Albion Grimm

The end??

The next day we all gathered in the throne room, Albion shut the door on the guards before they could enter.

“Red, Hansel, I really appreciate all you’ve done for me.” My voice wobbled and tears built.

“It was our pleasure. We enjoyed spending time with you.”

“Yeah, it was refreshing. Take care when you get back to your world.”

“I will.”

Albion informed me this morning that I would be leaving, he had spoken to Red and Hansel yesterday, so they came to bid me farewell.

“It’s time.” Albion held up a hand, and a bright light formed. The light floated higher and higher. It took on a reflective shine and started morphing, changing shape until it took a final form of a mirror. Slowly it descended until I was staring at myself, the mirror floating just above the floor.

“I don’t know how you did it, as amazing as it was; but what is it?”

“This is the door between our worlds. The surface is not as solid as you think.”

He could make it that ealisy? Can he travel between worlds as he likes?

My eyes locked on his black eyes, trying to burn him into my memory. “May I come back to this world again?”

“It is not wise but if that time comes, I shall welcome you, Ayla.” His voice got softer as he spoke. “I hesitate to say this, but I’m glad to have met you.”

My mouth dropped open and my cheeks warmed, butterflys dancing in my stomach as I tried to think of a response. It wasn’t until the door clicked shut that I realised Red and Hansel had left the room.

“Who would of thought there’d be a day when they’d show some discretion.” Albion took a step towards me and gently shut my mouth, leaving his hand resting on my jaw.

“It just goes to show how much you’ve changed, don’t you think?” I couldn’t help the smile on my face.

“You’re right. Before, I never would of have imagined there’d come a day when I could laugh with you.”

“I’m glad to have met you, too. It’s nice to know that I can come back if I need to.”

“Is that so?” his eyes shone brightly with amassment.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the King as he smiled down at me.

“I look forward to seeing you again, Your Majesty.”

“Indeed.”  His other hand took hold of mine, intertwining his fingers. “Your words are heart-warming. I’ll look forward to having the opportunity to hear them again.”

His voice was husky as he whispered these words. My eyes fluttered shut as his gently kissed me, so soft I could hardly feel him. My body stiffened and my face became very hot.

“This is interesting. I’ve never seen you react like this.”

“Are you trying to shock me?”

“Who knows?”

He took a step back releasing my hand and face. My heart raced faster as I remembered how it felt to have him touch me.

“I like that look on you. Don’t let anyone else see it.”

“Do I look strange?”

“Not strange.” His eyes sparkled with mischief “You can take it however you want. Just keep it mine.” The corners of his lips tipped up in amusement as he trailed a finger down my cheek.

“What is going on with you?”

“Well, I’ll be off now. Thanks again, your Majesty.” I stepped towards the mirror.

“Call me Alb.”

“Alb; it suits you.”

I took him at his word and tried saying it.

Alb, narrowed his eyes and nodded in satisfaction. I felt flustered by the way he was acting. He’s been acting a bit strange since last night. I cleared my throat and turned to face him.

“All right, so long.”

I bid him farewell and walked into the mirror.

“Right now, there’s no one to take you by the hand or push you in the right direction. You need to find your way home on your own.”

His warning ringing in my ears, I was covered in white light.

I opened my eyes and found myself in a white room So it’s not like I step inside and suddenly find myself back in my room? I started walking. I stopped when I thought I heard someone whisper to me. I strained my ears to listen in the quiet space.

“I thought I heard someone calling me.” Did I imagine it? I gave up trying to figure it out and continued walking through the white world.

There was a flash of white, then suddenly a world full of colour.

When the light faded there was no mistaking where I was; my bedroom.

The room felt familiar, but held a musty smell; like I had been gone for ages. Turning around, I found a large mirror edged with gold coloured swirls. This is the mirror I came through? When I reached out to touch the mirror, surface rippled like water. Can use this to go back to the World of Stories? I sighed, all the tension leaving my body, I must have become far more attached to that world than I realized.