SOULBOUND: Forbidden Hearts

After the maids had bathed her, she was directed to an elegant dining hall, where a grand assortment of food was laid out before her. The table was adorned with steaming dishes of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, vibrant fruits, and fragrant soups. She hesitated, uncertain whether she should eat, but her body betrayed her. A loud grumble from her stomach broke the silence, and she flushed with embarrassment as a few of the attendants stifled amused giggles.

Aelvira, composed as ever, stepped in. "Please, help yourself, my lady," she said gently. 

Her presence was calm and reassuring that helped her relax enough to pick up a fork. Tentatively at first, she began to eat. But as the flavors burst on her tongue, hunger overtook her reservations, and she quickly devoured the meal while Aelvira discreetly assisted her.

After the meal, Aelvira led her through the halls to a spacious room. The door creaked open to reveal a luxurious space, complete with a large canopied bed, intricately carved furniture, and silk curtains that shimmered in the soft glow of the room's golden lamps. She stepped inside, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the unfamiliar opulence.

"My lady, I'll place your belongings here. They've been washed," Aelvira said with a gentle voice. 

She placed the embroidered handkerchief on a small table near the bed. She glanced at it briefly before returning her attention to the room, marveling at its size and splendor. She could hardly believe this was where she would be staying.

"Shad lamir?" Why am I here? She finally asked, her voice tinged with concern as she turned to Aelvira.

Aelvira paused, her brow furrowing slightly. The maid's expression made it clear that she didn't understand what she said. She sighed inwardly, frustration bubbling up. Not being able to communicate properly was maddening. 

Biting her lip, she began to gesture, using her hands in an attempt to convey her question. Each movement felt clumsy, awkward, and embarrassing. Her cheeks flushed as she realized how ridiculous she must look, but to her surprise, Aelvira tilted her head thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in concentration.

"Are you asking why you're here?" She confirmed. "The king ordered us to take care of you, my lady," she explained calmly, yet her tone was even and professional.

She listened intently, piecing together the words she understood. Though her vocabulary in their language was limited, the meaning came through clearly enough.

"If you're wondering why he did that…" Aelvira's voice trailed off slightly before she shook her head. "We don't know."

Anxiety churned in her stomach. The king's actions were a mystery, one that felt far more ominous than comforting. Why had he spared her? What could he possibly want from her? Whatever his reasons, she doubted they were in her favor.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?" Aelvira's voice broke through her swirling thoughts.

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head slightly. Understanding her response, Aelvira dipped into a respectful bow. "Very well. I'll leave you to rest. Goodnight, my lady."

With that, the maid departed, leaving her alone in the grand, unfamiliar room. The soft click of the door closing echoed faintly, amplifying the silence that followed.

Letting out a weary sigh, she began to wander around the room. Her eyes roamed over the elegant furniture, the intricate patterns in the curtains, and the soft glow of the lamps. Eventually, her gaze fell on a small table near the bed, where her embroidered handkerchief had been placed. Beside it lay a neat stack of books.

Curious, she walked over and picked one up, feeling the smooth cover beneath her fingers. Without much thought, she carried the book to a nearby sofa, its plush cushions sinking slightly as she sat down, and started flipping through the pages.

She realized, then, that if she was to piece together her past, she needed to first understand the world around her. Reading, perhaps, could offer her that connection. But she has to be discreet because anytime she might lose her head to the king if she wasn't careful.