Imprisoned

Chapter # 22

••• Cinzel •••

A wide grin was plastered over my lips while watching Sky, her bright smile actually made me feel serene, a reminder that there's still a graceful rose in that vile palace.

"Cinzel, look!" She chirped.

"She is your step mother, isn't she? Why are you calling her name?" A girl beside her asked. Sky stopped and looked at me with her innocent orbs.

"Then.. Can I call you Mama?" She asked. The smile on my face faded as my heart skipped a beat.

My heart hurts to think I was using Sky to gain Prince's trust while she was the only person I adore. Lowering my eyes in lamentation I couldn't speak.

"See! She doesn't want to be your Mama."

Another mock came and by the time Sky had become too precious to me, neglect was no longer an option.

"Sure. You can. I am after all." I grinned as she hugged me tightly. Cinzel hugged me too tightly, not letting me go.

"Thank you... Mama..."

I didn't know but it made me feel bubbly but I noticed her croaked tone and saw she was crying while hugging me.

My gaze softened remembering she had never felt a mother's love and Prince has done nothing but to spoil her. I ran my hand in her hair, kissing her head.

"Hey, you are my strong girl. Don't cry." I smiled, patting her head as we pulled away. She nodded and wiped her eyes.

Others smiled at us as I asked, "What did you draw?" I asked.

"I drew you!" She beamed showing me the majestic drawing every six year old kid draws.

I never knew I was blonde and have dark red lips. Trying not to chuckle I took the drawing and mused, "Hmm. Looks a lot like me."

"See! You're so pretty."

I giggled and we had a pleasant time while I tried to ignore the notorious looks for being the young bride of Prince Silvester.

We returned home after the day, "Hey, how was the day?" Astrid asked.

"Amazing! I even drew Mama!" Sky said excitedly, showing Astrid her masterpiece.

"Mama...?" She trailed off but I gestured to her to not make a big deal, she smiled and complimented her drawing.

"Now, why don't you clean up? Then we will have some ice cream, okay?" I suggested, her face lit up in glee, running to her room, giving me the drawing.

"She is attached to you." Astrid mumbled.

"I am her Mother." I told her sternly.

"Glad you accepted yourself as a part of the family-" She was about to be optimistic but I poured water over her talks.

"I have nothing to do from this place. Don't say it again." I said angrily and left for my room, waiting for Zaniel to come home early. When he did, we met on the patio.

"Are you alright?" I asked, tensed about what happened last time.

"That was nothing." He smiled.

"How are you, he didn't hurt you. Did he?"

When this question escaped his lips, an unwanted rush of his aching words struck my mind. No matter how much I try, I can't subdue his words.

"No." I smiled, leaning back and holding my arm.