Unbound

New

Analise’s eyes fluttered wide. The ceiling above her was dark as night adding an eerie undertone to the room.

Analise was nestled in a sea of plush, grey blankets with smooth, silky sheets caressing her thighs. She brushed away an errant strands of hair and surveyed the inside of a looming, 4-poster bed. She wrangled into a sitting position and squinted at the dark, ornate features of the room.

Flimsy crimson curtains surrounded the bed, allowed her to gaze through at the silhouettes of gothic dressers and wardrobes. A silver, floor-length mirror winked at her, unveiling her disheveled appearance. She raised her hands against the mirror and stumbled beyond its reach.

The events of the previous nigh8t whirled through her mind. Memories of dances, and glances, and glowing golden eyes. They seemed to root her in place beneath the covers.

He – he brought me here.

But why?

She clenched her fists to her sides.

Hazy recollections continued to swirl. Blood heir, the shadow said – blood heir. The same words danced between the pages of Alasia’s ancient texts. She could imagine the words on the page: UNTIL THE BLOOD HEIR IS SECURED, ALASIA SHALL CONTINUE TO PERISH. FROM THE CROPS, TO THE STREAMS, CHAOS SHALL RESUME UNTIL THE PROMISE IS FULFILLED.

Promise… Was Analise that promise?

She snorted to herself. No, no – her parents wouldn’t keep should a secret from her. Not her parents and especially not her siblings, her brother. No matter how ridiculously sheltered she was, they wouldn’t outrightly lie.

But they didn’t lie, she thought. They just… never told me. Hid everything from me.

She leaped form the bed and staggered to the curtained window in the distance. She thrust them open, dying for light – figuratively and literally – to clear her mind. Only the window revealed a fathomless night. One that stretched and preened into oblivion. Stars littered the sky, and a crescent moon swung in the distance. It cast a faint light on the mountains and foundation of the castle walls below. From this angle, she figured she was at one of the highest points in the castle, as few towers loomed higher.

She shuffled away from the window, and gasped at the silent servant waiting behind her.

“Good afternoon, your majesty,” he said with a formal bow. A maid waited patiently to his right, a soft smile on her lips. Her eyes possessed a supernatural sparkle – a hint of glee – and her hands were suctioned tight to her bosom like she was praying.

Afternoon?

She pointed to the window.

“You must be mistaken. It’s pitch black outside,” she said.

“That be the way of it here. Always night, always dark. Haven’t seen the sun in a lifetime.”

“Why?”

The two servants exchanged a glance before the male spoke again.

“That’s a question best saved for his majesty. For now, we must ready you for court. Lucinda will assist you.”

The maid to his right grinned, waved her hand excitedly. The male servant fixed her with a stern gaze. She nodded under the admonishment and bowed before Analise.

Once the staunch servant departed, Lucinda soared to life. She handled her hair excitedly, manipulated it into a thick braid crown that swathed her head.

Analise winced under her ministrations, said: “You certainly are… enthusiastic for a maid.”

“Oh—oh, am I?” She chuckled nervously. Popped a pin to secure her hair. “It’s just so wonderful that you’re here. So, so wonderful.”

Analise grimaced.

“Yes, it’s wonderful that I’ve been snatched from my home and brought to some strange kingdom against my will,” she snapped. “Do you know if my brother’s sent for me yet?”

Lucinda hummed nervously, scuttled to the wardrobe to withdraw a velvet black sheath dress.

“Lucinda,” she said, “Lucinda, my brother’s here for me, right?”

The maid’s fingers flittered about the fabric, ridding it of invisible particles before presenting it before her.

“This’ll look so lovely on you,” Lucinda said.

Analise’s hand lurched forward to grab Lucinda’s. The maid hand was sweaty in her grasp. Her silver eyes held a frantic note – the look often fitting of liars.

“Please, tell me,” she begged. “My brother’s come to negotiate terms, right? Tell me this is all a misunderstanding – a mistake. Tell me I’m going home.”

Lucinda’s shoulders heaved a sigh. Then, she shook her head.

“Your majesty, your brother… He cannot enter our kingdom. He won’t be coming for you.”

Analise crinkled her brows, pressed a hand to trembling lips. Her eyes darted to Lucinda’s in the mirror, who stood moved behind her to begin undressing her. Only, she couldn’t. Lucinda didn’t appear in the mirror at all, though her hands still fought to loosen her ballgown.

Analise gasped.

“Lucinda, just where am I? What are you?”

Analise’s green gown cowered to the floor, leaving her nearly bare. Lucinda stepped from behind her, offered a solemn smile.

“All questions for the king, your majesty. Who’s eagerly waiting and not patient.” She held the black garment before her. “Shall we?”