Evelyn
Sitting alone in my room, I gaze out at the moon, wondering what lies beyond this world. My father and brother have warned me that the outside world is treacherous, but I'm drawn to its mystery. A maid named Aiya once told me about the world's beauty, but my family's caution has left me uncertain.
As the "Ivanov Bride," I've been taught to revere Prince Ivanov, my destined partner. Yet, I've never seen him, and my questions about him remain unanswered. My brother claims this palace is my world, and Prince Ivanov's palace will be my other half. I long to experience love like I've read about in novels.
Evelyn slept peacefully in her room until she felt a gentle hand brushing her hair. She stirred, hearing a soft giggle. Opening her eyes, she saw her father, Mr. Smith, and instantly sat up, hugging him tightly. Her gaze shifted to her brother, and she hugged him warmly as well. Both her father and brother chuckled.
Mr. Smith: "Oh, my princess missed us, didn't you?"
Evelyn: "Yes, Father, I did. Brother, I missed you too."
Brother: "Princess, I missed you too. Happy birthday! Tell me, what do you want for your birthday?"
Evelyn: "Brother, will you really give me whatever I want?"
Brother: "Of course, Princess. Just demand it."
Mr. Smith: "Does our princess have a wish list? Tell us, and we'll fulfill all your wishes."
Evelyn had never asked for anything beyond princess clothes, Barbie dolls, and novels. Her life had been sheltered.
Evelyn: "Brother, Father, promise me you'll give me whatever I want."
Brother: "I promise, Princess. Just demand it."
Mr. Smith: "Yes, Princess, tell us what you want."
Evelyn's eyes sparkled as she pointed toward the window.
Evelyn: "I want to know what's out there. What's on the other side of the world, Father? I want to go there."
Mr. Smith's expression turned grave.
Mr. Smith: "P-princess, there's nothing but monsters out there. I've told you before. Why are you asking again?"
Evelyn's determination grew.
Evelyn: "But Father, Aiya comes from that side of the world. Why hasn't she met any monsters? Father, Brother, just once, I want to go there, please."
Brother: "Who told you Aiya comes from there?"
Evelyn: "Aiya told me. And she laughed when I said monsters lived there. She said there are no monsters."
Mr. Smith's voice turned stern.
Mr. Smith: "Princess, do you believe the maid more than your father?"
Evelyn's gaze fell, but her voice remained firm.
Evelyn: "But Father, you and Brother never come to visit me. Only Aiya stays with me."
Brother: "Princess, if Aiya told you monsters live there, would you believe her?"
Evelyn nodded.
Brother: "Okay, I'll bring Aiya in a few hours. She'll tell you the truth."
Evelyn looked at her brother, then nodded. Her brother left, and she went to freshen up. Her father sat in the hall, where a birthday cake was already arranged. Only 20-30 maids and bodyguards attended the celebration.
Hours passed, and Evelyn's brother returned with Aiya. Evelyn rushed to Aiya, but her smile faltered as she saw Aiya's pale face, bruised and tear-stained.
Evelyn: "Aiya, you finally came. Now tell me, there are no monsters, right?"
Aiya's voice trembled.
Aiya: "Evelyn, there are many monsters... even in this place. Maybe they're around you, but you can't see them."
My education has focused on Prince Ivanov, but I've heard conflicting rumors about his character. My father assures me he's my safe haven, while others whisper that he's a formidable force. I yearn to explore the world beyond this palace, to discover its beauty and secrets.
In novels, I've read about mothers and friends, but my life has been isolated. Aiya told me my mother is in heaven, a place she described as breathtakingly beautiful. I wish to visit heaven one day.
I've seen my brother holding a colorful, rectangular object, and I've watched him communicate with it. When I tried to touch it, my father scolded me, warning that it would put me in danger. Yet, my brother uses it freely.
As my 17th birthday approaches, I'm reminded that I'll marry Prince Ivanov when I turn 18. Tomorrow, I'll celebrate with cake and reunite with my brother and father, who rarely visit me in the west palace. They reside in the east palace, leaving me with only maids for company.
Tomorrow, I'll see them, and perhaps, someday, Prince Ivanov will arrive, revealing the secrets I've longed to uncover.
Being in your cage was not my decision.... making me caged was your addiction...