18 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"I will escort you to your quarters, Your Majesty," one of the beautiful maids offered with a gracious smile.

Jamari nodded, though her smile was forced, concealing the multitude of thoughts running through her mind.

"Perhaps you want to leave the bird behind," the maid suggested, her eyes gesturing toward the magnificent crow perched on Jamari's shoulder.

Panicked, Jamari frantically shook her head. "I can't do that," she replied, her voice filled with urgency.

"Her Majesty cannot see without the bird," Kira said, her tone firm. "Ensure that the bird always remains with her, unless she is to be alone with the king, of course," Kira added, her words carrying a deeper understanding.

The maids exchanged knowing glances, bowing in acknowledgment of this newfound knowledge.

Thoughts raced through Jamari's mind as she contemplated the meaning of Kira's words. "What exactly will I be doing alone with the king that would warrant Corvus' absence?" she questioned herself, her heart pounding.

"I shall see you later, Your Majesty," Kira said with a slight bow as she gracefully walked away, leaving Jamari to her thoughts.

"Please come with me, Your Majesty," a maid beckoned, leading Jamari into her designated room. As the doors swung open, her mouth fell open in surprise at the breathtaking sight that unfolded before her.

The room looked really grand and fancy, like it was made for a queen. The walls were covered in beautiful tapestries with fancy designs made of shiny gold and silver threads. The tapestries showed scenes of important and impressive things. Long curtains made of soft, velvety fabric hung from the ceiling, and they framed the big windows that let you see the beautiful palace gardens all around.

In the middle of the room, there was a big and fancy bed with four tall posts. The bed was made of dark wood with beautiful designs carved into it. It had soft and pretty blankets with fancy stitching and lots of fluffy pillows. The room looked very rich and fancy, with shiny furniture covered in gold, fancy hanging lights, and a special table with shiny mirrors on it.

As Jamari walked deeper into the room, she couldn't help but notice a big, fancy cage sitting by the window. Her friend, Corvus, who always stayed with her, flew off her shoulder and landed gently inside the cage. He looked around carefully, making Jamari feel safe and comfortable.

Jamari felt overwhelmed by the beauty of her new room. She was both excited and a little nervous. But what she didn't realize was that important things would happen to her in this special place. Her life would become connected to the future of the kingdom, like threads woven into a beautiful tapestry.

The maids gathered around Jamari, attempting to remove her clothes. Feeling uncomfortable, she wrapped her arms around herself, questioning their actions.

"What are you doing?" Jamari asked, her voice filled with confusion and concern.

"We need to clean you up, Your Majesty," one maid explained, hoping to offer assistance.

"I shall do it myself," she asserted, determined to maintain control over the situation.

"Please, let us help you, Your Majesty," the maids insisted, their tone respectful and caring.

Jamari pondered the situation for a moment, contemplating her options. After a brief pause, she mustered the courage and slowly released her protective grasp, allowing the maids to proceed.

The maid gently reached for the straps of her dress, their touch cautious and respectful. With a careful pull, they gradually revealed Jamari's naked body. Feeling vulnerable, she instinctively wrapped her arm around her medium round breast, attempting to shield herself from their gaze.

The maids, understanding her discomfort, led her towards a small bathing pool situated within the expanse of her grand room. Step by step, Jamari cautiously approached the water's edge. With each movement, she felt  apprehension and curiosity as she slowly dipped her foot into it

Finally, she took a big breath and slowly went into the pool. The cool water covered her, making her feel calm and relaxed. she couldn't help but feel a sense of calmness wash over her. The water hugged her body, creating a peaceful space within her own room. It was a short break from the chaos of her life, giving her the chance to enjoy the refreshing and soothing feeling of the water's cool touch.

The maids diligently attended to Jamari, carefully washing her from her flowing hair down to her delicate arms and legs. Each stroke of their hands was gentle yet purposeful, their actions exuding a sense of respect for their esteemed queen.

Once her washing was complete, they guided her back into the room, where a mirror awaited her. The maids surrounded her, their skilled hands deftly arranging her hair into an intricate masterpiece, adorned with shimmering jewels that caught the light with every movement.

As they adorned her in various pieces of jewelry, each one more beautiful than the last, Jamari couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The weight of the jewels and the elegance they bestowed upon her made her feel like a true queen, commanding attention with her royal presence.

Finally, they presented her with a gown—a flowing, ethereal creation in pure white. The fabric cascaded down her figure, accentuating her curves and lending an air of grace and purity to her appearance. She stood before the mirror, her mouth agape in astonishment.

When Jamari looked in the mirror through Corvus eyes, she hardly recognized herself. Her face, always known for its natural beauty, now shone with a bright glow. The sparkling jewels made her eyes sparkle too, and the beautiful dress made her feel like a queen with its graceful and majestic aura.

This transformation took Jamari's breath away. She had always been aware of her physical appeal, but this moment marked a turning point—a change into a vision of true royalty.

"You look absolutely stunning, my lady," Corvus complimented, his voice filled with admiration.

A content smile graced Jamari's lips as she soaked in the compliment, reveling in the moment. She felt like a true queen.

"Your lunch is ready, my queen. Allow me to escort you to the dining area," A maid offered, her tone gentle and respectful.

She nodded in agreement, and together they walked through the grand corridors of the castle. The opulence surrounding them was truly breathtaking. The castle emanated a sense of grandeur, with its intricate tapestries, gleaming chandeliers, and marble floors.

Finally, they arrived at the dining area, and Jamari's sightless eyes widened in shock. A regal table awaited her, adorned with a lavish display of delectable dishes, a feast fit for royalty.

"Wow," Corvus exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder and appreciation.

A maid courteously pulled out a chair for Jamari, and she gratefully took her seat. The tantalizing aroma of the food made her mouth water in anticipation.

Curiosity piqued, Jamari asked, "Who will be joining us for lunch?"

"No one, my queen. This feast is solely for your enjoyment," the maid replied, her voice filled with respect.

Surprise and gratitude washed over Jamari. She turned to the maids with a bright smile and said, "Then you all must join me. This is far too much food for me to finish alone."

The maids hesitated, their eyes filled with humility and deference. "Thank you for the kind offer, your honor, but how can lowly servants like us dine with you? Please enjoy your meal, and we will wait for you to finish," one of them expressed, their voices soft and grateful.

Jamari sighed, her hunger satisfied as she savored each bite of the nice meal before her. With a fond smile, she playfully hand-fed some of the food to Corvus, who cawed with delight.

The sight before her was magnificent. It was the largest spread of food Jamari had ever encountered. While her godmother had always ensured she had enough to eat, the quality and abundance of this feast surpassed anything she had experienced. The dishes were fit for royalty.

After their satisfying lunch, Jamari was escorted back to her chambers. She settled onto her bed, finding comfort in its softness. She leaned close to Corvus, engaging in a private conversation with her trusted companion.

Time dragged on, and Jamari grew increasingly bored. Unable to sit still, she walked back and forth in her room, feeling trapped and restless. The repetitive routine felt suffocating, reminding her of the days when she was stuck in a small cabin, seeing the same things over and over again.

With the arrival of nightfall, a maid entered the room, their presence signaling a change in the  atmosphere. "Your Majesty," they bowed respectfully, "please rise."

Jamari, feeling confused, slowly stood up from her seat. Corvus perched on his cage, observing the scene with keen eyes.

The maids came close and skillfully helped Jamari take off her clothes. They guided her to the familiar pool for washing. They carefully took care of her hair, styling it gently and precisely. After that, they dressed her in a thin nightgown that was see-through, not covering much of her body underneath.

Jamari couldn't help but feel vulnerability and curiosity. The gown clung lightly to her skin, revealing her silhouette in a way that both fascinated and unnerved her. It was a stark departure from the elaborate garments she had worn earlier, and she couldn't help but wonder about the intentions behind this choice.

The maids gently draped a robe over Jamari's body and beckoned, saying, "Please come with us, Your Majesty."

Curiosity sparked within Jamari, and she inquired, "Where are we going?"

"You will be meeting His Majesty," they replied.

Her heart skipped a beat once more. She couldn't believe she would have to face that man again. He had always frightened her, and she had no desire to be in his presence.

"Let's go, Corvus," Jamari said, seeking comfort in her feathered companion.

"No, Your Majesty," one of the maids interjected. "This is your first night with the king, so the bird must remain behind."

"Why can't I bring my bird?" Jamari questioned, her voice filled with curiosity. "Corvus is great at keeping secrets. I know we will be talking about things but corvus will not say a word of our conversation to anyone"

A maid, her expression serious, responded, "Your Majesty, it's not just about talking. There are other things involved."

Confusion clouded Jamari's face as she innocently asked, "Then what will we be doing?"

The maids exchanged worried glances, searching for the right words to explain. Finally, one of them spoke, "You will find out soon, but it's crucial that you leave the bird behind. His Majesty will not be pleased if you don't."

With a heavy sigh, Jamari reluctantly agreed. "Stay here, Corvus. I'll be back soon," she said, her voice tinged with reassurance. The bird nodded in understanding, settling on the bedpost.

"Very well, Your Majesty," a maid said, her tone respectful. "Let us go and meet the king."