39 Wine Red Petals (1/2)

Where did all of these people come from, Isilla thought, a smile plastered to her face as yet another guard bowed in front of her while firing off an introduction. The same process had been repeated by at least twenty men before him and still, there were more people, more staff, waiting to introduce themselves. On either side of her sat Haribit and Elixabete. Ilun laid at her feet, head in paws but facing Elixabete, ready to act.

Vil stood behind Elixabete, back straight and eyes focused. The woman had been quiet so far, a gentle smile on her face as the members of Isilla's retinue bowed and made themselves known to her.

This must look awful, Isilla thought as another guard bowed before her. The prince's wife and the woman who is supposedly carrying his child side by side like this, Isilla sighed, not letting the embarrassment reach her face.

Next an old man, dressed in a shirt and pants bowed. His announcement began a stream of kitchen workers. They transitioned into a suite of maids responsible for cleaning and errands around the apartments. Then onto the groundskeepers for her indoor and outdoor gardens. A dressmaker, a bookkeeper, a painter, and finally a fleet of nannies for children she did not have.

”I suppose we will care for the Lady Elixabete's child until yours comes, Princess,” the woman in front of her said, a smile on her face. No malice in her voice, a careless statement.

Isilla smiled at the woman, noting that Elixabete touched her belly at the woman's words.

The introductions finished, they stood and waited for some word from her. She wrote quickly in her book, anxious to get the process over with. Her stomach growled, the introductions had bled into lunchtime.

”The Princess Isilla thanks you for your service and for taking the time to meet with her today. She hopes to know you all better,” Haribit read, her voice carrying over the small crowd.

Smiling, Isilla stood and turned taking her leave. A messenger met her at the garden door. He bowed low before speaking. ”Your Highness, Prince Lehan would like to have lunch with you today. He requests that you come alone or with another attendant besides the Lady Elixabete. I will escort you when you're ready.”

She looked back at Haribit who nodded. ”Please wait at the main entrance. The Princess needs to change.”

The messenger nodded and turned away, making his way back through the halls.

”I'll get your other maids after we get back to your room, they can help you better with something for him,” Harbit said.

What could he want with me, she thought. Should I tell Arren? He will be upset.

Haribit left her at her rooms. Her stomach churned and cold sweat ran down her back as she touched her neck where he had run his tongue against her. The feel of his hands on her body, the thought of being alone with him, even if Harbit accompanied her, was too much. She wrapped her arms around herself and sat on the couch in her sitting room, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Ilun whimpered and put his head in her lap, gently applying the weight of his body bring her back. She touched hishead, running her fingers through his fur. He licked her cheek and she touched her face. Am I crying, she thought as the salty tears rolled down her face to her lips, filling her mouth with their taste.

I have to calm down, she thought forcing her breathing to slow, to match Ilun's. Gradually, her body stilled and her heart slowed.

She went to her washroom and cleaned her face, her eyes, still watery would dry on their own. I have to do this, I have to go, I can't let him know that I fear him. She looked down at her clothing. I shouldn't change, she decided.

Steady now, she left the bathroom as Haribit entered the room with her maids.

Isilla shook her head and motioned to her clothing as she beckoned Ilun to follow.

”You can't see the prince in that! It's not proper!” Greta said.

Isilla turned her head and frowned at the woman, silencing her.

I'll be back soon, she wrote.

”You can't go alone,” Haribit stopped her, hand on her arm.

Isilla smiled at the gesture. It's alright, I'll take Ilun.

”Isilla! After what he did,” Haribit started.

Isilla stopped her with a finger to her lips. I'm fine, she wrote. He can't hurt me.

She motioned for Ilun to follow, leaving the women standing in her bedroom.

He thinks I'm weak, she thought, everyone does. I must show him I'm not afraid.

She passed down her halls and met the messenger at the door. The man nodded in greeting which she returned and they walked out of the glass doors and into the dark halls of the castle.

He lead her quietly, no words passed from his lips. At her chest the necklace that Arren had given her to find him pulsed, begging her to follow its lead to him but she ignored it.