The Marí

Part.21

I lay upon my bed, tears falling shamelessly from my face as I pondered all that Dr. Liz had spoken earlier. Her brown wavy hair and dark gown were etched in my memory. This was not the life I had envisioned beyond the castle walls, and how I wished to return.

I should have chosen to wed Hugo without remorse. Gently, I reached beneath my tear-soaked pillow, grasping the vial of potion. I held its contents in my hands, longing for solace. At least, I still had a chance. I could flee and return to my own kingdom, to the walls where I felt loved and protected.

In truth, I believed that, in my absence, my father would have sent troops to seek me out in this mad house. I felt a pang of disappointment; my rebellion had been fueled by the conviction that my father would always support me, and I had lost that comfort.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my head resting upon my knees, trying to rock myself into some semblance of comfort. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I looked around the room, but there was no one there. A faint knock on the door made me freeze. The knock came again, a bit louder this time. I hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Enter."

The door creaked open, and Hena entered with a concerned look on her face. Her chubby frame and awkward smile were almost nauseating. "Emerald, how are you feeling?" she said softly. "I know I haven't been the best hostess, but trust me, every decision I've made was for your own good."

I nodded and patted the bed beside me, inviting her to sit. Taking the cue, she sat gently on the mattress, caressing my head with her hands and wiping the almost dried tears from my chin.

"Dr Liz is still outside," Hena continued. "She'll be assisting me with the preparations."

I nodded again, knowing that if I tried to speak, my voice would betray me.

"It's almost noon, and Princess Lena will send for us soon," Hena said, her voice tinged with regret.

"But I haven't mastered the dance yet," I said, my voice cracking with fear.

"It is forbidden to practice such an auspicious dance on the day of the festival until the right time," she said, smiling warmly.

"But Hena, you said if I missed a step, the Marí would have my soul," I added in fear. "I cannot die, Hena. I... I have to-"

"Shhh, dear child," Hena cooed. "The goddess would never leave her own helpless. After all, it is for her honor," she said sternly.

"But..." I started.

"No buts. Now, let's get you ready. Dr Liz is waiting," she replied, abruptly cutting me short and dragging me from my bed toward the bath area.

As we passed my vanity, I caught a glimpse of myself and screamed at my reflection. Hena chuckled behind me. My red locks were tangled, and I could spot dry leaves in my hair. My blue eyes were puffy with a slight shade of red. At least the marks were gone, I breathed in relief as I remembered Dr. Liz's insistence that the angry love bites and dreams were memories of a past resurfacing.

Entering the bath area with Hena felt like stepping into an otherworldly realm. The air shimmered with the mingling fragrances of white, crimson, and obsidian candles that formed a mystical ring around the tub. Beyond this circle of flickering flames, an arcane ring of salt glittered like stardust, enclosing us in an atmosphere both warm and unsettling. The gentle crackling of the flames and the faint hiss of burning wicks echoed softly, creating a haunting symphony that danced on the edge of my senses.

"What is the meaning of this, Hena?" I asked, my voice trembling as she began to remove my clothes, piece by piece.

"It is for your purification," she murmured, crossing my hands over my chest and instructing me to hold them in place.