Born to unite (Born to be a slave; Book III)

28

KAIYA's POV

The crowd slowly dispersed. The residence queen and king drifted further away from my sight behind the greying bricks of the barracks and stables. Princess Reina was busy talking with Richard, leaving me with the dread of staying behind and linger more in the presence of Arian. He continued to admire Aye, and I was glad his attention was somewhere else this time.

I glimpsed Anna peering at the tall man with her cheeks being slightly rose-colored. Couldn't she be more obvious? I anticipated his pale eyes to dart up in any moment, but for now I let myself to observe the sight of his slightly relaxed eyebrows and prominent lashes. This time my existence was filled with serenity as I seemed less important to him, even if it meant for a tiny moment.

Then it ended as his gaze slowly rose from my feet and up to my face. My limbs became stiff seeing his unique eyes frown, his lips form a tight line, but he said nothing. I waited and waited, but no words came. Was I so paralyzed I imagined things? His eyes took my form from head to toe, stopping on my soiled shoes. I looked down too seeing only mud and straw clinging to them.

Arian averted his attention back to Aye and said in a lowered tone. "Did you touch him?"

I shook my head and felt the warm hand of Anna engulf my trembling fingers.

"We will leave. Are you requiring anything before we do?" Anna spoke.

I thought the answer would never come. My heart raced. I wanted to be nowhere near him, but... if he wanted something from us.

"No." I sensed he wanted to say more. "Both of you can leave." Arian's tone was seeping with arrogance, but it was nothing new to me.

With no hesitation, I followed Anna's lead. Her steps were urgent as mine and I was glad. It seemed she knew my desire to flee. We passed many soldiers and guards into the stable yard, the workers paid no attention to us, only Albert escorted us from afar with his kind gaze.

"I know what you need." Anna said between her breaths. Her cheeks hadn't lost the color but burned brighter. "A hot and calming tea of chamomile and rosehips to ease your tension, away from all the nobles." Anna shortened her strides, and I could breathe calmly, but my heart didn't stop racing. Arian's unsettling behavior lingered in my mind.

He had every opportunity to act, no princess was present, not the king of the house nor Anna would have the power to stop him if he wanted to hurt me in some way. He stayed more silent than usual as if he had found something more concerning than my existence? Deep down I was happy about the outcome.

Anna had led me to the servant quarters. The place wasn't less busy, but the atmosphere was relaxed, filled with cheerful chatter and laughter. We passed the heavy wooden door and were hit in the face by the warm scent of herbal brews, dry fruits and familiar spices.

"This is the place of our herbalist. We might find something useful."

Immediately Anna got to the countless jars and miniature baskets placed on the stacked-up rows and rows of shelves. Some had the weaved tops; some teased the contents within – leaves and plants and flower buds emitting the smells of health aiding treasures. Her nose whiffed passed some containers on the shelf right up her eye level, she had to keep herself on her toes. She was so energetic as if she never felt drained of her daily duties and taking care of me in the spare time. Anna continued to be in her world, murmuring something under her nose. She had found some herbs, the aroma entered my nose as Anna pulled them off the shelf and scurried to the table to begin her magic. She took a glazed clay mug, swiftly poured the hot water taken from the giant pot imbedded in the stove and poured it over the aromatic contents. The steam welled over as the morning fog.

"Come, sit down." Anna patted the finely bricked seating space coming from the fireplace. It had a weaved rug placed on the top, which seemed to be made of wool.

I got ingulfed into the soothing warmth that made my body weak and my mind sleepy. The mug Anna gave me rivaled in heat. For a moment I held it in my palms, savoring the calmness.

"I see this place works for you well."

"It is so much different comparing the rest of the castle. Like a different world ... I could escape to..."

"Any time, Kaiya. I will inform Cora that you might visit in the future again."

"Thank you. You are so kind."

"That's how the world should be." Anna smiled.

"... but it is not ..."

Anna gave an understanding smile.

"Have you heard? There will be a ball in a couple of days in honor of your princess."

I shook my head hearing such news for the first time.

"Many will be invited, many of the nobles and some common people from the city. You might be able to find some handsome man in the midst of it all."

"I don't know if the princess would allow me to ..."

"If it doesn't work, enjoy your stay just for the time while you are here."

I shook my head while looking into the contents of the tea mug. "Sorry. My mind is just not there ... I can't even think of a person who would be compatible with my current life within the service for my royals."

"No, you will see someone and it will change your mind. I guarantee."

I pondered about the possibilities. I had not have the time to think about my personal life, what it would be like in the future? What or who would want to be with the person like me? I was poor. Nothing mattered in this world but wealth. Now, with my parents gone, it would be even harder to arrange a worthy partnership. Princess Reina would disapprove too; I had the feeling. Should I ask her to know for sure?

Anna had left, I didn't notice, but I knew she was not far. I heard her voice behind the walls, deeper into the weaving corridors of the kitchen and servants.

Then a bright beam of light cut the dark shadows in the room. Someone had opened the heavy wooden door and peered at me. It was hard to see. I could only tell a woman watched me silently.

"Kaiya. Our princess is looking for you. She wants you to tidy up her room before she returns from dinner."

Somewhere in my mind I recognized the woman's voice. It was Nayla, one of the maids the princess took along.