Invite to the Palace

It was a mundane, foggy day in Silent Hill. After meeting Lilly near the townhouse where she and her husband were living, Nina walked back to her farm. It is sad and hurtful to know that the man Lilly married out of love with so many dreams and hopes had crashed down everything when he started treating her just as one of his servants. Abuses her for money and so on.

Unlike Agnes, Nina has a close relationship with her sister. They were like best friends. Though they were different in a lot of ways, they got along so well.

Nina pitied her sister. Before marriage, during their courtship, she asked Lilly to not marry that man but Lilly didn't listen to her words. Her love blinded every cue that he's not at all suitable for her or any other woman. He's utterly a mean person but the one good thing about him is, he's good-looking.

Not having prospects of his own, he lives under his Aunt's wealth which he may or may not inherit after her death. So he's showing his anger and frustrations to the poor woman he married. Now Lilly is five months pregnant, Nina went to give some money so that she could buy food which she's craving to have and said some comforting words to her.

This is one of the reasons Nina hasn't married yet. She's so worried about Lilly and Agnes if she leaves the home. Her father would be devastated if he finds out what life Lilly has chosen.

Knowing that she has rejected Gerald, half of the town's people concluded that Nina is a witch. Her father is worried more than before.

Nina couldn't understand why marriages always depend on a man's liking. What about a woman's choice? Why can't she reject a seemingly perfect man? Why is it so hard to follow her own instincts without being entitled by the people as an unpleasant woman?

Now Nina is facing that situation which is quite hard.

She wishes to get married too, but not like how all these people are doing. She wanted it out of love. She hates the fact of abandoning everyone and everything to live with that man. Her heart couldn't accept that at all.

With that sad face, she reached the fence of their farm. Upon entering her home she saw guards talking to her father. From their attire, she found they were from the palace.

"Nina, come here, dear," he called her nervously when he saw her.

She made her way to the porch and looked at those intimidating men.

"Why are they here, father?"

"You are all summoned to the palace by the King. We aren't informed of the reason, young miss," one of the guards said.

"Without knowing the reason, how could we…" she stopped and realized that it's The Great King's orders. If she talks back she could even be hanged.

"We will wait here until you'll get ready before the sunset," it was more like order as Nina walked inside, confused.

"What could be the reason? I am so nervous," Agnes shivered.

"Must be for the strawberries,"

"What? Father!" Nina frowned.

"Thank goodness. I can't believe that we are blessed to meet the King," Agnes also accepted that could be the reason.

Nina grimaced at them, seeing how foolish they were. No king will see a farmer just because he cultivates good strawberries.

Agnes ordered her to wear the best dress she could find in her wardrobe and Nina rolled her eyes to the side because she only has one decent dress for the occasions that come up like this. Nina doesn't like to put her money on frilly stuff though, instead, she uses it to buy canvas, colors, and paintbrushes.

Nina closed the door after seeing her father's excitement. She took that purple long gown she brought for Lilly's wedding. It's difficult to wear it without anyone's help but Nina manages to do it.

She braids her long raven hair looking at her reflection in the mirror. Leaving Silent Hill for a few days at this time is the best thing too, she thought.

The pearl earrings and small necklace suited her well. She's simple yet stunning. She could light up the whole room with her radiant smile. Her cheeks and lips have that natural pink glow. Dressing up like this showed her so much different than how she normally looks.

Covering herself in a shawl, she came out of the room. Her parents have dressed up well.

Looking her up and down, Agnes pointed, "You should have tied up your hair,"

"In this last moment, is that even necessary, mother?"

Agnes smiled awkwardly. "I want you to look good,"

"Please, let me be myself,"

Seeing how uninterested Nina is, her father said. "You should listen to your mother. Who knows a gentleman might fall in love with you, tonight,"

"Father, you don't have to bring marriage in every conversation," Nina huffed and came out of the house.

The pristine, blackwood chariot dazzled before their eyes.

"Mother, what's happening here?" Nina blinked in surprise.

"Finally, my wish has come true. I always wanted to travel in a charret like this," Agnes screamed and went to take a proper look at it.

Her father hired their neighbor to look after the farm until their return.

Nina couldn't grab onto this thought 'just for the strawberries' they were royally invited like this.

They got in and the seats were pretty comfortable. Through the windows, Nina watched the endless stretch of trees until they crossed Silent Hill.

"When do you think we can return?" Agnes probed.

"We can stay in Larza for a few days if Nina wants," he said and Nina turned to her father in surprise, her face dancing in a smile.

"We can see around the city, eat delicious food and come back after you feel better. I know I have been hard on you about marriage. This is my way to make up to you,"

"Father," Nina cried and hugged him sideways. "I love you so much," she said.

"I love you too, dear," he patted her gently. Agnes smiled seeing them. She can't help but think it would be great if Lilly is also here.

Without knowing what's waiting at the end of this journey, Nian leans against the window and tries to rest until they reach the palace while her parents are priming how to greet the King.