Chapter 5: A Creature of Sorts

Talia

Sunlight streamed into my new room telling me to start my day. I stretched my arms over my head as a yawn escaped my mouth and got out of bed.

I immediately missed the warmth of the blankets, but Maggie had just come in with breakfast and I didn't want to keep her waiting.

"Is there anything else I can get you My Lady?"

"No, this is great, thank you. And please, call me Talia."

Maggie nodded and left. Despite the fact that I've lived my entire life by myself, I've never felt lonier than I do right now. Here I was in a beautiful room with way more food than I could possibly eat and I had no one to share it with.

It made a small part of me miss the dungeons. At least with all the cup banging I knew I wasn't alone. Here, the silence is deafening and it made me uneasy.

I finished my breakfast quickly, hardly making a dent in the food Maggie had brought, and rung the bell next to my bed. No more than five minutes later, all three of my maids came into my room.

"How might we help you Lady Talia?" Maggie asked, thinking she'd gotten around calling me just Talia.

"I was wondering if I could have a bath."

"Of course."

I honestly wasn't expecting them to say yes, I usually only got a bath once a week, but I guess they didn't know I'd had one yesterday. Was it wrong of me to lie?

Maggie sent Lina and Anna to draw a bath and went about cleaning up my breakfast.

"And Maggie?" She turned to me. "Just Talia."

Maggie sighed and nodded before going back to cleaning. With a satisfied smile on my face, I strolled into the bathing chamber. Lina and Anna were talking quietly amongst themselves and giggling. They made the work fun for themselves.

But when they noticed I'd entered, they turned silent.

"You guys can talk," I told them. "I don't mind."

They looked to each other, then back at me, and then back at each other.

"Seriously you guys, talk. I like it. It makes it feel less lonely."

"We were just laughing about how uptight Maggie has gotten since you got here. Her inner perfectionist has reached a whole new level," Lina said with a giggle.

"Lina!"

Anna's eyes were wide and she looked shocked, but when I laughed along with Lina she relaxed.

"So, how long have you guys been working here?" I asked them.

"I grew up here," Lina started. "Maggie was friends with my mom so when she passed, Maggie took me in."

"I'm so sorry."

I knew the pain of losing a mother. It wasn't something anyone should have to go through.

Lina brushed me off and motioned for Anna to talk.

"I've been here for two years," she said softly.

I waited for Anna to say more, but it appeared that she was done speaking. I'd get her to open up sooner or later.

"So, we heard you are marrying the Prince. Is that true?" Lina asked me.

Once again, Anna looked shocked.

"He hasn't decided yet," I told her. "I'm staying a month at the end of which he will decide."

"It'll be a yes," Lina said. "I mean look at you!"

I giggled softly, but I didn't think I was anything special. I was pale as a ghost and much too bony and thin. If anything, that's what was putting the Prince off.

"Yeah, you're beautiful," Anna whispered.

I smiled at the maid.

"Thank you, but I'm nothing special. You two are the beautiful ones."

The girls blushed and we kept talking while they helped me get ready for the day. I wore a dark green dress made of velvet that was cooler than it looked. When I used to wear velvet, I remember it being hot and stuffy, but this material was thin enough for me to keep cool.

Anna worked on my hair while Lina took over for makeup. They were a good pair and did an amazing job.

We were all giggling over something Lina said when Maggie came back in.

"Girls," she scolded.

"It's ok Maggie, I like talking with them," I told her. I hope I hadn't gotten the girls in trouble.

Maggie looked back and forth between the three of us before sighing and stepping out of the room.  The three of us immediately burst out into laughter.

"What are your plans for the day Talia?" Lina asked me.

"I don't really have any. I might go take a look around, do some exploring."

"Sounds fun."

"You guys should come!"

I'd love to have the girls come with me. Their company was refreshing.

"Unfortunately we can't," Anna answered. "We have work to do."

"I understand," I told her.

I didn't want to get the girls in trouble or anything. I'd just go by myself. Saying goodbye to the girls, I left my bedroom.

Left or right? I looked either way and decided to go right. Right is always right, right?

Beautiful paintings lined the walls. Some of the royal family and some of their ancestors. There were also landscapes and other varieties of artwork. They were all beautiful.

I kept walking and looking around. I didn't go into any rooms though, because I wasn't sure where I was allowed and I didn't know where I was going. I didn't need to though, I was having a fine time looking at all the paintings.

A panting sound drew my attention and I turned to see a creature of sorts bounding my way. It had four legs like the horses, but was much smaller.

The creature lept into the air and tackled me to the ground. I shrieked as it started licking my face. What is this thing?

Footsteps resonated down the hall and soon, the large creature was pulled off of me. I looked up and my eyes met those of the Prince.

"Sorry about Charlie," he said, offering a hand to help me up. "He gets excited meeting new people."

I nodded. "What is Charlie exactly?"

"What do you mean?" Prince Beckham asked.

"What creature is he?"

"He's a dog. Have you never seen a dog?" Prince Beckham was shocked and I realized I'd made a mistake. I had to fix this.

"Um...my parents didn't let me out much."

Oh God, please fall for it.

"Ok..."

I sighed in relief even though Beckham didn't sound totally convinced. What was I supposed to say though? Oh, I've never been outside of either my bedroom or a cell? Certainly not.

I looked down and Charlie was sitting at my feet wagging his tail.

"He wants you to pet him," Prince Beckham told me.

"Oh."

I slowly extended my hand and patted Charlie on his head.

"Here, like this."

Prince Beckham took my hand and showed me how to stroke Charlie's fur. The dog appeared to be quite happy. When I took my hand away though, he whined and I giggled. I put my hand back and stroked his fur by myself this time. He wagged his tail and smiled up at me. If a dog could smile that is. I wonder if that's considered a smile? I didn't ask Prince Beckham though because I didn't want him to think I was stupid.

Charlie suddenly laid down and rolled over on his back.

"You want your belly rubbed?" I asked with a giggle and Charlie yipped. I took that as a yes and pet his belly. He wiggled around happily and I couldn't help but giggle. He was cute.

When I stood up again, Prince Beckham's eyes were on me. I blushed, I'd forgotten he was here.

"He likes you," Prince Beckham told me.

"Really?"

Prince Beckham nodded and I felt a swell of pride. Charlie might only be a dog, but he was the only being that liked me and that made me happy.

"I like him too."