Chatoyant

Chapter 6

After about an hour and a half, Queen Astoria joins us on the train as it sets off for Aurora. I didn't see Athena get on. She must have chosen a different kingdom. I look over. The queen is having a lively conversation with some of the others on the train. It's as if her position doesn't matter to her. My eyes wander to the necklace hanging around my neck. My hand gently clasps the smooth, somewhat translucent blue stone. I exhale. I don't know if I made the right choice. I went with my gut, but maybe I shouldn't have. I left Octavia and Apollo. Tears start to well up in my eyes. I blink away my tears and take a deep breath. I chose Aurora for a reason. It's not like I'll never see them again. I'll be fine. This is where I chose to belong, so I should act like it.

I look out the window as the world passes by. The lights of the districts are a beautiful sight. I can see a station up ahead. I can feel the train slowing down a little. That station can't be it. It doesn't make sense. I feel a small jerk to my right. The train is veering away from that station. We've switched tracks. The train passes through a tunnel, illuminated by various luminous purple crystals. In the distance, I can see a massive castle. The Aurora castle.

The train slows as it pulls into its destination. The castle has its own station. The queen gets off first, and everyone else follows suit. I wait a moment before getting off. I'm too tired to fight my way through a crowd of people. When I do finally get off, I'm amazed by the castle's high ceilings, marble floor, and white stone archways. "Everyone, follow me," says Queen Astoria. We go up a flight of stairs and down a hallway. At the center, stood a massive window, overlooking the kingdom. In the middle of the hallway, there were two ladies, each looking a little older than the queen. Queen Astoria speaks. "This is August," She motions to the girl with red, wavy hair. "She will lead the boys to their rooms for tonight," she says. "And this is Esmerelda," She motions to the slightly younger-looking one with straighter red hair. "She'll lead the girls to their rooms." August and Esmerelda start getting their groups together. "You will choose your role in society tomorrow."

The girls are led down the right side of the hallway. They each are assigned a room as we pass each door. At the end of the hall, we take a turn left and continue. I'm at the back of the group, so I ended up getting a room about ¾ of the way down this second hallway. I open the door.

My jaw drops. I should honestly get used to this kind of amazement. The room was medium-sized with a high ceiling. Hanging string lights gave the room a soft homey glow. There was a massive bed with a pale, rose-colored quilt. I jump back, and sprawl myself out of the soft bed. I just try to relax. About 10 minutes later, I hear a knock at the door. I open it to find Esmerelda. She hands me a box that was tied with a bow. "Thank you," I say. She nods and walks away.

I place the box at the end of my bed, and gently tug at the bow. It comes undone. I open the box to find a small stuck of clothing. It consisted of a pair of pajamas, basic undergarments, and a dress, which I'd assume would be for tomorrow. I change into the pajamas. They were a simple grey top and shorts. They were amazingly soft and comfy. I look at the small clock that sits upon the nightstand. It's 27:49. There are 28 Earth hours in a day here, so no wonder I'm tired. I go into the connecting bathroom to find a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a variety of other toiletries awaiting me. I brush my teeth and wash my face before going to bed. I still wonder if I made the right choice.