·✧•· 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒓 · 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇 ·✧•·

· ⋄ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎 ⋄ · ﴾𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚﴿ ·

Esmeralda's fingertips grazed the jagged cobble walls as she navigates the dimly lit corridors.

She sought after the excited murmurs that emitted from the throne room.

Finally reaching the quarter's grand doors, the gentlest touch banished them from her path.

Standing in the opened doorway, the Princess saw her mother and father gradually tread in her direction. They did not acknowledge her presence, as they were far too thrilled by the theme of their conversation.

It had been ages since Esmeralda had seen them this triumphantly joyous, yet the news they spoke of was nothing worth celebrating.

"Isn't it wonderful, darling! I thought the day would never come! This may be our final chance to have Esmeralda wed at last!" The Queen cheered. Clinging to her husband's arm, she nestles her frame closer to his.

The King reflects his wife's beaming grin.

"We must not waste another moment! Let us seize this marvelous opportunity!" He hailed with powerful determination.

The monarchs rejoice sent their daughter's heart into a mortified tempo.

She could not believe what she was hearing, it just couldn't be true. All of her tireless schemes and attempts at thwarting her rise to the throne were merely stalling the inevitable.

The sensation of reality seeping through her denial was beyond words.

Opening her mouth to protest, nothing escaped her lips. Silence filled the void of her throat, it was like the girl had never spoken a word in her entire life. As if the air around her had vanished alongside her voice.

Struck with dread, the distraught royal did not notice her parents blur right past her.

They carried their discussion down the halls, she instantly gave chase.

No matter how fast the Princess ran, it was no match for The King and Queen's abnormal pace. It was as if each step she took forward sent her ten steps backward.

Attempting to call out to her mother and father, all that reached their range was the manic pattering of their daughter's desperate pursuit, and even then, to no avail.

Without warning, the halls around Esmeralda began to twist and contort.

In an instant, the King and Queen had vanished.

All that stood were the confining walls of a fortress, the Princess's tower.

One by one, the furnishings that made up her bedroom dematerialized before her very eyes; The elegant details that dressed the space, the bed, the vanity mirror, the chamber doors, and even the window sill were no more than a memory.

Esmeralda was all that inhabited the hollow carcass of her room.

Her pulse hammered in her ears as her heart nearly leaped from her chest.

'No-No! This can't be! This isn't real! This all has to be some horrible dream!'

She cried within, but every sensation felt so undeniably real. Racing towards the secret passageway, the royal spent nearly an eternity clawing at every brick and cobblestone that formed the room. Despite her aimless efforts, she failed to find the entrance.