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Chapter 5

I shook my head, my previous assumptions shattered. "I never imagined..." I trailed off, unable to find the words to express my surprise and relief.

"What? You thought we lived like wild animals? You shouldn't believe every rumor you hear, my lady," Cedric said, leading the way.

My preconceived notions of the kingdom were shattered the moment I stepped inside; there was no stench of retching Human flesh or blood, no air of doom and darkness. Instead, I was welcomed by a kingdom adorned with vibrant colors and a pleasant aroma that filled the air. The palace, an architectural marvel, stood tall and imposing, exuding a sense of majesty that took my breath away.

As I followed Cedric through the hallway, my eyes were treated to a visual feast. The walls were adorned with magnificent paintings, each telling a story of its own. Shiny marble tiles sparkled underfoot, reflecting the grandeur of the palace. This was nothing like the cold and gloomy image I had imagined; it was a place of beauty and elegance.

Cedric urged, "This way, my lady. We can tour the palace grounds later."

I nodded and followed him as he led me up through a glossy staircase and then directed towards the west wing. When we reached a bedchamber, I was greeted by a space fit for royalty. The room was opulently furnished with regal touches. "This is your bed chamber. I do hope everything is to your liking."

As he spoke, the three ladies walked in, "Welcome, my lady." They curtsied, introducing themselves as Anna, Martha, and Elizabeth. "I leave you in their capable care," Cedric said, bowing and exiting the room.

These women would be the ones closest to me, and they could also be spies asked to monitor me. I had to be on my best behavior and not give them

any reason to suspect that I wasn't a real princess.

With their assistance, I was undressed and led to the tub filled with warm water. As I sank in, I felt the stress and tension easing away. But I quickly shook myself awake, reminding myself of the real reason I was here. I had a mission; all of this could be a facade to make me drop my guard. I wouldn't be falling for it. My eyes darted to one of my luggages; Bella had packed those. She whispered that she had equipped me for this, although I hadn't checked, and I had no idea what was inside the bag.

One of the maids made to unpack it. "Leave it," I instructed her sharply. She withdrew instantly. "I'll take care of it myself." While my things were arranged, I asked questions about the kingdom. But the women barely said anything, only giving vague answers like they were hiding things. As they worked, I stared at them intently. Bella's words echoed through my mind once more. 'Those people aren't humans.' Then what exactly were they? They looked human, with healthy skin and beautiful hair. They were definitely humans. Bella had gone senile; the guard who had led me into the carriage had asked me to ignore her. The loss of her husband at the war had messed with her senses. I could relax now; there was nothing unusual. "Is there a problem, my lady?" Anna asked when she noticed me staring. "Nothing. I was just wondering. I would be getting married to the prince; what's he like?" I asked. Martha's eyes shot up at the mention of the prince, but she carefully guarded her expression. "You'll meet him soon, your grace. Lowly servants are not allowed to speak about his Majesty," Anna said stiffly. With that, she bowed and headed outside. "Dinner would be served in a few minutes," Martha informed me. I gave a small nod. "I would rather eat in here." Thinking about food, I suddenly felt nauseous, recalling a story I had been told. It was rumored that the people of Nightfall Kingdom ate humans. I swallowed nervously; I had only been here for a few moments, after all, and so far, it was nothing like my expectations. Soon a tray was wheeled in, filled with all kinds of appetizing dishes. The maids served and then left. My mouth began to water. Martha walked over, unveiling each of the dishes. She curtsied and then turned to leave.

"We had the chef prepare these specially for you. I believe humans would love this," she said with a small smile. I froze at her words. What exactly did she mean by humans? I turned to ask her, but she was gone.

Back In Ashford

"What?!" The king roared in anger, flinging his seal aside. The old bent woman stood calmly, unshaken by his outburst. "I said what I said. There is no appearance yet, your majesty," she said calmly. "Then the prophecy is wrong!" The king yelled. "The divination is never wrong," the woman disagreed. "Once in four hundred years, the Lunar Enchantress would be reborn," the woman stood her ground.

"You stupid old witch. It seems you have lost your use and ability. You've probably gone senile with old age," the king spat out in anger. "It's been over four hundred years! The signs haven't appeared yet. Then when would it?" He spat in annoyance. The mark should have appeared on the princess by now, as our savior. The one who would save them from the reign of terror of the wolves. It was their only hope.

"There was an eclipse the day her Majesty was born. A lunar eclipse, even the constellations were in accordance with the birth of the enchantress. Patience, I believe it would appear soon," the woman urged.

"We don't have time for this! Protecting the princess, I sent a fake; in a couple of weeks, they might discover our deceit. What then would happen? Those unforgiving monsters would march down here destroying everything just because some enchantress who should be our hope is a little shy." The king roared shooting a distasteful look in the direction of the princess who stood with her head bent.

"Let's give her time. In a few more months, she will be awakened. The readings and prophecy cannot be wrong. Your daughter is the enchantress," the witch assured once more before departing.

"Father, may I say something?" Olivia asked. "Go ahead," the King said grumpily.

"Let's send... that girl there as well," she suggested. The king shot her a disbelieving look.

"In the guise of a maid, as a check on her as well. You don't think that girl alone would be of any use to us right?" She continued.

The king considered her suggestion. He would be needing informants on what the fake princess did. "How do you intend to get her to agree to this and how do you plan to sneak her into the palace?" He asked intently. "Leave it to me," the princess replied confidently.

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