Sacrifice [BOOK 2]

Chapter 2

The evening twilight catches my eyes as I am yanked forward. Tripping on the hem of my dress I fall forward onto the pleasantly soft grass. Rolling onto my back I catch a glimpse of the tree closing up and returning back into the ground, as if it never existed. Flabbergasted I continue to sit on the ground surveying my surrounds.

"Where are we?"

"You are home. They will never find us here. It's as if we never existed.

"Xael needs to find me. We can't be apart. I could die and so could he. Our bond isn't sealed."

"I have a solution for that. Drink this."

Pulling a vial out from between her bosom, the pinkish liquid glitters when shaken.

"I am not drinking that until I get real solid answers. I do not even know your name or why you chose to claim me as your daughter now."

"Drink this liquid, and then we can sit here and talk. I do not wish for you to die. I've spent years keeping you alive."

Hesitantly, I reach out with my palm held open to take the mysterious liquid. Now kneeling I take out the small cork as I down the liquid all in one swallow. In an instant a horrid burning feeling bubbles up in my stomach as I keel over clutching my stomach.

"What have you done ... to me!"

"This is the only way you can be away from Xael without dying my child."

The burning continues to immobilize me as it creeps up into my chest. The sensation causes my heart to beat faster and faster.

"I can't take it!"

"It will be over soon."

Vision blurring, I finally fall over into a bed of Baby's breath. Fighting to keep my eyes open I look up at my birth mother as tears trickle down my cheeks.

"Give into the darkness. It will all be over soon."

Closing my eyes, darkness overcomes me. Chirping rings in my ears as I slowly open eyes. Confused on what is happening my eyes dart everywhere around me.

"Your grace, you have finally awakened."

"Can we fetch you some water, or fruit from the gardens?"

"Who are you two? Where I am?"

"I am Elson, princess. Beside me is my sister Mariela. We are your ladies-in-waiting. We have strict orders from the Queen to keep you here until supper is ready."

"Who is the queen? And I'm not a princess. I'm just Winnie, a former slave girl."

I don't know if I should trust them. I need to find a way home.

Elson:"You are so funny your grace. Mariela run a bath for the princess, she is dirty from her travels."

Mariela:"I do not think she knows who she is sister."

Elson:"We have no right to question the queen. Now run the bath. I will prepare her outfit."

My eyes follow the servant Mariela as she quickly walks to the door, which I assume is to the bathroom. Both sisters are in matching silk outfits that glimmer in the light as they move around the spacious room. Strangely they wear no shoes on their feet and have weirdly colored hair, I've never seen before. They were perfect. Opening the golden armoire, decorated with flower engravings, the likes at which intrigue me.

Elson:"Would you prefer the blue dress or the cream-colored dress, princess?"

"I do not care. Where is my mother? She looks exactly like me. We could be sisters. I need to speak to her."

Elson:"Oh you mean the queen?"

"Yes, I assume so."

Elson:"We must make you proper before you see her. You are filthy and unclean for the grand hall."

This conversation is going nowhere.

I sigh in frustration before nodding in agreement. Sliding off of the now soiled sheets I take in my appearance in a vanity mirror. Hair in a fluffy mess that resembles a bird's nest. Dirt smudged across my cheeks, dress in tatters with scratches down my arm covered in more dirt.

Is that a twig in my hair?

Mariela:"The bath is ready princess. The perfect temperature."

Elson walks in front of me and kneels. Grabbing the hem of my dress she begins to pull it up.

"What are you doing?"

Elson:"Helping you undress, your grace."

"I can do this all myself."

Mariela:"It's our job, princess. We live to serve."

"I order you to stay here, while I wash myself. I need time to myself. Not to be naked in front of strangers."

Elson:"Can we at least dress you up?"

"Sure."

What weird women. I'm not in Zeonia anymore.

Author's Note

First of all, I'm so happy to have hit 1,000 followers!! I see all you guys and I send all my love for following me. Second, I hit rank #12 in fantasy a couple of days ago for Claimed so that's another milestone. My year is looking great already. I've decided that Monday will be the designated day I post for this story, but sometimes I might post two chapters in a week. Please continue leaving me feedback and votes. I always do my best to reply in a timely manner. Thanks!