All Darkness Dies in Light

We Must Pass Through Darkness to Reach the Light

         I wasn't prepared for the special treatment that came with being royalty. The next morning while Tayla was still asleep, I treated myself to a long hot bath. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The water wasn't cold like it was at home and I had too many options. I was used to just a bar of soap. Here I had oils to make the water smell floral, products for my hair. My golden blonde curls were fluffy and shimmering after I scrubbed them with honey soap. My skin was glowing and smelled of honeysuckle. Everything about the bath was pure bliss .I didn't want to leave. I could have drowned there and I would have died content.

The clothing waiting for me was lovely. A brown dress with long sleeves and a leather belt awaited me. It was so soft against my skin. A headband woven with autumn flowers was a beautiful touch. I let my hair hang freely, enjoying the way it fell down my shoulders. I had never felt as good before. It was everything I could have dreamed of and more. I didn't know this kind of lifestyle existed.

Greyson and Caspian got their first challenge that morning. I didn't bother going to hear what it was. I was sure I would find out in a few days when I would be forced to attend.

I did Tayla's hair for her that morning. I ran a brush through the locks, ridding it of its tangles. I took two strands and wove them together, creating a half up half down braid that kept the hair out of her eyes.

I showed her how it looked in a delicate silver handheld mirror. "You're beautiful." I murmured, stealing a kiss against her crown.

"Kenna," she said, "are you a princess?"

I laughed at the absurdity of her question. "Me? Of course not. How many princesses do you know that wait tables?"

Tayla frowned, her little face very serious. "But if Greyson is a prince-"

"Tayla," I interrupted it. "Its different. You and I are very different from Greyson and Jemma."

"Because we're bastards."

I hated hearing that word from her mouth. I knew she didn't understand the meaning of it. She was only repeating Enna's words. Damn her.

"Yes," I agreed.

"Kenna," she said, unaffected by the admission. "When are we going home?"

Now that was a difficult question to answer.

"I don't know," I admitted. I had no idea what would happen after the contest was over.

"I miss my mommy."

I rested my cheek against hers as I held her in my lap. "I miss her too."

"Will we see her soon?" Tayla asked me innocently. "Is she coming to the castle?"

"I wish," I murmured. I wished Hanne was here instead. Tayla needed her mother and Hanne needed her daughter. They were all each other had. I remembered my own mother... She slept during the mornings and worked the afternoons. I rarely saw her. I barely knew her. But she always made sure supper was made and ready for me before she left for the night.

"Kenna," Tayla said, "when we leave, will you come with me?"

It took a minute but I registered what she was asking of me.

"Oh sweet girl," I murmured.

"Please?" She begged, twisting around in my lap to face me. "Please, please come with me? Please, Kenna, pretty please?" She wrapped her tiny little arms around my neck in a fierce embrace. "I want you to come. Don't leave me."