Adores The Tainted Pen

「 CHAPTER TWO 」

"A doll, trap in a palace full of golden chains and aches, how awful can it be?"

Elissa

The room was too cold and shallow. Not even a single candle has even lightened and dusts are flying everywhere. Visible cracks and an awful smell lingered at the peaks of her senses. Only the vivid darkness, endearing the solitude of grief and hopelessness.

The woman hugged the small blanket, the only cloth that could somehow protect her from the eeriness of the strong wind that came from the broken window. She could only close her eyes while listening to every noise that she could hear.

For when did she ever sleep? It must have been almost months already since that night had happened, caused by the heavy work that she had always done.

Going back to what crossed her mind a while ago, how ironic that it is always a vivid memory, the first sight, a welcome just for her. A mother who did her all might, yet too weak to fight for her daughter. A man, a wealthy man, didn't even spare a glance at her, even when she was born on this cruel earth.

Elissa stared at the long ceiling, wandering thoughts. No, it's all an empty mind, what does even matter if tomorrow is still the same?

Cold, almost too moist bread to eat. Soup can be more like a celebration for her, if the head maid is in a good mood that ever, rarely happens.

Just how much hope could she still think and pray? When every day is just the same. And when it's not, it's just getting worse.

Eleanor Davis.

Her name was given by the emperor, a name where it was the most honored thing an illegitimate daughter could have. To have a name that the father could have ever thought about.

The Castemont's blood runs in her veins, the one that caused her to always hide her hair with a mix of dye from natural fruits.

And yes, she is the hottest topic in every corner of the empire. And now, anytime, the empress can be hunting for her head. Not knowing that she's been with her all this time.

How funny, how silly it is. For the world is indeed too small. Well, it was a mistake that was meant to happen. And she is only bringing back the effort of her dear father that maybe, thinking of a plan to get rid of her while reconciling with his dearest empress.

And oh, she won't forget this day. Because it is the same day when her mother spent a life with her and gave her the most beautiful name, Elissa.

The woman couldn't help but bite her lower lips while fisting her hands, taking all of her might to not let her tears shed again. Just how pathetic is she, huh? No matter how it pains her, no matter how tired she is. It's not acceptable, it will never be a good idea.

As Elissa kept thinking about a lot of things, she didn't even realize that she had already fallen asleep to her despairing thoughts. A sight she could never imagine that happened.

Six in the morning, packing two heavy bags. This might seem like a rushed decision, but everything is in Elissa's lead right now. And the destination? Well, none. But she does have the money. Pfft.

As she exited the broken castle, she stared at it for the last time as she smiled, "You were a lovely home..."

She got the horse that she snuck for her escape and she halted away with no hesitation. This time, she didn't turn back again. Even though it hurts for some reason, she still knows that this is for the expectations, not for the good.

A practical reason is for her only way of living in this world as a sinful daughter of someone.

She then left the horse in a side stable when she reached a mark that was closer to the central market and main stores. The owner was speechless, at the sudden appearance of a beautiful woman in front of her. Too suspicious of her actions but her beauty just screams different, it was indeed distracting.

"Four thousand, be a blind eye," the cunning woman gave him a quick smile as she quickly ran with her bags.

The man was still stunned. Just what the hell just happened?

In Elissa's view, well, she doesn't know what to do. She kept a low profile as possible in the castle so it might take time for them to notice that she's gone. And her friend somehow promised her to get a close substitution yet also a 50-50 case.

That is why her days can be either countable or somehow.... stable. Who knows? Life is just a mess, and she is a chaotic being.

As she was walking, she also couldn't help but look around her. The capital is indeed colorful. Pitiful enough that the ones leading are just corrupting devils, disguising in their coats and gold.

She even bought a donut and the old woman praised her beauty, Elissa couldn't help but blush and was pleasantly surprised since the seller gave her two more extra donuts. What an angel!

She somehow quickened her steps passed a point and turned to the left side.

She was shocked by a man, running or walking?! But fast she didn't compose herself to avoid him. Yes, they did bump, and honestly, it did hurt.

She did her best to stand up while the young lad immediately apologized. He also seemed a bit panicking yet still had the guts to meet her eyes directly, huh?

Elissa is somehow impressed. He's also quite a looker for many women. Must be still a bachelor?

"Ah no, just forget it and you don't need to do that. It's alright," she insisted since she didn't want to make a lot of contact with strangers. That might cause a serious matter in the future, especially with her current situation.

The young lad gave her a look yet she remained tough and bid her goodbyes as she escaped the man's sight.

"Then just let me have your name, please!"

Well, who knew he could be also this insistent? Alright then.

"It's Elissa, mister!"

It might not be visible to the young man's eyes, but as Elissa said those words, her lips were smiling wide and bright. And the reason was so unknown.

But what's his name though?

Well, scratch that! They might not even meet again. At least it's somehow a nice interaction. Strangers are indeed complex.

She held her bags more tightly as she walked faster.

"I'm still inside the empire, what should I do?"