Alicia drifted off to sleep, her mind racing with questions. Why had Selina suddenly planned this trip, and why did it have to be on the same day that Jake was leaving to stay with his uncle and family? Was Selina trying to distract her from the pain of Jake's departure, or was there something more to it?
As she slept, Alicia found herself in a dreamlike state, transported to a strange place where Selina took her. In this dream, they were laughing and smiling together, chatting like old friends. But then, Jake appeared out of nowhere, and Alicia felt a surge of anger. "What do you think you're doing here?" she demanded.
Jake opened his mouth to reply, but instead of his usual voice, strange words came out: "Your Highness, wake up."
Alicia's eyes flew open, and she was greeted by the sunlight streaming into her room. She raised her hand to shield her eyes and saw her maiden, Mandy, standing before her with a bow.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Mandy said. "Sorry to disturb your slumber, but Princess Selina sent me to get you ready."
Alicia nodded, knowing that her sister was serious about the trip. She stood up from her bed, and Mandy led her to the bathtub to bathe. Afterward, Mandy helped her into new clothes, styled her hair, and attended to her every need. When Mandy was done, she left Alicia alone in her room to get her breakfast, which was waiting for her in the royal kitchen.
Not long, Mandy returned with other maids to serving Alicia break fast on her bed. As she ate, Alicia couldn't help but wonder what the day had in store for her and Selina.
Mandy cleared her throat to get Alicia's attention. "Your Highness, Princess Selina requests your presence in the royal carriage. Their Majesties, the King and Queen, would like to bid you both farewell and safe travels."
"One more thing your Highness I have packed all the stuff you might need for your trip," Mandy muttered softly.
Alicia finished her breakfast, she smiles wondering what should would do without Mandy day's trip had in store for her and Selina.
"Mandy, do you know where Selina is taking me today?" Alicia asked, her curiosity piqued.
Mandy hesitated slightly before responding, "I'm not entirely sure, Your Highness, but I heard it's a surprise. Princess Selina has been planning this trip for weeks."
Alicia's interest was thoroughly piqued. She couldn't wait to discover what Selina had planned. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, she rose from her seat, ready to embark on their adventure. "Thank you, Mandy," she said, smiling at her loyal maiden. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Mandy curtsied. "It's my pleasure, Your Highness. Have a wonderful trip!"
Alicia made her way to the royal carriage, where Selina was waiting. Their parents, the King and Queen, were already there, bidding them farewell and safe travels. Alicia was touched by their presence despite their busy schedules.
As the carriage departed, Alicia turned to Selina and asked, "So, sister, where are we off to today?"
Selina smiled mischievously. "Ah, my dear Alicia, it's a surprise. But I promise you, it will be an adventure you'll never forget!"
As they journeyed on, the scenery outside their window changed from rolling hills to dense forests, and finally, to a rugged coastline. Alicia couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. What did Selina have planned for them?
After a few hours of riding, Selina suddenly pointed to a small cove below. "Look, Alicia! Our destination!"
Alicia's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking view. A secluded beach, surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, lay before them. A small boat, adorned with colorful sails, bobbed gently in the waves.
"Where are we?" Alicia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Welcome to the Isle of Wonders," Selina said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Our adventure begins now!"
Alicia's eyes shone with a sense of awe as she turned to Selina. "What secrets earn this place its enchanting name - the Isle of Wonder?" she asked, her brow rising in a gentle curve of curiosity.
Selina gazed at Alicia with the sweetest smile. "That's a great question," she replied, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I don't want to spoil the surprises that lie ahead, so I'll let you discover them on your own. For now, let's just say that this place is called the Isle of Wonders, and you'll soon find out why."
With that, the carriage came to a stop, leaving Alicia silent with anticipation. The coachman climbed down, opened the door, and Selina jumped out, beckoning Alicia to follow. "Shall we?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Alicia's curiosity was piqued. What lay ahead, she had no idea, but she was still ready to find out.
"This is where I call home," Selina said, leading Alicia through the winding path. "It's where I find peace and comfort."
Alicia's eyes widened as she took in the serene surroundings. "It's beautiful, Selina. I can see why you'd find peace here. It's like a hidden paradise."
As they walked, the sound of soft chirping and gentle rustling of leaves filled the air. The path was lined with vibrant wildflowers, and the scent of honeysuckle and lavender wafted through the air, calming Alicia's senses. She felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her, reminded of the mysterious places she had encountered on her way to the cliff, where she had met Lucian.
Selina smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm so glad I brought you to my home, sis. I've always wanted to share this special place with someone I trust, someone who appreciates nature like I do. Here, I can be myself and connect with the natural world."
Alicia smiled back, feeling grateful for the experience. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Selina. It's truly magical."
They continue strolling, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. It was a moment of perfect tranquility, a chance for them to reconnect and create new memories together.
They rounded the bend, till they reached the stunning waterfall that cascaded down a rocky cliff, creating a misty veil that surrounded them in mystery. The sound of the water was like music, soothing and calming. Alicia's eyes widened in awe, and she barely whispered, "Wow, Selina, this is breathtaking!"
Selina nodded, her smile growing wider. "I know, right? It's my favorite spot here. I come here to think, reflect, and recharge."
She turned to Alicia, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Would you love to go for a swim later today?"
Alicia's face lit up, and she replied, "I would love to!"
Selina grinned mischievously. "Great! I'll show you the secret swimming spot. It's a little hidden, but the water is crystal clear and refreshing."
Alicia's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Sounds perfect!"
They stood there for a while, taking in the beauty of the waterfall, Alicia felt a sense of connection to nature and to her sister. It was as if the misty veil had washed away all their worries, leaving them with a sense of peace and tranquility.
Alicia approached the waterfall, feeling the mist on her skin, and gazed up at the cascading water. She closed her eyes, letting the tranquility of the place wash over her. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Selina," Alicia said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I feel like I've found a piece of myself here."
Selina nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's what I felt when I discovered it first, but this is just the beginning, little sis. There's more I need to show you." She said, her voice hinting at secrets and wonders yet to be revealed.
Alicia's curiosity was piqued. "More? What do you mean, Selina?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
Selina smiled mischievously. "Follow me, and you'll see," she said, leading Alicia behind the waterfall.
The sound of the water grew louder, and the air grew mistier. Alicia felt a thrill of excitement and a hint of trepidation. What could Selina possibly want to show her?
Suddenly, they emerged into a hidden cavern, lit by a soft, ethereal glow. Alicia gasped in amazement. The cavern was filled with glittering crystals, shimmering pools of water, and strange, glowing plants.
"Welcome to the Heart of the Sanctuary," Selina said, her voice full of reverence. "Here, magic is alive, and wonder waits around every corner."
Alicia's eyes widened as she explored the cavern, marveling at the wonders around her. She had never seen anything like this before.
"Selina, this is incredible!" she exclaimed. "What secrets does this place hold?"
Selina smiled, her eyes sparkling with enchantment. "Ah, little sis, that's for me to show you."
Alicia looked at her curiously, her mind foggy from the mesmerizing glow and sparkle of the place. "How what?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder. She gazed at Selina with an apologetic look, realizing she wasn't asking her questions clearly. "I meant, how does this place exist?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Selina grinned. "Ah, my curious little sister, this place exists because of the ancient magic that runs through the land. It's a confluence of mystical energies, a nexus of wonder and enchantment."