My Darling Goddess

Chapter 1, 'Alice'

            The wind slowly shakes the trees and the birds cheerfully sing, the rippling in the pond and the sweet smell of the roses.

"It's such a perfect day," I quietly whispered to myself. Even though it's a calm peaceful day I'm not allowed to leave this garden, I live at the church, the priests and priestesses tell me it's because I'm an orphan but I feel it's something more.

I had always wished to leave the temple but one day while I was out on a walk in the garden I witnessed something, though I can't remember what it was. I do remember the unimaginable pain and blood gushing out of my eyes, thankfully whatever happened didn't leave a scar and didn't take my vision completely.

I always used to  wonder why they cared so much about me, I was always treated differently by everyone, I had originally thought it was because of my poor vision but deep down I knew it was something else. It wasn't until I had snuck out one night that I finally discovered the truth, the reason I was special. It was because I was a princess, and not just any princess, I was the only princess of the Aerowyn empire. One of the largest empires in the world, I began to wonder why I was sent to the church, why I was being raised as an orphan.

Confused and upset I went to speak to the pope, who was the head of the church, when I told him what I discovered he became.... upset, no it wasn't sadness, it was anger, complete rage.

I don't remember much after that except for the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. I later woke up in the infirmary feeling feeble and frail. I was told that the pope and I were attacked and he died. It didn't make sense though, what could kill the pope? And why don't I feel sad? Or should I be asking myself why I feel glad.
            
            All the priests and priestesses were odd towards me after the incident, but one of the oddest things they began doing was calling me, "goddess."  They secluded me from everyone and even moved me to a small temple in the middle of the forest.

I sat quietly on a bench listening and singing along to the delightful songs the birds sang, when a loud noise came from the other side of the hedges.
Curious, I called out, "Hello?" The noises abruptly stop as I see a hand reach out at me covering my mouth as it drags me away.