CHAPTER II

Melody bustled around the room, opening the curtains just enough for light to slip through. Dust motes danced in the glow. “We’ll start with a nice bath. Doctor’s orders. You need warmth in your bones again.”

Steam soon filled the air, rising from the marble tub like morning mist. The scent of vanilla and honey drifted upward, wrapping the space in a gentle sweetness.

Melody dipped her wrist into the water, testing the temperature with a thoughtful hum.

“There,” she said proudly. “Not too hot, not too cold. Just right for a lady who’s been asleep for two whole years.”

Selena sat at the edge of the tub, her bare feet brushing the warm surface. Her reflection shimmered in the water, dark green eyes glassy, distant, as though they belonged to someone else. Her own face felt unfamiliar, softened by time, blurred by memory.

Melody crouched beside her, her expression softening. “Come now,” she said gently. “You’ll feel better once you wash away the dreams.”

Selena hesitated, then nodded faintly. Melody helped her step in, the water embracing her with tender heat.

For a long while, neither spoke. The only sound was the soft ripple of water and the rhythmic hum of Melody’s voice as she began to wash Selena’s hair, careful and precise, as if she were tending to something fragile.

“You’ve got the prettiest hair,” Melody said cheerfully, working a comb through the dark strands. “Like midnight ink. If I had hair like this, I’d never stop brushing it.”

“You talk a lot,” Selena murmured, eyes closed.

“I do,” Melody replied brightly. “Someone has to fill the silence, right?”

A soft sound, not quite laughter, but close escaped Selena’s lips. It was the first warmth she’d let herself feel in years.

When the bath was done, Melody wrapped her in a thick towel, the fabric warm from the fire. “There,” she said proudly. “Almost human again!”

The dressing chamber awaited. A tall, airy room with wide windows and rows of gowns that shimmered like captured moonlight. Melody’s eyes practically sparkled as she flung open the wardrobe doors. “Now! Dresses!”

Before Selena could reply, Melody was already half-buried in silk and lace, holding each gown up against the light.

“This one makes you look like a goddess,” she mused, then discarded it just as quickly. “Too dramatic. Ah—this one! It’s softer, gentler. Fits your aura.”

Selena blinked, confused. “My… aura?”

“Yes!” Melody said with exaggerated seriousness. “You’re quiet, but not cold. Like a lotus on calm water. Mysterious, but kind.”

She held up a pale blue gown embroidered with silver thread, its fabric glimmering faintly like frost. “This one. It matches your eyes.”

Selena’s lips twitched… the faintest curve, half disbelief, half reluctant amusement.

“Oh!” Melody gasped dramatically. “You smiled! Quick, someone tell the prince! The silent lady of two years just smiled!”

Selena turned away, her cheeks tinged with color. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And proud of it!” Melody laughed, triumphing in her voice.

When Selena finally gave a small nod of approval, Melody clapped her hands. “Perfect choice. Let’s make you shine.”

The gown slipped over her shoulders like a whisper, cool silk meeting warm skin. Melody tied the ribbons at her back with practiced grace. When she stepped back, she let out a soft gasp.

“You look beautiful,” she said sincerely. “If the Queen sees you like this, she’ll think an angel wandered into her palace.”

At the mention of the Queen, Selena’s faint smile vanished. “The Queen…?”

“Yes,” Melody said, tone shifting just slightly. “She knows everything. Every guest, every whisper in these halls.”

They left the room together, walking through the grand corridors of the palace. Chandeliers hung above like frozen stars, their light spilling across the marble floor. Portraits lined the walls. Kings, queens, princes long gone, their painted eyes following in silent judgment.

Melody pointed eagerly as they passed each hall.

“That’s the library. I swear, it’s bigger than the ballroom. The prince practically lives in there! And that, oh, that’s the royal garden. The roses there bloom even in winter. The gardeners say it’s magic, but don’t tell the Queen I said that.”

Selena listened quietly, her fingertips grazing the polished stone walls. Everything here was so alive… light, color, laughter, things she had forgotten how to feel.

As they turned a corner, a soldier appeared, bowing deeply.

“Miss Melody. Miss Selena.” His voice was formal. “Her Majesty, the Queen, requests Miss Selena’s presence immediately.”

Melody froze mid-step, nearly dropping the hem of Selena’s gown. “The Queen? Now?”

“At once,” the soldier confirmed.

Selena’s throat tightened, her breath shallow. “She wants to see… me?”

Melody forced a smile, her usual cheer dimmed but not gone. She reached out, gently taking Selena’s hand. “Don’t be afraid, Miss,” she said softly. “The Queen isn’t cruel. She just… likes to see everything with her own eyes.”

Her thumb brushed against Selena’s knuckles, a small, reassuring gesture. “I’ll be with you the whole time. Alright?”

Selena hesitated, then nodded faintly. “…Alright.”

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