TW:ABUSE
As I sit in the small valley, I close my eyes. I try to remember what it was like being young. I try to remember the fun times I had playing with my siblings, sitting on my bed and reading stories with my mother. But instead, I remember the abuse. How I had to cover my bruises with my long hair. I remember refusing to eat, or even come out of my room. I would avoid my family, and was always on my toes.
I open my eyes again, in hopes that these thoughts would go away. They didn't. They follow me wherever I go. They lurk in the back of my mind, giving me hellish night terrors.
I go to my mothers grave, and pick up the flowers resting atop it. I recite the text engraved in the tombstone, for what seems like the hundredth time.
It reads:
Here lies our beloved queen
She will be missed both as a ruler and a mother.
The grave is in the Valley of Royalty, a large area in which all of the deceased royalty lay.
I snap back to reality and realize I've broken the flowers. I walk quite far to a small stream the flows through the valley. I toss the destroyed flowers into the water, watching as they make their way out of my sight. As I watch, I listen to the small birds chirp, as the wind blows through the grass. There's nothing quite like this.
The almost-silence is interrupted by the castle bell tolling. I suppose I should head back. If im late for dinner i'll never hear the end of it.
I make my way through the valley and arrive at my horse. I hop on and click my tongue. She gallops towards the kingdom, her speed increasing with each step. I arrive at the castle gates, and the guards greet me with a nod.
I rush through the halls and get to the dining rooms door. As I enter, the room goes silent.
"Your late." My father says.
"I'm sorry, father. I was visiting mother." I reply. The stern look that was plastered on his face morphed into a smile. Though his mouth looked happy, his eyes told a different story completely.
"I understand. Please, join us." Father gestured to the seat next to him. I sit, feeling my family's eyes on me. I look own at my dinner and realize how hungry I am. My stomach growls fiercely. I gobble down my food, and sit, looking at my siblings one by one.
Irene is picking at her food, and it seems she hasn't eaten a single bite. I try to see her face, to make sure shes okay, but her long dirty blond hair obstructs my view.
Harper is staring at me, so when I glance over we lock eyes. It feels like shes gazing into my soul. I quickly look away. Those cold eyes of hers give me chills.
Henry is chewing his food loudly, breaking the silence. I pretend to clear my throat, and he looks at me. My finger is on my lips, gesturing that hes being too loud. I guess he didn't get the hint because hes still chewing away.
Arthur is sitting back, doing the same thing as me. He waves and smiles. I put my hand up and wave back slowly. He's always had fathers bubbly personality.
Natalia has no plate in front of her, just some old scrolls. She seems very concentrated, so its best to leave her alone.
"Father?" I ask. He looks up. "May I be excused? I got a bit muddy in the valley and would love to wash up."
"Of course kid. Goodnight!" He says, blowing a kiss at me. I roll my eyes and leave the room.
As im walking to my chambers, a servant girl bumps into me. She held a basket full of clothing. It scattered all over the floor. I lean down and help her pick it up. When I get up I catch a glimpse of her face. She has piercing emerald eyes, and long braided hair. Her face is soft and round. She looks very kind.
"Im so sorry about that, sir." She says in a soothing voice.
I smile and nod. "No worries, have you been hurt?"
"N-no, im fine. Are you as well?" She asks.
"Yes, dont fret on me. Say, what is your name? It's not every night that I bump into a beautiful lady such as you." I say. Its true, she is very attractive.
"My names V-" Shes cut off by a voice behind me.
"This little conversation doesn't seem to be going anywhere." Harper stands close to me, I can feel her breath on my neck.
"I sorry ma'am, i'll get back to work now." The girl walks off without saying another word.