It had been a week since I left Orindale, and I missed home deeply. Thaloria was overwhelming—stressful in most ways I hadn't expected and strange in ways I couldn't explain.
The rules were ridiculous, the training felt unnecessary, and my supposed parents were strict beyond reason. Every meal I ate was carefully selected from the garden, measured and watched. Even the smallest choices no longer felt like mine.
Whenever I tried to write a poem, someone would stride into my quarters without warning, interrupting my thoughts as if silence itself was forbidden.
I had been writing letters to Aunt Viv, but I noticed she had not written back yet. I found it strange, as Aunt Viv was never late in sending back letters. And then I realized who had been hindering my letters from being sent. It was Mia. I saw her picking up my letter and disposing it.
I felt so frustrated. I took measured steps and began to speak to Mia.
"And what right do you have to dispose of my letters? It wasn't part of your stupid rules that letters are prohibited. You seem to have a lot of impulsive things," I said, anger in my voice but my expression calm.
I had only lived there for a week, and things were already becoming more intense. My patience was being tested, and my silence was always questioned.
"As much as I want to be silent and calmly ignore your actions, I can't," I said as I walked closer to her. "There are certain things I do not overlook. Just because I do not make comments does not mean I don't have a mouth and a mind of my own. So know your place, Mia. You are just a mere maid."
I said it calmly. Then I walked away.
I reached the garden, and there I saw a rose growing among thorns. I stood still, staring at it. Then, suddenly, my head began to ache—it felt heavy, overwhelming—and I sank down to sit.
It was the same feeling I had felt before… the same strange pull, the same pressure in my chest.
The same feeling I had when I saw Mile on horseback And those dreams I always had… my head felt heavy, and I could not understand why. Ever since I saw the horse, I had started having these headaches and turbulent thoughts. But I am not one to react to things quickly, so I ignored it, convincing myself it was nothing.
I stood up and continued walking when I suddenly saw my supposed mother. I tried to turn back, but she called out to me.
"Dear daughter."
She looked at me and gave a vague smile before walking closer. I bowed and said, "Yes, my queen."
It was one of the ways Mia had told me to greet royalty.
"Rise," she said, authority laced through her voice.
I raised my head and stared at her.
"We will be attending a ceremony this evening," she continued. "I have selected gowns with class, and I want you to be ready before sunset."
"I do not wish to go out, my queen," I said, trying to remain calm, though my voice was on the verge of betraying me.
She stepped closer, placed a hand on me, and whispered, "You do not have a say in anything that pertains to what I decide. So be obedient and comply with the rules, darling daughter."
She patted me lightly, then walked away.
How I wished I could just run away from this place. I sighed, knowing I had no other option but to comply. I was well aware that disobedience would lead to consequences—crazy ones.
That evening, as I dressed in preparation for the ceremony, Mia walked in. She dismissed the other maids, picked up another gown, and discarded the rest. The one she chose had a corset.
The moment I wore it, she pulled tightly on the laces, tightening it until I could barely breathe.
"It's too tight," I said.
"Oh, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about that," she replied calmly. "The queen wants you to look your best." She gave a smile of mockery before walking out.
...….
We were now at the ceremony. My supposed parents stood beside me as we walked elegantly into the ballroom of the castle. People stared at me—some with lust, some in awe, and others simply because I was a stranger to them.
Each step I took made breathing uncomfortable, as the corset squeezed me tightly. I felt suffocated. I sat down and watched as everyone stared at my bare face—no veil, no paint, no wig, just me and my strange features.
Disturbed by the stares and the tight cloth, I walked out of the hall where the ceremony was being held and stood alone in the corridor. I tried to loosen the corset, but it would not come undone. Mia had tied it far too tight.
I tried so hard that my breathing became shallow, and sweat began to form on my skin. Just as panic threatened to take over, I felt a hand on my back, gently working at the tight knots of the corset.
The moment it loosened, I inhaled deeply, finally able to breathe freely again. Relief washed over me. I turned around to see who had helped me, but there was no one there.
I found it strange—unsettling even—but I was grateful. At least I was free from the cruel bondage of the corset.
I sat down beside the stair railings and stared at the trees, admiring nature—the only thing in this kingdom that did not feel against me.
Soon, the place grew eerily quiet, and I heard my supposed mother's voice echo through the hall.
"Tomorrow will be my dear daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. It was delayed for certain reasons, and we would like you all to attend. Anyone interested in wedding her should attend as well. Thank you."
Marriage.
I repeated the word to myself, unable to believe the suddenness of the announcement.