"Mum have you seen where my hair clip is, l really need to pack it , she said .
"Are you sure you are going to be fine with this decision you have made , Mariel ? "
"Mum am going to be fine l promise, besides we both now we really need to get that money for Father's medicines , she replied back with a firm voice.
" If l don't go , who will help us then ?"
They all hug each other before saying goodbye to their daughter , although they never know when they will meet again.
Mariel is the only child of a humble family. Her parents gave birth to her at their mature age . Some of their friends had children who were ready to get married by the time Mariel was born . She is from a small village near the Palace. Once she heard that , there was an audition for a Royal maid in the Palace from a friend . She knew this was her only chance infront of her .
The morning cold was what hit her the most , even though the Palace was not far from her village but the weather decided to take a turn. Walking alone on the path only to change hers and her family's future.
Eliora is still in her Chambers , siting quietly on a chair beside the window and admiring the sky .
Then suddenly a maid entered, bows and says: " My lady , Lord Ravien has announced an audition for a Royal maid . You are requested to attend".
She then bows down again and leaves the chamber.
" Ravien, what made him to come up with that decision, l think l should go before he blows up again " , she chuckles while saying to herself.
The Palace courtyard full of young ladies , whose some of their dream was to work and live in the Palace while others ,it was their only option to life. Their were to register their names before they enter the Palace in a queue , one by one . The were arranged in groups for the competition.
The competition heard three rounds. The first round was:
1. Grace and discipline - here the ladies were judged how they serve and how they walk . This was to show their obedience towards the Royal queen to be , Eliora. Most of them didn't pass that test and the remaining ones proceeded to the next level.
2. Speech and loyalty test - ln this level , questions were prepared to them on how confident they are to serve the Royal queen to be . Their facial expressions and voice were the most important thing that was observed. Also in category most of them did not pass. Ten people only remained to proceed to the next level, and Mariel was one of them .
3. Heart and sincerity - ln this level they were to serve tea to Eliora and take care of her by brushing her hair with a comb . Eliora and Ravien were sitting on the upper row bench . So people could not see Eliora's face clearly. But she was requested to come down to complete the task.
She come down the stairs while Ravien was helping her with holding her arm . Her beauty striked every one , people were shocked seeing her , she carried a beauty that was never seen before with her hair somehow being striked by wind slowly while going down the stairs.
She carefully sat on a chair. The all lined up one by one with a tray of kettle and a cup. Most of them didn't concentrate because they were still amazed by her , on how someone could carry this all beauty in her . So the remaining three continued. A mirror was placed infront of Eliora and they were told to brush her hair .
So two of them completed and it was Mariel turn now. When she took the comb on her hand and started to brush Eliora's hair , she suddenly saw flashes of memory of a hand brushing her hair , the warmth was the same as hers with soft voices of her .
She turned around to look at her . "Did l do something wrong my queen ? , Mariel asked . Eliora suddenly tears were flowing out of eyes upon hearing that voice . She didn't know why but that voice felt familiar to her .
Aurien was in the library since morning when he woke up from his sleep . He didn't know what was happening outside but he heard voices of young ladies screaming Me! Me! Me!. He didn't put much care to it and continued what he was doing.
Lior entered and bow down to him then said: "My lord , l have arranged everything ready for your practice, you can go now" .
When he was about to leave , Aurien stopped and asked him , "what going on outside there, what was the earlier commotion about ?" .
"My lord there was an audition arranged for queen Eliora by prince Ravien for a Royal maid. And it about to end soon " , he replied back . Lior then bowed down and left the room .
"He surely knows how to play his cards well , oww Ravien ,my dear brother", Aurien said with a wicked smile on his face before going back to his books.
Everyone was shocked on what was happening. Ravien hurriedly went to her , and cupping his hands on her face .
" What wrong Eliora, are you hurt ? " . He then faced Mariel and asked her " what did you do to her " , his voice was cold and sharp towards Mariel which ended up making her to stumble while talking.
Eliora looked at Ravien and stopped him , "Don't worry about me am fine ", with a firm voice while wiping the tears away on her face. " I choose her to be my Royal maid " . These words shocked many people, that were visible there.
" Are you sure about this " , Ravien asked while staring straight to her eyes.
"Yes and am completely sure of it " she answered firmly as if she had never been sure about anything in her life than this moment.
Ravien ordered that the competition was over since they found the one who they were searching for .
When she kneels before Eliora after wining, Eliora catches her breath.
That smile.... she thinks.
A faint vision flashes again, the same girl , calling her my lady while tending her wounds.
Eliora fingers tremble. The old maid bows and says softly,
"My lady l leave her in your care "
Eliora nods still lost in that strange ache of recognition. Eliora whispers inwardly to her self, " why does it feels like l've known you before...?" .