2 A Lady's Entry

I'm startled awake when my head hits the window full force as the carriage rides through some rocky roads.

"Ouch! What the.." I gasp as I take in the sight a few yards away from us. The royal palace, closer than it's ever been..!

Beautiful cherry trees are in full blossom all along the entrance, the golden gates shimmer in the sunlight and the water in the fountain sparkles beautifully.. It looks like something straight out of a romance novel!

"Am I... Really going to live here?! No, more importantly... Why me?!"

We arrive at night, and a small boy opens the door and offers me his hand, which I take with a nod and smile. He pulls out my baggage, and turns to address me.

"Welcome to the royal palace. Here, I'll guide you to your room."

He tilts his head toward the front doors and I immediately feel intimidated by their size. They loom over us in their intricate wooden paterns and golden accents, and I have to stare for a bit before I follow the boy inside.

He leads me through the entrance and into a large hallway, filled with windows that span from floor to ceiling.

We reach another door and he turns to face me again, and I finally get a good look at his face.

His features are boyish, but he's probably about my age, only a few centimeters taller.

He has round eyes and long lashes that flutter when he blinks, his cheeks are rosy and his lips are chapped from the cold weather.

"We've arrived." His voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Oh. Yes! Uhm.. Before you go." I take my baggage from his hands and look into his eyes. "What's your name?"

"My name..?" He tilts his head. "I'm Lance." He flashes me a toothy grin and turns his back to me, walking his way down the hall.

"S-See you tomorrow!" I yell, maybe a little louder than is appropriate at this time of the night, but I can't bring myself to care.

I open the door and set my bag by the door, taking my time to look around. It's.. bigger than my entire house, probably, and the bedsheets look like they're made of clouds. There's a fireplace by a bookshelf, something I imagine is quite cozy in the winter, and oh.. There's a large wardrobe, a fluffy carpet and two bedside cabinets I probably couldn't afford even if I sold an eye.

With no energy left, I strip of my coat and pants, as well as shoes, and flop down on what's probably the biggest bed in the world.. No, second biggest. The Prince's must be bigger.. Actually, the King's-

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping and children laughing, sun on my face. I shift on the bed, imagining my aunt waking me up so we could make breakfast, and for a moment I forget where I am.

I open my eyes slowly, blinking while I adjust to being awake and sitting up to run my fingers through my hair.

The palace.. The prince.. Lance.. Ugh, my head.

I get up begrudgingly and pull on my clothes as I try to fix myself on the mirror that sits on the vanity. I look a bit messy, but it's always been expected of me, so I don't pay it much mind as I open the door and step outside.

Right. What now? I turn my head to the left, but the hallway is completely empty, as I turn to my right I get a glimpse of a figure and..

"EEP!" I fall on my bottom out of fright, letting out an embarassing squeak.

"Oh my! Are you alright?" A sweet voice calls out and I look up to see a tall woman, only a few years older than me. Her grey hair is pulled into a bun and she wears a maid's outfit. She smiles, worry in her features, and offers me a hand.

I take it, averting my gaze as I brush off the dust on my dress. "Thank you.."

She bows to me, before standing up to straight to introduce herself.

"I'm Martha. I'm the maid his majesty the Prince assigned to you. From now on, I'll be tending to your needs." She smiles.

I curtsie, lifting my skirt before finally making proper eye contact. "I'm Merlin. Say, uhm.. When can I take a bath..?"

She startles. "Did.. Did Lance not show you to the bathing quarters yesterday?"

I tilt my head, my messy dark violet bangs falling onto my eyes. "Was he.. supposed to?"

She sighs, rubbing a hand on her temple. "Yes.. but I suppose it's up to me now. Let's go." She begins walking her way down the hall and I run to catch up, grabbing her sleeve.

"Yes..?" She turns to face me.

"I.. Let me just grab my clothes!" She shakes her head.

"There's no need for that. His majesty has supplied you with an all new wardrobe, so don't concern yourself with such things. Now, let's go so you can get ready before breakfast." She turns and continues walking, and I barely have any time to be shocked before I have to run to catch up.

I sigh happily, letting myself sink into the steamy water in the bath. The smell of roses filled the room, and I found myself thinking back on what Martha told me.

Why would his majesty spoil me like this.. I understand wanting my magical powers, but there was no need for him to treat me this nicely.

Well.. Not that I'm complaining, but I can't help but feel like he has some other reason..

Standing in front of the dining hall door, a beautiful gown on my body and my hair done into a graceful braid.. I have never felt any smaller. Martha smiles to me, albeit with pity, and then gestures for the guards to open the doors. Just as they grab the handles, I give her one last glance, and she mouthes me 'good luck'.