Albion Grimm

The garden

After speaking to Albion in the Throne Room, I stopped by the library and found several books. When I spoke to a maid along the way, she said I was free to read any books I wanted, and that she was happy to return them when I was done. I might have gone a bit overboard. Several of the books were very thick, so I was carrying a rather heavy load. When I stopped for a rest, an arm reached out from the side of me and whisked the books away. I glanced to the side and give a small sigh, noticing that it was only Hansel.

“That’s a heavy load. I’ll carry them to your room.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He smiled at me before his eyes widened in surprise when he took in the titles of the books. “Most of these books are on the Kingdom of Grimm’s culture and topography. Interesting subject. When you are allowed out of the castle, I will take you to see some interesting places.”

Hansel looked back at me with interest. Not sure what to say, I gave him a small nod. We continued walking towards my room

“Actually, I was hoping I could find a way home. The King refuses to help, so I’m on my own.”

“As the Kings loyal servant, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

My eyes widened as I remembered his position, he could easily inform his king of my plans. And yet, he was willing to overlook it.

“I heard you spoke to your King on my behalf. Thank you.”

“Yeah, Red and I both approve of you. Although, we’re not really in a position to talk, since Red and I were the ones who kidn*pped you. We don’t want you to be unhappy.”

“Why does the King dislike me so much?”

The rest of those in the castle, including the soldiers and maids, didn’t seem to have a problem with me. Is it because the King knows more than they do about the Real World?

“I don’t know. Most likely he’s had some interaction with people from your world. For everyone else it’s our first interacting with someone who isn’t a resident of the World of Stories.”

I thought about Hansel’s theory and realised that he had a point.

“Maybe he’s seen the bad side of humans? Like you say, Hansel, I can’t imagine him hating someone without a good reason.”

He has been kind to me, in his own way. Perhaps it’s possible that he had a bad experience while interacting with someone from my world. While I was lost in thought, Hansel spoke up as he walked alongside me.

“Who knows? I can’t say either way. As his subject, I’m in no position to speculate about the King.” He shrugged and laughed it off.

“Oh. I’m so sorry, Hansel. I shouldn’t be asking you this.” At the look of horror on my face Hansel chuckled.

“It’s nothing to worry about. He isn’t a bad person.” Hansel’s hazel eyes softened as he spoke of the King. “Proof of that lies in the peaceful atmosphere you witnessed in the Kingdom of Grimm, and in Grimm Town.”

“You do have a point.”

“In the past, Red and I were both saved by the King.”

“You were saved by the King?”

“Ah here’s your room, Ayla. I’ll hand you the books after you open the door.

“Thanks for carrying them.”

I placed the books on the table then turned to continue talking.

“Hansel!” Red came rushing toward us, which was unusual for him. “I’ve received word regarding the Predator and I’m going to inform the King.”

Hansel paled at this information and turned to me as he started walking.

“Ayla, we’re going to see King Grimm. Stay here.”

“You two be careful.”

I watched as they ran off down the hall having no idea what just happened. Red mentioned a Predator, I wonder what that is. I wandered back into my room pondering the conversation.

“Phew. That’s the end of that book.”

When I finished reading another book, I placed it on the desk and stretched my arms. Reading these books has given me some insight into this world. Magic exits in Wonderland and the Kingdom of Grimm. It’s always night here, morning never comes. The only explanation for that is magic. I looked out of the window to see where the moon was and noticed a shadow in the garden. The garden was well manicured, with carefully pruned trees and beautiful flowers ready to bloom. It’s nothing like how the castle looks from the outside. The plants growing in the garden weren’t subjected to ominous light, instead they were softly illuminated by the moon. And there, in one corner of the garden, stood Albion. There’s something different about him.

He seemed to be staring at the fountain, but it was hard to tell from the second floor. I hurried to the garden and found him still standing there, wearing a cloak as dark as night. He turned around slowly.

“It’s you. What are you doing here?” His voice was cool and direct, and he regarded me with eyes devoid of any warmth.

“I’m here to see you.” Frowning he seemed unhappy with my reply. “I saw you down here. That’s all.” My cheeks warmed and I looked away.

“I have nothing to say to you.” He glanced my way before turning to leave.

“I have plenty of things to say to you.” I felt my anger start to rise at his brush off. “For example, why are you keeping me confined?”

“As I told you before, I can’t afford to let you leave the World of Stories. I’ve chosen to confine you in order to limit the chance of your presence affecting the World of Stories. I think I’m being generous by letting you live.” His black eyes narrowed, as if he expected me to say no more.

“That’s not a good enough explanation.” I narrowed my eyes as well, flat out rejecting his explanation. His expression turned even more chilling and I felt myself shiver.

“I see you don’t realise the position you’re in.” Devoid of any warmth or feeling, his tone was flat and colder than ever before when he spoke.

I think I may have made him angry. His hand shot out and grabbed my jaw. He gripped it firmly and he tilted my head up steering into my eyes. Despite feeling intimidated, I stood my ground.

“It’s unfair that you hate me for something I haven’t done, especially since we just met. At least tell me why you hate me so much.” My lip wobbled dispute the anger coursing through my body.

“You must know what’s in store for you if you keep this attitude up? I respect your courage, however reckless. I find it admirable.”

“I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”

He gave a small chuckle and a smile flicked across his face before it became cool and hard again. My heart fluttered at the sound.

“The reason I dislike your kind, was it?”

It seemed the King was finally going to give me a reason.