章 5: The Royal Maid

In awe, I watched as the woman who had just gone through labor held me tenderly in her arms, her strength unwavering as she skillfully read the letter.

I couldn't help but wonder, 'Is this my mother? She's truly a strong one.'

The sight of her, effortlessly managing both tasks with love and determination, filled my heart with a profound sense of admiration and gratitude.

As Eliza's eyes scanned the contents of the letter, her expression became a whirlwind of emotions. Her face was unexpected to read; I couldn't discern whether she would be happy or dismayed by its contents.

However, as she delved deeper into the words, her initial intrigue transformed into anger. Those narrow eyes narrowed further, and exasperated sighs escaped her lips as she continued to read.

I felt a sense of unease in the room as her emotions seemed to fluctuate with each line she perused. Whatever the letter contained, it had clearly stirred a tumult of feelings within her.

Her grip on the paper tightened, and her knuckles turned white with intensity. As she finally finished, she set the letter aside, her features etched with a mix of frustration and determination.

I knew without a doubt that the contents of that letter held profound significance, and it seemed to have ignited a fire within her that demanded action.

The old woman beside her looked worried, her voice tinged with concern. "Your Highness, what's the matter? Did something bad happen to the Madam?"

Eliza hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on the letter in her hand.

"No, it's not that. It's just that... I don't think this letter came from my mother. Did you really check who delivered it?"

I saw my mother as her suspicions arose when she held the letter tightly, a sense of unease settling in her heart.

''The symbol on the letter was unfamiliar, and something about its arrival seemed off'' leaving her questioning its authenticity.

The old woman bowed her head in remorse, ''Yes, Your Highness, I'm truly sorry. I had no knowledge of such an incident.

Please grant me a chance to uncover the culprit responsible for this heinous act, and I shall make sure they face the full extent of my wrath on your behalf, Your Highness''

I let out a cry to express my interest in the conversation, the my mother chuckled and said, ''Oh my, Melissa, haha... Well, cool your head, Matilda seems like she doesn't appreciate this serious talk.''

'No! I'm very intrigued. It feels like I'm watching a mystery unfold here, so please continue,' I urged with eagerness.

''Wah wah waah waahhh''

''I'm sorry, Your Highness and Princess. Please give me a chance to find the culprit,'' Matilda, an old woman with chestnut brown hair neatly tied in a bun, pleaded with a hint of urgency in her voice.

Her eyes reflected a mix of concern and determination as she vowed to uncover the truth.

''Alright, alright, you may go now,'' the woman replied, her tone softening slightly as she granted Matilda permission to go. I still in her mother's arms, looked on with curious eyes, my innocent gaze filled with wonder at the unfolding scene.

Matilda bowed respectfully to the woman and swiftly left the room, accompanied by the other maids. A hint of rage flickered across her face, a clear indication that she would stop at nothing to bring the wrongdoer to justice.

As time passed, the place felt strangely empty, with only the three of us remaining – me, my mother, and one maid.

Amidst the peaceful atmosphere, the woman's warm gaze fell upon me, the newborn princess.

''Are you listening, my little princess?'' she asked with a tender smile.

''Wah wah wah,'' I responded, my cries being the only way I could express myself in this tiny, helpless form.

'Well, of course,' I thought to myself, 'with this body, the only thing I can do is to cry and listen to all the adult voices.

I wondered about the world beyond my limited understanding, and as my eyes met the woman's, a sense of comfort washed over me. In this unfamiliar place, she seemed like a guiding light, ready to lead me through the uncharted waters of my new life.

With each passing moment, I felt a bond forming, as if destiny had brought us together for a greater purpose.

When my mother held me in her arms, she spoke with a hint of melancholy in her voice, ''If I had the strength and power like your father, I would be able to protect all of you.'' She gently kissed my forehead, her love and concern evident in her actions.

In that moment, a young maid, Peta, who had been hiding in the shadows, stepped forward, her demeanor calm and reassuring. ''Don't worry, Your Highness,'' she said in a soft yet resolute voice, ''I will do whatever it takes to fulfill your wishes and protect you''

A warm smile graced in my mother's lip as she looked at Peta. ''You are such a sweet and dependable person, Peta,'' she expressed her gratitude, ''Thank you for always being by my side and supporting me''

As I observed their interactions, it appeared that they were on good terms with each other, but a sense of uneasiness washed over me, especially when it came to the presence of this particular maid.