My Black Inheritance

30

The first day in Zedenella and we were going to see the factories. I felt a sense of dread as I imagined the polluted air, the monotonous labour, and the exploitative working conditions.

I dressed in a simple cotton dress that I could put on without any assistance. It was comfortable, and I was glad to not have to worry about my clothes restricting my movements.

The dress was a navy blue colour, with a high neckline, and short sleeves. It had a flowy A-line silhouette and reached just above my ankles. It was made from lightweight cotton, making it perfect for the hot and humid climate. The dress had two pockets on the sides, which I found very useful for carrying my small essentials.

To complete my outfit, I wore a navy blue wide-brimmed hat. It was made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, helping to keep me cool in the hot weather.

The hat provided additional sun protection, helping to keep me safe from the harsh rays of the sun. I felt comfortable and stylish, and was happy to have the extra layer of protection from the heat.

"Miss Estelle, we are leaving now." A servant came to my door.

I nodded and hurriedly grabbed my bag, making sure I had all of my essentials. I followed the servant out of my room and down the stairs, my dress swishing softly around my ankles as I walked. As we stepped out of the mansion and into the bright sunlight, I paused to adjust my hat and let out a deep breath. I was ready to explore the factories and learn more about the industry.

I saw the Queen already in the car, a swanky old car with a glossy black exterior and plush leather interiors. She was wearing a royal blue dress, trimmed with gold embroidery, and a wide-brimmed hat to match.

Her posture was straight and regal, and she had a look of determination in her eyes. She glanced at me and nodded her head in acknowledgment. I smiled back and followed the servant to the car, ready to embark on our journey.

I sat down in the car, taking in the luxurious interior as I settled into my seat. The car started up and we set off, the Queen and I in companionable silence as we drove away from the mansion towards the factories.

As I sat in the car, I couldn't help but think of Afia, the girl who had tried to kill the Highness in his sleep. I had been in the wrong room at the wrong time, and Afia had inadvertently found me instead.

After she gave me the information that I wanted, I gave her the money. She thanked me and smiled sadly, before turning and walking away. As I watched her disappear into the night, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for her.

She was desperate for money and had resorted to such drastic measures. I vowed to remember her story and do my best to help people like her in the future.

I thought about her uncle's words. She had said that the Highness was unfair to his people, denying them basic rights and privileges. The look of desperation in Afia's eyes made me think that perhaps her uncle was right.

I knew the best way to understand the situation was to see the conditions in the factories firsthand. I wanted to see if the Highness was truly denying his people basic rights, and if so, what could be done to help them. With this thought in mind, I turned my gaze towards the horizon, my heart heavy but determined.

After what felt like hours of driving through the traffic-filled city streets, we finally arrived at the factories. I took a deep breath and eagerly stepped out of the car, ready to explore and learn more about the industry.

But the Queen stopped me before I fully got out of the car.

"Wait," the Queen said. She turned to face me, her expression serious. "You must remember that this is not a game. We are here to observe and learn. Speak only when spoken to, and never forget to show the proper respect to the Highness."