Eleanor

For five years, I had worked as a servant, paying off for crimes I never committed.

Today at three in the afternoon, my sentence came to an end. As the clock hands trembled towards freedom, an invisible weight lifted off my shoulders; my sharp breath shuddered out as an invisible weight was released; a single tear fell down my cheek.

"I'm free."

My voice barely rose above a whisper as I rose from my seat on the cold stone floor to greet my parents, who would soon arrive to take me home-my lips twisted with excitement as my mind raced with anticipation of seeing my mother again!

Ashen's voice drifted low and uncertain through my mind, questioning my belief. "Do you really believe that?" Ashen asked doubtfully.

Ashen, you are too pessimistic. I may not be their biological daughter but still feel part of their family."

"So why haven't they visited or even sent a letter?" asks A, who does not wish for any sympathy from this family.

I brushed it aside. Never before had I questioned my place-after all, I was Lord Alpha's daughter; my parents loved me fiercely, and my brother once served as my most ardent advocate. My eighteenth birthday passed, and still nothing changed in me.

At first, they thought I was completely harmless.

Ashen had always been there, hiding behind my thoughts like something strange that I couldn't comprehend.

They had investigated me closely in secret, unwilling to accept that someone with such a powerful bloodline could produce such an unwilling offspring as myself. And in the end, they were right. Their daughter was alive and well-she just wasn't me.

Still, they let me stay. I was immensely grateful and dedicated, vowing to repay their kindness with my own.

Ashen had always taken great pride in labeling me naive.

Five years had gone by without my love coming through, and yet, somehow, I still held out hope that they hadn't forgotten me.

Five years ago, everything changed drastically. The High King was mobilizing his forces for battle, and the royal estate hosted an elaborate send-off ceremony involving all members of his court.

Your evening had been absolutely ideal-except for two minor issues.

First and foremost was that the High King never attended his own party.

Genevieve stole Princess Rosalind's precious engagement ring-an irreplaceable present of immense value-which immediately caused alarm in her, prompting a full search to recover it.

Genevieve had frozen in panic as we found out the truth instantly. There had been no time or space to hide her ring; we discovered it all quickly.

They eventually turned to me for assistance.

"Genevieve had suffered in silence, while I thrived instead." So this, they said, was my way of paying tribute.

What choice did I have but to accept them and become one? And so I took responsibility; my voluntary submission saw me transform from an Alpha's daughter into nothing more than a palace maid.

"Eleanor!"

Eleanor's head maid's sharp bark brought me back into reality and caused me to recoil, nearly knocking over an ornament, before I turned around to see her staring me down with contemptuous anger.

She snapped, "Quit daydreaming! The princess is expecting guests, and you are late preparing her chambers!"

Biting my tongue, tasting blood. Nobody knew I was free; Princess Rosalind would need to declare my release first. Five years was agreed upon as my service contract, yet any mistake or oversight could extend my service indefinitely. Bowing my head slightly, I nodded off in thanks.

"Yes, ma'am." I hurried past her without paying any mind to the string of insults she directed toward me-this would likely be the last time.

I pulled open the heavy doors that led into Princess Ellie's sitting room-and immediately stopped.

Genevieve and Rosalind sat beside each other, laughing over exquisite cups of tea.

My chest clenched up. My sister had come for me.

"Genevieve!" My heart raced with excitement as I took another step towards her, my eyes wide with curiosity. "You're here!" Did my parents send you? Are they waiting outside? Let me get my things--"

Princess Rosalind's cold and mocking laugh was enough to turn my stomach. Genevieve smiled softly.

"What is she talking about?"

"Why didn't you come and take me home?" I frowned. "I thought--"

"Who gave you permission to think?" the princess inquired.

Genevieve quickly placed her hand over Princess Marguerite's and spoke in a soft voice: "Let me manage your foolish maid!"

"But... my service term ends today; I'm free." It hit like a bolt from the blue.

Genevieve lightly tapped her manicured nail against her teacup to emphasize this point. "Your service term was never temporary; you will always be my maid-forever and ever."

My feet shifted uncomfortably as my stomach dropped into my throat. "That can't be right; Father promised that nothing like this would ever happen!" I began.

"Your father promised what?" Eleanor asked, shaking her head. She laughed knowingly before answering with, "They never came here in the first place; that would've been stupid. They never intended on coming."

No. That couldn't possibly be right.

"I don't trust you," I replied to her, my throat dry with dust.

"Do whatever feels best for you." She set her teacup down softly. "Just be sure not to embarrass yourself by asking.

"Oh, this is absolutely priceless. Perhaps I should invite the others too-" The princess laughed in delight.

"Please," I whispered softly, barely audible over his breathy sound of breathing, "Don't do this. Please."

Genevieve caught my gaze, and for an instant something appeared in her expression, but it quickly vanished just as abruptly.

"Clear this out before your guests arrive," she advised.

I couldn't move, nor could anyone help.

Genevieve rose and smoothed the folds of her gown before speaking up: "Come along, Princess; I know we have better company to entertain!"

Genevieve leaned in and whispered, "You should have left when you had the chance."

As I searched desperately for something-anything!-to stabilize myself, the truth suffocated and enveloped me like an everlasting shroud.

I never intended to leave.

I never intended to become free.

I had spent five years pining for my former family, who had long since disowned me.

I had always been considered insignificant by them.

Ashen immediately stirred within me; her presence was electric.

"They betrayed you. Now what will you do?"

I didn't have an answer just yet.