The Last Offering

Doll

Ultima

When they called me by my name a little warmth spread in my chest for a moment. I haven't heard my name in years and it felt honestly like forever. As they ordered, the maid who gave me food previously came to the Prince's office following Novak. She bowed deeply in front of Asier and asked.

- What can I help you with, your Highness? - Asier pointed at me and said.

- We are taking the snack with us. Doll her up. - her eyes widened and she looked at me with pity.

- Yes your Highness. May I ask what do you mean by dolling her up? - Asier sighed and Novak gently put his hand on the maid's shoulder.

- We would like you to take care of her today. Feed her, bath her, dress her up and do something with her hair and put some makeup on her pretty little face. That's your job for today. We want to give a nice shock to Barty! So we need a stunning look! - he winked at Osiris and she blushed.

- I'll do my best your Highness!

- Good girl! - as he praised her the maid got red.

- But where should I get her a dress? - she asked and there was something chilly in Novak's smile when he answered.

- Go to Lady Angelica's room and choose one that would fit her and the occasion. From what our lovely offering looks like they are probably the same height.

- If the dress doesn't fit perfectly we will fic it tonight! - Osiris said and Novak smiled at her again.

- I love capable employees! Go ahead! - She walked to me and bowed.

- Please take good care of me. - Osiris headed out of the room but she stopped when she noticed that I wasn't following her. Asier groaned.

- Seriously? Uma, today she is your boss. Osiris, you need to tell her exactly what you want her to do. - I bowed and she gasped.

- How could I do such thing, your highness?! - Asier looked tired of this and Novak laughed at his expression.

- Easy, just instruct her like you would a novice maid, but instead of house chores, she needs to get pretty! - Osiris nodded but seemed a bit doubtful still.

- Please follow me. - she said and I've followed her to an old room. Osiris walked in and she pulled the curtains open, the soft light of the setting sun illuminated the room. Everything was really old and dusty, but somehow this place was so lovely. Osiris walked to the huge wardrobe and there, were dozens of dresses, all well kept and taken care of. She looked at them for a while and took a few glances at me, before she pulled out a dress. It had a dark cream color, with golden embroideries and decoration. Specially around the chest line, which had the shape of a heart. The sleeves were two simple, shiny pieces of fabric that would fall over the shoulder of the wearer. The waist was adorned with an exquisite corset. I never saw such a beautiful dress. Osiris dived deeper into the wardrobe and picked a pair of high heels. She looked puzzled and asked.

-Can you walk in these? - I shook my head and she sighed.

- Then, there is nothing we can do, I must teach you tonight. Come, take them on. - I walked to her and out the high heels on. My knees trembled a little as I took the first steps as Osiris instructed, but soon I got a grip of this task of mine. When she thought I could walk already, she said.

- Okay, take off your clothes, I'll give you a nice bath and wash your hair. After that, I will dress you and give you some make up. Once we are ready, I'll take you to the King and Prince because you are leaving tonight to Adanford. I've nodded and Osiris ran some warm bathwater. She put all kind of scented oils and stuff like that into the water.

- Strip. - she ordered and her eyes filled with tears and pity when she saw my body. I knew, the scars must be shocking for someone who had been living a regular life.

- I'm sorry, please get in. - she said after staring at me for a while. I got into the water and it felt really nice. So nice... - I thought and Osiris washed my hair as well. When we were ready, she gave a shape to my nails and dried my hair. I put on the dress and she was cheerful because she didn't have to do anything to it.

- I can't believe it fits you perfectly! You have such a nice figure Ultima! - she said and I just looked at her. She blushed and sat me down. With quick movements she made a nice bun on top of my head and left a few strings of hair loose around my face. She turned me to face her, put some kind of power on my face.

- Open your eyes wide. - she said and I followed the instructions, she painted my eyes with something and then she said.

- Open your mouth slightly. - she put some kind of greasy stuff on my lips and as a final touch she sprayed a flower scented perfume on me.

- Done! Take a look. - she said and I turned towards the old mirror. My heart skipped a beat because a princess was staring back at me.

- Wait, something if missing! - she said and opened the little box on the table. She took out a pair of golden earrings and checked my ears. She smiled when she saw the tiny holes in them and put the earrings in. Then, she put a matching necklace in my neck and instructed me to get in the high heels.

- Let's go to the King and Prince! - she smiled excitedly and I've followed the happy maid as she taught me. Straight back, small steps, looking ahead.

- Your Highnesses! She is ready! - she giggled and opened the door of Asier's office wide.

- Go in! - she said and I walked into the room. Novak whistled softly and Asier just stared at me with his jaw dropped.

- Who is this? - he asked and Osiris laughed.

- It's Ultima, your Highness! - she said and Novak shook his head.

- Uma, her name is Uma. - Osiris nodded and asked pardon for her mistake. Novak oat her shoulder and smiled at her handsomely.

- You did an amazing job little lady!

- Oh your Highness, you are flattering me! - Novak gave a big pouch to her and sent her out of the room. He took a circle around me and smiled.

- As if she was here. What do you think Asier?- he asked but the Prince didn't answer.

- Asier! - he snapped his fingers in front of his son's face and he kept looking at me with those ruby red eyes.

Asier

Uma walked into my office following the jumpy maid. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Is this the offering? The human who arrived yesterday? The one who has a soul black as the night? It can't be. She is shining. The whole room lightened up when she stepped in. The dress fit her perfectly and she moved with such elegance in it ad if her feet weren't touching the ground. She seemed to be levitating. When she looked at me and our eyes met I froze in space. The room got filled with a strong flower scent and warmth I've never experienced before. I woke up from my trance when dad spanned his fingers in front of my face.

- Asier! - I shook my head.

- Yes? - he grinned with a childish smirk and grabbed my face turning my glance back at Uma.

- What do you think? - he asked with a mocking tone and I felt stunned and annoyed at the same time.

- Take your hands off of me! - he laughed and released me.

- So?

- It will do. - I said after clearing my throat and my father busted into laughter. He even hit his thighs while laughing and wiped his tears of joy. He fixed his own suit and ran his fingers through his hair before he said.

- Oh dear Lord this is going to be so much fun! - he clapped his hands and a carriage pulled by four, black bat horses. These had the wings similar to bats and the ability to turn into regular looking horses if their owner ordered them. The carriage had our crest on its doors. A black rose, on a red background, with golden lines around it. Dad walked to the balcony and the carriage man bowed to him opening the door.

- Your Highnesses. - he said and dad looked at us.

- Let's go kids! - he jumped into the carriage and I stood up following him. When the human didn't move I glanced at her.

- Come. - I've ordered and for the first time she looked hesitant. I rolled my eyes and grabbed her wrist pulling her to the carriage. I grabbed her and lifted her. After I put Uma into the carriage I jumped in next to my father and he was looking at her as we flew further from the castle and the little snack stared out of the window.

- This is interesting. - dad said in his mind.

- What?

- She didn't want to get in.

- She probably got scared by the horses.

- Does this girl look scared to you? No there is something else. - I looked at Uma and she was looking towards our palace during the entire journey. Even when we stopped to rest. Her eyes were fixed towards our kingdom. Father is right.. This is very interesting.