Memories Of That Night

more trouble

Today been the day the of the dance festival .the palace was filled up with maids and guards .some were decorating while some were cooking and arranging the palace

I don't understand my body these days and I think I might visit the palace doctor for some drugs

I knocked at the king's Chambers, and he ordered me to in

I always have these strange feelings whenever I enter his chamber. Maybe it's the memories of that night hunting me.

I greeted the emperor without looking at his face.since that incident I've been finding it difficult to look the king in his eyes. Immediately I sat on the floor taking the emperor feet and washing it since it has been my routine. It seems like the emperor was in a good mood.

“Your hair isn't done yet "

“Yes my king

“And why is that "

“I've been busy lately, my king "

“You know today is a festival and all maids and guards in the palace must look good "

I didn't know what to say or answer. I just kept quiet and kept on washing the king's feet.

“Answer me when I'm talking to you” he shouted with anger

“Immediately I bow my head to the ground shaking

“Get out”. He shouted.

I quickly ran out of the king's palace

This is becoming hard every day, I quickly went to the kitchen to check if I can fix myself somewhere.

Few hours later, all the maids and palace guards were dressed up. I went back to my little room and change to the clothes, we the maids are to put on. I look good but indeed I was different from other maids, my hair and skin color was to be thanked for that.

When the chief maid saw me, she couldn't suppress her anger

“Why is your hair not done

“I didn't have the chance”. I replied.

“Every maid has the chance to make their hair, except from our dear Melanin”. She shouted in anger .now I knew she was angry.

“You want people to think I maltreat you because of your skin color”. She spoke in anger while giving me a death glare,

“No no no lady, that's not it”. I replied.

She watches me for a second before walking away

Deep down, I knew we were not done with this topic

I walked into the palace hall where the celebration was taking place. Everywhere was beautiful and lively, maids and guards were chatting happily, don't blame them this is the only chance we have to do this

I walk into a corner, searching for a comfortable place to see and watch this dance.since I'm among the maids to serve the royalties.

I scan the room, seeing different royalties from different villages and counties. And suddenly, I lock eyes with the emperor .his eyes were cold and lack emotions. I quickly move my eyes from him and scan the other people in the hall.

It was time for the maids to perform a special dance in which I never did attend or practice with them, with the excuse that I was busy with work and wouldn't join them in the dance

I can see the chief maid eyes on me as the palace maids made it to the stage

“Great, another trouble added to my list of troubles “. I murmured to myself.

After the dance. We the maids in charge of the food started serving the foods. I was about serving the next round when I felt dizzy and the urge to thrown up.

I left the kitchen and found a suitable palace to throw up, when a maid name soli walk up to me

“Seems like you are not feeling well “she asked, I could only nod my head in reply

“Then you have to rest, we can take up from here “.she requested

I wanted to say no, but my body was fragile and I feel pains all over my body. I smile and told her to help tell the chief maiden for me.

I Walk into my small room and lay on my bed

So many thoughts were in my head

Why am I suddenly becoming weak

And what is this strange urges in my stomach

And then I remember

Oh my God, I haven't seen my monthly period

I quickly stood up in panic

This can't be "

I can't be pregnant, can I?

This can't be happening to me. I thought I would die with this secret. A secret that has been a great burden to me.

“Okay, maybe I was thinking too much.maybe my system just made some changes, maybe just maybe "

I couldn't sleep . Memories of that night kept coming to me. Even when I tried remembering what happen after the drink. but my memories were blank after that drink. what should I do.

I felt tears pouring out

What if I'm really pregnant? "

What will I tell the king?

What will I tell the queen mother and the queens"

Will anyone believe my story? "

And the king, what will he think of me?

He will definitely call me a gold digger because a royal baby can never be removed.”maybe this is just a dream. By morning it will all be over “I lied to myself and slept off

The next morning, I became really sick and weak. soli came into my room to check on me .

“Are you sure you can work today? “she asked

I don't think so, " I replied

It's okay, I'll go inform our lady about your condition

Soli I called her

Yes “?

Can you wash the king's feet for me? "

Don't worry about it .it's fine, she replied

'”Thanks a lot "

Soli left my room, and again I went back to my thought

Not long after, I saw soli running into my room like she was been chased

“There is trouble "

“What is it? ” I asked

The king is angry and demands your presence

"Great, another trouble to start my day “"

I quickly made my way to the king's Chambers

“Greetings emperor "

“Who gave you the right to send a maid to wash my feet, “he shouted with anger. I couldn't speak or move. Because felt the urge to vomit again.

“When I ask you a question, you answer. "

I still couldn't move or speak. Because if I speak, i will definitely thrown up there.

He looked at me with so much anger and disgust

“Are you deaf? ” he shouted, and once again I couldn't speak.before I knew what was happening. the king hit me with a stool.

I fell down on the floor with my head to the ground

“I ask again, ”who gave you the right to send a maid for me? “. still, I was silent.

The king moved away from me. He called a guard in

“Lash her 10 strokes, maybe she will gain her voice. ” "

Before I could process what was happening, I felt a sharp pain on my back .still, yet I couldn't speak or shout

“Will you speak now? "

There was still silent from me

“Give her the remaining 9, ”, the king shouted

And again I received that pain . I couldn't do anything but protect my stomach with my hands .this child is innocent, he or she shouldn't feel this pain.

Once the guard was through with me, the king ordered him out

Next time I will not be nice to you he said

“Get out, he shouted”

I slowly stood up, not having any strength on me .with all the courage in me, I look into the emperor eyes, it was still cold but something was different

Was it guilt, pity or something else because definitely it wasn't anger .immediately I bow to him and left the chambers