I sense that you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Would you like to talk about it?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to share my feelings with this kind stranger. But something about Maria's warm demeanor put me at ease. "I just feel so...out of place," I confessed. "I'm a village girl, not a princess. I don't know how to navigate this world."

Maria's expression was understanding. "I know it's daunting, but you'll find your footing. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Maria. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

As we walked, Maria pointed out various features of the palace. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the grandeur of my surroundings.

Eventually, we arrived at a large wooden door, which Maria pushed open with a smile. "Welcome to the breakfast hall, Helena," she said.

I followed her inside, my eyes widening at the sight of a long table laden with all manner of delicious-looking dishes. There were platters of fresh fruit, baskets of warm bread, and steaming bowls of porridge. My stomach growled with hunger as I took in the sights and smells.

Maria led me to a seat at the table, where I was greeted by a friendly-looking woman with a kind smile. "Good morning, Helena," she said. "I'm Chef Elara. I hope you're hungry!"

I smiled back at her, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Maria and Chef Elara for making me feel so welcome. "Good morning," I replied. "I'm starving!"

Chef Elara laughed and began serving me a hearty breakfast, complete with eggs, sausage, and pancakes. I dug in with gusto, savoring the flavors and textures of the delicious meal.

As I ate, Maria and Chef Elara chatted with me, asking about my journey to the palace and sharing stories about life in the palace. I felt a sense of belonging wash over me, and I realized that I was starting to feel at home in this strange and wonderful place.