Eclipsed Embrace

Prologue

    "She's waking up. Get the healer. Quickly!" the attendant called out. The young girl she was referring to stirred under the white sheets. "How are you feeling love?" The chubby woman asked. "My... My parents. Where are they?" Orion asked. The attendant looked at her with a sad look in her eyes, "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but... they didn't make it. The plague was too much for them. I'm so sorry love." Orion sat there for a moment. Letting that statement sink in. "They're gone? No... they can't be. Where am I to live? How am I to eat? I have nothing." Orion asked as sobs racked her frail body. The attendant shushed the poor girl. "I think I might be able to help. I have a friend who works in the castle. I know that the idea of the castle and of the King might scare you but it won't be that bad. You will get a bed and food and clothes, but you're going to work for those who live in the castle. It's not much but it will keep you out of that blasted orphanage and away from that cruel hag who runs it. I swear her last name may be Nice but that Lena is the rudest of the rude... Oh darling I'm so sorry I'm rambling I will go and make the proper arrangements." With that the attendant scurried off. Orion sat on the bed and wiped her tears away. She pondered her situation. Her parents are gone, she has lost everything. She took a deep breath and remembered the promise she made her mother before she passed. 'Stay strong, keep your head up, and always be kind'
  
    "Ma, Pa, I promise I will stay strong for you. I will always remember you. I will be kind to all life in your memory." Orion said as she ripped the blanket off of her and swung her legs off the edge of the bed. She stood up and stumbled into the nightstand causing the attendant to rush in. Orion stood up straight and looked at her.
"I'm ready."