Arsiers | POV
I am Arsiers, daughter of the rogue King, Avaraescouch, King of Demar. My mother died giving birth to me, or so I was told. My life is a mystery. Being allowed to know even one truth about my existence feels like purchasing a kingdom. For fear of hurting me, I've been kept ignorant of almost everything, even the truth about my own life.
I awoke in my chambers, greeted by a pale-red ceiling. The décor was ancient, and my head pounded. It ached, though not terribly; perhaps the pain would subside in a few minutes.
It was night. I sat upright, facing the window. It was made of fine wood, and its intricately carved designs resembled the décor of a dark, haunted manor.
The window was open, and the curtains hung loosely. The room was beautiful, painted in a milky colour, with amber designs adorning the four edges of the walls. It was elegant. Yes, that was the word for my room.
I sat staring out of the window as the winter wind blew in, forceful yet subtle. It was chilling, cool and soothing. I felt at rest. I wanted more of it, so I rose from the bed and walked towards the window.
Was this a castle?
"What?" I breathed.
"When? How?"
Was Ashdov a prince? A king? No. He was a soldier in Father's army. What was happening?
I decided not to ask questions, for I wouldn't get any answers anyway. I wanted to enjoy this peaceful moment alone. Alone, away from liars, I whispered.
The door creaked. I immediately picked up the sound. I was getting used to this. I turned my head, and then came a knock. Three times.
I hesitated before turning my attention back to the window, taking in the view once more. Another knock followed, thrice.
"Yes? Who's there?" I questioned.
"Your Highness," a little voice responded.
I noticed that I was becoming easily angered, increasingly agitated.
"Come in," I said simply, rolling my eyes.
The door creaked open. I composed myself at the sound before turning around with a smile, not a bright one, but a princess-like smile.
"Yes? What do you want?" I asked in a subtly sharp tone.
"Uuhm..." she began.
She seemed confused. Perhaps.
I narrowed my eyes, tilting my head slightly to the side as I pierced her with my gaze.
"Hmmm," I muttered.
I must have seemed like a predator to her.
"Uuhm... I came to ask if you needed anything, milady."
I looked at her sternly as she bowed her head slightly. I stood there, staring without an answer. Then I spoke.
"No... No, nothing at all."
She nodded.
"No problem, milady. I'll be at the maids' court. If you need any assistance, just call for me."
She finally looked up, smiling, and pointed towards the bell. I smiled back.
She turned to leave.
"What's your name, girl?"
"Emiliae, milady."
"Good," I replied.
After answering, she turned and left.
I was alone now.
"Now, what do I do with my time here?" I muttered, squinting slightly as I played with my hair.
I then moved towards the mirror.
I saw my reflection. Her. The princess of Demar, in an unknown kingdom.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was tan-skinned, unlike most other girls and princesses, who were pale. My brunette curls cascaded in soft waves around my face. My doe eyes gazed back at me, framed by delicate features, thin lips and a sharply defined face. There was an undeniable allure to my appearance, a quiet elegance that felt both captivating and mysterious.
Was I what made me unfortunate with men?
Hmm. Nonsense.
I rolled my eyes, taking a seat as I stared at my silk, violet Regency gown.
Touching my hair, I realised how dishevelled and unruly it had become. I rose and strode towards the bell, ringing it before returning to my seat.
A few moments passed as I played with my hair. Then came a knock at the door, followed by a voice.
"Milady...? May I come in?"
"Yes," I replied courteously.
She entered, curtsied, and straightened herself before asking, "What can I do for you, milady?"
"Would you kindly undo my coiffure and brush out my tresses? I should like to retire for the night," I requested, looking at her before turning my gaze towards the mirror.
"Yes, milady," she replied promptly.
She moved towards me and began removing my hairpins and ornaments. Once she had finished, she began gently combing through my hair.
Breaking the silence, she spoke.
"Your hair looks beautiful, milady."
"Hmmm," I replied, nodding slightly.
"Thank you," I added after a moment.
"May I ask you something...?"
I hesitated.
And then, finally, I spoke.
"What type of... creature are you?"
She stopped, looking at me through the mirror before returning her attention to her work.
"None, Your Highness. I am human."
"Wow," I whispered.
"Then your king, or whatever..." I hesitated. Gods, what was I doing?
"Never mind," I said.
"A vampire," she replied immediately, before I could finish my sentence.
"What?!" I blurted, turning towards her.
All I was met with was a smile. She looked pretty.
I turned back towards the mirror. My heart began to pound. I was shocked. So terribly shocked.
"Yes, milady. A vampire," she confirmed.
I stared at the mirror before speaking.
"Enough for today. I want to go to bed and think," I said, looking at her reflection.
"Yes, milady. As you wish."
She finished brushing my hair, set the comb aside and moved towards the door.
"Thank you, Emiliae," I said, turning my head in her direction.
She stopped before replying.
"It's a pleasure, Your Highness."
She opened the door and left without turning back.
I rose. My head was filled with too many thoughts; I couldn't settle on a single one. So, the truth was indeed very heavy. No wonder their tongues couldn't bring themselves to spill it.
Moving towards my bed, I lay down, my thoughts still racing. At the very least, I deserved to know the truth.
Closing my eyes, I sank deep into my thoughts.
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