A disturbing noise woke me up in the middle of the night. I thought it was only a dream, but when I realized I was having difficulty in breathing, I moved my heavy eyelids at once to open my eyes.
Smoke. I could smell smoke. And the noise outside... it seemed like people were shouting, panicking.
It didn't take long before I realized what was happening. The smoke was suffocating. There must be a fire outbreak in the palace!
My eyes widened in horror, terrified for myself and for everyone else inside the palace. It's just a few days after the royal occasion. How could this happen?
I hurried down my bed and went straight to the door, never minding what I was wearing. I don't think I have the luxury of time to change my long nightdress with something more decent.
My legs shuddered to a stop when I saw how thick the smoke in the hallway was. For a moment, I was afraid of going further. I could feel it. I could feel the heat from the fire. I could feel the burning. It was near.
