Legacy of The Enchanted

A Moment of Comfort

(Taryn's P.O.V)

After Alessandra's explanation, I feel a cautious hope stirring within me. She points me toward a door. "You can take a bath in there. Clean yourself up and relax for a bit. When you're ready, we'll talk more."

I nod, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and disbelief, and make my way to the bathroom. As I push open the door, my breath catches in my throat. The bathroom is like something out of a dream. Different shades of blue dominate the room, with white and gold accents adding a touch of elegance. The bathtub is more like a hot pool, large enough to swim in, and steam rises gently from the water. A three-piece full-length mirror stands next to it, reflecting the fancy surroundings. The sink counter, adorned with a large mirror, sparkles under the soft lighting. Shelves lined with soaps, oils, perfumes, and other luxuries line the walls.

For a moment, I just stand there, overwhelmed. This is the first real bath I've ever taken, and the sheer luxury of it is almost too much to comprehend. I undress slowly, my fingers trembling as I pull off the tattered rags that have served as my clothing for so long. I feel a pang of disgust as I look at myself in the mirror. My long brunette hair is tangled and matted, a wild mess that cascades down my back in unruly waves. My body is covered in bruises and scars, each one a painful reminder of my life as a slave. The metal cuffs on my wrists gleam dully, their cold weight a constant presence. My caramel brown eyes, usually dull with pain, stare back at me with a flicker of something that might be hope. Freckles are scattered across my face.

I lower myself into the water, gasping at the sensation. The heat seeps into my muscles, easing the tension and pain that have become a part of my life. For a while, I just sit there, letting the water envelop me in its warmth. I close my eyes and allow myself to relax, a feeling so foreign it's almost frightening. The steam rises around me, cocooning me in a blanket of soothing heat.

After a while, I decided to clean myself properly. I reach for one of the soaps on the shelf, choosing a bar scented with lavender. The calming fragrance fills the air as I lather the soap, scrubbing away the grime and filth of my past life. The dirt washes away, revealing clean, unblemished skin beneath. I wash my hair, the tangles loosening and the strands becoming silky and smooth. The lather of the soap feels luxurious, and I take my time, savoring every moment. The scent of lavender fills the room, mingling with the steam, and I feel as though I'm being enveloped in a cloud of tranquility.

I rinse off the soap and shampoo, watching the suds swirl down the drain, taking with them the remnants of my old life. I lean back, closing my eyes and letting the water soothe my battered body. For the first time in years, I feel almost human again. I finish my bath and step out of the tub, wrapping myself in a soft towel that feels like a warm embrace.

On a nearby chair, I find my new uniform: a white shift and a simple light blue cotton overdress. The fabric is soft against my skin, a welcome change from the rough, itchy garments I'm used to. I slip into the shift, the smooth fabric sliding over my clean skin, and then pull the overdress on. It fits perfectly. I braid my hair, taming it to fall neatly over my shoulder and take a moment to look at myself in the mirror again.

The girl who stares back at me is almost unrecognizable. The bruises and scars are still there, but they seem less pronounced. My hair, once a tangled mess, now shines with a healthy sheen. My eyes, usually dull and lifeless, now hold a spark of something new. 

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the bathroom and head back to Alessandra's room. She looks up as I enter, a smile playing on her lips. "You look much better," she says warmly. "How do you feel?"

"Better," I admit, unable to keep a small smile from forming. "Thank you."

"Good," she says, standing up. "There's a lot we need to discuss, but for now, let's get you settled. Follow me."

I follow her through the halls, feeling a strange mix of anxiety and hope. As we walk, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for me in this new life.

Alessandra leads me to her deeper into her chambers. her entire wing is an area of the palace that screams elegance and royalty. The walls are adorned with a deep royal blue, and the floors are covered in a plush white-colored carpet that muffles our footsteps. The air here is different, lighter as if this part of the palace is a world unto itself.

We arrive at a cozy sitting room, where a fire crackles in the hearth. Alessandra motions for me to sit on a plush armchair, and I sink into it gratefully. She takes a seat across from me, her eyes studying me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Taryn, I know this is all new and overwhelming for you," she begins gently. "But I want you to feel safe here. As my personal servant, you'll be living and working in my wing. You'll have more freedom than most of the fae in this palace, but there are still rules you must follow."

I nod, listening intently. "I understand."

"For now, rest and get used to your new surroundings. We'll get to know each other a bit more, and discuss your duties tomorrow."

As I retire to the small, but comfortable room that has been assigned to me, I can't help but reflect on the events of the day. The bath, the new clothes, the kindness of the Princess, it all feels like a dream. For the first time in years, I allow myself to hope. I lie down on the soft bed, my body sinking into the mattress, and close my eyes, feeling a sense of peace I haven't known in a long time.