1 1 // wish
My name is Lilianne Agres de Orcia. Fianceé of the crown prince, and the only daughter of the wealthy and influential Duke Orcia.
My life had always been centered around thinking about myself and up till now, I am still doing that.
Just recently I found out that my engagement with my dear prince is only going to be a political marriage. For 5 years of our engagement, he had always showered me with affection, praises and gifts. It's hard for me to believe that our future marriage is just for power and wealth.
I am exasperated, so right now I'm running in an unfamiliar woods, searching for a certain wishing well. It is rumored that this well grants anyone's wish, in exchange of just a coin.
The sound of crinkling leaves under my feet felt oddly satisfying. The cold breeze felt soothing as my apricot colored hair danced along with the wind, it feels as if my bow will be undone, but I don't really care. The further I went, the heavier my lungs felt, and my thumping heart wasn't helping either.
Never had it been a smart idea to go to the woods at night, but I had no choice. They said magic is most effective during a full moon. I'm gonna get my wish fulfilled no matter what.
pant...pant....
From the corner of my eye, I saw a stone well. I turned around and I was right. It's composed of big grey stones and it had a lot of moss covering it. The inside was most likely a lot more gross. Is this it? It looks ancient.
As I went closer, I noticed a person sitting beside the stinky old well. Judging by the way they dressed, it seemed like a commoner girl. She was sitting quietly there with a distressed face, eyes directed to her feet that barely touched the ground as she slightly swing them.
"Hello!" I decided to approach the girl with a friendly smile and she hesitantly nodded at me. This is awkward.
The girl's hair was certainly longer than mine, and it had the color of faint sunlight. There was a red ribbon standing a top of her hair and it looked rather eye-catching. Her eyes looked like shiny amber, though it had a longing stare, and a melancholic vibe.
I walked closer and dusted a part of the well then sat down near her. She smells like vanilla and flour. Somehow that makes me feel hungry-
I tried to surpress it but my stomach growled uncontrollably. It sounded like a rupturing thunder, even I got scared of myself. I glanced back at the girl and she was staring at me with eyes that expressed sympathy.
"You hungry?" I hesitantly nodded.
She then started searching in her satchel and then took out a piece of bread that was carefully covered in cloth. She handed it to me with a small smile, "It's not much, but I hope it helps."
My ruby eyes started sparkling at the sight of bread. Free food!! This girl is such an angel!!
"Thank you so much!!"
I happily ate the bread. Though it was not enough for my appetite, I'm still very grateful~~!
After finishing my 'meal' I glanced back at her with a smile, "That was delicious! Where did you buy it?"
"Oh, it was some....something I made. My family runs a bakery, you see.." She smiled, while avoiding eye contact.
It made me happy that she's chatting with me now! Though it is obvious that she still feels a bit intimidated by my presence. I shall have this angelic girl as my friend!!
"Woah!! You baked it?! That's awesome!!" My eyes lit up again, literally sparkling, "Where is your family's bakery located??"
"It's just around the town, near the famous cafe.."
"Ah! That bakery! I've heard about it before!!"
Her hands then started fidgeting she looked uncomfortable. I wonder what's wrong, "Hey what's wrong? Maybe I can help you with something too, just tell me and-"
"E-enough about me, let's talk about you!" She tried to change the topic..
"What brings you here? You don't look like you're from around here..."
Ah! Crap, I can't just tell her that I'm from the other town and I sneaked out all the way here just for a stupid wish and all I get is a piece of bread- or maybe I can, but subtly.
"I'm here for a wish."
"Ah you're the same as me then. I've wished here for a hundred times already...I hope it works for you though."
"I'm sure your wish will come true as well!!" I gave her a reassuring smile as I looked straight into her eyes.
"Thank you." Her amber eyes sparkled with hope in them.
I took out a silver coin out of my purse and gave it to the girl. Her expression was saying 'what for?' "Payment for the bread."
"This is too much! You don't have to!"
"Aw come on, just accept it." I insisted but she seemed determined to not make me pay. So I'll just change the topic.
"Anyways, lets make a wish!" I took out another silver coin and clasped my hands together. I think she's doing the same right now.
'I wish to have a normal life where I can find someone who will truly love me back.'
Upon opening my eyes, I feel like something magical happened, though I'm not sure why. After making a wish, we both tossed a coin to the well. I hope she tossed a different coin and not the one I gave her.
"What did you wish for? You see, I wished for-"
"If you tell your wish they won't come true!!"
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes!!"
She seemed to be eager to have my wish come true, rather than her own. This encounter seems too unreal, she have to be an actual angel! Whatever you wished I'm sure it will come true!!!
"By the way, what's your name? I'm Ressia."
"I'm Liliane Agres de Orcia-"
Oh crap! Did I just said it?!
Ressia's eyes were widened by surprise as she covered her mouth, "You don't mean you're THAT Lady Orcia?"
"I, um, I am?"
"I....I should be going now, goodbye! Please take care on your way home!"
She bowed really low before turning away and attempting to run at full speed. Though it seems that she's a slow runner as she struggled to keep her pace. I hope she gets home safely. Ressia is a nice girl, I wish I can see her again.
Little did I know I would be seeing her again, as frequently as I wanted to.
'Aw, well looks like I'll have to go now as well. I still have a long way back home. Just why don't we have public transport in here, unlike the other empires?'
***
Aimlessly wandering in a certain hallway, I spot a familiar figure get closer to me. Ah, it's nanny! Crap I'll get scolded if she sees me like thi-
"My Lady! Where have you been! Why aren't you in your chambers! Do you not know how dangerous it is to go out alone at night?! What if you get harmed and there's nobody to help you! I'll be really sad you know!" I sighed as my nanny continued to nag, inspecting me from head to toe.
"Don't worry nanny, I'm perfectly fine, see? Besides, I met a really nice person today."
"Well that's because you're lucky today! Next time, who knows what will happen to you!" It seems she won't stop with this..
"Alright, I understand. I won't try to sneak out anymore. I don't want you worrying about me." I loooed down and pouted as she patted my head.
"I'm glad you understand well, my lady. Now go to sleep. You still have to clear your misunderstandings with the Crown Prince."
"Ah. Yes."
I headed straight to my room and basically collapsed at my own bed. Today was a hectic day for my feelings.
I still can't believe Kiel doesn't love me back.... but that's not a problem right now! I'm sure my wish will come true! and I'll have someone to love me back as much!
After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, I eventually dozed off and completely fell asleep.
***
I woke up with pain as someone pulled up my hair as they yelled straight at my ear, "You stupid girl! Didn't I tell you to wake up early! Now what are we gonna sell now, huh?! Do you plan on sleeping all day?! You ungrateful bitch! Go downstairs once you fixed your shabby appearance!"
She slammed me down the cold wooden floor and left while stomping her feet with fuming anger. Just who the hell was that?
If I wasn't half-asleep I would've screamed and alerted the guards but...wait since when did I have bandages on my arm..? I touched the bandage, but flinched once I made contact with it. It's like there's a wound underneath.
It seems that my worries increased as I looked up and saw myself inside a cramped little room. It's dusty here, and cobwebs have taken over the ceiling. Did we have such room in the mansion..?
A small light reflected in a corner of the room. It looks shiny, so came to see what it is. As I got close, it seemed like a shard of a broken mirror. Well I guess I'll check the so-called shabby appearance.
Things got a lot more weird as I saw my reflection and I almost dropped the shard as I recognized who it was.
"Ressia."
