Chapter 16: Princess Aurelia

Lora sprang towards the princess with her little legs, her hands nervously fumbling as she tried to help the princess get up from the ground. "Princess, How many times do I have to tell you, you can't sit on the floor like us? You have such a beautiful ornate chair but why do you still prefer floors?

Lora said with a crying voice, she really couldn't understand the little thoughts running inside the princess' brain.

"Because it's simply more comforting Lora." Lora looked at the princess with sheer bewilderment, After all, who would find ground more comforting than an ornate chair filled with the softest cotton of the empire, probably her princess was one in the world.

her expression almost looked like she was looking at a person who has some loose screws in their head. Aurelia laughed at the silly expression of Lora, her melodic voice bringing back Lora from her thoughts, Lora looked at the laughing princess, and instantly a blush crept on her small fair face, making her look like a red tomato.

Princess, It's not time to laugh, you should get inside the chamber, she said while trying to divert the princess's attention from her, she was really embarrassed being caught by the princess.

Hm.. Hmm! Sure let's get inside, or the cold will definitely catch me,

Yes, yes princess the cold will definitely catch you. Lora repeated Princess's words but after a second she realized something and whined, Princess it's my duty, don't make fun of me. Lora said with a pout and continued, Princess If Governess found you sitting on the floor, it will cause you more trouble.

At the mention of governess, the playful smile died on the princess's face and she left a soft sigh. A sound that seemed to carry the weight of something unknown. And Lora shut her mouth, she chided herself mentally for being a loud mouth, why did she have to ruin the princess's mood?

Aurelia's gaze was calm as she looked up at Lora, with a small knowing smile playing on her lips. "But the Governess hasn't found out, and you wouldn't tell her, would you my dear Lora?" she said with her tone almost teasing.

Lora's eyes grew even wider, her expression becoming more of bewilderment. She shook her head vigorously, her hands clasped together in front of her as if to show her sincerity. "No, Princess! I would never say anything. I'm on your side always." Her voice was earnest at her every word to show her loyalty clearly.

The princess couldn't help but laugh at Lora's earnestness, the sound was light and musical. It was a laugh that seemed to brighten the room, dispelling some of the tension that was building up in the moment before. "Thank you, Lora," she said warmly, her eyes softening as she looked at the young maid. "Now, let's go inside."

Lora nodded eagerly, She was relieved that the princess was finally getting up. She led the way back into the chamber, her mind still reeling from the sight of the princess sitting so casually on the floor. The contrast between the princess's serene demeanor and the luxury that surrounded her was striking, and it always made her wonder, how a royal could be down earth, but here she was, her princess Aurelia.

As they stepped inside, the princess glanced back at Lora, her expression curious. "Why are you here, Lora? Why did you come to find me?"

Lora's eyes widened in realization, and she slapped her forehead with a small gasp. "Oh! Princess, I almost forgot—the Queen has demanded your presence."

The joyful expression that had graced the princess's face moments ago quickly vanished. Her eyes darkened, and her lips pressed into a thin line. "What does she want now?" she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to Lora.

Lora, noticing the change in the princess's demeanor, fidgeted nervously. She didn't know what the Queen wanted, but she could sense the tension that the mere mention of her name brought to the princess. The lightness in the room faded, instead replaced by a heavy, oppressive silence.

The princess took a deep breath, steadying herself before nodding at Lora. "Get me ready, to meet the Queen," she said quietly, her voice devoid of the warmth it had held earlier.

Lora quickly helps the princess to get ready for the meeting with the Queen. But she missed the look of a princess, which is devoid of any warmth towards the Queen. Even when Princess Aurelia is the biological daughter of the Queen.

As Lora led the princess toward the Queen's chambers, the young maid couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply amiss. The luxurious surroundings, the beautiful gowns, and the grand halls all seemed like a gilded cage, trapping the princess in a world where her every move was scrutinized, her every action weighed and judged.

But she shakes her head, to remove this kind of thought. How could a princess have this kind of life, After all, Royals were the most beloved person favored by God himself.

And how could a princess be treated like this in her own home, when her princess is such a sweet person who can melt anyone's heart? Lora smiled at her silly thoughts, which kept popping up in her mind as she walked with the princess.

And as they approached the Queen's chambers, they were greeted by the Queen's maid at the front. Princess Aurelia acknowledged her greetings and was led inside by the same maid. And behind them, they left Lora outside the gate.

She is not qualified enough to enter the queen's chamber as it will be seen as a disrespect to the Royal because her rank is too low according to the palace maids. She was the princess's maid because the princess had helped her by giving her this job.

Lora couldn't help but wonder what awaited the princess behind those closed doors that they had to be so secretive to close the door.

She thought and waited behind the door patiently with numerous thoughts inside her mind.

Thud!! ( a loud sound of something crashing)

Lora's heart dropped to her stomach when she heard the loud sound of something crashing on the closed door.