Elwanda

Chapter 14 - Throes of Discomfort

Morning breeze was always a delight. It was as if brand new promises and the possibility of a fresh start had been mailed through the wind by a generous entity and distributed to all living things. Those who hoped and yearned for good things often found encouragement in the morning breeze, and Elwanda had long identified as one of those.

She sat in a pool of fabric opposite Celeste, mirroring all that the elderly woman did. In between them was a dainty tea table, round as a clock; covered in gorgeous white linen, a translucent vase filled with pink roses, and silverware so lovely and slender that she often caught herself staring wistfully at them.

The weather churned out a crispy morning breeze that mixed in with the comforting smell of hot tea, buttered sandwich, and fresh strawberries that hypnotized Elwanda.

It all still felt like a lucid dream.

Oftentimes, she even had to blink hard just to find out whether she was stuck in some kind of fantasy dream. But the billowing curtains, the feel of velvet and light perfume, the sound of Celeste going over rules of etiquette, and her own body settling comfortable into the soft cushion under her was all indeed very real.

She bit down on her bottom lip, forcing back a satisfied smile as the realization set in proper.

Only earlier, she had been sitting in a prison cell. It was staggering how change worked.

"Any questions, Lady Dove?" Celeste asked, gently turning over a petite dessert spoon.

Elwanda did likewise. She'd had no idea that there was a supposedly correct way of using and handling cutlery. The rules that guarded the rich and influential were strange albeit fascinating.

"None, Celeste." She replied, behaving in accordance to what she had learned as she picked up a cup of tea. Royals were always gentle in speech and mannerism, somewhat slow and taciturn as well.

Celeste looked impressed. "Good! We've made a Lady out of you already. Very good! Now, your luggages are being prepared as we speak. Your ladies-in-waiting will be Fylve and Serine, and they will both join you at noon, which is when you will meet with the Steward."

Elwanda swallowed too quickly and began to cough.

"Dear Lord!" Celeste hurried to offer her a tissue. "Are you alright?"

Her eyes watered, but she nodded in spite of it, dabbing gently underneath. "Yes, yes. Forgive me, Celeste, I was only taken by surprise. I thought I was to meet the Steward by the evening."

Celeste, albeit worried, returned to her seat. "Not anymore. It was thought that preparations would take longer, but it now seems that everyone is in a hurry to please Raegros and all was done in little time. Your departure has also been rescheduled."

Alarmed and slightly daydreamy-ish, Elwanda sighed and gave a nod. "Alright then, Celeste. Thank you for the lessons, by the way, I really enjoyed them. Lord Haladar wasn't exaggerating about you being the absolute best at this."

Celeste hooted a pleased laugh, waving a hand. "Oh, you flatter me so much. I've only done my duty, my girl. All for the safety and progress our kingdom, no?"

"Absolutely."

"You have done marvelously well too, my girl." Celeste commended then leaned in with a squint. "You learn faster than normal, and it truly amazes me. Are you sure some part of you isn't royalty?"

Elwanda lowered her face to hide a blush. "Unfortunately, no, Celeste. I am nothing."

"Oh, don't say such things, Dove. You're a beautiful young woman with brains sharper than a tick. Alodie perceived this, and that is why he suggested that you were the perfect fit for this role."