The cold breeze of winter seeped through the window, causing a shiver to run through the small house. Outside, snowflakes danced in the wind, creating a serene yet cold scene.
The mother, a woman with striking pink hair, lay in bed, her breathing faint and labored. Her once vibrant pink hair was now dull and matted, framing a face that had become gaunt and pale. Dark circles under her eyes highlighted the exhaustion and pain she had endured. Her cheeks were hollow, and her lips were dry and cracked. The rise and fall of her chest were shallow and irregular, each breath a struggle.
Vita, her daughter, stood beside her, her own pink hair framing a face filled with innocent concern. The stark contrast between Vita’s youthful energy and her mother’s frail condition was heart-wrenching.
"Mommy, are you sleepy again?" a little girl asked, her voice filled with innocent concern. She stood by the bed, where her mother lay, breathing faintly.
The mother managed a weak smile, her eyes barely able to open. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice barely audible, a mere breath of sound.
The little girl, unfazed, smiled back. "It's okay, Mommy. When you sleep, you'll wake up again," she said confidently, as if believing her words could make it true. She then turned and skipped into the other room to play, her small figure vanishing from sight.
The door creaked open, and a cloaked man walked in. The cold breeze followed him into the room, adding to the chill in the air. He took a chair and sat near the mother, his hands searching his pouch for a potion that might offer some hope.
The mother, sensing his presence, turned her head slightly and whispered, "It's no point in trying to save me. I know my time is short." She paused, her breath hitching. "But please, take care of my daughter, Vita."
The man’s eyes softened with empathy as he listened to the mother. "The emperor, my husband, sent us here to keep us safe," she continued, her voice frail but determined. "With the war raging on, the palace isn’t safe for us. If he loses the war, it’s dangerous for us to stay there. Here, far away, my daughter will have a chance to survive."
The mother’s eyes filled with tears as she coughed, struggling to speak. "But I can no longer take care of her. She needs her father. Promise me you'll take her to him."
Cedric held her hand and watched as her life faded away before his eyes. He whispered softly, "I will take care of her. I promise." He gently slid his fingers to close the mother's eyes, wishing her to rest in peace.
Just then, Vita walked out of her room, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Mister, what are you doing? Who are you?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent wonder.
Cedric smiled at her and said gently, "I'm a friend of your mother, Cedric. I've come to take you to your father."
Vita's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? I get to see my father? Is Mommy coming with us?"
Cedric's heart ached at her question. "No, Your mother is going to stay here and sleep for a while."
Vita nodded, seemingly accepting his explanation. "It's okay. Every time Mommy sleeps, after a few days, I go to sleep hungry and wake up to see her awake again."
Cedric realized that Vita didn’t understand the finality of her mother's condition. She had been regressing multiple times without knowing. Tears formed in his eyes as he wiped them away, trying to stay strong for the little girl. "Your mother will be fine, just like you said," he assured her.
He dressed her in warm clothes, making sure she was bundled up against the cold. Then he lifted her up into his arms, holding her close. "We're going on an adventure, Vita," he said softly.
Vita smiled, her eyes shining with anticipation. "An adventure? I love adventures!" she exclaimed, wrapping her small arms around Cedric's neck.
Cedric carried her out of the house, the weight of his promise heavy on his shoulders. He knew that this was just the beginning of their journey, and he was determined to protect Vita and fulfill her mother's dying wish
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The white fluffy stuff! It falls from the sky, so soft and cold. Vita loves how it feels under her boots, all crunchy and fun. She laughs, her breath making little clouds in the cold air, as she scoops up handfuls and tosses them, watching the snowflakes scatter and dance. Vita's pink hair stands out so bright against all the white, and her cheeks are rosy from the cold.
The village is small and cozy, with quaint stone buildings huddled close together as if sharing warmth. The roofs are covered in a thick blanket of snow, and smoke curls up from the chimneys, mixing with the falling snowflakes. The streets are lined with little shops, their windows glowing warmly with lantern light, and the ground is a patchwork of trampled snow and icy paths.
Mister Cedric is talking to the shopkeeper lady. She used to give Vita candy! But Mommy always said, "Vita, you shouldn't eat much candy because it’s not good for you." Vita thinks about the yummy taste and sighs a little, her eyes lingering on the shop filled with colorful jars of sweets.
Mister Cedric comes back with some bread. It's warm and delicious, and Vita's tummy feels happy with every bite. She smiles up at him, her eyes all sparkly. "If we could eat this with Mommy's soup, it would be the best food ever!" she says, taking another big bite and feeling the warmth spread through her.
The white stuff keeps falling, more and more, covering the village in a serene, quiet blanket. Vita wants to play with it forever, to make snow angels and build a snowman. She imagines making the biggest snowman ever, with a carrot nose and button eyes. But Mister Cedric shakes his head gently. "Vita, you could get sick if you play too much in the cold," he says kindly.
Vita pouts, her lower lip sticking out, but she nods. "Okay, Mister Cedric" she agrees, even though she doesn't want to stop.
They walk down the street, and Mister Cedric buys some newspapers. Vita thinks of them as just paper. "It's paper from Mercer!" she says excitedly to herself. Mercer is a boy who always stands near the road, selling those papers. Sometimes Vita plays with him too, sharing stories and giggles.
"Mister Cedric, can we say hi to Mercer?" Vita asks, tugging at his sleeve with eager eyes.
Cedric smiles down at her, his eyes kind. "Of course, Vita. Let's go say hello."
They walk over, their boots crunching through the snow, and Vita feels all bubbly inside. She likes Mercer. He's always so cheerful and friendly. When they reach him, Mercer looks up and grins, standing in front of a small stand covered with newspapers, his woolen hat dusted with snow.
"Vita! Long time no see!" Mercer says, waving at her.
Vita beams back. "Hi, Mercer! Look at all the white fluffy stuff! Isn’t it fun?" she says, pointing at the snow.
Mercer laughs, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. "It is fun, isn't it?" he agrees, then glances at Mister Cedric. "Who's the man with you, Vita?"
Vita looks up at Cedric with a bright smile. "He's a friend of Mommy, and he's taking me to see Daddy!" she announces proudly, her voice filled with excitement.
Mercer nods, giving Cedric a respectful glance. "Good luck in visiting your father, Vita" he says warmly. Just then, another customer approaches, and Mercer turns to attend to them, giving Vita and Cedric a friendly wave.
Mister Cedric unfolds the newspaper he bought from Mercer, his eyes scanning the headlines. Vita watches as his face changes, a serious look replacing his usual calm expression. She tilts her head, curious but not fully understanding the weight of what he’s reading.
Cedric folds the newspaper carefully, tucking it under his arm. He then takes Vita's hand gently. "Come on, Vita. We have a few more places to visit" he says with a soft smile.
They walk through the village, Cedric stopping occasionally to talk to people, asking questions that Vita doesn't quite understand. She, on the other hand, is having a wonderful time playing in the snow, making footprints and catching snowflakes on her tongue. Despite her fun, a small wish tugs at her heart. She wishes Mommy could come out and play with her, just like they used to.
After a while, Cedric crouches down to her level, his expression gentle. "Vita, do you remember visiting anyone with your mom?"
Vita's eyes light up with excitement. "Oh! I remember Aunty Nylis! Mommy used to take me to visit her," she says, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "We don’t go there often now, but I remember seeing the sky dark and bright many times before we got to meet her."
Cedric nods, listening carefully. "Can you tell me more about Aunty Nylis? Where does she live?" he asks, his tone encouraging.
Vita scrunched her face in concentration, trying to remember. "Aunty Nylis lives in a house near the big tree with the swing! Mommy says it’s a bit far, and we used to take a long ride in a home with horsies. I remember the sky being dark and bright many times!"
Mister Cedric smiles, brushing a strand of pink hair from her face. "Thank you, Vita. That’s very helpful" he says warmly. "Let's go find Aunty Nylis together."
Cedric tried to arrange for a carriage or wagon, but it was winter, and the roads were treacherous with snow. After several inquiries, he found no one willing to make the journey.
Just as he was starting to lose hope, an old farmer approached them. "I can't take you there, but I've got a sturdy horse I can sell you" he offered, pointing to a strong-looking horse tied nearby.
Cedric looked at the horse, then back at the farmer. "How much?"
The farmer named his price, and Cedric agreed. He handed over the coins and took the horse's reins. "Thank you," he said sincerely.
Vita's eyes sparkled with excitement as she petted the horse's mane. "Are we going on the horse, Mister Cedric?"
Cedric smiled, lifting her up onto the horse's back. "Yes, Vita. We're going on an adventure" he said, swinging up behind her.
But before they set off, Cedric realized they needed supplies for the journey. He led Vita to a few more shops, gathering essential items like blankets, dried food, and a sturdy waterskin. Vita watched curiously as Cedric carefully selected each item, making sure they had everything they might need.
The shopkeepers were kind, often giving Vita a small treat or a pat on the head. One elderly woman handed her a small knitted scarf. "Here you go, dear. It'll keep you warm on your adventure," she said with a gentle smile.
Vita beamed and wrapped the scarf around her neck. "Thank you!" she chirped, feeling cozy and loved.
With their supplies packed and the horse ready, they finally set off. The horse moved steadily through the snow, its breath puffing out in white clouds. Vita leaned back against Cedric, feeling safe and excited for the adventure that lay ahead. The village gradually faded from view, replaced by the serene, snowy landscape that stretched out before them.
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During the horse ride, Vita was amazed by the vast white landscape that stretched out in every direction. She recognized some areas from previous journeys with her mother, but now everything was covered under the white stuff, transforming the familiar scenery into a winter wonderland.
The cold wind of winter bit at her face, making her cheeks rosy and her nose tingle. Vita giggled at the sensation but soon felt the chill seeping in. She climbed onto Cedric, nestling herself inside his cloak for warmth, only her head poking out. The cloak felt like a warm, comforting shield against the biting cold.
Mister Cedric looked down at her with a gentle smile. "Are you cold, Vita? I can slow down the horse if you need," he offered, his voice filled with concern.
But Vita was having too much fun to let a little cold stop her. She shook her head, her pink hair bouncing with the movement. "No, Mister Cedric! Vita is having fun!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Cedric chuckled softly, his eyes warm. "You’re a very strong girl, Vita," he said, his voice full of admiration.
Vita beamed at the compliment, her heart swelling with pride. The horse continued its steady pace through the snowy landscape, each step taking them closer to their destination. As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Vita felt a sense of adventure and wonder she had never experienced before.
Nestled in Cedric's cloak, Vita watched the world pass by, her thoughts drifting to her mother and the new adventure awaiting them. The journey was long, but with Mister Cedric by her side, she felt safe and ready to face whatever lay ahead.
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They traveled a little further, the rhythmic motion of the horse and the soft crunch of snow underfoot creating a soothing lullaby. Vita's eyelids grew heavy, and she began to feel sleepy. She yawned, snuggling deeper into Cedric's cloak.
Cedric noticed her drowsiness and decided it was time to stop for the night. He found a sheltered spot and dismounted, gently lifting Vita down before setting up camp. The cold air nipped at his fingers as he quickly gathered some wood and started a campfire. The flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow and driving away the chill.
Vita sat next to the fire, her small frame illuminated by the dancing flames. She yawned again, the warmth making her feel even sleepier. Cedric worked efficiently, setting up a tent with practiced ease. Once he was finished, he turned around to check on Vita and found her fast asleep, still sitting up by the fire, her head nodding forward slightly.
A tender smile touched Cedric's lips as he approached her. He gently lifted her, careful not to wake her, and carried her to the tent. He laid her down in the blanket, tucking her in snugly. Vita murmured softly in her sleep, turning over and curling into a small ball.
Cedric watched her for a moment, the firelight reflecting in his eyes. He felt a surge of protectiveness for the small, brave girl entrusted to his care. With a sigh, he lay down beside her, stretching out on his own sleeping bag. The campfire crackled softly, providing warmth and comfort against the cold winter night.
The next morning, Vita yawned as she woke up, blinking sleepily in the soft morning light filtering through the tent. She could see Mister Cedric outside, doing something next to the fire. Curiosity piqued, she wondered what he was up to. Was it something fun?
Vita stood up on her little legs, wobbling slightly, and walked over to greet him. Mister Cedric noticed her approach and greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Vita."
He handed her a few slices of bread with jam and a cup of milk. Vita's eyes lit up with delight. "Yummy!" she exclaimed, taking a big bite of the bread. The sweet taste of jam made her smile even wider.
Mister Cedric continued to tie some rope and leather together, his hands moving with practiced ease. Vita watched him, chewing thoughtfully on her bread. Her curiosity got the better of her. "Wat wa wu woing?" she asked through a mouthful of bread.
Cedric chuckled at her adorable attempt to speak while eating. "I'm making something for you, Vita," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Vita continued eating while Mister Cedric worked on his project. A moment later, he finished it and turned to her. "Do you want to try it out?" he asked, holding up the creation.
Vita's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, please!"
Cedric gently lifted her and put her into the contraption, which turned out to be a harness of sorts. Now she was sitting comfortably, strapped securely to Cedric's chest. Vita laughed, her giggles ringing out joyfully as she waved her hands around, enjoying the new perspective.
Mister Cedric smiled at her laughter, his heart warming at the sound. "There you go, Vita. Now you can ride with me and stay close," he said, adjusting the straps to ensure she was safe and comfortable.
Vita felt like she was on top of the world, her small hands waving enthusiastically. "Wee! This is fun, Mister Cedric!" she exclaimed, her laughter infectious.
With Vita securely strapped to his chest, Cedric packed up their camp and prepared the horse for the day's journey. Vita felt warm and secure, enjoying the gentle sway of Cedric's movements as he went about his tasks.
After Mister Cedric broke down the camp and got back on the horse, they continued their journey. Vita watched the world around her change as the sky turned dark and bright, just like when she traveled with Mommy. The vast white landscape was a wonderland, and the cold wind nipped at her cheeks, but she was safe and warm, nestled against Cedric.
While they rode, Mister Cedric told Vita tales about many things and many people. Some people in the stories were good, and some were bad, but Mister Cedric always managed to stop the bad guys. Vita listened with wide eyes, her imagination painting vivid pictures of the adventures.
As the day turned to evening, Mister Cedric decided they would stay in a village for the night. The village looked familiar to Vita; she remembered seeing this place with Mommy. The inn where they stayed was warm and cozy, and Vita felt safe.
The food was yummy, but Vita scrunched her nose at the green leaves on her plate. "Mister Cedric, I don't like these," she said, poking at the greens with her fork.
Mister Cedric smiled gently. "Vita, you need to eat them to become a stronger girl. They're good for you."
Vita pouted but nodded. She didn't like eating the green leaves, but she wanted to be a good girl and strong, just like Mister Cedric said. She took small bites, making a face with each one, but she ate them.
However, the orange sticks on her plate were sweet and delicious. "Mister Cedric, the orange sticks are really yummy! Mommy used to make soft orange sticks for Vita too," she said, smiling at the memory.
Mister Cedric chuckled. "I'm glad you like them, Vita. Your mommy must have been a wonderful cook."
Vita nodded enthusiastically. "She was the best!" she declared, finishing her meal with a satisfied smile.
After dinner, Vita felt sleepy again. Mister Cedric tucked her into a warm bed, and she snuggled under the blankets, feeling safe and happy. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about the adventures they would have tomorrow and the stories Mister Cedric would tell.
They kept traveling, the days blending into each other as they moved through the snowy landscape. Sometimes Mister Cedric would stop to look at a large paper, tilting his head and tracing lines with his finger before changing the horse's direction. Vita didn’t know it was a map, but she watched with curious eyes, trying to understand.
"That's a big paper, Mister Cedric. What's on it?" Vita asked one day, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"It's a map, Vita. It helps us find our way," Mister Cedric explained with a smile.
Vita nodded, though she didn’t entirely understand. Sometimes, she recognized a place and told Mister Cedric, who always thanked her, calling her a clever girl. It made her feel proud and happy.
Today, Mister Cedric told a tale of a princess he met who had a pet dragon. Vita's eyes sparkled with wonder. "What was the princess like, Mister Cedric? Was she nice? Did she have a big castle?"
Mister Cedric smiled. "She was very nice, and she had a beautiful castle. But you know what, Vita? You're a princess too."
Vita's eyes widened even more. "Really? Will I get to meet a dragon too?" she asked, bouncing with excitement.
Mister Cedric chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I don't know, Vita. Dragons are very rare creatures. They mostly keep to themselves and don’t like to be disturbed."
Vita's face fell, her excitement turning into disappointment. "Why don't they like being around people?" she asked, her voice small and sad.
Mister Cedric's heart ached a little at her sadness. "Well, Vita, dragons are very private creatures. They prefer to live in peace and quiet, away from the noise and hustle of people," he explained gently, hoping to ease her disappointment.
Vita looked thoughtful, imagining a faraway land filled with dragons. "I hope they're happy, living alone like that would be really boring" she said softly, her little hand gripping Mister Cedric's cloak.
"They probably are, Vita" Mister Cedric said, patting her head gently.
As they continued their journey, Vita kept thinking about the dragons and the princess. She looked up at the sky, wondering if the dragons were flying somewhere high above, just out of sight. She wished she could see them, even if just once.
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They rode on, and Vita's curiosity grew. She tilted her head back to look up at Mister Cedric. "Mister Cedric, what's a princess's life like? How big is her castle?"
Mister Cedric smiled down at her, his eyes warm. "A princess is loved by everyone, Vita. She has a big, beautiful castle with tall towers and gardens full of flowers. And everyone in the kingdom looks up to her."
Vita's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Will people love me too?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with hope.
Mister Cedric's smile widened, and he gently squeezed her. "Of course, Vita. Everyone will love you, especially the emperor, your father. You're a brave girl, just like him."
Vita smiled, feeling warm and safe cuddled in Mister Cedric's cloak. She wondered what kind of person her dad was. "Do you think my dad will be big like in the fairytales? Or will he be kind like you, Mister Cedric?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Mister Cedric's eyes softened as he looked at her. "Your dad will be both, Vita. He'll be big and strong, like the heroes in your stories, and he'll be kind too. Just like you, he's a special person."
Vita nodded, her imagination running wild with thoughts of meeting her father. She pictured a tall, strong man with a kind smile, someone who would lift her up high and make her feel safe. The thought made her heart flutter with excitement and a little bit of nervousness.
As they approached the village, Vita's eyes lit up with recognition. She looked around excitedly and pointed to a large manor behind the village. "Mister Cedric, that's Aunt Nylis' home!" she exclaimed.
Mister Cedric nodded, guiding the horse toward the manor. When they arrived at the entrance, he dismounted and helped Vita down. He approached the guards standing at the gate, speaking to them in low tones. The guards seemed wary and didn't seem to like him much.
Vita, eager to help, waved enthusiastically at the guards. "Hi, Mister Roland! Hi, Mister Bran!" she called out, her voice bright and cheerful. She remembered visiting with her mommy before.
Mister Bran's stern expression softened when he saw Vita. "Well, if it isn’t little Vita," he said with a smile. He nodded to Mister Cedric and let them in.
They walked through the grand entrance, and soon they were greeted by Aunt Nylis. Cedric began discussing something important with her, but Vita's attention was quickly drawn to a plate of cookies on a nearby table. They looked delicious, especially the ones with little chocolate chips.
As the adults talked, Vita happily munched on the cookies, savoring every bite. The cookies were as good as she remembered, and she felt a warm sense of comfort being here.
After a while, Mister Cedric knelt down beside her. "Vita, I need to go out for a little while," he said gently. "I want you to stay here with Aunt Nylis and be a good girl. Can you promise me that?"
Vita nodded eagerly. "I promise, Mister Cedric! I’ll be a good girl and wait for you to bring Daddy back," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Mister Cedric smiled and patted her head. "Thank you, Vita. I know you will." He stood up and gave Aunt Nylis a reassuring nod before heading out.
Vita watched as Mister Cedric rode away, feeling a mix of excitement and a little bit of nervousness. She waved goodbye to him, determined to keep her promise and be the best girl she could be until he returned with her daddy.
As soon as Mister Cedric left, Aunt Nylis lifted Vita into her arms, her face lighting up with joy. "Oh, Vita, it's been so long! I’ve missed you so much," she said, hugging her tightly. Vita smiled, happy to see Aunt Nylis so cheerful. Aunt Nylis said something about money, but Vita didn’t understand. As long as Aunt Nylis was happy, that was all that mattered.
Aunt Nylis carried Vita to a small room and set her down gently. "Stay here and don’t come out, alright, dear?" she instructed. Vita nodded obediently. The room was a bit old, with peeling wallpaper and a draft coming in through a cracked window.
Aunt Nylis handed Vita a small lion doll. "Here, this is Mister Fluffy," she said with a smile. Vita hugged the doll tightly, deciding to keep the name. Mister Fluffy was missing one eye and a leg, but Vita loved him all the same.
Dinner that night was a cold, watery soup. It wasn’t yummy at all, and Vita missed the warm, delicious bread from earlier. She wondered if the chef was sick and couldn’t make the food like usual.
As night fell, the room grew colder. Vita only had a small, torn blanket to keep her warm. She missed the campfire that Mister Cedric had made. The warmth of the fire and the safety of Mister Cedric’s presence felt far away.
Huddling under the blanket, Vita tried to stay warm. She didn’t want to ask for another blanket. Everyone was probably sleeping, and she didn’t want to be a bad girl and cause trouble in the night.
She cuddled Mister Fluffy close, his soft fur a small comfort against the cold. Eventually she managed to fall asleep.
The next morning, Vita woke up to find a bucket of cold water in her room. She touched the water with her small hand and immediately pulled back. It was so cold! Her hand felt like it was freezing. She peeked out the door and saw a maid walking by.
"Excuse me, can I have some warm water?" Vita asked politely, hoping for a kind response.
The maid glanced at her and brushed her off. "Wench, deal with it yourself," she muttered, hurrying away. Vita felt a pang in her heart. Why was the maid saying mean things? Vita just wanted to be a good girl for everyone. Did she do something wrong?
With no one else around, Vita looked back at the cold water. She touched it again but quickly withdrew her hand. It was just too cold. Hugging Mister Fluffy tightly, she felt a wave of sadness. She missed Mister Cedric already. He would have known what to do.
Vita cuddled under the torn blanket for a while, trying to stay warm. But soon, her tummy rumbled. She was hungry. Vita looked outside again, but there was still no one there. Did everyone forget about her? Surely not, she thought to herself.
Determined to find some food, Vita grabbed Mister Fluffy. Maybe she needed to go greet Aunt Nylis first. Aunt Nylis would know what to do. Holding Mister Fluffy close, Vita stepped out of the room and into the chilly hallway, hoping to find a friendly face.
Vita, with Mister Fluffy in her hand, waddled her way through the manor with her little legs. She was hungry and eager to find Aunty Nylis. Maybe they could have a warm and delicious breakfast together!
The manor felt so big and empty, but Vita was determined. She walked until she heard Aunty Nylis' voice in the distance. Finally reaching the door after a long walk, Vita stopped for a moment to catch her breath. She listened to the voices inside.
Aunty Nylis was talking to Uncle Leopold. "The food supplies have been sent to the army" Uncle Leopold said. "I made sure to tamper with the food so the Draker Empire will have a better chance of winning. And what about the 'offering'?"
"The girl is here" Nylis replied. "Don't worry, I won't mess it up like last time. That wench Valerie was a sly snake for betraying me and seducing the emperor. How dare a commoner have a forbidden love with Emperor Henry himself while he should've been wed to the daughter of a noble! She deserves death like the lowly thing she is."
Leopold continued, "What about the man that was here?"
Nylis smirked, her eyes cold. "The man? He's gone to join the emperor on the battlefield. No need to worry about him; he’ll likely die along with the rest of them. We just need to make sure the girl stays in her room."
Leopold’s voice was cold. "Good. As much as I hate the fact a dirty-blood daughter of a commoner is staying under my roof, we need to keep the girl alive. I have been in contact with Emperor Charles Drakeran himself to ensure our immunity and citizenship in the Draker Empire after we hand over that girl. We’ll be rich as well."
Vita’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Slowly, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, her small figure trembling. "Aunty Nylis, why are you saying mean things about Mommy?" she asked, her voice wavering with confusion and hurt.
Nylis and Leopold turned sharply, their faces a mix of surprise and anger. Nylis recovered quickly, her expression hardening. "Vita, you shouldn’t be here," she said coldly.
Vita clutched Mister Fluffy tighter, her eyes filling with tears. "Mommy is not a bad person. Why would you say that?"
Nylis tried to change the topic quickly, a forced smile on her face. "Vita, are you hungry? If you go back to your room, I’ll make sure there’s food delivered to you in a moment."
Vita stood her ground, her small hands clenched into fists. "No, Aunty Nylis. Mommy was always kind to everyone. Why are you saying mean things about her?" She ran to grab Nylis' hand, her eyes pleading for the truth.
Nylis yanked her hand away from Vita, causing the little girl to stumble and fall to the floor. "I'm done playing nice," she said coldly.
Nylis grabbed Vita roughly and started dragging her out of the room. Vita's wrist hurt from the tight grip, and she cried out in pain. "Please, Aunty Nylis, it hurts!"
"Stop crying" Nylis snapped. "Learn your place, you little wench."
Vita, tears streaming down her face, pleaded, "Can I at least stay out here? The room is very cold. I promise I’ll be a good girl from now on."
Nylis sneered down at her. "Shut up and stay quiet. If you know what's good for you, you'll learn to accept your place."
Vita, her voice trembling, asked, "What are you talking about? Why are you doing this?"
Nylis' expression twisted with cruelty. "The man who brought you here is probably dumping you because no one wants to take care of a lowly being like you."
Vita shook her head vehemently. "Mister Cedric would never abandon me! He's just going to take Daddy home."
Nylis smirked, her eyes cold. "Even if that man didn’t abandon you, he’ll die along with the emperor on the battlefield. You're nothing but a pawn, waiting to be sold off. Maybe you can be a princess, like you want, but in an underground prison instead of a nice palace."
Vita's heart felt like it was breaking. She couldn't understand why Aunty Nylis was being so cruel. Clutching Mister Fluffy tightly, she sobbed, feeling more alone and scared than ever.
Vita was thrown into the room, landing hard on the cold floor. The door slammed shut behind her, and she heard the click of the lock. She scrambled to her feet, running to the door and knocking frantically. "Aunty Nylis, please let me out! Please!" she pleaded, but there was no response. She tried the handle, but it was locked tight.
Despair washed over her as she sank to the floor, hugging Mister Fluffy tightly. The cold seeped in through the cracks in the window, making her shiver. She crawled under the torn blanket, trying to find some warmth. She missed Mommy so much it hurt.
After what felt like forever, the door opened. Vita looked up, hope briefly flaring in her chest, but before she could get up, a bowl was thrown into the room. The door slammed shut again, leaving her alone. She crawled over to the bowl, her heart sinking when she saw the contents. The food looked even worse than yesterday. Tears welled up in her eyes. She just wanted to be a good girl and make everyone proud. Why were people so mean to her?
Vita's stomach growled loudly, reminding her of how hungry she was. She forced herself to eat the little bit of food that was left in the bowl, even though most of it had spilled onto the dirty floor. "Yuck," she thought, scrunching her nose at the taste.
Once she had eaten as much as she could, Vita crawled back under the torn blanket, hugging Mister Fluffy tightly. She wanted to get out of this place. Aunty Nylis acted like she didn't love her anymore, and her cruel words echoed in Vita's head. She refused to believe that Mister Cedric would abandon her. He promised to take her to Daddy. He would come back, wouldn't he?
Shivering, with the sky outside growing darker and the room getting colder, Vita's small body ached from hunger and exhaustion. She clung to Mister Fluffy, the tears drying on her cheeks as she finally drifted into a restless sleep on the cold, hard floor.
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The world around her was shaking. Vita slowly opened her eyes, wondering what had happened. To her surprise, she found herself in Mister Cedric's arms, riding on the road.
Cedric noticed that Vita was awake. His face was etched with worry and regret. "I'm sorry, Vita," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I should never have left you there. I should've taken you with me."
Vita's tears flowed freely as she smacked Cedric's chest with her little arms, her sobs mingling with her words. "I thought you abandoned me!" she cried, the hurt evident in her voice.
Cedric hugged her tightly, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm so sorry, Vita," he whispered, holding her close.
They continued their journey until they arrived at a tavern, its warm glow a stark contrast to the cold, harsh world outside. Two people, a man and a woman, stood waiting at the entrance. They seemed to know mister Cedric. The man raised an eyebrow and asked, "What happened last night? You disappeared without a trace."
As they spoke, the woman noticed the little girl in Cedric's arms. She gave Cedric a questioning look but said nothing, respecting the unspoken need for explanations later. Before Cedric could answer, the newspaper boy outside began shouting to the passerby. "Big news! Big news! Get your latest news about last night's suicide at the Baron Beramyn manor! Read all about the shocking details and the treason uncovered!"
The woman's eyes widened, her suspicion deepening as she looked back at Cedric. Vita, hearing the newspaper boy's announcement, realized they were talking about Uncle Leopold. She looked up at Mister Cedric with wide eyes. "What happened to them?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Cedric looked down at her, his expression softening. "They won't be able to hurt you anymore, Vita," he said gently.
The warmth of the moment contrasted sharply with the cold memories they had left behind. Cedric gently stroked Vita's pink hair, his heart heavy with the responsibility of keeping her safe. The man and woman exchanged a look, sensing the gravity of the situation but choosing to wait for a more appropriate time to discuss it.