Deadly Desires

Elven years ago. The Age of First Light. “At least try to keep up!” I raced through the limestone corridors of the castle. Nothing but a quick flame, drawing the gaze of the surly-looking guards, always so stiff and still. Xander was in tow, hot on my heels despite his stubby legs. I ducked down random hallways and he was behind me at every turn; fast, eager, and highly competitive. “Catch me if you can!” I threw the words over my shoulder. My lungs burned for a recess, but I pushed on, breathing became more difficult with each lap, but the thrill of the rush urged me to continue until I reached the west courtyard. That was the finish line, and I intended to get there first. Air torn from my chest, I crashed to the ground with a sudden weight dropped on me. I shifted over, gawking at Xander on top of me. His rags smelled of freshly baked bread, his round face always smeared with some dusty marks. The necklace he always wore dangled from his neck. A silver crucifix; a protestant symbol. I have warned him against wearing it, but he refused me every time. “Caught you,” he said victoriously. His eyes sparkled like the jewels in my earrings. “The point… of the game… was to race,” I said between long breaths. “Yet I found something better.” He climbed off me and extended a hand. I grabbed it, allowing him to pull me to full height, which was a few inches taller than him. I glanced down at my orchid-pink gown, dusting off the skirt. “You only did that because you knew I would win.” Xander pulled a face at me. “Did not. Was showing you a kindness, sparing you certain defeat.” I laughed freely; loud and shamelessly. “Is that so?” He bopped his head confidently, tugging his loose collar. “Enough play. It is time to go to the library.” I strutted forward to initiate the walk. But he remained where he stood, crossing his chubby arms stubbornly. “Well then. Come on.” He shook his head slowly. The light in his eyes waned. “What’d be the point, Aurelia?” Exasperated. His gaze sought the floor in shame. “Peasant boy like me learning how to read. What good will that do?” “Many things,” I encouraged. “You could rise in station, and you will be seen than more than just an illiterate… lowborn. People will see you the way I see you. Intelligent.” His eyes met with mine; a smile played on his lips. “Now come.” I offered him my hand. “Those books will not read themselves.” He took it and I dragged him with me as we broke into a steady run, fingers entwined. The large hallway filled with the peal of giggles as we made our way through the stone labyrinth. We rounded a corner, only to be brought to a jarring standstill. I gasped in fright, and Xander yanked his hand from my hold like I burnt him. Hilda. My governess. Her time-worn face marred by a constant scowl. Her eyes dull, skin paler than the realm after a harsh winter. She fixed her fists on her waist, pressed against her leather corsage. Her haunting black dress was long-sleeved with a collar that seemed to choke her neck. She transferred her scrutiny to Xander. “I should have you whipped, boy.” Spittle flew from her reedy lips. “Daring to come even near the princess, even after you were rebuked for doing so. Xander recoiled at her hostility. I stepped to the right to stand in front of him. “You will not,” I say, anger drove my words. “He was here at my behest. I beckoned him. The fault was mine, and I do not understand why he and I cannot play together, he is…nicer to me than the others.” Hilda curved her torso until our faces were aligned. “Because a princess does not cavort with those lesser than her, especially a filthy kitchen boy.” Xander wilted under her glare. She looked at me, showing me a hint of her ire. “I will let him go this last time. But if I apprehend him at your side again. The consequences will be severe.” She flicked him a glower. “Now, begone with you!” She clapped, and he spun around, sprinting down the corridor faster than I have ever seen him run. His frame receding like a dot in the distance and my heart sunk to stomach like a heavy weight. “Why!” I shrieked. “Why can he and I not be friends? I do not understand—” “Perhaps it is time that you do understand and comprehend the role of princess, comprehend the ways of royalty. You are no mere royal, Aurelia. You are the sole descendant of de Valtoria, future queen of Gavaria.” She gripped my shoulders, shaking out a sob from me, ensued by a deluge of tears. “You must begin behaving as such.” She forced my gaze. “You must always be seen above reproach, always the daughter of King Caldor, heir to the throne. Many will depend on your leadership one day; your people will look to you.” “What does that have to do with Xander?” “Your repute. And that boy will be a stain to it. For now, it means nothing. You are still young, naïve… innocent. But time will teach you. There are those that matter more, and those that matter least. And a princess, a future queen cannot be seen with the likes of him.”