Poor Child
.
The sky was dark, hazy clouds hovered around the moon. It's fine light falling upon the tattered looking hut, deep within the depths of the forest
The painful cry of a woman filled the air as the accoucheuse uttered some words. The woman's face was pale, beads of sweat already forming on her head
"One more time. Come on" the elderly lady urged and with a loud scream, the baby was born
Five seconds passed, it was silent, the baby didn't make a sound, the accoucheuse knew only one thing, the baby didn't make it. And so did the mother
She placed the baby by the mother's side and rushed out of the hut, approaching the royal guards who were on the watch
"Poor child..." muttered a fair, pretty lady. Her hair long and silver, her eyes dull and lifeless "You are the one who's going to save us from this chaos, for we might be doomed if the demons are out of control" her hand touched the baby's head and white light glowed from her hands
Her breath became heavy and she fell to the ground. A smile graced her lips and she slowly dissipated
"Waah..." the baby cries loudly and the guards as well as the accoucheuse rushed in
"Arrest her!" ordered one of the guards "She lied about the death of the princess"
"No. She wasn't breathing, I swear she was dead!" the lady struggled against the men's grips
"You dare speak Ill of the third princess. Take her away"
*
° YEARS LATER °
Orchid's eyes slowly opened revealing a pair of sparkling doe brown eyes. Her eyes shifted to the door where a knock could be heard
She knew immediately who it was, only her handmaid could knock on her bedroom this early
"Come in, Ava" she said and then turned her face to the other side, facing the half closed window
Ava stepped in, her brown hair was tied to a messy bun with her hands respectfully folded behind her back as she bowed and greeted the princess
"Good morning, princess. His Majesty has requested your presence in the dining. I'll prepare your bath" Ava said and walked inside the bathroom, Orchid followed suit and stepped inside the bathroom
.
Orchid walked out of her chamber along with Ava trailing from behind as they stepped into the dining room. Orchid approached the table and like the princess she was, elegantly sat down
Her half sisters stared at her with obvious hatred, they didn't like dining with her thus she usually had breakfast in her garden
Orchid has blemish-free skin, full and luscious pink lips, ink black hair that almost got to her waist and those charming brown eyes
The eldest daughter, Brenda Harrison had fair skin, charming dark eyes and chestnut brown hair. The second princess was also considered a beauty, blonde hair, white fair skin and light brown eyes but both knew their beauty could not be compared to that of Orchid
"Your Majesty. I am not usually invited to dine with the royal family"
"Oh dear, we don't need a reason to ask you to join us. After all, you're also part of the royal family" her stepmother said. A sweet smile displaying on her slightly wrinkled face
"The crown prince of Regalon would be attending Neera's birthday by tomorrow evening. We all know you tend to act on your own will, I expect you to be in your best behavior" the King stated "Hopefully, he'll take a liking to one of your sister which would strengthen the alliance between Regalon and Atlank. I don't want him to think the third princess is not... ladylike"
"Not lady-like?" Orchid questioned. She was ladylike enough. She was forced to learn the basic etiquettes of a princess, read boring books about the four kingdoms. She knew of every utensils used in the kitchen and yet...she wasn't ladylike? Sadness overwhelmed her, she would never be good enough in his eyes. She was just an illegitimate child, they made it clear to her. An utter disgrace
"Excuse me" with a slight push of the chair backward, Orchid left the dining
"Don't worry, Gabriel. She's still a child. You know how hard it is on her" Gabriel stared at his wife and smiled. He was grateful she was still at his side, despite the affair he had few years ago that led to Orchid