Chapter 15
841 Words
Ava's POV :
“You’re right, Prince,” I said forcing myself to speak. “I don’t live here.
I came from very far away.But I don’t know how I ended up in this world.
I had a crystal ball… I went inside it and somehow I arrived here.
Please,,,please believe me.”
The moment the words left my mouth I knew how impossible they sounded.
Hadrex scoffed sharply.
“What nonsense are you talking about?
A crystal ball?
Someone coming out of it?
Are you trying to fool us girl?”
Shame burned my cheeks.I lowered my eyes.
Before Hadrex could continue Prince Warren raised his hand stopping him.
“Hadrex,” he said firmly,“bring Rex.
We’re going back to the castle.”
“Yes Prince,” Hadrex replied at once.
Rex…? I thought nervously. Who is Rex now…?
As Prince Warren turned away he added without looking back,
“Bring the girl with us.”
Fear wrapped around my heart like chains.
Hadrex approached me and motioned for me to come but I shook my head instinctively.
“I don’t want to go with you,” I pleaded. “Please let me go Prince… Prince Warren.
I didn’t steal on purpose.”
Prince Warren glanced at me briefly his expression unreadable then turned away and mounted his horse.
I heard Hadrex say the horse’s name softly.
“Rex.”
Terror flooded my mind.
I had only stolen bread to help a starving child… but I had still stolen.
I remembered the history books from my world how in ancient times even small crimes could be punished by death.
Is today my last day?
Will they kill me for this?
My hands trembled as Hadrex lifted me onto his horse.I couldn’t stop shaking.
Soon,we arrived before a massive iron gate.I sat there in silence my heart heavy,my thoughts dark.
As the gate slowly opened I saw a narrow bridge stretching across calm emerald green water.
Beyond it a castle rose into view and with every step closer it seemed to grow larger more unreal.
The castle was built of white stone glowing softly beneath the sky.
Tall towers and domes reached upward giving it a sacred royal presence.
Arched bridges and finely carved walls added elegance and beauty.It looked peaceful…
majestic… like something straight out of a dream.
“So… so big…” I whispered in awe.
Inside the grounds Prince Warren dismounted and entered the castle.
Several royal maids followed him.I remained outside for a moment watching silently feeling small and out of place.
After some time a royal maid approached Hadrex.
“Prince Warren has ordered that the girl brought with you be taken inside,” she said politely.
Hadrex nodded allowing the maids to lead me away.
Four royal maids escorted me through the castle halls.I couldn’t stop looking up,everything felt unreal.
The corridors gleamed as if touched by gold.I felt like I had stepped into a dream I didn’t belong in.
My condition was pitiful.My dress was dirty my hair tangled and wild.
The maids brought me into a luxurious room a palace like bath chamber with an ornate round tub at its center.
Candlelight flickered softly casting a warm glow over carved walls large mirrors hanging lights and trailing greenery.
They helped me bathe gently treating me with care I didn’t deserve.
Afterward they dressed me in a beautiful gown and arranged my hair.
When I finally looked into the mirror I barely recognized myself.
Is that… really me?
Once I was ready the maids guided me down the corridor until suddenly a young woman stepped in front of us raising her hand.
The maids immediately lowered their heads.
Confused,I looked at the woman.
When our eyes met her gaze sharpened.
“Who are you?” she asked coldly. “I’ve never seen you here before.”
Before I could respond one of the maids spoke nervously.
“Miss Anna, she came with Prince Warren.
The prince himself ordered,,,”
The woman silenced her with a single gesture.
She stepped closer to me.
“Where did you come from?” she asked. “And why are you with Prince Warren?”
“I came from very far away,” I replied softly.“I met Prince Warren outside the castle.
Some men were trying to attack him.”
“I see,” she said calmly. “I am Anna Everdawn,the only princess of the Everdawn Citadel.I came here today to meet Prince Warren.”
“Oh…” I said quickly bowing slightly.“Princess Anna,it’s nice to meet you.”
She smiled faintly.
“Don’t call me Princess.
I’m not the princess of this castle yet.”
Then she laughed softly.
“I should go now.
Prince Warren may be waiting for me.You may all leave.”
With that she turned and walked away.
The royal maids bowed once more and departed leaving me standing alone in the vast palace corridor
silent uncertain and surrounded by a world that still felt terrifyingly unfamiliar.
- Writer
