Fate In Ink

chapter 9

The mansion was huge.

I kept myself from gaping while we were inside. The floors had tiled patterns, and the walls were anything but ugly. Vine-like decor intertwined themselves into the pillars of the house, stretching down to the windowsills.

The mansion was bright and the cold breeze blew softly into the house. Back in my time, it would have been impossible to live here, with all the tropical heat and the constant hellish temperatures.There were no fans in sight,yet it still feels a lot cooler than my home in the future.

"Wow," I whispered.

"You seem to be in awe." The lady took a left turn and brought me to the foot of the stairs. "I believe I have not introduced myself. My name is Belinda, Doña Valentina's primary maid."

The stairs glittered under the morning sun and I was careful not to bring my foot forcefully. It made a loud noise and I was afraid I might sound uncivilized and rude to my host.

Portraits hung up on the walls, each one carrying dignified faces and personalities. They were solemn, as if they were looking down on the passers-by. A chill ran down my spine and I walked hastily after Belinda.

"The baño is over there, and I have left some undergarments for you to wear. Would you like me to assist you?"

I snapped out of my reverie and shook my head. "The restroom?" I clarified. Belinda nodded. "I'd be fine, Ma'am."

Belinda smiled and patted me on the shoulder. "'Belinda' is fine," she said.

"I insist, though. I feel kinda bad if I call you by name just like that," I said.

Belinda didn't speak any more, but only gave me a small bow and went away..

****

After the bath, Belinda led me to a room so I could change into more 'proper' clothes. Honestly, though, the so-called undergarments may have very well passed as everyday clothing if I were in the future, but as I do not want to cause scandal and go down in history as the most shameless woman, I have decided to abide by their societal norms.

The room was nice and cozy, with a wooden cabinet situated in the far left corner of the room. Beside it was a vanity table, complete with a few locked boxes safely kept by brass locks and keyholes.

The bed was pushed to the right side of the room next to the window. The four posts seemed to be in theme with the vines of the mansion, with intricate little carvings on it. I ran my fingers over the little flowers and leaves on them, marvelling at the artistry and effort poured into it.

The room was quiet, with only chirping birds fleeting about from the tree branches outside the window. I walked around and saw a large study table, with books and pens neatly arranged on one side.

There was a thin layer of dust on it, and a question popped into my mind.

Whose room could this be?

I remember my own table back at home. I tried keeping them neat and organized, but I almost always end up with a pile of papers and books. Then my mother would come in my room and nag about how I'd never become a good wife at that rate.

My chest ached at the thought and the painful realization dawned on me once again. If I couldn't find a way out of this time, if I had to stay here for the rest of my life, then I might never hear my mother's nagging again.

It could get annoying sometimes, but it was home.

I bit back tears just as a knock resounded, and I flinched in surprise. The door creaked open and the beautiful woman from before, Dona Valentina, peered inside.