The looming feeling of danger kept her up the entire night. She could finally relax a bit when it was close to dawn.
The next morning, the princess had large dark circles under her eyes, which she had to cover with make-up. Cedric was gone before she woke. Once again, he was swamped, and so was she.
Today was a big day. "First you will be having breakfast with all the survivors before wishing the ones going ho a safe journey." Evelyn reminded Abrielle of her schedule.
So of the girls, like Becky, will be starting their journey today. Abrielle was certain Becky was more than happy to be finally able to see her family again.
"Do I have to go? I feel like sleeping in bed all day." Abrielle whined.
Evelyn’s expression remains unreadable. "You can do as you wish. You were the one that arranged your schedule and no one will question your authority." Evelyn stated.
Abrielle sighed, "You know that isn’t helping. In the slightest at least tell the girls are looking forward to seeing one last ti before they depart." The princess pouted, turning from the mirror.
Her eyes darted around her room. The maids were standing in a corner because they were done dressing her.
"I am in no place to tell you what to do, Princess Abrielle. I am just a servant that follows your instructions and protects your well-being." Evelyn stated with a stoic expression. The typical Evelyn.
Abrielle scoffed, then got on her feet, "You are annoying at tis with how serious you act. Now I am missing Zoltana." Abrielle sighed walking towards the door and being led by the maid
"I am not as annoying as Elias, so be glad he isn’t a woman, and you would have been stuck with him. Also, if you care about Zoltana, be glad she is missing because I am certain the first prince would behead her at first sight."
Abrielle felt goosebumps crawling up her skin because of Evelyn’s statent..the worst part was that she was right. Cedric was going to kill Zoltana for aiding her failed escape attempt.
"He sounds scary when you talk like that." The princess muttered. Evelyn wanted to say,’ But he is scary. If not the scariest cold-blooded killer I had encountered.’ but she was wise enough to keep her opinion to herself.
The door was pushed open, and Abrielle continued on her way to the dining room.
"Talking about Elias, he can’t be that annoying. He seed like a nice person." Abrielle said and Evelyn almost coughed out blood.
"Please don’t ntion this in front of the other shadow knight. They won’t do anything to you but you won’t like their reaction." Evelyn deadpanned.
It felt like she had sothing on the tip of her tongue.
"Why? How exactly is Elias?" Abrielle’s curiosity was piqued. Her footsteps along the footsteps of the other maids echoed down the hall
Evelyn had her hands held together as she walked two steps behind the princess because of their status difference.
"He is just the most annoying man I know, and honestly, I don’t want to talk about him." Abrielle had a mischievous smile upon hearing Evelyn’s response.
"Fine, if that’s what you want." The princess chid.
They soon arrived at the large dining doors. The door creaked open announcing the princess’s arrival. Abrielle walked into the room as refined as a princess could be.
As soon as the girls saw her, a few jumped up from their seats.
"Princess Abrielle!" one of them called, her voice bright with excitent.
Everyone showed their respects to the princess. "Greetings, your majesty," they echoed on their feet. Their faces were all beaming with smiles.
"Good morning.hope you all had a lovely night." She chid.
They surrounded her with warm smiles and gentle greetings. So gave small curtsies, others hugged her tightly. There was sothing sweet and bittersweet in the way they looked at her, grateful, admiring, but also sad.
"You ca," Becky said, her eyes shining with emotion. "We weren’t sure if you’d make it."
"Of course I did," Abrielle said softly. "I wouldn’t miss this for anything." she nervously lied, knowing she almost didn’t co.
Abrielle approached the head seat.
Her seat was pulled open, and the princess sat down, after which she instructed the rest to follow suit.
The sll of fresh bread and warm porridge filled the dining hall. The soft clinking of spoons and quiet chatter buzzed gently in the air. Morning light spilt through the tall windows, painting soft golden streaks on the stone floor. It was a peaceful scene perfect for goodbyes
Abrielle smiled, though the lump in her throat made it hard. These girls, they had been through a lot together. When it felt hopeless they decided to trust her.
Here they were alive, hopeful, waiting for the next Chapter of their lives. Although she had more challenges ahead, she was going to enjoy the mont.
The long dining table was already set. Baskets of bread rolls sat beside bowls of honey and jam. Plates were filled with steaming eggs, roasted root vegetables, and fresh fruit. It wasn’t a feast, but to them, it felt like one.
So of the girls were laughing quietly, others shared mories from their ti in Blackthorn. There were ntions of nightmares, of tears in the night, but also of the friendships ford in the ti they spent under captivity.
"I will be arriving ho by midday. I am kind of nervous. Mom will be happy and angry to see ," Lyla, one of the older girls, said as she passed a slice of bread to a younger girl beside her.
Abrielle nodded, folding her hands in her lap. "I’m happy for you. You’re going ho, where you belong, I hope your families welco you with warm smiles."
"It still doesn’t feel real," whispered Becky who clung tightly to her tea cup. "I thought we’d never leave there. How many days have I wished for this."
"But it is now a reality because you chose to be strong," Abrielle said gently.
There was a pause. Their eyes welled with tears. Camilla watched on the sidelines with a lovely smile. How nice would it be to go back to her family only if it was possible?
"We’ll miss you," Becky said suddenly. "Truly. We know how hard you fought for us, even when you were suffering too. Thank you Abrielle." Becky sniffed, holding back a tear.
Abrielle looked down at her plate, her heart squeezing. "I only did what was right, just make sure to write back when you get ho."
"And still... thank you," Cecilia whispered. The jolly atmosphere was disrupted when Betty’s lips parted.
"Can I hitch a ride with you, Becky? I have decided to go ho. I had a dream last night. Hope told to go ho." Betty’s silent voice spoke, drawing everyone’s attention.
Her hands were gripping her cutleries as she cried rembering the dream she had. "I am sorry to ruin the mood. I just couldn’t.." her voice broke as she cried.
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