I fell asleep while waiting. A gentle sensation jolted me awake—a faint touch as if someone were shifting me. The weight on the bed altered, I felt a slight nudge. A weight shifts on and I feel warm breaths against my skin. Slowly, I peeled my heavy eyelids open, only to find myself staring directly into someone's eyes. I'm laid on my bed and she's on top of me. I think I'm dreaming. I can't figure what's happening , There she was, Jude, positioned atop me as I lay in bed and we're both looking at each other.. Our gazes locked, an unspoken dialogue passing between us. I can't stop looking. Unable to comprehend the situation I raise my eyebrows to question her position and with swift movement, she withdrew from her position, slipping off the bed.
" sorry you were about to fall and I was moving you and then my hand twisted and-" she signs and continues, moving her hand through her hair," Margaret- I mean the princess is calling you, you have to start with the lessons from today. The guard outside will show you the way so quickly freshen up", she says with a nonchalant expression like the past minute never happened. She goes out of the room leaving me in absolute silence.
I blink and think of us being so close. I can't help but smile. I press my lips but it does not help in my case, I put my hand over my face to stop the flustering, kicking my legs. I can't believe it. I shouldn't be this happy. I swiftly rose from the bed to get dressed.
The dress I'm wearing along with the heels made it hard to move but it was painfully beautiful. I was wearing at least 5 layers and then finally the gown which was a lovely shade of purple, more like lavender. It was stitched with dark purple bows and designs and layers with more shuffles. I had to admit i looked fabulous and this might just be the best thing I've ever seen or wore.
Once i make it to the ball room i see Margaret and Jude laughing together. Jude says something in Margaret's ear that makes her giggle. Jude is sitting right in front of me and she's laughing with the princess, what is she laughing about? I note how she looks at Margaret. Is it different from how she looks at me? All these thoughts shatter when Margaret spots me and calls me out.
"Hey when did you come? we were waiting for you. Let's get started", She smiles. The ballroom is large enough to fit more than 5 of my rooms. The ceiling is designed with curved portraits and chandeliers hanging between the spaces. In the corner was a stage where a set of musicians sat and once the princess nodded towards them the music started. The melody was slow and Tranquil. Jude smirked at the princess and slides her hand on her waist. Margaret giggles and they both start slow dancing to the music. My eyes do not move from them throughout the dance. They looked at each other and Margaret smiles at her. This is not fair. What am i here for If all i had to do was just watch them. I couldn't bear watching them, seeing them together like that made me mad. I don't think Jude would ever look at me the way she looked at her. I had to do something. I discreetly cleared my throat, breaking the silence with a soft, subtle sound. They both looked at me and the music comes to a sudden halt.
" Hannah now it's your turn, come on", Margaret points breaking their contact. I had expected to dance with Jude but she backed away leaving Margaret and I together. Jude left the ballroom and the music resumes. Margaret's hand are on my waist and mine on her shoulder whereas our free hands hold each others.
" so how are you?", she prompted.
" Good so far i suppose", I reply with a simple smile.
" Are you sure you're okay with this trip you'll go to?"
"yeah of course, It'll be a fun experience you know. Meeting a troll seems more than perfect for a vacation", I say winking at her. She laughs hearing that.
"Hey tell me more about yourself ",she said with a genuine smile on her face.
" How about I show you my dancing skills first princess", I say and spin her around, the fabric on her attire flutters softly in response to the spin.
" You're good at this", she laughs and looks away. Our moment is broken by a knock at the door and a guard signs at the princess. " I'll take my leave Hannah, you should head to the dining hall. Lady Susan will help you with the dining etiquettes. Have a good night.", she pats my shoulder and leaves for the door.
I enter the dining hall where a woman in her mid twenties had already been seated. She has auburn hair which were in contrast with her blue eyes. Her skin is pale which made her freckles clearly visible. She's wearing a dark blue dress with a collar with ruffles on the neck design and sleeves. She spots me as soon as i enter in the room and stands up and bows in curtesy.
" Hello Hannah, My name is Susan. I have been informed that you are a special friend of the princess. I hope we get along. I will be teaching you the dining etiquettes. Now let's start with the food. You may observe me and then begin eating", she points me to sit and i watch her begin eating the delicious copped lamp. After pointing me out five times on five different types of spoons i am finally allowed to eat. All the working had made me exhausted and the red meat melting into my mouth with bursting flavors made up for it. The dinner was not the only thing. I had to learn the etiquettes for having dessert and tea, lunch and supper and an evening snack. Lady Susan after the lesson takes her leave and tells me that she will test me tomorrow. I think none of it and rush out as soon as she leaves.
I don't know where I'm heading but i just glide and navigate through the halls hoping to see something. After a handful of minutes I spot Jude talking to someone. It's a girl who looks a bit older than her. Jude nods in response to something she said. I do not dare to look at her and slowly and eloquently continue walking. I glance at her for a second but she pays no attention to me. I was walking like crazy around the halls hoping to see her but i simply pass her without saying a word. Well to be fair she didn't even notice me. Why should she?. I indulge in my thoughts and quietly head to my room. It takes a couple tries to take off the dress but i do it eventually. I change and get into the soft fluffy bed that swallows me into it and fall asleep almost immediately.
I wake up to a loud noise banging in my ear.