13th, on the last month of the year was the day when I was born. It is said that I was the white rose that bloomed in the midst of winter's bitter frost. Our people rejoiced and feasted— they say, as myths and ballads were birthed along me. Once I was taken to the tower of the northern dukedom for prophecies, the prophet was said to be delighted for I would one day bring prosperity to the kingdom. These were the stories that were embedded on me since I was a child, but the truth is contrary to what really happened.

My mother died shortly after I got out of her womb; her ladies in waiting mourned but it wouldn't have been that devastating if I was born a son. And so my father was disappointed, but there was no need for that. He already has one. Even so, I lived in a harmonious life in the dukedom with my family, and that continued until I blew my 12th birthday candle.

If I remember correctly, my father hosted a party for me. The decorations were simple and prim, enough for a twelve year old girl to be happy, but there were not as many guests as there were last year. Word got out that my family had a conflict with the king although they never really disclosed as to why and however it happen. I was too naive back then, I didn't really care. People saw me as a fat and spoiled and ugly kid, all I cared about was making the maids and other ladies jealous of me and showing off how lucky I am to be a part of this elite family.

Everything was going smoothly that night, and if there were any weirdness, I ignored it. Instead while the music played, I stepped up to the dance floor and show them the moves I learned during my dance lessons. I circled and twirled, moving my body to the beat of the music. Happiness hit me when I saw my family cheering for me, a while later people started to join. The lifeless party finally came alive. This was that kind of moment I would've remembered and kept in a diary.

But instead, while the glasses clanged and the party's at its peak, a door was slammed open by an agitated knight with blood stains painted on his face. His eyes were hollow and shaky as he opened his mouth, "Run, the king.." he  mumbled. At first I didn't understand, but as the minute passed people came to realize.

I looked back to see their faces, wide opened eyes, shivering hands, then a loud shattering glass. I looked at the knight again, for one last time his mouth opened, "RUN!" a blaring shout echoed throughout the halls. A catastrophe as they call it. For a moment it didn't matter whether you're a lowly maid or an aristocrat, everyone rattled on to the nearest gate. I was pushed aside by the panicking nobles and got my legs stepped on numerous times, luckily aunt Esabella grabbed me just in time. She yelled something to me, but I couldn't hear her through the noise.

The knight who was still standing in the door locked eyes with me before a spear plunged through his opened mouth from the back of his head. I screamed at the sight. Soon, an army of soldiers came from every hall. Aunt Esabella dragged me to my father's bed chamber, I was looking at every corner, searching for my family but they were nowhere near my sight.

Despite the struggle, we made it inside, leaving the bloodbath that was after us. She locked the doors and kneeled before me— my hands were shivering and I felt the panick creeping in me.

"A-aunt Esabella, w-what was that? W-what is happening?" Teardrops fell lightly from my eyes, she frowned at me. "Edin! Get a grip, this is reality." I was dazed at the moment, I couldn't take a look at her eyes. "Look at me! You will do as I say, no matter what you must survive at all costs! You hear me?!" She dragged me again and tossed me inside a small cabinet, "Edin.. no matter what you hear nor see, never get out of this cabinet. Don't make a noise either, huh? Please... you at least must survive." Maybe it was because of the light of the moon, or my blur vision that I saw tears trickling in her eyes— an unfamiliar sight from my stone-hearted Aunt.

"I'll be back, huh? So wait for me." She smiled at me one last time before she closed the tiny door that was between us. The cabinet was old enough to have a tiny crack and through it, I watched her leave.

My body did not fit well and it was uncomfortable, once again I regretted being fat. The wounds from earlier just added to my pain, but it was nothing from what I witnessed. The thoughts of my friends even the maids I once bullied die a horrific death burden me. But at least Ruby is not here, I thought. She is special to me, my one true friend. To be blunt, I'm relieved her friend died so that she won't get to be here.

"Ruby..." I whispered. A part of me yearns for the warmth of a friend in this cold, dark night.