8

Eight
“Rise and shine miss!”
“Good morning miss!”
I groaned as the cheerful voices of my maids woke me up, followed by the curtains being drawn, revealing the early morning sun that brightened my whole room so much that I had to raise the thick duvet over my head. “Ughh..”
“Miss Freya, the orientation begins in an hour. We must get you ready as soon as possible.” It was Grace speaking now. She slowly pulled the covers over me and smiled at me despite my scowl. I had never been a morning person even though I always woke up early to do the house chores back at home. But then I had Gerard who sometimes allowed me to sleep in. But now, I had no choice but to obey my maids.
“Okay, okay, I’m up.” I huffed as I exited my sweet soft bed. I couldn’t believe how soft it was. It was like I should never get up from the soft tresses again. It was so unfair that the rich and privileged got to enjoy this every single day of their life and there was some of us that has never known what it feels like to sleep in a soft bed.
“Which of these outfits would you like to wear ma’am?” The third girl that was always quiet stood in front of me with two different dresses in hand. I studied each of them. The first one was a gown is a dazzling shade of blue. It was adorned with intricate lace and delicate beading, catching the light and sparkling with every movement. I gasped at the beauty of it. It seemed like it would be a little too much for someone like me.
My gaze turned the red gown on her other hand. It was such an exotic dress with the front slitting open enough to reveal half of the persons cleavage. I instantly knew that was not what I wanted. I hated drawing attention to my body even though somehow, it was inevitable for me. I would rather choose the simple outfits that pick a dress that would outline every curve in my body especially the one on my chest which seemed to be a tad bit more than the average. My father had complained about it one too many times.
It wasn’t my fault was it? I didn’t create myself so how could I choose what shape my body would be?
“I prefer the blue dress, It is so simple and pretty”
“I had a feeling you will pick this ma’am.. It suits you just perfectly.”
“Thank you Flo.” I smiled warmly at her.
“Time for your bath Miss, what scent of body wash do you want? We have the vanilla and cherry blossoms, we also have rose floral touch.”
“Um..” I stared at them, confused about which one to pick considering the fact that I had no idea of what they looked like.
“Let’s pick the vanilla for madam!” Clara, the second girl piped in to my rescue. I grinned at her for saving me the stress of thinking of the right choice. I was so glad that my maids were very patient with me. I wouldn’t have known what to do if they were putting all the pressure on me. It remained just one thing.
“Girls?”
“Yes ma’am?”
“My name is Freya. Can you please stop using any of those formalities with me? It honestly makes me feel weird..” I looked at them pleadingly.
“I’m sorry ma’am, we have always worked as maids here at the palace and every lady we have worked for has always insisted we not address them by their name…”
“Well that was them, this is me. I want you to address me by my name alone. Is this clear?”
“but..”
“No buts. In this room, we are all equal okay? Maybe if we’re outside, you can call me whatever you wish, but inside here where it’s just us isn’t it?” They nodded slowly “Please call me Freya okay?”
“Okay..” They answered reluctantly, giving themselves awkward glances.
“Say it?”
They stared at me, confused.
“Come on, say my name. Fre-ya” I spelled it out as I watched them fidget amongst themselves. I waiting for them.
“Fre-Ya…” The three of them chorused. I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my lips. I was beginning to see them as the sisters I never had. I allowed them to take me to the bath tub where a fresh soak that smelled like ice cream filled the water. I entered the tub, pulling off my nightwear before I hit the warm water that smelled like the heavens. I could definitely get used to this.
The girls brought the soap, sponge and some other things I didn’t know and placed them in the tub. I nodded with a smile at them. That was all I wanted them to do. God forbid I allowed them bathe me as if I was a child.
I waited for them to leave the room before proceeding to have fun with the water.
***
As I stepped down the stairs and unto the palace hallway, my footsteps muffled by the crimson carpet. I smoothened out my dress nervously, knowing any moment now, the Alpha would come out to address us. Aramatha had ringed for all the contestants to come to the palace main halls where we would be given our orientation in front of the Alpha. I was even more nervous now because of what had transpired last night when I had left my room when I shouldn’t have.
What if I was in trouble because of that?
A shiver ran down my spine as the memory of last night filled my mind – the hulking figure, the sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight, the unnatural blood red eyes. Who was that werewolf? And why had he simply watched me from the shadows instead of attacking? I had been completely at his mercy, yet he had disappeared had let me go unharmed.
As I passed by the kitchen, My heart began to race at the recollection. I remembered how it had felt like, his fur brushing my face ever so lightly.
“It is dangerous for you to wander these halls at night, little one, You could easily meet your death” I took a deep, steadying breath. His words shouldn’t have any effect on me. The werewolf was gone now. I was safe here in the light of day. Yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that the beast was somewhere, watching me. He knew who I was and what I looked like. I realized I could be an easy prey for him right now.
“Freya! I was wondering if you would ever leave your room!” Addy called from behind. She sounded so excited. I turned to look at her. She looked so beautiful in a creamy white dress that glittered. As she hurried forward, her dress made a quiet swooshing sound. It was spectacular.
“Hi, Addy, you look so beautiful.” I complimented her softly as we kissed each other’s cheeks. She giggled heartily, making me smile at her playfulness.
Behind her, Kelly was walking forward, her face unreadable. we stared at each other silently as she approached us. I knew she was about to say something absolutely terrible to me. I held my breath as she drew closer.
“Hello, Sister..” I eventually greeted when she reached me. I noted how Addy was staring at both of us confusingly.
“Hello, Freya..” Kelly responded and before I knew what was happening, she embraced me, pulling me in for a hug with a bright smile on her face.
Woah. Who is this?
****