Chapter Four

Shivering, sore, and sleepy. These are a few words to describe Mariaisabella's and her daughter's state. Their tight, elaborate gowns were no match for the environment. The blue night sky continues to place fear in their hearts, but they still continue on their voyage.

"Momma," Mariaisabella turns her head to her youngest daughter. Mary then continues. "What is our new home like?" Mary finishes her question with curious eyes. Mariaisabella then thinks back to when she used to visit her aunt; back when things were simple for the trobled mother.

"It is big. But not like our castle. There is enough space for everyone, and it is close to the local village to make some friends," As Mariaisabella answers her daughter's question. she smiles as her memories come flooding in.

"Our attire will be for convenience. We will not have to dress in these impractical dresses. We will be free from eating with particular cutlery, and you will have the freedom to love who you want," As Mariaisabella is finishing her last sentence. Maria turns to her mother with a face full of hope.

"Mother, do you believe that someone as hideous as me will find love?" Maria's question makes Mariaisabella slow down her walk. Sadness fills the mother as she knows her daughter's pain.

"Your father will not stop you from being with someone that will love you for who you are, my little rose," Mariaisabella reassures. Maria responds with a small thank you and a genuine smile. Mariaisabella is surprised to see her daughter smile; it has been almost four years. It is about time that this family releases their shackles from the deplorable excuse of a husband and father.

"But what about the state of our home, mother? Surely we must clean it once we arrive. What about food, clothes, and heat?" Mariaisabelle points out. Mariaisabella smiles as she holds her only bag. Inside were the many values that she has brought to sell. The bag also contains enough money to get them by.

"Not a problem, Mariaisabelle. I will take care of our livelihood. We will clean once we arrive, but we shall rest beforehand," Mariaisabelle nods. However, she turns her head to the side. The silent howl of the night causes the family to get closer for heat.

Mariaisabella knows that they are close. She will not rest until they have reached their haven. As they tread through the fields and the trees, Mariaisabelle, Maria, and Mary discuss what they will be doing once they arrive. They have colorful banter and laugh about their ill-willed father.

Mariaisabella cannot help but be emotional. For the first time in her life, she feels like she has taken control of her life. The mother also can not believe how fast her little girls are growing. All four of them have been using maids, butlers, and cooks to do these things for them. But their ability to find the good in their current predicament almost makes her cry.

Forty minutes go by, and Mariaisabella notices a glimmer of hope in the distance. Her blue eyes widen as she notices the familiar silhouette in the distance. Hope, happiness, and healing flood through Mariasiabella's body as she speeds up.

The daughters follow behind her as they also sense her urgency.

The house is a two-story villa made of stone. Its roof is made from the most durable tiles. However, upon closer inspection, there is vegetation growing on the walls. And the once fresh brown has been tarnished into a soot-black exterior.

Once they arrive at the entrance, Mariaisabella fishes around to see if the hidden key is still there. Mariaisabella doesn't mind digging through the vegetation with her once white gloves. All she cares about is the opportunity to give her family the chance to live their own lives.

Luck is instilled in the woman as she finds the golden relic under an old clay pot. She feels excitement as she places the key inside the hole. Opening the door felt like a new experience.

The four women look at each other with excitement and glee. They all triumph as they place their belonging in their new abode.

Even though the house was dim, dingy, and dusty, all the girls can see is the bright future ahead of them. All four women don't mind the smell, mold, or even the vermin crawling around.

They explore every crook and cranny, enjoying the simplicity of the decor; an exact contrast to the ornate design in the castle. Mariaisabella walks into her aunt's old bedroom and sees that everything is still how she left it. The clothes that the wise woman used to wear gives Mariaisabella a sense of dread when knowing that she is no longer with them.

But it is the beginning of their journey as new people.

And they were going to enjoy it.