Chapter 5: New Home
As His Highness Auglia led me into the castle, I was met with a row of servants who kept their heads bowed in respect.
This was the enemy country, wasn’t it? I was supposed to be the hated woman who had married into the winning side, wasn’t I? I had to resist the urge to pinch myself to make sure this was real.
It had been a year since the war ended, and even though it was over, the wounds from the conflict were still raw. I had expected to be treated with suspicion, or even beheaded, but for some reason, I was being warmly welcomed.
“Welcome back, Your Highnesses, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!”
“We’re back,” said His Highness Auglia. “Claire must be surprised, so let’s call it a day. Come on, Claire, you must be exhausted from the long journey. I’ll take you to your room so you can rest and prepare for the banquet tomorrow morning.”
“Y-Yes, Your Highness Auglia,” I replied, still in shock.
I had never been treated like this, not even in the Faithnum Empire. And now I was being told to rest without even being allowed to greet the king?
I felt like I was being given a great deal of importance, but I couldn’t understand why. I hadn’t done anything special in this country, and I had only just met Prince Auglia on this brief journey.
I am far from beautiful or adorable, lacking any charm or warmth. I don’t behave like a proper lady and have never made a man feel at ease. I am confused as to why I am being welcomed so kindly, but I nonetheless wave back at the smiling prince, and a friendly servant leads me to my room.
The room is spacious and boasts a relaxing color scheme, furnished with luxurious items from the Faithnum Empire. Despite the comfort, I cannot let my guard down, for I am still the princess of an enemy Empire and cannot rule out the possibility of deception.
I unpack my belongings and store them in the spacious walk-in closet, awestruck by the array of clothing and accessories stacked inside. I wonder if it was truly necessary to bring so many.
Exhausted from the long journey, I have a maid assist me with a bath and massage my weary body before retiring for the night.
The next day, as soon as I wake up, a maid enters and opens the curtains, reminding me that this is indeed an unfamiliar country and not just a dream.
I freshened up and prepared myself for the day ahead. Back in my home country, I never dressed up too much because my older and younger sisters would tease me, but the maids here wouldn’t let me leave the room without looking my best.
I was showered with compliments that I had never heard before, such as “Your skin and hair are so fair, let’s add a pop of color to your cheeks” and “Let’s choose a stunning gown,” and was styled according to their suggestions.
As it was a banquet today, I wasn’t wearing a restrictive corset and my collar was left open for comfort. I was adorned with delicate silver jewelry from a country that the Baratonia Kingdom trades with.
Although I couldn’t do anything about my poor posture, when the maid told me it would be corrected later, I merely chuckled to myself and glanced at my reflection in the mirror.
“Thank you, Melissa, Gwenna, and Millie. I look much better now thanks to you.”
When I expressed my gratitude to the three maids who had been taking care of me since last night, they appeared surprised.
“You know our names…?”
“Of course, didn’t I meet you yesterday? I’ll be in your care from now on, so it’s nice to see you again.”
In response to Gwenna’s inquiry on behalf of the others, I tilted my head. They nodded in agreement.
“We’ll serve you with all our hearts.”
“Th-Thank you,” I stammered, taken aback by their words.
I felt a twinge of self-consciousness as the three of them guided me towards the banquet hall.
