NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: 8:8
Phew.
Elara exhaled deeply as she stood before the heavy wooden door of her new room in the royal building where His Majesty resided. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anticipation and unease swirling within her. This wasn't just any room; it was in the same building as the king himself—a privilege she was still trying to wrap her mind around.
The hallway was eerily quiet, the soft flicker of candlelight illuminating the intricate carvings on the stone walls. Elara tightened her grip on the small bundle of her belongings. She closed her eyes for a moment, took a steadying breath, and reached out to push the door open.
The sight that greeted her was unlike anything she had ever seen. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes darted across the space. Was this truly meant for her?
The room was magnificent. It was smaller than her first one, but it radiated an elegance and warmth that took her by surprise. The walls were a soft, muted gold, accented with delicate floral patterns that seemed to shimmer in the gentle light of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The floor was polished wood, smooth and gleaming, and the plush rug underfoot added a touch of comfort.
Her gaze landed on the bed—a masterpiece of craftsmanship with a carved wooden frame and a canopy of sheer white fabric that cascaded down like flowing water. The linens were pristine, embroidered with intricate golden patterns that matched the royal insignia she had seen throughout the castle. A nightstand stood beside it, topped with a crystal lamp that cast a warm glow.
Near the window, there was a small sitting area with a round table and two cushioned chairs. The window itself was framed by heavy velvet curtains in deep green, tied back with golden cords. The view beyond revealed a glimpse of the castle gardens, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.
Elara's jaw dropped slightly as she stepped further into the room. "This… this can't be for me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Setting her bundle down, she moved cautiously around the space, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the writing desk, tracing the edges of the wardrobe. Everything was immaculate, almost too perfect for someone like her.
Shaking off her amazement, she began unpacking her belongings. Compared to the grandeur of the room, her possessions felt meager, almost out of place. She carefully folded her clothes into the wardrobe, lined up her shoes neatly, and arranged her toiletries on the vanity. When everything was in place, she sat down on the edge of the bed, letting out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
Her thoughts turned to the parchment she had been given earlier—the king's menu. She pulled it out from her belongings and smoothed it on her lap, her brow furrowing as she read.
The menu was extensive, each meal meticulously detailed. Breakfast options ranged from light pastries and fruits to heartier fare like omelets and roasted meats. Lunch and dinner included elaborate dishes she had only ever heard of, with specific instructions on presentation and serving temperatures. Below the main meals were a variety of side dishes and snacks, prepared daily even though His Majesty might not eat them.
At the bottom of the menu, a bold note caught her eye:
"His Majesty may change his mind at any time. Be prepared to adjust accordingly. All dishes must be served promptly and with precision. Plates and utensils must be returned to their designated places immediately after use to avoid causing displeasure."
Elara swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the parchment tightly. The weight of her new responsibilities loomed over her like a storm cloud. Serving the king wasn't just a task, it was an art, one that demanded perfection at every step.
She set the parchment aside and leaned back, closing her eyes briefly. The tension in her shoulders eased as she decided to take a walk and clear her mind. Perhaps exploring the castle would help her get her bearings and ease the nerves that had been gnawing at her since she arrived.
Leaving her room, Elara wandered through the castle's winding corridors, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. The grandeur of the place never ceased to amaze her. Tapestries depicting battles, royal ceremonies, and legends adorned the walls, while ornate sconces cast warm light that danced across the intricate patterns of the marble floors.
After some time, she stumbled upon a hidden gem, a garden tucked away in a quiet corner of the castle grounds.
Elara's breath hitched as she stepped into the open space. It was like stepping into a painting. White flowers bloomed in neat rows, their delicate petals glowing softly in the golden light of the setting sun. At the center of the garden stood a towering tree with vibrant pink blossoms, its branches spreading wide and offering shade to a swing entwined with vines and flowers.
The grass was lush and green beneath her feet, and a crystal-clear lake sparkled nearby, its surface rippling gently with the breeze. The reflection of the sky and surrounding trees on the water was mesmerizing, and the air was filled with the faint, soothing hum of nature.
Elara walked toward the lake, lowering herself onto the soft grass at its edge. The cool breeze brushed against her face, carrying the scents of flowers and fresh water. For the first time since she arrived, she felt a deep sense of calm. The beauty and serenity of the garden seemed to wash away her anxieties, if only for a moment.
She closed her eyes, letting the gentle sounds of the lake and the rustling leaves lull her into a sense of peace. Time slipped by unnoticed, and when she finally opened her eyes, the sky was painted with the warm hues of dusk.
"Evening already?" she murmured, surprised at how quickly the time had passed.
Reluctantly, she stood and began making her way back to her room. But as she wandered the hallways, her confidence quickly turned to confusion. The castle, with all its twists and turns, felt like a labyrinth. She soon realized she had no idea where she was.
Her heart sank as she turned corner after corner, only to end up in the same place. Frustration bubbled up within her. The grandeur of the castle, once awe-inspiring, now felt overwhelming and oppressive.
Just as she was beginning to despair, she spotted a woman walking briskly down the corridor. Relief flooded through Elara as she hurried toward her.
"Excuse me!" she called out, her voice tinged with desperation.
The woman turned, her expression softening with a kind smile. She appeared to be in her late twenties, her warm eyes putting Elara at ease.
"Yes? How can I help you?" the woman asked gently.
Elara bowed respectfully. "I'm Elara, the new maid for His Majesty. I… I seem to have gotten lost," she admitted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Recognition flickered in the woman's eyes. "Ah, you're the new addition. Welcome. I'm Matilda," she said with a smile. "Don't worry, it's easy to get lost in a place this size. Let me show you the way back."
Elara followed her gratefully as Matilda navigated the corridors with ease. "How did you end up so far from your room?" Matilda asked curiously.
"I found a beautiful garden," Elara replied softly, her voice still tinged with wonder.
Matilda stopped mid-step, her brow furrowing. "Garden? What garden?"
Elara hesitated, realizing that Matilda seemed genuinely puzzled. "It was near a lake, with white and pink flowers… and a swing under a tree," she explained.
Matilda's expression grew thoughtful, as though trying to recall something. But instead of pressing further, she smiled again. "Perhaps you stumbled upon one of the castle's secrets," she said cryptically, resuming their walk.
When they finally reached the maid's quarters, Matilda gave Elara a knowing look. "Take care not to wander too far next time. This castle can be tricky for newcomers," she teased lightly.
Elara smiled sheepishly. "Thank you for your help, Matilda."
As she entered her room, Elara couldn't help but feel that the castle held more secrets than she had imagined, and she was eager to uncover them or maybe not.