Helena was listless.
She just had tea with the King and Queen several days ago. Now she must return to the palace again. Helena wanted to curl up in bed instead of drinking tea. She had to go through a busy morning again to look presentable.
Elena Bronze used to be a commoner. She worked as a royal maid in the palace because of a recommendation. Elena moved to the main castle after much hard work. Never in her whole life had she thought that she would be a concubine. King Opal was mesmerized by her look at first sight.
Queen Patricia was not kidding about her appearance. Concubine Elena was a split image of Queen Margaret. Her golden long hair was swaying, her skin was soft as satin, her lip was curved, and her body was lean. The only difference was the colour of her eyes. Queen Margaret had hazel eyes, while Concubine Elena had amber.
"Greetings, Lady Blackmoore. I've been waiting for you."
She had a warm smile like her son. Helena's regret of coming to the palace had disappeared when she saw it. Unlike meeting the King and the Queen, she did not feel pressure in her presence. Helena curtsied and returned her greet. "Greetings, Lady Bronze. Thank you for inviting me.
"My, what a polite lady. Come sit! I prepare a lot of sweets for you."
Helena sat across Concubine Elena. In front of her were chocolate muffins, strawberry slice cakes, almond croissants and other sweets. It made you droll just by looking. Her appetite had returned after she vowed to flip the demon. Besides, Helena must eat well to balance her hard training. Violet and the twin made sure she always finished her meal.
"Lady Bronze, did you invite me out of curiosity too?"
Concubine Eena giggled at her question. "You are correct. I heard from Opal someone danced with the Princes. Pardon me if I disrupt your schedule."
"Don't worry. I have finished my study. Other than attending balls, saloon and charity, I have nothing to do."
"Ah, you are the Saint of Angles Street, right? Citrine told me about it. How lucky I am to meet you. Tell me, is the street still the same?"
"Well, the people on the street and the church make few changes."
This was the first time someone was interested in Angles Street. Helena told her about her involvement and changes in that place. Some place was still dangerous, but there was an improvement. The church and orphanage were bigger after some construction and reparation. Life on Angles Street was better than before. Concubine Elena listened with great interest.
"Thank you, Lady Blackmoore. I lived on that street for a few years and met many kind people. I wish to return to that street sometimes."
Helena tilted her head in confusion. "Please pardon my insolency, My Lady. You are capable of doing it now. Why don't you visit Angles Street for once?"
Concubine Elena had a bitter smile on her face. "Lady Blackmoore, you surely understand me. I once lived in poverty and lost my family to starvation and illness. Life was easier when I was the sole survivor. I worked hard for myself but was lucky. The King had his eyes for me. I took the opportunity without hesitation, abandoning friends and people that support me." She had a pause for a moment and exhaled a long breath. "I feel ashamed and guilty to meet them."
Helena recognized that feeling. When she was noble, she felt guilty about her friends in the street. She enjoyed the luxurious meal and fancy outfit while her friends struggled to survive. Some people sent back her letter, and some had no reply. One day, Helena could not take it anymore. She wanted to see her friends. Helena sneaked out to the slum.
"Lady Bronze, do you mind if I tell my story?"
"Go ahead, Lady Blackmoore."
Helena inhaled a deep breath and exhaled it. She began her tales. "When I was twelve, I missed my friends. The noble world was not a forgiving world for kept judging my low background. I sneaked out and went to Angles Street to see my friend. That time nothing changed because I had only gone for a year. I ran and greeted my friends there. Yet, after seeing my carriage and dress, they yelled at me. They said I was a traitor."
"That's... horrible..."
Helena reminisced about her past. "It was. More people I used to think of as friends keep rejecting me. It was irony. I don't belong to high society or the commoner world. Both places rejected my existence. That what I was thought until I met Dinah Pearl. She was a fallen noblewoman who lost her wealth and title after her husband's death. I used to visit her a lot to see her twin babies. She was the only person to congratulate me. Her oldest daughter was a bit scary, but she was kind."
"What happens next?"
"It was a bit embarrassing, but I cried in her house. I told her about everything. She soothed me with words until I was calm. I came to see her in my free time. Her condition was getting worse from her illness. She never had a healthy body. Despite my mother's advice, I still visited her. I brought her medicine with my own money. After all, having friends is much better than having many dresses. Alas, fate was cruel."
Helena paused her story for a moment. She still recalled the memory of that snowy day. "Her oldest daughter one day came to my mansion. She begged me to help her mother. Dinah's health was getting worse. I called a doctor to check her condition, but he shook his head. She was too weak and would not survive that winter. I did not give up because I didn't want to lose a friend. Yet, she held my friend and told me this."
"Lady Helena, my time has come. You've done enough. I am sorry to put you through all of this. Please take care of my daughters instead."
"I did what she asked me. After her funeral, I took her children as my maids. I found out later that my deed had reached the church. They said their gratitude for helping Lady Pearl. After that, I decided to help around the church and orphanage. People began to warm up to me. Some old friends apologized for their behaviour. They felt that a noble like me should not hang out with dirty peasants like them. It was ridiculous, really."
Concubine Elena listened to the story with awe. There was something impressive about Helena. Before she said anything, Helena held her hand.
"Lady Bronze... Late is better than never. Perhaps there is someone who genuinely missed you or truly envy at your status. We will never know. However, it is better to try than regret it forever."
A teardrop fell into her cheek. She wiped it with a handkerchief and nodded at her advice. After she was calm, she returned to their conversation.
"How embarrassing for me to cry at this age. Sorry, you must see that."
"It is fine to cry. We are only human."
"Honestly, you are such a mature young lady. I wonder if you are truly eighteen years old."
Helena only chuckled at her joke. If only she knew...
"Do you mind if I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"I heard from Queen Patricia that you refused to be a Queen."
She sighed. "I am not interested in that position. Many nobles push me into it, but I am not that stupid. They want me to be their puppet for their benefit. Besides..." She stared at the blue sky. "I know the heavy price of the crown. I am not suitable for it."
Queen Patricia was correct. Concubine Elena recognized title came with responsibility. She was not obsessed with power or wealth. The concubine was content with her life. They talked more, and Helena finally found another kindred spirit.
"Oh, we run out of tea. Let me call the maid again."
The maid poured another tea into the cups. Helena was thirsty after telling her story. She drank before Concubine Elena since she was busy speaking with the servants.
Helena's eyes went wide. She recognized the unique taste of sweetness.
She slapped Concubine Helena's wrist. The tea in her cup fell into her dress and thigh. Concubine Elena was perplexed by her rude behaviour. "Lady Blackmoore, what are you doing?"
"Don't drink the-"
Blood spilt out from Helena's mouth. Concubine Elena screamed at that sight. The servants and knight rushed to their place. Helena lost consciousness and fell into a deep slumber.