A loud knock on the door startled Eloise, causing her to open her eyes immediately. "Come in" she said with sleep in her eyes.
"Master Vincent has instructed me to clean you up to get you ready for the dinner tonight. The king and the other family members will be returning from their trip this evening." It was the maid from this morning
"Oh okay" Eloise replied confused on what to say.
The maid gently took Eloise by the hand and led her down a quiet hallway. The air smelled nice, like flowers and fresh soap. They stopped in a bright room where a big tub was filled with warm milk and soft pink rose petals floating on top.
"Come in," the maid said. Eloise stepped carefully into the warm, smooth water. It felt soft and gentle on her skin, like a warm hug after a long cold day.
The maid sat beside her and began to wash Eloise's hair. It was dirty and tangled from many days without a proper wash. The maid's fingers moved slowly, cleaning every part carefully. The water smelled sweet and fresh, and Eloise felt the dirt and tiredness washing away.
For the first time in a long time, Eloise felt calm and safe. The warm bath made her body relax, and her heart felt a little lighter. She closed her eyes and let herself rest, enjoying the quiet peace around her.
After washing her hair, the maid helped Eloise stand up and wrapped her in a soft, warm towel. Eloise felt clean and fresh, like she was new again. The maid smiled kindly and said, "You will stay here and rest now. You deserve it. I'll be back to get you dressed up"
Eloise looked around the room. It was quiet and safe, with soft light coming from a small window. For a little while, she forgot about the hard things she had been through. Her body felt light, and her mind was calm.
She sat by the window and watched the petals float in the bath water, still feeling the soft smell of roses around her. It was the first time she felt comfort since she was taken away. She quietly hoped that maybe, here, things could get better.
As Eloise sat by the window, the maid came back with a small bowl of warm milk and honey. "Drink this," she said kindly. Eloise took the bowl with shaky hands and drank slowly. The milk was sweet and smooth, and it made her feel stronger.
After a while, the maid brought soft clothes for her to wear clean and gentle on her skin. Eloise put them on, feeling warm and safe for the first time in a long time.
She looked out the window again, watching the sunlight play on the garden outside. For a moment, she let herself believe that maybe this place could be a new beginning, even if everything else was still scary.
Her heart still felt heavy, but now there was a small spark of hope inside her.
"Please take a seat" the maid said pointing towards the chair by dressing table for Eloise to sit on.
Eloise sat down and looked in mirror, staring at the reflection of the maid brushing her hair
The maid stared back at her, smiled and said "you have very beautiful hair miss"
"Thank you so much" Eloise replied with a smile on her face. The maid had always seemed cold and given very prompt replies
"May I know your name?" Asked Eloise
The maid paused for a moment, as if no one had asked her that in a very long time. She placed the brush down gently on the table and gave a small smile.
"My name is Irene", she replied softly
Eloise nodded, still looking at their reflections in the mirror. "It's nice to meet you, Irene" she said, her voice quiet and calm but honest.
Irene picked up the brush again and carefully continued brushing Eloise's hair. The room stayed quiet, only the soft sound of the brush moving through hair filled the space. It was a peaceful, gentle silence.
After a while, Irene spoke again. "I'll help you get dressed now. Master Vincent wants you at the dining hall before the others arrive."
Eloise's heart jumped a little at the mention of his name. She wasn't sure if she should feel afraid or calm. She only nodded.
Irene opened a wooden wardrobe nearby and took out a long, simple but beautiful shawl. It was soft blue, with small silver threads shining faintly when the light touched it. "Wear this," Mara said kindly. "It'll look lovely on you."
Eloise reached out and touched the fabric. It felt smooth under her fingers nothing like the rough clothes she had worn before.
"Thank you, Irene," she whispered.
Irene helped her slip into the dress, carefully tying the ribbons at the back. She brought a pair of soft slippers too. When they were done, Eloise turned to the mirror. She hardly recognized herself. The clean skin, the brushed hair, the gentle dress… it felt like a different girl was staring back at her.
A nervous knot still twisted in her stomach, but for now, she held onto the little bit of peace she had found.
"Ready?" The maid asked.
Eloise took a deep breath. "Yes… I think so."
She smiled and opened the door. "Come with me, miss."
And together, they stepped out of the room.
As they walked down the hallway, multiple questions ran though Eloise's mind. "Who are these people?" Why am I not treated like the servants here?" She thought deeply
Soon, the reached the dinning hall. The large golden doors were pushed open and Eloise stared in awe, she hadn't been to this part of the castle. She looked around with her mouth open and eyes wide and said "wow"
"Eloise" she heard Vincent's calm and stern voice that snapped her out of her daze.
"Master Vincent" she said while she gave a little curtsy.
"Take a seat" he said.
The room went silent for a while before a loud scream was heard "Brother Vincent!!"
Little seraphine dashed across the dining halls and ran straight into Vincent's arms
Eloise stood up and observed the scene about to unfold in front of her.
The king, the queen, and two children; a boy that looked slightly younger than Vincent and a girl few years younger than that boy then the little girl who just ran.
Master Vincent's family.