A day out
1136 Words
JULIETTE
I’m unable to sleep throughout the rest of the night, and as soon as I sight the first signs of daybreak, I slip out of the couch, even though the room is still draped in shadows. A quiet chill lingers in the air, and I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Last night was a mistake. I shouldn’t have tried to be civil with Kaelan. His outburst still rings in my ears, sharp and cutting, like a blade pressed against my skin. I don’t understand him, and I don’t think I ever will. But it’s my fault for even trying.
Shaking the thoughts away, I get on my feet, not bothering to check if he’s awake. I have no interest in facing him so soon. Moving quickly, i freshen up, and dress in a simple gown and leave the room.
The halls are quiet as I make my way to the dining hall. A few servants bow as I pass, their faces unreadable. When I enter, the scent of freshly baked bread and spiced tea fills the air. A handful of people are already seated, whispering among themselves, but I ignore them, taking a seat near the end of the long table.
Moments later, the Queen Regent arrives, gliding into the room with the kind of authority that demands attention. She stops beside me, her expression unreadable.
“I see you’re up early,” she says smoothly. “Good. You should get accustomed to the routine here.”
I say nothing, simply nodding.
She gestures toward a girl standing behind her. A young maid with soft brown hair and wide, intelligent eyes. “This is Calla. She will be your personal maid from now on. If you need anything, she will be at your service.”
Calla dips into a curtsy, her gaze lowered. “It’s a pleasure to serve you, my lady.”
I glance between them, unsure of what to say. I’ve never had a personal maid before. Back home, I did practically all the work. So the idea of someone attending to my every need makes me uneasy, but refusing would likely offend the Queen Regent. So, I only nod again.
The Queen Regent studies me for a moment longer, then, apparently satisfied, takes her seat at the head of the table. I eat in silence, my mind still tangled with last night’s events.
Once breakfast is over, I turn to Calla, feeling lost. “What exactly am I supposed to do now?”
Calla straightens. “You may do as you please, my lady. There are many activities available to you. Perhaps you would enjoy archery? Or embroidery? If you prefer something more peaceful, there is a beautiful library—”
I shake my head before she can continue. “I don’t feel like sitting still today.”
Calla nods in understanding. “Then perhaps horse riding? The stables are just outside the castle walls, and the land stretches far and wide. It’s quite freeing.”
Something inside me stirs at her words. My mother used to take me riding when I was younger. I haven’t been on a horse since she… since she was gone.
“Yes,” I say, my voice softer. “I think I’d like that.”
Calla leads me through the stone corridors and out into the open air. The morning sun is warm, and the scent of damp earth fills my lungs. The stables are lively, stable hands moving about, tending to the horses. The air is thick with the scent of hay and leather.
As I walk along the stalls, I run my fingers over the wooden doors, observing the animals inside. Then, at the very end, I notice a horse separate from the others. He’s large, a deep black with a wild mane, his eyes sharp and alert. His ears flick when he notices me, his body tense.
I turn to the stable boy nearby. “Why is he kept alone?”
The boy hesitates before answering. “That’s Onyx. He doesn’t do well with strangers. Not tempered, that one.”
I step closer, my heart quickening. There’s something about him—something fierce but untamed. Slowly, I reach out my hand, palm up.
Onyx snorts, shifting slightly, but he doesn’t retreat. I whisper to him, soft words, letting him hear my voice. His ears twitch, and after a long moment, he lowers his head just enough for me to touch him. My fingers brush against his coat, warm and strong beneath my touch.
The stable boy watches in shock. “He’s never let anyone near him before.”
I smile faintly, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “Then I suppose today is different.”
Carefully, I climb onto his back, expecting him to resist, but he doesn’t. He stands steady, his body still beneath me. A thrill runs through me. It’s been so long since I’ve ridden, but the feeling comes back easily.
Calla mounts her own horse, a gentle brown mare, and together, we ride beyond the castle grounds.
The world stretches before us—tall trees, open fields, a sky so wide it makes me feel small. Onyx moves smoothly beneath me, powerful and free. The wind rushes past my face, and for the first time in a long while, I feel light.
We ride for a while, the forest thickening around us. The air grows quieter, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves filling the space. But then—
A low, distant noise. A deep, rumbling growl.
I pull Onyx to a stop, my heart pounding. “Did you hear that?”
Calla looks around, her expression tight. “Yes.”
Then, the sound comes again, closer this time. A deep, guttural warning.
From the shadows, a massive bear emerges. Its fur is a mix of dark brown and gold, its eyes sharp with hunger. It steps forward, its growl vibrating through the air.
The horses panic. Onyx rears up, and I lose my grip. The world tilts as I fall, crashing into the damp earth. Pain shoots through my side, but I barely register it before I feel the cold, thick sensation of mud beneath me. My legs are stuck, trapped.
Calla, still on her horse, looks at me with wide, panicked eyes. “My lady—”
“Go!” I shout, breathless. “Get help!”
She hesitates for only a moment before turning her horse and galloping away.
I try to move, to pull myself free, but the mud holds me tight. The bear watches me now, its focus shifting. It steps closer, its massive body casting a shadow over me.
A deep, shuddering growl rumbles from its throat.
And then—
Silence.
My breath catches.
It sees me.
And I have nowhere to run.
- Writer
