The speed of the horses gradually slowed until the carriage finally came to a halt. The girl sitting with me had kept her distance the whole way. She was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, and even in this situation, she carried herself with pride—as if nothing could ever harm her. She looked at me with cold eyes, as though sharing the same carriage was beneath her. Perhaps she didn't know the truth yet. Some people take time to understand reality… one day she would.
I held my painting close and turned my gaze back to the horse I had sketched. Its eyes told a story—once it must have been loved, proud with its master, but now, like me, it was separated, lost in the hands of strangers.
The carriage stopped completely. My heart tightened. A soldier opened the door and dragged us both out. I blinked against the sudden light. Before me stretched a calm and beautiful place, so serene it felt like paradise itself. The wind brushed gently against my skin, carrying with it a strange warmth that touched my heart. For so long, I had lived in the wrong place, and now, here, I felt the whispers of nature's embrace.
There was no sight of ordinary houses—only a grand bungalow stood tall, guarded by soldiers at its gates. Soon, they led the merchant's daughter away. I remained, unsure, until a man of high status descended gracefully from his horse.
His hair flowed with the breeze, catching the sunlight, and his eyes glowed with an otherworldly calm. He walked toward me.
"Give me your painting," he said.
Without hesitation, I handed it over. He studied it carefully, and in his shining eyes, I saw something—gentleness, beauty, perhaps a reflection of his mother's grace. My own eyes fell to the ground. People like me were not meant to meet the gaze of those so powerful.
Then, something I never expected happened. He placed his hand softly on my head. The warmth of his touch spread through me, gentle and full of love. For a moment, it felt as though an angel himself had blessed me.
In a calm, soothing voice he asked, "Do you wish to work in my house? If not, my soldiers will escort you back home."
His hand remained upon my head. I had never known such kindness in my life. My chest tightened, my stomach fluttered—it was a strange, almost painful feeling I couldn't explain.
"What happened? Answer me," he asked again.
With trembling lips I whispered, "Yes… I will."
Tears threatened to fall, but I forced them back. "Yes," I repeated more firmly. "I will work for you. Thank you."
The man looked at his soldiers and ordered, "Show her to her room. From today, she will stay here."
I followed, still in disbelief. That man—though powerful, even feared—had made me feel safe, as though I belonged somewhere for the first time. The soldier led me to my quarters. The room was larger than my entire old house, filled with things I had never dreamed of having.
But confusion stirred in my heart. Why would someone like him give me such comfort? Still, a new journey had begun, and I resolved to face it with courage.
I wandered through the bungalow, trying to understand my new world. That was when she appeared—a girl in royal attire, elegant and beautiful. I hurriedly knelt before her and asked, "Mother, I'm searching for the owner of this house. Could you please tell me where he is?"
When I lifted my head, I saw her eyes fixed on me, sharp and cold.
"Who are you? Who allowed you to step into our house?" she demanded angrily. "And look at you—covered in dirt!"
Her words stung. Anger burned in me, but I replied calmly, "If you won't tell me, I will find him myself."
"How dare you speak to me like that!" she shouted.
I lowered my head, yet my eyes remained wide open, burning with quiet strength. "All that we have comes from nature," I said softly. "And I am deeply connected to it."
Before she could respond, a deep voice cut through the air. "What is going on here?"
My blood froze. I knew that voice—it was him. I slowly lifted my head in fear. The girl, too, seemed shaken.
"Go to your room," he ordered her firmly.
I tried to step back, but his voice stopped me again.
"I did not ask you to leave."
I froze. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. Could I really survive in this world of power, pride, and hidden cruelty? Only time would tell.