Chapter 26: A Pleasant Stranger (I)

Stepping out of the room, an abrupt sense of relief swiftly instantly over Genevieve. It was as though a giant force which had been weighing her down had been finally lifted off her.

She would forever remain unknowledgeable why the presence of the king made her so daunted. Other than his gray eyes which seemed like a soulless dark pit that seemed to stare right into her soul, she could feel a certain unknown presence emanating from him…. something that felt darker…something that felt she should run away from him.

Or probably she was over thinking, she thought with a low sigh.

Nevertheless, Genevieve had one wish right now. To stay clear of the king till the end of today…. maybe forever. But the latter seemed to want anything other than that. He wanted her always in his presence, where he could use her for his amusement.

Genevieve recalled how the king asked her to entertain him. Unfortunately, she had no talent to appease him. And she feared if she tried, she might only end up annoying him rather than amusing him. Of course, her father had always pronounced her to be useless. Unlike her step sisters who possessed a lot of stunning abilities as princesses, she was devoid of any.

In a silent and steady motion, she followed behind the guard who led the way. Her foot clicked on the floor, resonating low echoes, as her eyes keenly observed the dazzling hallways.

Compared to the time Marie had led her here which a line of servants filled the corridors, everywhere seemed to be quiet and empty.

There were so many stunning things here in Darkshire…yet, she would have preferred to live her normal life, rather than getting entangled with the king.

The guard continued leading her through the hallways for what seemed like several minutes and finally they arrived at the hall which connected her room.

Genevieve, already feeling restless, decided to go to her room, which was the only place she could find solace. However, two steps towards her corridor, another set of low footsteps echoed.

Instinctively, she turned to the direction of the sound and in a moment, a certain figure appeared in view.

A distance from where she stood, her blue eyes caught sight of a female. Contrary to the unwelcoming and hostile stares she previously received, the lady turned soft on seeing her, and soon she began walking in her direction.

Genevieve felt surprised and caught off guard, when the female reached in front of her, suddenly pulling her in for a warm embrace.

Before she processed the words to say, the lady already bowed to her with a smile, uttering, "Good morning, Milady."

Unlike the times when people feigned smiles at her, Genevieve could feel that her smile wasn't pretentious but rather genuine.

"Good m-morning," she impulsively responded, loss for words, when the female pulled her out of her embrace.

Possessing a brown short curly hair and a glistening dark brown skin, the lady looked to be in her mid-twenties. The heavenly smile she wore made Genevieve remember Angels. But contrary to the dress Genevieve wore, she was wearing a white pair of pants with a short dress a little bit over her thigh.

"I have been waiting for you, Milady. I'm so happy to see you. You look so pretty." The female said, making a hint of surprise appear on her face.

"T-thank You."

"I am Charlotte, Milady. The King's personal assistant." She revealed and Genevieve's eyes subtly widened. "But you can call me Lottie if you wish. That's what most people here address me as."

The king had an assistant? And a female at that? Whoever this lady was, Genevieve couldn't help but feel pity for her, knowing she was working for someone like the king.

"I am Genevieve." She curtsied, with a light smile.

"Would you like to come with me to the Garden?" Charlotte offered.

"The Garden?" Genevieve repeated softly.

Genevieve wasn't sure. The king had already ordered the guard to take her to her room. Hesitantly, she looked at the guard who gave her a polite nod.

She couldn't help but wonder how the garden looked. Could it be as beautiful as the rest of the castle or as dark as the king himself?

Charlotte's smile widened, her brown eyes sparkled with delight, "Oh yes, the garden is quite lovely. It's full of flowers and trees. It's the perfect place to simply relax."

"I think you'll like it," Charlotte continued, her voice lilted with excitement.

"I….uhm…w-welll.." However, Genevieve trailed off.

Genevieve was worried about what she might experience going outside the castle ground, it was her first time. But Charlotte already understood.

"If you are worried about…..well…. you know, the people," Charlotte said, her voice dropping to a conspirational tone, "Don't be."

"I can promise you that the Garden is a safe place," Charlotte said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "There are no disapproving old ladies or nosy nobles around here. Just you, me, and the flowers. And if you're worried about the king finding out, don't be. He's busy with his own business and won't even know you're gone."

Genevieve couldn't help but feel drawn to the idea of getting out of her room and exploring the palace grounds. After all, how much trouble could she really get into with a personal assistant of the king by her side?

"Okay," Genevieve responded, a smile forming on her face.

With the guard now following behind, Charlotte turned and led Genevieve through the winding hallways of the castle, and soon she found herself out of the castle's ground.

The land was a very vast area that spread all over the place. Genevieve was sure more than two hundred buildings could be fit into it, yet there were other places she was yet to see. More than twenty carriages were packed at a particular spot, as servants bussled to and fro.

Charlotte wasted no time in leading Genevieve towards the direction of the garden and soon, they both arrived there.

Lining of leaves were placed at the door of the garden, like a veil which could be seen through. However, the moment Genevieve stepped into the garden, she momentarily paused.

Genevieve was surprised to find that it was even more stunning than she had imagined. The sun shone down on a vast expanse of lush green grasses, dotted with colorful flowers of every shape and sizes.

Genevieve could hardly believe her eyes. The garden was like a paradise, a secret oasis in the heart of the palace. She couldn't help but feel awestruck by the beauty of the place, the delicate fragrance of the flowers filling her senses.

But most of all, in the middle of the garden, a tall fountain in the shape of an eagle flying upwards was placed there. Water splinted from several holes into the bowl beneath.

"It's...it's beautiful," she breathed, her eyes shining with wonder.

Charlotte nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "I'm glad you like it, Milady," she said. "It's one of my favorite places in the palace. The king doesn't come here often, so it's usually quite peaceful."

Charlotte led Genevieve to a certain swing at an end of the garden, patting at the spot beside her, making her sit.

"Why don't we rest here for a while?" she said. "I have a feeling you've been on your feet a lot lately."

Genevieve gratefully accepted the invitation, sinking down onto the wooden seat. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, her muscles relaxing as she soaked in the sun and the fresh air.

"Charlotte," she said, turning to face the other woman. "Thank you for bringing me here. You're...you're very different from the other people I've met here."

Charlotte smiled at the Princess who seemed more naive and innocent than a princess should be. However, then said,

"You're welcome, Milady. What do you think about the castle? I know that it might not have been very easy living with the king."