Radiantly adorned in my late mother's finest attire, I stood in front of a glistening mirror. In that rare moment, a smile illuminated my face and showcased my resplendent visage. I was so full of beauty.
My mother had died from a brief illness, followed by my father who died months after, and in the blink of an eye, I was left a lonely orphan. At that early age, I was devoid of joy and happiness.
And that beautiful moment I experienced in front of a mirror was the only time I felt something so different, distinct from my usual emotions. It was a feeling of rejuvenation.
In admiration of the dress, I stole a glance and discovered a glittering button adorning its neckline. Intrigued, I delicately traced my fingers over it, marvelling at its exquisite beauty. "Wow! This must have cost a fortune," I uttered.
While removing the dress, the button detached from the dress and fell on the floor. "Oh no!" I snapped, picking it up from the floor. Confusion washed over me as I thought of how to attach it back, then I resolved to pass a thread through it that would be suitable for a necklace.
Wearing it around my neck gave me a comforting feeling, and for the last time, I tenderly caressed it with my fingers as it was beautifully positioned on my neck. "This is so beautiful," I admired.
Unlike every other girl of my age, I enjoyed spending so much time at the stream, so without a bucket, I headed out to the stream as one of my usual routines.
Leaving behind the overwhelmingly stressful thoughts, I opened my heart to the rhythmic sounds of the birds and the calmness of the water. And just like every other day, I enjoyed the comfort that accompanied it, but this time, it was more intense.
"Hello, Hazel, it's nice to see you have your quiet time. I know life has been so unfair to you, but everything would change from now on." A mysterious voice resounded.
In utter shock, I sat frozen, petrified, and unresponsive. I could tell where the voice was coming from. I gently touched my neck, "It's coming from the button," I gasped, attempting to take it off, but it got so stuck to my neck.
"Calm down, Hazel. I'm your new friend now. I've listened to your voice within, I've heard your wails and unimaginable questions, and I'm here to grant your request. So tell me, what do you wish for? Take your time and your wish would be swiftly granted," said the mysterious voice.
For a moment, I was dumbstruck. What could I possibly wish for? Then my mind raced back to the conversation some girls got involved in. It revolved around a remarkably handsome prince, distinguished as the epitome of royal perfection, held in high regard, and described as the most charming among all princes. His existence had unknowingly captivated the hearts of many.
Retracing my mind back to the present, I made my wish. "I want to be found at the palace of the prince. Sorry, no! I mean, I want the prince to fall in love with me," I said.
"I'm sorry, but your first wish was taken, it can't be reversed. So now, the ball is in your court to make that happen."
Upon making my wish and in an instant, I found myself at my desired destination, The Golden Palace.
As I walked through the entrance of the palace, I was washed in astonishment, captured at its exceeding beauty and revealing new sights, sounds, and sensations. The subtle fragrance of the blooming flowers filled the air, enlivening my spirit and giving me thrills. It was an amazing sight to behold, and the architectural excellence of the building was inexplicable.
Walking through the palace, I observed maidens swiftly moving in and out with their faces covered with profound grimaces and diligently tending to their assigned task. It was very noticeable.
"Hi! Please excuse me." I called out to one of the maidens that almost passed by.
"I'm Hazel, and I'm new here," I continued.
"I'm Maya. I'm in utter shock as to why you're here," she responded.
"I'm sorry, but I don't seem to get you. What do you mean?" I asked.
"Haven't you heard that Prince Lucas is malicious, inhumane, and despicable? He treats everyone poorly and without consideration. He acts like we're merely existing here, and he doesn't even know our names. He has never made direct eye contact with any of us, and he's always keeping his face downcast. That's how bad he is and even more. And please Hazel, I didn't say a word to you," she said and walked away.
Thrown into a dreadful state, I held unto my necklace. "I wish to go back to my former life," I said with my eyes closed, hoping to find myself transported back home. But it was too late, I had just a wish.
Recalling Maya's words, I instantly spotted the prince in a swift motion, and his face cast downward. My heart raced and I wished I could turn back the hands of time.
As night descended, everywhere appeared so peaceful. Like my usual self, I strolled serenely from the palace toward the garden adorned with blossoming flowers emitting delightful fragrances. With my eyes fixed on something I found mysterious and vague, I slowly walked up to have a clearer view.
"Oh no! I'm sorry, my Prince. I had no idea you would be here. I'm deeply sorry." I apologized, with my face covered.
Oblivious to his thoughts, my heart pounded as I heard the sound of his footstep approaching me.
"Have mercy, my Prince." I pleaded again.
"How dare you? Do you know........." He paused and then let out a scream that shattered the stillness and filled me with fear. With his two hands covering his face, he commanded that I take off my necklace.
"Take that off immediately." He commanded
"I wish I could, my Prince but I can't. It's stuck to my neck. I don't know what's happening here, are you okay?" I asked.
And suddenly, the sky tumbled and a torrential downpour cascaded from above. Then I felt his hands tenderly envelop me, drawing me to his arms as he yielded to uncontrollable tears, and his cries echoing in the air.
Remaining locked in his embrace, the rain persisted and drenched us both, tenderly washing away his tears and pains. Immersed in the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat, a sense of hope, vitality, tranquility, and optimism washed over me and turned me anew.
The rain stopped, and we got staring at each other in the dark.
"Who are you? Why do I feel so connected to you?" He asked.
"I'm Hazel. I'm a maiden here." I answered.
"Something just left my being, and I feel alive, relieved, and fulfilled. It's a mystery I can't unfold, but I know it has something to do with you. Amidst the dark, I can see through your eyes, and they are exquisitely captivating. I can see through your mind, it's pure and immaculate. And I've been wondering, where have you been all these years? I may have been a bad.........."
"Shh! You don't have to continue. I know everything hasn't been your fault, and that's why I wouldn't ask more questions. I'm elated you feel this way, it's refreshing. Something left my being too, and it has something to do with you too. Amidst the dark, I saw through you, kindness, compassion, and greatness. So it's true, you're a charming-looking prince, I saw that too," I said
"Please, marry me, and I will make you the happiest woman on earth," he proposed.
"Why not take your future queen inside? I'm already feeling cold." I replied.
So we hugged again...........