Chariot from the palace

The gold gown fitted her perfectly and had a zipper in the back. It was a half-sleeved gown with beadwork around the bodice, and the bottom had several layers. Mia looked nothing less than a high-standing woman of high society.

Mia waved her hand before asking. Do you think it looks good?

I think it looks fantastic. The noblemen would find it hard to take their eyes off you. Jess praised, laughing softly.

Her words pleased Mia and made her feel confident about herself. Even though Mia was stunning, she had low self-esteem if no one praised her.

Let me help you with yours, offered Mia.

Jess looked at her sister apprehensively. She did not want to die of suffocation, trying to fit into what Mia considered a beauty standard. Besides, she had not bathed as Mia had used up the last drop of water at home, just like she thought.

I would have loved for you to help me, but somebody used up all the water in the house, and now I have to go to the stream and wash, said Jess with a questioning look.

Sorry about that. Mia said apologetically.

Check if Mama and Papa are ready. Jess asked her sister to check on their parents. And Mia gave her a nod.

Sure, said Mia, leaving Jess alone in the room.

Jess took the scrub, soap, and an extra change of cloth and left for the river just further down their house to bathe. It was still bright, and the villagers would soon return from their farms, as it was the planting season.

Mia went to their room downstairs to see if they needed help choosing an outfit.

Papa, Mama. Mia knocked.

Come in, let me see my beautiful daughter, said her father.

Mia turned the handle. It creaked open as she peeped her head inside the room to make sure she did not see anything that would scar her for life before going in.
Her father, dressed in a blue overall, looked handsome and at ease, unlike the previous days when he had crease lines on his face because of worry. Her mother had settled for her wedding dress, made from cream color material with golden beads beaded around the waist.

The gown was still in good condition despite how old it was. Vera Smith had wanted Mia to wear it for her wedding, but she refused. She thought it was old-fashioned and out of style. Seeing the gown now on her mother made Mia realize how wrong she was in her judgment.

Mia heard and saw things around the house, and just because she pretended not to care did not mean she was not bothered. It made Mia resolute in her decision to marry a nobleman so that she could help her father clear his debts.

Wow! You look stunning. Her mother commented, and her father nodded in approval.

Thank you, Mama and Papa, replied Mia with a grin.

What about your sister? Vera Smith asked when she noticed her elder daughter was nowhere in sight.

She went to the river to bathe, as there was no water in the house, replied Mia.

Hope she comes back on time as we have not made arrangements for a carriage and have to trek to the ball, explained her father.

What time is the ball starting? Vera Smith asked.

As stated in the invitation letter, the ball would commence at eight at night. It also mentioned that everyone would be having dinner at the castle. Mia read out loud for her parents to hear.

The castle in Black Wood Pine was small but big enough for some sizeable guests.

At the thought of tasting something unique from among mouthwatering delicacies that most people only dreamt of, Mia could hardly wait to be at the ball.

That is a long time to go without food. I am already hungry. Vera Smith said.

But you just had breakfast this morning, chimed Michael Smith.

I cannot wait that long, stated Vera Smith.

You do not need to start arguing over food. I will go and make something real quick. Mia stated as she stepped out of the room, leaving her parents alone to prepare a light lunch.

Despite the anticipation of tasting the diverse delicacies they would be offered at the ball, Mia agreed with her mother as it was only mid-day, and they had only had breakfast. It would be better to have a light lunch to sustain them until the evening.

She hated cooking. But she was in a happy mood, and Jess was not around. She did not mind cooking occasionally, as long it was not every day.

I can perceive the aroma from my room. Vera Smith commented, taking a seat on one of the stools in the kitchen.

What are you making? Michael Smith asked, joining his wife and daughter in the kitchen.

Egg sauce with bread and tea. I have also packed some light fruits for our little trip. Mia said with a smile.

“Smells delicious,” Michael Smith commented.

Michael Smith did not know he was hungry until the scent coming from the kitchen waffled into his room, making his stomach rumble in protest. His wife heard his stomach rumble and began to laugh at him.

“But you just had breakfast this morning,” Vera Smith mimicked her husband’s words to her earlier. He ignored her mockery and followed her to taste what Mia was cooking.

Mama, Papa, come and eat. The food is ready, announced Mia as she dished the food while remaining a portion for her sister.

They were almost done with their meal when a chariot rode up in front of their house.

Mia went to the window to look at the chariot that pulled up. It may be Sarah who was returning from the next village. She thought.

But her eyes furrowed when she saw it was directly in front of their house. A man had jumped down from the horse and was adjusting the hat on his head, which had three feathers on them.

Who is that, Mia? asked her father.

I don’t know Papa. But there is a chariot in front of our house.

What? Asked Michael Smith in surprise.