It was a hot day, a little past noon when Leila made her way to the kitchen to get her meal.
It was not that she couldn't have eaten earlier, but she liked to make sure she was done with all her morning chores so she can eat comfortably and in peace.
Her mother always told her eat earlier for energy and so she doesn't fall sick, but she never listened.
She ignored the familiar looks of the other kitchen workers as she made her way to the deeper part of the extensive kitchen.
She was the last person to come and get her breakfast.
While making her way out, a young girl that seems to be the same age as her bumped into her on purpose...
"Watch where your going"
She was quick to put the blame on innocent Leila.
Leila just stared at her with cold blue eyes that didn't budge a bit, the girl finally felt intimidated before darting her eyes around and standing down. She didn't know why though. She watched as Leila brushed past her and continued on her way like she didn't matter and felt a bit bitter.
'she's just an ugly freak, so what's with the attitude '
She said with furrowed brows, her dislike towards her intensifying.
'I'll make her bend someday'
She made a 'stupid' resolution in her heart and didn't even realise she was being childish.
,,,,,,,,
Leila sat under a large orchard tree in the garden closer to the servant quarters and quietly ate her meal.
She saw a shadow cast over her and raised her eyes to see that it was her mother, she relaxed gave a smile that reflected in her eyes, her veil wasn't on but she still had charcoal and ash across her face incase anyone came to this area which was rare.
"My dear"
Her mother acknowledged her with soft amber eyes, filled with motherly love.
"You never listen to me you stubborn girl, you shouldn't eat this late, you might fall sick.....you worry me dear"
She said with concern etched on her features.
"Ma I'm fine, I promise, I'm used to it, I just like to be thorough and swift with my work"
She replied with a rare warmth....
The two sat under the tree on a wooden bench in comfortable silence.....
Her mother looked like something was bothering her and after a while, she finally said...
"My dear..... I....I am so sorry you have to hide like this, I know at this age you have your interests and maybe want to be like any other young girl out there but I simply can't risk anything happening to you, I knew you were special the day I found you in the forest, and I know I have to protect you....
The emblem, the mark, your powers, are to be protected at all cost, do you understand ?
I don't know the details of who you have to hide from but I will risk my life to protect you my dear"
Her mother said with a sincere and heartfelt expression.
Leila didn't say anything but her eyes spoke volumes of her understanding...
She nodded her head and fell into the embrace of the only one she can call family in this vast world.