A New World

Fiona could feel the bumpy road beneath her as she lay in the carriage. Her world was reduced to the creaking of wooden wheels, the neighing of horses, and the rough jolts of the carriage. She lay on the hard wooden floor, her wrists and ankles bound by coarse ropes. 

The blindfold wrapped tightly around her head made her eyes water. The stench of sweat, dirt, and mold filled her nostrils, causing her stomach to churn.

As she struggled to free herself, the ropes dug deeper into her skin, causing her to wince. Her mind drifted back to the events of that morning. She knew she should have stayed home; she shouldn't have agreed to follow Heather. Heck, she shouldn't have trusted Heather at all.

"Unload the carriage!" a gruff voice shouted, making Fiona's heart skip a beat. The carriage door creaked open, and Fiona gasped as she felt a hand grab her, throwing her to the rough ground. She cried out but then fell silent. 

Suddenly, she felt the blindfold slip from her face. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by the bright sun and the hostile face of her kidnapper.

His weathered skin was creased with deep lines, and his eyes seemed to bore into her soul. Fiona's heart raced, as she looked around frantically, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. They were in the middle of the road surrounded by nothing but trees.

Before Fiona could even scramble back, a tall, dark-haired man emerged from the surrounding trees. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, sending a shiver down her spine. His chiseled features and strong jawline made him look like a statue come to life. He was dressed like a nobleman, every inch of him perfect, radiating power and authority.

Fiona lay on the ground as they bickered for what seemed like hours before her kidnapper lifted her up.

The handsome stranger, who was now her owner, turned to enter his carriage. 

"Aren't you going to inspect her?" the kidnapper sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Her owner turned to Fiona, his gaze lingering on her face before he turned to the kidnapper. "I don't have time for that," he said curtly, his voice firm but controlled. 

He turned to Fiona, his eyes narrowing. "Come in," he commanded, gesturing towards his carriage.

The kidnapper's menacing grin was enough to convince Fiona to obey. She climbed into the carriage, her body trembling.

The ride to his town was long, but a smooth contrast to the ride with her kidnapper. She sat across him, her head bowed down. The silence was long and deafening, punctuated only by the occasional snort of the horses.

"What is your name?" he finally asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

"Fi...Fiona," she stammered, her gaze fixed on her lap.

"Age?"

"Seventeen," she whispered, a lump forming in her throat.

A grunt was the only response.

Fiona turned her head towards the window, watching as the trees rushed by in a blur. The sky was a brilliant blue with only a few clouds scattered across it like art. The sun crept through the window, warming her skin. 

Her thoughts drifted to her family, a wave of sadness washing over her. She wondered if they were still looking for her and how grandmama and grandpapa would take care of themselves. Her heart ached threatening to overwhelmed her. 

She missed the sun, the smell of flowers, even the never-ending chores... If only she had known.

The carriage slowed, finally coming to a stop. "Get down! We're here," her owner announced, extending a hand to help her down.

Taking his hand, she climbed down from the carriage, her legs stiff from the long ride. As she stepped onto the cobblestone street, the sights and sounds of the bustling city overwhelmed her. The smell of fresh bread mingled with the acrid scent of horse dung, a strange symphony of city life.

They had a long walk in silence, which made her wonder why they hadn't just taken the carriage.

Fiona's buyer, whose name she later learned was Mr. Dimitri, owned a grand mansion that seems to scream luxury and refinement.

As she stepped into the house, the smooth wooden floorboards was cold under her feet. The air was thick with polished wood and fresh flowers. Everything inside looked new, and the house was immaculately tidy without a speck of dust in sight.

She couldn't help but wonder why he had purchased her if he obviously didn't need help with cleaning. As he walked her to her room, she had already counted seven maids bustling around, their faces a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"Come down for dinner after you wash up," her owner said, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. As he closed the door to her room, Fiona let out a shaky breath. 

She was undeniably in the hands of a wealthy and powerful man, but his unexpected kindness left her confused and apprehensive. 

A luxurious bathtub filled with steaming water awaited her. After a refreshing soak, she found a royal blue dress laid out on the bed. It fit perfectly, the fabric soft against her

How did he know her size? Did Mr Dimitri have a daughter her age? No, he appeared to be a few years older than her— perhaps 25. Maybe he had a sister? Or a wife?

She shook her head, realizing she was letting her imagination run wild, an habit that had gotten her kidnapped in the first place.

As she descended the grand staircase, the sound of clattering plates and hushed voices drew her towards the dining room.

Did he have guests?

Nervously, she clenched her gown as she descended the stairs, where she found the maids setting the table. 

"Oh, she's here!" the youngest maid announced. 

"Hello! How are you feeling?" the oldest woman asked, her warm smile keeping her at ease. 

"Kidna..." Fiona began, but as she saw their confused looks, she quickly corrected herself, saying, "Fine! I feel fine… Thank you." She blushed as she stared at her feet. 

"Welcome to our home!" Maria, the youngest said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "You're so pretty!" 

"Well, she kinda looks like pr.." Paulina, another maid began but was cut by Mrs G, the oldest.

"Please feel at home. Dimitri likes to make us feel like we're one family," Mrs G said with a smile as she resumed placing the cups on the table. Her movements precise and practiced. 

It seemed like she was close to Dimitri, as she had called him by his first name with ease. Fiona thought, shaking her head.

"Let me help," she offered as she picked up the stacks of plates to place them on the table. The maids worked together seamlessly, their laughter filling the room. 

As they finished setting the table, Mrs G nodded in approval . "Well done girls. Now let's get ready for dinner." 

 The doorbell rang and Mrs. G's expression turned serious.

"Dimitri's here," she announced. "Girls, go to your rooms."

Fiona turned to leave with the others, but Mrs. G stopped her. "Not you, Fiona," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Dimitri will want to speak with you."

"I know this is a new environment for you," Mrs. G said, her voice low and gentle. "But I want you to know you'll be well taken care of."

Fiona nodded, unsure how to respond. Mrs. G's words were reassuring, but the underlying tension was in the air.

Mrs. G's eyes held a mixture of warning and sympathy. "Do everything he asks of you, Fiona," she whispered. "Even if it displeases you. For the safety of the entire kingdom."

Fiona's mind reeled. The entire kingdom?What does that even mean? What could he possibly ask her to do that would affect an entire kingdom?