"Am coming in ma lady" said Cassandra
"Do come in, Cassandra," I gestured and she entered the room. Cassandra looked at my room the sight of her room was grandeur and splendor, as always. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, while the floors were adorned with plush, deep-pile rugs.
In one corner stood a vanity table, adorned with silver-framed mirrors and an array of exquisite perfume bottles and makeup accessories. Next to it, a small table was set with a delicate chai tea set and a tray of pastries fit for royalty.
Against the opposite wall was a walk-in closet, filled with gowns, shawls, and other opulent garments, all expertly crafted from the finest silks and velvets.
The walls were painted in a pale, dusky blue, adorned with intricate gold trim and molding. A sparkling crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the room. Lady Rhiannon slept soundly in her majestic bed.
"Good morning, my lady. You haven't had your breakfast yet," Cassandra said, opening the curtains to reveal the sunrise.
"Cassandra..." Lady Rhiannon's weak voice trailed off as she called out with her eyes still closed.
"Yes, my lady?" Cassandra answered.
"Could you come back later? I need more sleep," Lady Rhiannon pleaded.
"Of course, my lady. I will return in two hours," Cassandra replied before closing the curtains and leaving the room. I turned over, snuggling deeper into her soft sheets as she drifted back to sleep.
(Dream State***)
When I finally woke up, donned my robe and left my room, expecting the usual bustling activity in the castle. But to my surprise, there was no sound at all.
"Cassandra? Mother? Father? Alba?" She called out, receiving no response. Confused, I ventured out into the hallway and discovered the dead bodies of their guards.
Panic rose in my chest as she continued to walk, only to find her brother Alba lying on the ground, his silver hair tied up in a bun, drenched in blood.
"What is happening?" I exclaimed, terrified at the sight before her.
"Alba," I knelt before him and shook his lifeless body. "Please don't do this to me, Alba. Please wake up, I'm begging you. You can't leave me, please."
"My lady." I heard Cassandra's voice, and I looked back to see a bright light, followed by darkness. I woke up, staring at the ceiling, and saw Cassandra's worried expression.
"Are you okay, my lady?" She asked, clearly concerned.
"Yes, I'm alright."
"Are you still having the same nightmares?"
"Yes, but you must tell no one about this. Where is Alba?"
"He went out for horse riding, my lady," she answered.
"Okay."
"Don't you think you should let your mother know, at least? You've been having terrible nightmares, and it's taking its toll on you."
"I don't want her to worry unnecessarily."
"My lady, since the dream keeps repeating, I think you should let her know, in case it has something to do with the future," Cassandra suggested.
"Yeah, you're right. Could you prepare a nice, warm bath for me?" I asked, using my cute puppy eyes.
"Sure," she said, smiling as she left for the bathroom. Cassandra should be in her thirties by now, as she came here when she was young and has been taking care of me since. She's like a mother figure to me. I got up and went to my closet, picking out a dress. I had no idea why I was having such terrible dreams, but I wasn't going to let them ruin my life. I had to take care of them, one way or another. I pulled out a white gown, simple yet exquisite. It had a slit from the thigh down to the leg and a large opening at the back. Most of my clothes were like this, simple yet elegant, which also made them sexy. I smiled widely as I laid it out on the dresser.
"My lady, I am finished," Cassandra announced as she emerged.
"Could you kindly bring me a pair of matching shoes, please?" I politely requested.
"Certainly, my lady." Cassandra replied, and I proceeded to the bathroom. As I undressed from my nightgown and immersed myself in the bath, my fingers grazed over the locket passed down to me from my great grandmother. Its design of a moon and star intertwined captivated me, despite its age. Since I was a child, I had been drawn to the shape of the moon and star, often incorporating it into my wardrobe. But ever since I received this necklace, I have been plagued by a recurring dream. Perhaps it is simply a nightmare, or perhaps it is the burden of wearing such a heirloom. I cannot bring myself to part with it, as it was a gift from my great grandmother. Cassandra did an excellent job, and I felt my muscles relaxing under the ointment which she put in the bath tub. The scent of lavender oil filled the air, furthering my sense of tranquility.
After thirty minutes, I emerged from the bath and wrapped myself in a bathrobe. Cassandra led me to the silver-framed mirror and removed the towel covering my hair. She dried my hair expertly before applying oil and styling it half up, half down.
"Is there a special occasion today?" I inquired, a hint of surprise in my voice.
"Yes, my lady. I was going to inform you, but you sent me away earlier. Your father and the family have been invited to a ball." Cassandra divulged.
"Why am I just being told now?" I voiced my displeasure.
"Because you chose to sleep in, my lady." Cassandra responded.
"I detest attending those balls, surrounded by pretentious women and men." I sighed.
"I believe your father accepted the invitation with the intention of finding you a suitable match. After all, you have come of age. Which father would want his daughter to remain a spinster?" Cassandra reasoned.
"I still have ample time to enter wedlock, do I not? It's not as if I am rapidly aging," I expostulated.
"You, of all people, should understand how devoted your parents are to you. Should you not attend, even if only to please your family, even if it means you won't gaze upon any of the handsome gentlemen," Cassandra pleaded, and I grinned.
"I never stated I would not attend. After all, the ball is in the evening."
"Yes, my lady. I will retrieve your lunch now," she said, removing breakfast and exiting.