Whisper of Twilight

Anezka's Pov

After our heartfelt conversation, my mother gently suggested that I take some time to rest, as she and my father had important work to attend to.

Rhea, with her usual attentive demeanor, guided me back to my bedchamber. As we made our way through the grand corridors, I caught sight of a striking woman passing by.

She wore a deep cherry wine turtleneck blouse, its rich color complementing her elegant figure.

The full sleeves flowed gracefully into her fitted black skirt, which hugged her curves and ended just above her knees, accentuating her silhouette. Her slender legs were showcased by sharp black stilettos that clicked rhythmically against the floor with each step she took.

There was an air of sophistication about her, a certain extravagance that drew my eyes. Curiosity bubbled up within me, and I leaned toward Rhea, whispering in a hush, "Who is she?"

Rhea cast a quick glance at the woman and, without a word, firmly grasped my arm, redirecting our path. Confusion washed over me, but instead of questioning her, I chose to follow her lead in silence.

When we finally arrived at my chamber, Rhea instinctively positioned me on the bed before turning to lock the door behind us. Her expression was tense, and I could sense an underlying worry. "What happened, Rhea?" I asked, my concern growing as I searched her eyes for answers.

Rhea let out a deep sigh, the weight of the conversation evident on her face as she gracefully settled beside me. Her eyes locked onto mine, and with a tone that commanded my attention, she asked, "Now you know that you're a child of a queen, right?"

I nodded, the reality of my heritage sinking in. She leaned in slightly, her expression serious as she continued, "Listen, Anezka, no one knows about this except for a select few in the palace. So, unless the queen introduces you to the kingdom, you must not speak with anyone here. You have no idea who may be a friend and who could be a foe."

The intensity in Rhea's gaze made me realize how important her warning was. Determined to heed her advice, I responded, "Okay, I'll remember this."

A hint of relaxation flickered across Rhea's face, but my curiosity bubbled to the surface. I had been eager to ask her something since our first interaction. "Can I ask you something?"

I ventured, my voice tinged with hesitation. Rhea looked at me with a mix of curiosity and encouragement, urging me to voice whatever was on my mind. "What's your age? You look about the same age as I am," I inquired, hoping my question wasn't too trivial. Her laughter rang out softly, a melodic sound that lit up her features. "I apologize for not introducing myself properly to you," she said, her cheeks slightly flushed in amusement.

I quickly waved my hand dismissively and replied, "No, no, it's fine!" Standing up in front of me with an air of confidence, Rhea placed her right hand on her chest in a formal gesture, as if she were a noble presenting herself. "So, Your Royal Highness, I'm Rhea Dren. I'm 11 years old," she declared with a charming smile that showcased her youthful energy. "I may look taller than you, but I assure you, I'm younger. My parents have been serving the Queen for eons, and since I'm close to your age, Queen Serena appointed me as your personal maid." Her bright smile and the warmth in her eyes put me at ease, making me feel like perhaps I wouldn't be so alone in this grand palace after all.

"So, you're my personal maid? As in, you'll only work for me?" I asked, disbelief etched across my face. The thought of having someone dedicated solely to my needs felt surreal, almost foreign. Perhaps it was just the novelty of it all that made me feel this way.

My thoughts wandered, trying to process the idea when Rhea's voice broke through my musings. "Yes, your personal maid. I'll only work for you," she affirmed, her tone steady and clear.

As I absorbed Rhea's confirmation, I studied her expression closely, a spark of hope igniting in my chest. "Rhea, can we be friends?" I asked, my voice earnest. "I've never had any friends before, not even in school. I don't want just a worker or a maid; I long for a friend—someone who can help me, share my laughter, and be there for every moment." Rhea's eyes widened a bit, and her eyebrows raised in surprise, revealing her uncertainty.

It was evident that my request caught her off guard. In that moment, I put on my most endearing, innocent expression—the one I used with Aunt Alora whenever I wanted her to comply with my wishes. "Oh, my Royal Highness, don't give me that cute expression." She sighed dramatically, a smile creeping onto her face despite her feigned resistance. "Okay, I agree. I'll be your friend, but on one condition."

My curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer. "What is it?" Rhea took my hand gently, her grip comforting yet serious. "We will be friends, but this has to stay between us, okay? I don't want my mother to find out because she's very strict about my role as your professional maid." I paused to consider her words, grasping the depth of her concern. She was right; I certainly didn't want to place her in any difficult situation. A mix of relief and understanding washed over me as I nodded in agreement, accepting her condition with a promise of discretion.

Once it was confirmed that we are officially friends, an irresistible urge to dance overwhelmed me, as if I was floating above the moon. She is my first friend, and that filled my heart with an incredible sense of joy. I sprang up from the bed, excitement coursing through me. Taking both of her hands gently in mine, I began to twirl her around, savoring the moment. Despite the heavy dress that weighed me down, the happiness in my heart lifted me higher than any burden could bring me down.

The room was filled with our laughter as we spun around in circles, our giggles echoing like music. It felt as if we were in our own little world, dancing under the stars, lost in the sheer delight of new friendship.

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"Sometimes the greatest adventure is simply a conversation"

- By Amadeus Wolfe