Caged Birds Will Fly

•11.5•

Winter Special

H E L E N

The snow covers the garden and every patch of ground around the palace, staining every window with frost; making everything in its sight a Jake Frost and Elsa miracle. I let my eyes glaze of all of this with excitement, something about Winter brings ultimate warmth into my heart. The snow floats down elegantly, making a smiling patch of snow. My sliver winter coat lays warmly over my body, the fur collar brushing my cheeks once or twice. Aurous and Sterling invite me to play with the Princess of Winters. Her skin is a frosty blue, her eyes a white light, her hair the color of fresh snow, and her light blue markings indicate royalty. She smiles as I come running down the hill. I trip and transform into a huge snowball; I land in a pile of snow, all its coldness seeping into my body.

"You're Helen?", her voice sounds sharp but warm. Blunt even.

"Yes, I am", I dust off the snow and straighten my self, hoping my cheeks hadn't grown too warm. I try to stand up only to fall back again. She picks me up, "I am Frore". She doesn't talk much but I understand. In her country, the air is precious because there is not much of it due to the constant cold. Ferric, Ivory, Mao, and Madalin arrive soon after. I feel a sharp burst of cold on my cheek; I turn around to see Ivory with the remainder of the snowball he threw at me. "It's on!", I send a snowball hurling into Ivory's olive face. His green eyes widen in surprise and it isn't long before we begin to engage in a snowball fight. We all decide to team up into groups of girls and boys, with Mao as the referee. The battle is harsh with the boys sneaking up on us, but we have Frore and she blends in ever so nicely with the winter playground. Ivory lands a snowball onto my head as I deliver a snowball on Aurous. We beat the boys by a landslide. We lay on the snow exhausted and decide to head back in. (I sneak off to make a quick snowman). Mao makes us some hot cocoa as I receive a letter from the house of Matthews. It read:

Dearest Helen,

Please accept your sisters visiting you in about two days. 

Please introduce them to King Aurous; Help them get settled into life at the palace since the King may take them as concubines. The house of Matthews has grand expectations on how this shall go, and I will not allow any mistakes on your part. Be courteous to your future Grandee, whichever one they may be. I have heard that you are the King's personal Knight, thus use this to learn about the king's preferences. I know you and you are not worthy of such a position as Empress. I curse myself for allowing my daughters to be sullied by your presence.

Your Father-in-law,

Lord Henrald, Duke of the Matthews Family

I can't believe them! I crumble the letter and throw it into the fire. My good mood has been ruined by my family. Mao looks at me worriedly, I do not blame her since my face must be furious right now. "What's the matter, dear?", Mao inquires. Her face calms me and I confess about the letter. "My word... how can someone be so arrogant I do not know", she shakes her head aspirated. I stare at the fire; I wonder what will happen next?

The day arrives and I feel like Cinderella. Naomi and Violet stroll into the palace more greedy than selfless. Mao does not hide her distaste, neither does Ivory or Madalin. The two ignore them and rush over to me.

"So... where is the King?"

"I... I do not know"

"What good are you if you can't tell us where my future husband is!!", Violet shrieks. Naomi is more composed. "Helen, as the King's personal Knight doesn't it seem that you are, I don't know, quite incompetent?". Ferric and Ivory seem like they are at their limit. If looks could kill, then Naomi and Violet would long-buried six feet down. Luckily Aurous enters the room before further damage is done. Naomi and Violet's personality changes in an instant. They cheerfully and elegantly present themselves in front of King Aurous. He smiles and summons me forward. Instead, tears sting my face and I run. Naomi's words replay in my mind. My legs run faster and quicker until am at the cliff. This scene seems so familiar, I died here, and I am going to die again, "No you're not.", Madalin stands behind me. Tears blur my vision and Eli stands next to me, "Don't leave me alone. Please". I ran towards her, tears streaming down my face, big ugly tears that stained my face. Madalin held me close as I weep and brought me back.

"Your Majesty I have news."

"What is it?"

"The Matthews family has committed a crime against Sir Helen Matthew"

"What is this crime?"

Violet and Naomi trembled viciously.

"Attempted murder"

Naomi spoke up, "Well...That's absurd"

"No, it's not. At the House of Matthews, Helen's was malnourished, abused, and almost r***d multiple times." Everyone seemed shocked at this news. Mao hugged me tight and said: "Don't worry, Madalin's got this"

Naomi and Madalin argued until Aurous put me on trial. "Helen is this true?"

"Though my memories are blurred, I remember clearly that all of this is true."

"Helen you little Liar! You just want us out of the way so you can keep the King for yourself"

"Sorry, but I have no feelings for his Majesty other than as his Knight", I humbly bowed at the base of my King.

Violet shrieked, while she and her sister were dragged out. Aurous sighed and walked to his room. For once I was sad, even if they hated me, they were still my sisters. The Matthews family was executed the very next day. I chose to spare my sisters and gave them the opportunity to be what they had always wanted: Violet a bride and Naomi a teacher. I stood next to Aurous during the execution. He held my hand and tried to calm me down. I didn't wince when the ax came down on their heads that afternoon.