Chapter 21 - Of course, Princess Emma

EMMA

When I wake up this time, I know exactly where I am. I haven’t moved since last night and my muscles are aching. I told Galena to leave me alone and she did. I needed to be alone and let my mind process the situation. I’m not dying and the prince hasn’t come back, so that’s good. I feel strange though, like my chest is hollow and the weight of the fact that I’m alone hits me hard. I can deal with physical pain, but it’s the emotional pain I struggle with. This empty feeling inside me.

The mark on my neck is throbbing. The skin feels hot and a little swollen. I massage my shoulder and it gives a little relief, but not enough. I’m aching for something I don’t have, but I’m not sure what it is.

I sit up and my sore muscles contract. I take in the room now that I can see it in the daylight. The bed frame is completely made of bronze with intricate designs on the headboard. The bedroom of the prince has dark green walls, the colors of pine trees. The floor is made of long walnut floorboards that are so dark that they almost look black. Three tall windows bring in the shimmering morning light.

I notice a square, flat carton box on the black lacquered bedside table. There’s a note made of thick, cream-colored cardstock on top and I pick it up.

*Congratulations, you’re still alive.*

I scoff and pick up the box. I trace my fingers over the carton. The box is laced with blue velvet and in the center lies my necklace. I gasp and blink back the tears. My hands quiver when I pick up the silver chain. I trace every inch of the chain and charm. I breathe a sigh of relief when I put it back on and the blue charm falls under the hollow of my neck.

There’s a timid knock on the door and I debate on ignoring it. Prince Hadrian wouldn’t knock to get to his own bedroom. I get up from the bed and wince at the stab in my stomach. I open the door and a girl with the same height and stature appears in front of me. She’s one of the many maids that I’ve seen working around the palace. They all wear the same tan-colored dress and white apron. She seems very young and shorter than others.

“Uhm, Hi.”

She keeps her head bowed down. “Good morning, Your Highness. Can I help you get ready this morning?”

My eyes widen and I nearly choke on the breath I was taking. “You can just call me Emma.”

The maid shuffles on her feet. “Of course, Princess Emma.”

“That’s not really what I meant.”

Her hands start to tremble. “My apologies, Your Highness.” She says as she bows down.

“No, I mean— uhm.” I reach my hand out, but she flinches and I pull back my hand. *What have I done?*

“You don’t have to bow,” I say and I wait until she straightens. “Or look away.”

She’s hesitant but eventually looks up at me. “I’m sorry, Princess Emma.”

I give her a genuine smile because she seems different. “Please don’t apologize. What’s your name?”

The girl looks flustered and she blinks her eyes a few times. “I-I’m Paulina, I’m your personal maid.” Her voice is soft and clear. She sounds sweet.

“Personal maid? For what?” I choke out.

“I’m here for whatever you need, Princess Emma. I could do your hair and prepare a bath before you have breakfast with your brother and friend.”

The mention of my brother ignites me back to life. “Lucas! Where is he now?” I basically shout.

Her eyes widen at my exclamation. “I-in the guest room.”

I step out of the room to find my brother and turn around to ask Paulina where the guest room is. Her eyes are wide and laced with horror. I look down on myself and realize that I’m still wearing the same slip dress as last night and my hair is now a bird's nest with sapphire crystals.

“I should shower first.”

“Does Your Highness want me to do your hair?”

I bite my lip and nod. “Right, yes please.”

—————

A bird’s nest is probably a feeble expression for the ravage that is my hair. For the past thirty minutes, Paulina has been trying to get all the knots out of the havoc on my head. I feel beyond embarrassed for the unruly mess, but Paulina doesn’t seem to mind. Strand for strand she untangles every knot with a fine-tooth comb.

Her hand slips and graces my neck. Paulina hisses and drops the comb. It clatters on the wooden floor. In the mirror, I watch Paulina cradle her hand and tears stream down her cheeks.

I stand up and turn to her. “Are you okay?” I find myself genuinely concerned for the girl.

“I’m sorry, I—“ Paulina whimpers in pain and I move to take her hand in mine.

The skin on her hand is swelling and breaking with big red welts. It looks like she caught an infection on her hand, but it happened so quickly.

“Are you allergic to something?” My mind is already listing ingredients to come up with an ointment.

“It’s the silver.” She says through gritted teeth.

My fingers automatically reach for the necklace around my throat. She must’ve touched it when her hand slipped.

I remember that Galena said she had healing abilities. “You should visit the healer.”

Paulina shakes her head. “The servants aren't allowed to go to a healer. Only royalty and the royal army can.”

"What? That's ridiculous!” I walk to the door and turn to look at a frightened Paulina. “Are you coming?”

Paulina is still cradling her hand, but she follows me down the halls. “Princess Emma. Please, I’ll be fine, you don’t have to do this.” Her voice is timid and fragile.

I knock on the door and it takes Galena only a second to answer. “Emma? Is everything okay?

“Paulina hurt herself when she accidentally touched my silver necklace and now her hand is infected—”

“Did your wolf not show up?” Galena asks.

“Wolf?” At first, I think she's asking me, but then I notice Paulina shaking her head.

Galena must see my confusion because she starts to explain. “On our eighteenth birthday, we connect with our wolf. It allows us to shift into a wolf form. It also gives us the ability to heal quicker and from more severe injuries like silver burns.”

I raise an eyebrow as I turn to the timid girl. “Does that mean you're not a werewolf?”

“I- I am, but my wolf is dormant.” Paulina has a sad look on her face and I feel a pang in my chest for her.

*Okay, since when are we empathizing with those monsters?*

A frown pulls at my brows because that statement doesn’t feel so true now.

I follow Galena inside her office and watch how Paulina takes a seat. Galena places her hands over the wounds and closes her eyes. Her hands start to glow red, and I gasp. It’s like she’s lighting up from the inside. The infected skin transforms in front of my eyes. Within seconds Paulina’s hand is back to normal.

There is an insistent knock on the door and Galena opens it to let a guard inside. His eyes travel around the room and pause for a second on Paulina, before meeting mine. I think I’ve seen this guard before on the day I came here, but I’m not a hundred percent sure. That scowl seems familiar though.

He has a sharp pointed jawline and hazel eyes that have a tinge of red in them. His black hair is cropped short. He wears the standard black soldier uniform, but on his shoulder is a singular golden stripe embroidered in the fabric.

“Excuse me, but your brother is creating a commotion at the entrance.”

*Oh no, Lucas what have you done now?*