It was not long after the coronation day had ended when Rebel led Alicia to her throne. He gently assured her, "I'll see you later," his tone warm and promising. "For now, I'd like to go and greet my aunt and uncle."
Alicia nodded slightly, returning his smile, and watched as he turned and made his way toward her parents, who were engaged in conversation with Jake.
Alicia observed quietly, a melancholy smile ghosting across her lips as she watched Selina laughing and playing with the children. Her gaze drifted around the hall, taking in the others her parents embracing Rebel, who had just returned from his studies, and then Jake, who was mingling effortlessly, seeming to charm everyone he encountered. But just the sight of him made her stomach turn, and her chest felt tight with the overwhelming weight of everything she was holding in. She couldn't bear the thought of staying here, not tonight.
Yet, with Rebel here, she knew she couldn't ruin his mood or burden him with what she was feeling. So, Alicia remained still, simply watching as her mother hugged Rebel tightly, followed by her father's warm handshake. She could make out Jake introducing himself, able to read the words on their lips from across the room, even though every fiber in her wanted to look away.
Alicia couldn't bring herself to spoil the day for anyone, not even for her sister. She glanced over at Selina, who was in her element, surrounded by children from the village. They gathered eagerly around her, eyes wide with anticipation as she handed out little gifts.
"You all want to hear a story now?" Selina asked, her voice warm and inviting.
"Yes, Queen Mother Selina! And some chocolate too, please," the children chorused, their eyes wide with hopeful innocence.
Selina laughed softly. "Alright then, children! Find your seats, and I'll share a fairy tale about a real adventure that Princess Alicia and I experienced. And don't worry there's enough chocolate and toys for everyone!" With a smile, she signaled for the maids to distribute treats to the children.
"Yay!" The children cheered, their adorable voices ringing through the hall as they settled down, their excitement barely contained.
Alicia couldn't help but giggle at their eagerness, watching as the children tugged on Selina's dress, each wanting her attention. Before long, a few guests approached Alicia, and she graciously attended to them, offering warm welcomes. She even lent a hand to Selina, helping her keep the children entertained, which earned her a grateful smile from her sister.
After the crowd thinned, Alicia slipped away toward her room. She maintained a serene expression, masking the turmoil within. Yet the illusion she had glimpsed earlier haunted her, feeling far too vivid and real, like a memory she couldn't shake. The weight of it pressed down on her, making her feel as if she were suffocating.
Finally alone, she opened her door and stepped inside, leaning heavily against it as she shut it behind her. She took a shaky breath, letting herself unravel, trying to make sense of her thoughts. Why had Jake returned after all this time? The question gnawed at her, leaving her more unsettled than ever.
After freshening up, Alicia slipped into her soft white bunny pajamas, hoping the coolness would ease the tension knotted in her shoulders. She made her way to the bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion pulling her down like an anchor. Just as she lay back, a gentle thump beside her caught her attention. It was Snowflake, her little white bunny, who had jumped up onto the bed, her dark eyes filled with quiet understanding.
"You always know when something's wrong, don't you, Snowflake?" Alicia whispered, reaching out to run her fingers through the bunny's velvety fur. Stroking her provided a sense of comfort, a small distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind.
But as her hand continued its gentle rhythm, Alicia's fingers paused mid-stroke. A heaviness settled over her heart, and her gaze grew distant, unfocused. She took a deep, unsteady breath before speaking softly, almost to herself.
"This is it, Snowflake," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The last time everyone will see me."
"It's like I'm just beating around the bush too much," Alicia murmured, glancing down at Snowflake. The little bunny nestled into her lap, snuggling closer, which made Alicia's heart soften even more.
"Alright, I'll talk," she sighed, feeling as though Snowflake was her silent conscience. "I can't stand watching my world crumble because of someone who hides behind a mask of innocence, deceiving everyone with a fake smile." She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she prepared to voice the plan that had been forming in her mind.
"I've made up my mind, Snowflake. Tonight, we're leaving without anyone knowing. If they find out, they won't let me go." Her words hung heavy in the air, laden with a resolve she couldn't turn back from.
Snowflake's ears twitched, her eyes fixed intently on Alicia's face, as if she truly understood. The weight of her decision settled over Alicia like a cold shroud, filling her with both a sense of freedom and a pang of sorrow. She closed her eyes, feeling a single tear slip down her cheek. She brushed it away quickly, willing herself to stay composed.
This was the only way.
"You're coming with me," Alicia whispered softly, holding Snowflake closer to her chest. The bunny's warm, steady presence was her only comfort now. "We're leaving tonight. We're getting far away from all of this from Jake, from the lies, from the broken trust." Her voice wavered as she felt a tight ache in her throat, but she forced herself to push it down. She couldn't let her emotions hold her back now.
She turned toward the window, where moonlight spilled across the room in an eerie, pale glow. A cold breeze slipped through a small crack, brushing her skin like a whispered reminder of the freedom that lay beyond these walls. Holding Snowflake tightly, Alicia rose from her bed and moved toward the window, her gaze fixed on the vast night stretching beyond the castle walls.