Artemis vanished as soon as she saw the room, without giving me any explanation about where she was going. I was left all alone. Not knowing what to do. I decided to explore the room.
I stood in the center of the room, staring around at my new surroundings. The tower room was surprisingly spacious, with high, vaulted ceilings that made it feel almost regal. The walls were made of gray stone, rough to the touch, and covered in vines and moss that gave the room a natural, organic feel.
My favorite part of this room was its tall windows that covered almost the entirety of the left wall. The windows let in streams of moonlight, casting the room in a cool glow.
A plush armchair sat nearby, next to a small table stacked with books and scrolls.
I also noticed a large bookcase, filled with books that looked ancient and mysterious. Some of them were bound in leather, with gilded pages and intricate symbols on the covers. Others were tattered and dog-eared, their pages yellowed with age. Arianna longed to pick one up and read it, but she didn't want to risk angering the witch by touching her possessions.
At least I have books. I love books. I could read all day, every day. I could survive on books alone, if someone provided me with enough snacks to eat while reading.
As I continued to explore, a knock sounded on the door, I was startled, who could it be?
It cannot be the witch as she had simply vanished, she must have used teleportation. As I opened the door a timid-looking maid suddenly appeared in the doorway. The girl was dressed in a plain black dress and her eyes darted nervously around the room as if searching for someone.
I realized she must be looking for Artemis.
"Excuse me, miss," the maid said, her voice trembling slightly. "These are the only clothes available now." The girl held out a bundle of fabric that was wrapped tightly in a sheet.
I sighed. I hope the clothes at least fit. I accepted the bundle from her grateful for the clothes. I will accept anything right now as my clothes are soiled, from the fight earlier today.
"Thank you," I said, as I took the bundle from the maid and unwrapped it to reveal a dress, made from a rough material that scratched her fingers as I touched it.
"They might not be your size," the maid said apologetically. "But they're the only ones we have right now."
With a deep breath, Arianna turned to the maid and said, "Thank you for bringing these to us."
The maid nodded and scurried away, disappearing down the stairs. I reluctantly slipped into the dress having no other choice. It was too big in some places and too small in others, I would have to make do.
I will have to go out and shop for some clothes. But how will I do that? I have no money. And as I was in disguise, I didn't even wear any jewelry aside from a dainty chain with a small circular pendant.
But I will never sell this as it is the only thing I have from my mother.
I was getting hungry as time went by, being tired of waiting for the witch to arrive.
I was done waiting for her and made my way out of this room.
I couldn't help but feel curious about the rest of the tower, there were only four rooms on this floor. And the other three doors were locked. I was on the seventh floor, the top floor of the tower.
There was a sweet smell coming from below. I followed it to the third floor, it was surprisingly empty, but the aroma of rich food was stronger than ever.
There was a small room at the back. It must be the kitchen. I peeked inside to find two chefs cooking as the maids hurriedly worked in the kitchen.
When a maid saw me peeking, she appeared in front of me with a stern expression.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, I have never been asked that, nor did I have to go and find food on my own while starving. There was always snacks and food available.
I never imagined I would miss the palace.
But there were several perks that I had taken for granted as a princess.
"The witch Artemis asked me to bring her food," I said, hoping that she believes it and gives me food without asking any other questions.
The maid's eyes widened, and she hurried into the kitchen and started piling food on the plate. Artemis seems to hold some kind of power over everyone. The people here seem afraid of her. There must be a reason for it.
Is she that powerful?
The maid appeared with the food and handed the plate to me.
"Make sure to send food to her room every two hours, or the witch gets really angry," I told the maid with a somber expression, the maids eyes widened as she nodded her head.
I couldn't help but smile as I made my way out of the kitchen with a plate full of food.