Despite my stomach twisting in pain, I managed to go to the market. I was carrying the clothes I intended to sell. My stomach hurts from hunger. I couldn't bear to eat something spoiled, so I endured it.
I slapped myself to stay awake. Later, I would make sure to sneak in some food. If this continues, I'm sure my body will weaken miserably.
"Cinderella!"
I turned when someone called my name. It was Albert, one of my old friends who sells goods in the Corohelia village.
"Good morning," I greeted, my voice weak.
He was often the one who provided me with food and medicine, just like now.
"Have some food," he said before handing me rice and chicken.
I didn't hesitate to take it. I was almost brought to tears as my stomach eased with the meal he gave me. I'm truly grateful that there are kind people like Albert in this world.
After I finished eating, I bowed my head. "Thank you very much."
"You're welcome," he replied. I thought he was leaving, but he spoke to me again. "Have they mistreated you again?"
I nodded. I knew exactly who he was referring to, and they were aware of the hardships I endured at the hands of the Fortelle family.
I had to keep the house clean all the time. I couldn't eat without their permission. I could only go out at certain times. I was worse off than a prisoner, but they all knew why I endured this, even though it was difficult.
"Has your father still not contacted you?"
I shook my head. It had been six years since they stopped sending me letters, and I didn't know why.
"It's been a while since they started working at the palace, huh?" He looked at me. "Why don't you try visiting them? Maybe something happened."
I sighed. If I could, I would, but I didn't want to endure Elizabeth's wrath again. Before, I went out past the allowed time, and she embarrassed me in public, even pulling my hair to make everything worse.
I still remember how painful my scalp is because of that. Damn it.
But... I think Albert might be right. What if something really did happen to them? Why did I only think of this now?
I stood up and straightened my posture. "I need to go somewhere. Can you watch over my store for me?"
"I've got you covered," he nodded, raising his thumb.
I wasted no time and quickly made my way to the palace, not knowing what would await me.
THE SURROUNDINGS were gloomy. The chilly breeze rustled through the dead trees. In front of me stood a black palace that looked abandoned, far different from what I had expected – no grandeur, no luxurious designs.
"Did I come to the right place?" I furrowed my brow as doubt crept in. "Or maybe I'm just lost—Ouch!"
I didn't finish my blabberings as I suddenly tripped over a tree root, causing me to lose my balance. I screamed and closed my eyes, bracing for the impact on the ground.
But it never came.
Instead, I felt a hand wrap around my waist and lift me back to my feet.
I could still feel the firmness of his chest as I leaned on it, which made me uneasy. I quickly stepped away and faced the person to express my gratitude, but I froze when I saw who it was.
It was the man from my dream. My heart pounded with uncertainty.
"T-Thank you," I managed to say.
An odd sense of fear overcame me as I met his eyes. They were cold and devoid of any emotion.
He was fair-skinned, had a prominent nose, a well-built physique, and was dressed in elaborate black clothing, similar to what I had seen in my dream. He also had a sword attached to his waist.
My fear intensified.
"Are you going to kill me?" I blurted out unintentionally.
He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by my sudden question. I just sighed.
No, he had helped me. Why would he kill me?
With my mind wandering in various directions, I decided to put some distance between us. "I-I'll just go ahead."
I turned to leave but he suddenly grabbed my wrist. I stopped walking because of this. I felt an unusual warmth emanating from his hand, but I quickly shook my head. What was I thinking?
"Why?" I turned to face him with a furrowed brow. I couldn't let this person's actions affect me.
"What are you doing here?" he asked before pulling me closer, causing me to bump into his chest. "And weren't you taught by your parents how to show respect, lady?"
I winced from the impact but raised an eyebrow afterward. Show respect? Seriously? I was already grateful!
I chose to ignore his last question. I didn't say anything and, in response, he chuckled. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes, but I could also see a trace of amusement. I didn't know what he was pleased about, but like his previous question, I decided to disregard it.
I stepped away from him before responding. I pointed towards the palace nearby. "I'm heading there. Is this the Corohelia Palace?"
"What's your name?"
Instead of answering my question, he threw another question at me. I raised an eyebrow automatically.
"I don't give my name to strangers," I replied confidently. "Am I right? Is this the Corohelia Palace?" I repeated my previous question.
But he didn't answer. He instead scanned me from head to toe. I took a deep breath, fearing that I might do something we'd both regret—I want to punch him.
"You're not worth talking to," I said, no longer caring whether he had helped me earlier or not. He still didn't answer my question.
"I can't believe what you just said. Don't you recognize me?" he asked, chuckling softly.
"Just because you're handsome, does that mean I have to know you?" I blurted out. He was indeed good-looking, but he seemed so arrogant.
"It's good that you admit I'm handsome," he said with a wink, a smug smile on his face.
I rolled my eyes. Not only was he arrogant, but he also had quite the ego.
I just pursed my lips because I didn't want to waste my voice on someone like him. I noticed how he gazed at my lips, and how his expression darkened with every passing second.
I was taken aback when he suddenly swallowed. My brows furrowed, but it quickly disappeared when he spoke.
"I know someone inside the palace," he said, his tone serious, quite different from before. "You need to tell me your name so I can inform them to let you in."
I swallowed hard, recalling the strange dream I had. He repeatedly referred to me as a princess when I was just a maid! Could it be that he mistook me for someone else?
Right! I should tell him my name to make sure he doesn't think I'm the person he needs to kill! Better safe than sorry. He might suddenly draw his sword and end my life right here!
"Ella Cinderia Fortelle," I softly said, just loud enough for him to hear. "A maid..."
He wasn't asking for my occupation, but I decided to say it anyway. Of course, I needed to make sure he wouldn't harm me!
"Fortelle..." He momentarily looked lost in thought, as if he remembered something, but soon shook his head, returning to reality. "If you keep heading straight, you'll reach the palace. Just show them this, and they'll acknowledge you."
He handed me a golden medallion. It looked valuable, so I took it. I had no idea if what he was saying was true, but if he was just tricking me, he wouldn't be able to get this medallion back because I'd pawn it right away.
"Thank you," I said.
"Be careful on your journey… And be strong." He lightly patted my head before leaving.
Instead of feeling relieved, I felt a strange shiver down my spine. Was it just me, or did that gesture have a deeper meaning?
