The old lady saw through Cassie's confusion and decided to speak.
"You can use it; it's all yours now," the woman said, encouraging her to use it.
Cassie looked at the woman, embarrassment creeping across her face.
"I don't know how to use it," she said, her lips drawn into a thin line.
The woman smiled. "Follow me," she said, carrying the tray and leading Cassie to the bathroom connected to the room. The woman demonstrated how to use it and eventually helped Cassie brush her teeth with it.
When they were done, Cassie felt refreshed and cool. The mint from the toothpaste gave her mouth a new feeling, which she loved.
"Thank you," she said as they went back inside the room.
"Come, have breakfast," the woman said. Cassie walked towards the table where the breakfast was placed and took a seat close to it.
She opened the plates, and the sweet aroma hit her nose. Looking at the sumptuous meal, Cassie couldn't imagine the time and resources spent to make this meal.
The meal consisted of freshly baked, flaky croissants, served with a delicate, gemstone-encrusted egg cup containing a perfectly poached quail egg. This exquisite breakfast was paired with a steaming, gold-rimmed cup of rich French roast coffee, infused with the subtle essence of hazelnut.
Cassie looked at the meal in awe, wondering if they had brought the wrong meal for her.
"Eat; it's yours," came the woman's encouraging voice, which made Cassie begin to dig in, savoring every bite.
She really enjoyed the meal. When she was done, she used the napkin placed on the other side of the tray to clean her lips. The younger lady bowed and cleared the table, then took the tray outside.
"Sorry for not properly introducing myself. My name is Zarea, and I'll be in charge of your personal welfare. Please, can I know your name?"
The woman politely asked, and Cassie replied, "Cassie."
"Nice name. I'm honored to serve you," Zarea said with a smile and a little bow.
Cassie stared at Zarea, wondering why she was bowing for her.
"Sorry, ma'am, please why are you bowing to me? I don't belong to any royalty."
Hearing Cassie's words, Zarea smiled sweetly."Don't worry, madam, we'll let you know later. Just know that you are in safe hands, and also know that many have fought to be in your position, so consider yourself lucky."
What Zarea said made Cassie more confused. Wasn't she in the vampire kingdom? Or was the royal logo she was seeing just an illusion?
Things were getting really confusing for Cassie, but she decided to act calm. Like the woman said, she'd let her know later, so she would wait until they told her, as long as there wouldn't be any danger ahead.
Zarea studied Cassie's face and saw that it was calm, and she was happy about it.
"Madam, please, can you wait a little while? Let me prepare your bath," Zarea asked Cassie with a warm smile.
"Umm… Please, ma'am, don't call me that. Call me Cassie. I'm more comfortable with that," Cassie said, her voice full of sincerity.
Zarea widened her eyes in shock, then kneeled down on both knees and lowered her head, looking at the ground.
"I don't dare call you by your name; if I do, I'll pay with my life. And also, for my safety, please don't call me ma'am. Call me by my name," Zarea said, her voice cracking, as though she might cry.
This made Cassie even more confused. "What kind of ruthless kingdom sets such rules?" she thought, unable to digest the cruelty of the place she had just found herself in.
Immediately, she remembered that she had encountered two men back in the forest. She was curious about where they were now.
"Please stand up," she said, helping Zarea to her feet.
"Thank you, but please, next time, allow me to get up by myself," Zarea said, smiling once again.
"Okay, okay. I want to ask—please, where are the two men who brought me here?" Cassie asked, but Zarea remained unfazed by her question. She had been warned not to disclose important things to her until the right time.
"I don't know what you're talking about, madam. I was just assigned to take care of you here," Zarea said and bowed.
Cassie frowned upon hearing this. She now remembered fully that the other man had cast a sleeping spell on her, which made her fall into a deep sleep before they brought her here.
"Madam, I'll go now. It's time to bathe," Zarea said, then headed straight for the bathroom. She stayed there preparing things for Cassie's bath before coming out.
"Permit me to go and call the others to bring the rest of the things," Zarea said and went outside, locking the door behind her.
Seeing them lock the door made Cassie feel strange, though not that she was planning to run anyway.
Cassie stared into space, wondering what would become of her in this place. While she was still lost in thought, she heard a gentle knock and a click, which indicated that the door had been opened. She saw Zarea come in with four maids, each wearing a different dress that matched the others, all adorned with the royal logo.
One of the maids was holding a bowl of water that was releasing steam.
They all bowed and headed to the bathroom, while Zarea came out to call Cassie.
"Madam, it's time to bathe," Zarea said with a smile, and Cassie followed her inside the bathroom, surprised by the beautiful and neatly arranged interior.
But one thing she was concerned about was that she couldn't use the bathtub. Also, why were these ladies here when she wanted to bathe?
"Please, I need some privacy," Cassie said, crossing her arms over her chest.
The maids were a bit hesitant because it was their job to help Cassie bathe.
"What? Why that look?" Cassie asked, confused by their hesitation.
"We are meant to help you bathe," one of the maids said in a calm voice.
Cassie's eyes widened in realization. "But that's only done for royals. Why me, though?"
And besides, even if she were a royal, she wouldn't allow them to help her. It felt embarrassing.
"No, no, thanks. I can do it myself. I don't feel comfortable with that," Cassie replied honestly. The maids all bowed and left, including Zarea.
Cassie sighed deeply and began to bathe. The scented soap made her feel relaxed and good.
She couldn't use the bathtub, so she stood the whole time and bathed. When she was done, she dried herself, tied a towel around her body, and went out of the bathroom.
When she returned to the room, she saw another set of ladies, dressed in the same style of clothing, with the same royal logo imprinted on their dresses.
Her lips twitched when she saw this. She really wanted to ask why she was receiving such special treatment, but she knew she had to wait until the right time.
They all bowed, and one of them spoke.
"We are here to help you get dressed."
Cassie stared at them, almost laughing.
Why were they treating her so well here? Was it good treatment before suffering?
She wondered, unable to shake the feeling that some danger awaited her.