Sorceress

Chapter 9

When I woke up, I felt better than I had in days. For the first time since leaving I was well rested, clean, and in an actual bed.

An actual bed?

The events of last night came back, and I looked around, confused. I was in a small, round room with windows on all sides, excluding the one with the door. the ceiling was painted with an intricate nature scene with fruit trees. The bed I was laying on (laying on the opposite side of the door) was a fair size with a bedside table beside it. On the right side was a large oak wardrobe and dressing screen, to the left was a matching desk and chair. A bookshelf stood on one side of the door, a large mirror on the other.

I examined myself. I was in a fresh floral nightgown and all of the dirt and grime was gone. My hair was soft and my skin smelled of lavender.

"Hello?" I called, starting to climb out of the bed, "Where am I?" I turned to look at the windows. I was quite high, at least three stories. All that was there was forest, and beyond that a high stone wall.

I heard the door creak open and whipped around, startled. A young woman was peering in.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," she said, coming into the room holding a a silver tray. She had a petite figure, and large brown eyes with long dark lashes. Long brown curls framed her delicate face. 

"Oh no it's fine... Could you, uh, tell me where I am?" I stepped toward her as she placed the tray on the bedside table.

"Of course, Miss. You are at the royal palace of Vestill, home to the royal family and court," she said this with a slightly rehearsed and prideful tone. "I am your maid, Lucy."

She gave a small curtsy and a shy smile.

"But how did I get here?  And where's Ignis?" A confused look grew on her face. "My stoat."

"Oh, yes! He is with the healer, Omnis. Don't worry, he's safe. And as for how you got here, Omnis found you in an alley being attacked and brought you here. That's all he said."

Although I still had questions, at least I knew where I was and that Ignis was safe. I sat on the bed, thinking. The royal palace! I never thought I'd end up here. I looked up at Lucy, who was standing patiently.

"I'm sorry," I said, standing up, "My name's Alice."

"Pleasure to meet you. Would you like your breakfast now?" I shook my head. "Alright then. Now let's get you dressed." She walked over to the wardrobe and opened it, revealing several beautifully ornate day dresses, "I wasn't sure what your measurements were, but we can always fix one to fit you. You came so suddenly last night that I had to rush to find some suitable clothes."

"Oh, I simply couldn't!" I exclaimed as she started to search the dresses, "This is much too fine!"

"Oh it's quite alright miss. You are in a castle after all! Oh, yes!" she had pulled out a light blue dress with cream-colored birds flying across the fabric. Lucy helped me dress and fitted the gown to my measurements. 

"This corset is a bit tight" I wheezed as she pulled the strings taught.

"I'm sorry Miss! But don't fret, you'll become accustomed to it soon."

She brushed and fixed my hair and gave me some shoes with a slight heel to them. Then she rubbed some ointment on my arms that smelled of lavender.

"You're ready!" she said gleefully. She place me in front of the ornate mirror to view myself, "Does it suit you nicely?"

"It's perfect, thank you," I replied. And it was. The dress was quite nice on me, and simple enough to fit my nature. "May I go visit Ignis now?" 

"Of course. It's just down the hall, second to last door on the right. Have a nice day Miss," and with that she curtsied and went out the door carrying my night gown and breakfast tray that I didn't touch.

When she was gone, I braided my hair back to it's usual state and stepped out into the hall. The inner side of the hall was ornately decorated with paintings and tapestries, the opposite side full of windows. I turned and walked right, as Lucy instructed. There were maids carrying clothes and food all along the halls that gave me a curtsy (if their hands weren't too full, in which case they gave me a small bow) when I passed. I looked out the window, studying the forest and grounds. 

I was so occupied looking at the scenery that I didn't notice anyone walking towards me. Someone ran straight into me, sending both of us and the stack of books they were carrying to the floor.

"Hey!" I sat up and looked at the person who was so careless as to-

"You!" it was the young man from last night, the same one who had knocked into me already.

"We just can't stop from running into each other, aye?" He replied, starting to pick up his scattered books.

I tried to get to my feet, but tripped over my dress and fell again. I grasped at the wall and awkwardly stood up.

The young man sat and watched, obviously amused. I could feel myself blushing.

"Are you not bothered to help a lady to her feet?" I demanded.

"Well last time you seemed to take offense when I did so," he replied casually.

"Well- I- Just- Stay away from me!" I stormed off down the hall, flustered, my face red. I made a point not to look back.

When I came to the second to last door, I took a deep breath and composed myself. I wanted to look calm in front of Ignis, in case he was worried. I gave a strong rapping at the door.

A light voice sounded from inside, "Yes, come in."

I opened the door and stepped inside.