The Fae Princess' Hidden Fate

2.

Abigail and I trudged through the forest at a breakneck pace, hoping to reach the palace sooner. My dress was a tattered mess, my hair was stuffed with twigs and leaves and my face was caked with dirt. But none of it mattered. My mind couldn't move away from the human boy who must now be lying quietly in our treehouse.

"I still think we should have left him," Abigail said grudgingly.

"And why would we have done that?" I asked.

"Because he might be dangerous," she retorted. "Who knows what he will do when he wakes up? And how will he react when he realizes he's no longer in the realm of humans? And worst of all, you left him in our treehouse."

"I think you're just overreacting, Abigail," I replied. "If you think about it, we might actually be doing a good thing."

"Helping strange mythical creatures is never a good thing," she said. "Remember what happened with the Banshee last summer?"

I shuddered at the memory, remembering the horrible wailing that rent the night air.

"Do humans wail in that piercing manner too?" I asked.

"Not that I'm aware of," she replied reluctantly.

"Then I'm sure it can't be that bad," I replied, hopping over a thick root. "As far as I can tell, he looks harmless and incapable of hurting anything."

"But perhaps we should have gagged him and tied him up?" she suggested as she swatted a tree branch with a huff.

"That would make us look cruel," I replied. "Honestly Abigail, you have nothing to worry about."

We finally reached the back gates, where Sir Philip and Sir Jeffries were standing guard. I was relieved to find that we'd returned before their shift was over, otherwise I would have had to explain what I was doing outside the Palace.

When Sir Philip saw my state of untidiness, his eyes nearly fell from their sockets.

"Y-your highness," he said, "w-what h-happened? Did someone attack you in the forest?"

"Nothing of that sort, Sir Philip," I said quickly. "We merely got lost and tumbled into some undergrowth."

"B-b-but your dress," he stammered, gesturing to the untidy garment. "It's torn. A-and your hair. Good heavens, just look at your face."

"A bit of soap should do the trick nicely," I said as we walked past. "Thank you for keeping an eye out."

He said nothing, too flabbergasted to do anything but nod solemnly. Sir Jeffries merely glanced sideways at me and grunted in disapproval.

Now, all I had to do was sneak into my bedroom. Luckily, that should be an easy task provided I didn't run into anyone who would recognize me. If we made it to the gardens near the East fountain, the vines which crept along the Palace walls reached right up to my window. From there, I could easily climb up and into my room before anyone could say 'snuck out'.

Unfortunately, making it to the garden turned out to be a greater chore than I had imagined. The preparations for my birthday ceremony were in full swing, and so the palace grounds were littered with people scurrying around, lugging several barrels or carrying baskets filled with meat and vegetables. Most of them were parading between the kitchen and the front gates, while a few servants were trimming the hedges along the walls. There was a hustle and bustle to everyone's movements, a great rumble of noise which made my ears pulse.

"Oh dear," Abigail said behind me. "How are we ever going to make it back now?"

"Just follow my lead," I said. "And act natural."

Holding our heads high, we began to walk casually towards to the garden. My eyes kept darting everywhere all at once, hoping to catch whoever might recognize me before they did.

"Hey you!" someone suddenly behind us, causing both Abigail and I to freeze in our tracks.

I cursed under my breath, praying it wasn't someone who knew my face. Abigail was practically shaking with fear behind me. But I steeled myself and turned around to see who it was.

He was a burly man with thick arms and a vicious mustache, with a dirty apron tied around his waist. No doubt he worked in the kitchen.

"Yes?" I said in a quiet voice, not wanting to draw too much attention to myself.

"Take these baskets up to the kitchen," he said. "Place them with the others."

Relief washed over me as we hurried towards the pile of baskets and grabbed one each.

"See?" I whispered to Abigail as we hurried past. "There's nothing to worry about."

"I hope you're right," she said. "If he'd taken a closer look at you, he might have recognized who you are. Then he'd be mortified for actually telling the princess to carry a basket of fruits."

"I don't mind," I said, laughing as we trudged up the stairs. Our path was clear all the way to the kitchen, and once we'd dropped the baskets, we darted out through the back door and up the stairs which led to the East wing.

All was well as I finally reached my door, ignoring the astonished looks on the guard's faces when we approached.

"Not a word about this," I said before stepping into the room. Abigail followed closely behind, keeping her eyes glued to the floor.

"See?" I said with a twirl of pure joy as she shut the door behind her. "We made it. And no one caught us."

"Is that so?" a dark voice suddenly said from behind the curtains. I jumped, while Abigail screamed in terror. The sound died in her throat however when her eyes settled on Mother.

Damn it!

Of all the people who could have caught me, I wouldn't have wanted Mother to be one of them. Her arms were folded in front of her as she glared at me, her eyes shifting agonizingly slowly from the tip of my head down to my toes. She frowned when she saw my torn dress and the twigs in my hair.

"Explain," she said simply.

And suddenly, words failed me.

"W-w-we were just," I stammered, unable to string together a coherent sentence. I always felt like that when Mother did 'the look'.

"You were just what?" she asked icily. "Taking a stroll through the forest, were you not?"

"N-no," I said quickly. "We just..."

"Just what?"

I stared down at my feet, caught in the web of my own lies. There was nothing I could possibly say that would change Mother's mind.

"I'm sorry," I said instead. "I shouldn't have gone into the forest."

"Your Majesty, it was entirely Layla's idea," Abigail said behind me, the treacherous chit. "I tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen to me. She..."

"That's enough, Abigail," Mother said. "You may go and freshen up. The ceremony is about to start."

Merciful for the chance to escape, Abigail fled from the room at a blinding speed, leaving me at the receiving end of Mother's disapproving look.

"Layla," she said calmly, her shoulders rising and falling slowly, "why did you sneak out? Is this how the future ruler of Nibiru is supposed to behave?"

"It won't happen again, Mother," I said quickly, a hot, prickling feeling of shame descending all over me. "I just wanted to see what it's like. I've been locked in here for too long."

"Sit." Mother walked towards the mirror and stood behind the chair in front of it, gesturing to the chair. With my head still bowed, I walked towards the chair and sank into it, cringing as I noticed just how dirty I was. Surely the chair would be stained too.

Mother gathered my hair in a bunch, pulling the twigs from it. Her eyes stayed on me -my reflection rather- in the mirror.

"The reason your father and I don't want you to stray too far from the palace is because we want to protect you," she said. "How can we do that if you keep disappearing from us? Were you not at all concerned for your own safety?"

"I'm sorry," I repeated, truly meaning it this time.

"You should be ready in an hour or so," she said. "The halls have already been decorated and the food is almost done. The guests are already arriving, and I would hate for them to see you in your state of untidiness. Honestly, you look like you belong in a pigsty."

She squeezed my shoulders then before heading for the door.

"Layla?" she said before leaving.

"Yes?"

"Happy birthday once again," she said.

I grinned widely at her. "You still haven't given me my present."

"Your father and I have arranged for it already," she said. "You'll get it at the ceremony."

She then turned to leave, but paused and looked back. “She then turned to leave, but paused for a moment and turned back to look at me. "Least I forget, Lord Stanford had been invited. And so were his family."

"Mother!" I groaned, my hands squeezed into fists.

Mother gave a half shrug, the corner of her mouth quirked up, and so did her eyes crinkle. "What? It's not like we can invite every noble family in the kingdom and exclude them," she replied sweetly.

"Do you really have to invite the family? I mean, why? You know very well how Cassia and I are with each other, Mother. Was it really necessary to have..."

"It's your birthday. Your twentieth birthday. This should be your time of healing, not holding onto the past. Now, hold your head high up and smile. Do not let her win this time around. I'll send the maid to help you get ready."

Then she turned and left, closing the door behind her softly. It was one thing to look forward to my birthday because I would be seeing my friends. However, right now, it was another thing to realise that the person I hate the most was going to be in attendance.

I turned my attention back to the room after staring at myself in the mirror and scoffing at my large squinting brown eyes. The four-poster bed is massive, layered with heavy down blankets and satin sheets. Everything is pink and white, with tiny flowers stitched everywhere, small jewels forming petals along the edge of the coverlet.

For a different girl, the best part of this bedroom would be the closet. It's large enough to be a bedroom on its own, with hundreds of dresses stretching from wall to wall. Silk, taffeta, and lace crowd for space, fabrics in every color of the rainbow. At the back of the closet, beneath a small window, sits a dresser with five drawers.

I have lots of jewelry. Diamonds and sapphires and emeralds sparkle in the sunlight, each piece nestled on a little satin pillow. Earrings. Bracelets. Necklaces. Rings. Every style, from large and gaudy to simple and delicate. However, none of these are what I truly need. I yearn for an adventure. Something new. Something other than just being a princess.

My thoughts returned to the treehouse once again, where the human boy was still passed out. Would he come around and wonder where he was? Or was he aware of when Abigail and I helped to get him there?

He'd looked so innocent. And so vulnerable. How could someone like that possibly be dangerous? If it were up to me, he seemed more of a danger to himself than anyone else.

Still, he should rest. I would go to the treehouse again tomorrow and see how he was faring.

Tonight, I had to turn my attention to the celebrations downstairs.

**

The blue ocean gown I wore was particularly extravagant to my liking. However, I like the fact that it was lace upon silk, the dress is cosy to my body, its touch both light and soothing. It had a high rounded neck, with touches of gold on it. It has a low cut off shoulder with a low décolletage, exposed arms, and long bouffant styled skirts. The color suited my dark skin, bringing out more of its glow.

However, my arms weren't bare as I wore a glove. On my dark, long, shiny hair, stood a silver colored tiara with two sculptured squirrels standing in the middle. Mother has gushed over me as soon as I stepped out, and so did most of the guest present.

Mother introduced me to so many people that by the time we'd gone round the hall completely, I couldn't differentiate anyone from anyone. Most of their names had slipped out of my minds as soon as they were said. Only a Sir Jaime's name remained in my head, and only because he had done a funny little boy when mother introduced him to me.

"Are you having fun?" Mother whispered into my ear as we passed someone who was either a Lord Jason or Lord Robert. Whoever he was, I remembered Mother saying he was a warlock who'd travelled from Dayne.

"It's wonderful," I said. "Thank you so much."

"You deserve the best, Layla," she said. "You're finally becoming the woman you were always destined to be."

I smiled at her while my eyes darted towards the eclairs laid out on the table to the right, just in front of the second table which was overflowing with gifts. The Prime Minister's gift -a beautiful white mare- had been taken to the stables already. I had decided to name her Silver.

"Happy Birthday, Your Highness." I need no miracle to know who the gravely and gruffy voice belonged to. Antonio. The prime Minister’s only son.

I faked a smile on my face, and nodded towards Abigail, who had been standing just a few inches beside me. I do not want to confront this man alone.

"Why, Thank you, My Lord," I've been told I'm a wonderful actor by Abigail. "It is so nice of you to grace this occasion. I hope you're having a wonderful time." My smile was still fixed on my face, and like the good actor I am, I don't think there's anything that'll make me loose it until I've left his presence.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," he bowed a little towards mother, and she had a dazzling smile on her face.

"Thank you, Antonio. How is your mother? I had hoped she would be here."

"She wanted to, but something came up."

"That's sad. I'll send her a note later." Now, I'll leave you two for a while and go get a drink." And she quickly scruied off.

Sometimes, I wish there was something I could do to piss mother off as much as she pisses me off. But other than my little adventure in the forest, nothing I do makes more angry.

"So, how does it feel to be twenty?" We had moved from the large sculpture we had been standing, and were now walking slowly around the room.

"Great? I don't know. I just turned twenty today."

He laughed. A loud deep timber filled laughter. "Of course. That was a stupid question on my part. I just wanted to strike a conversation with you. Plus, you look so beautiful tonight."

"With a little kid?" I couldn't stop myself from saying that, nor the harshness from my voice. "I suppose your taste had dropped drastically now that you wish to start a conversation with a kid. Oh, and thanks for the compliment, even though I had always looked good." I added, not bothered by the shocked expression on Abigail's face. Perks of not having Madam Mitchell around.

"That was in the past, Layla. Three years ago to be precise." He chided, coming to a stop.

"Ah, I see." Was my short reply. I had nothing to say. And even If I do, I do not wish to. Instead of staying back, I continued to walk.

"Oh come on, Layla. I just wanted you to be old enough to understand what your feelings were..."

"I did already. And I do not like you anymore, Antonio. Now, if you'd please excuse me."

"How about a ride in the forest early tomorrow morning? Just you and I? I found a spot I'm sure no one did. We could have a little alone time there."

That made me stop. Nothing was more tempting than an offer of going on an adventure. Absolutely nothing! But then, one that involves Antonio wasn't something I'm looking forward to.

"That would great, My Lord. However, I have pending business to attend to, so, I suggest you go on that ride with Lady Cassia Stanford..."

"Did I just hear my name being called by the Princess. Perhaps, it was the right thing to do by accepting the invite." A penetrating voice spoke behind me.

Yet again, I wish there was something I could do to make mother as miserable as she had made me tonight.

"Happy Birthday, Your Highness," the woman curtsied, then looked up with a cynical smile curving around her lips.

I fisted my long dress tightly, then forced a smile. "Thank you, Cassia. Hope you're having a wonderful time?"

"Not really. A party like this is meant for young girls like you. I'm twenty two, and independent. I rather spend my time sparing with the soldiers than waste it on something like this," she paused for a moment, looking to see how her words had impacted me. They did make an impact, but I was not about to let her see that. "However, who am I to decline an invite to her Highness's birthday when she personally sent an invite?"

The gods be my witness, I'm going to make mother pay!

"Ahh, that was very sweet of you. If you'd excuse me though, I have other things to attend to. Have a nice evening, My Lady."

"Your Highness..." Antonio began, but I quickly cut him off.

"Have a nice evening, My Lord." And I left.

Now that I look back, I chastised myself for ever thinking I liked a man like him. It was worse that I had even told him that. And very much worse that he turned me down right before Cassia. To be precise, he chose her over me. Cassia, the girl with every opportunity to have the adventure I had been denied.

Soon, I caught up with Mother and we continued our little chat.

"I remember my coming of age party like it was yesterday...," she began, but was suddenly interrupted when the guards threw the door open and Father walked into the hall.

Dressed in flowing robes of emerald, his dark skin a beautiful shade against the robe. Father's presence practically filled the hall. He beamed at everyone, and wherever his eyes shifted, silence fell immediately. The crown, which rested so mightily on his head drew everyone's attention, a symbol of his power.

Despite the numerous people in the hall, his eyes found me and he smiled.

Instead of him walking over to his designated seat, he stopped before me. Took both of my hands in his and gave them a light squeeze before kissing my forehead. "Happy Birthday, My Love."

"Thank you, Father. I've been waiting for you so I can finally get my gift."

"Oh, do not worry. I have just the right gift for you." He smiled, turned around and raised his hands towards the audience that had bowed their head, then he cleared his throat and they all looked up. Then, he turned back his attention to me, raising his voice as he spoke.

"My sweet daughter," he said, his voice carrying across the crowd, "today, you become a woman. As of today, you are no longer the child I used to carry within these very walls. I remember the day you came into this world, and ever since then you've filled my heart with nothing but joy and laughter. I wish to give you this same gift, if there was a way to do so in actuality. But all I can give you is a chance experience this happiness of your own. All I can give you is the promise of a wonderful and glorious future."

As he spoke, a strange man whom I'd never seen walked up from behind him, stopping just a few feet away from him.

"Layla," Father continued, "as of today, I would like to formally declare your engagement to Prince Blaze of Cornia."

And while the thunderous applause broke all around me, I had the strangest feeling that I was falling into a dark hole with no bottom.