The Girl With the Dandelion Ring

Chapter 13: I Meet An Angel

Chapter 13: I Meet An Angel

My eyes dance over the palace grounds as they try to take in everything at once. Even though I still cannot see the color of this world except for colors on the fae - for some reason they stand out - the structure contrasts beautifully against the sky's white backdrop. Its dark walls stand tall around it, securing it from outside threats, the plants even stop a few feet from its base, seemingly respecting its presence.

I take in a shaky breath as I am escorted inside the arching gates. Gardens line the pathway aside the large road leading into the palace. Flowers of all kind bloom, filling the air with sweet scents even though in my realm it is only winter. I hear a throat clear ahead of me and see Caleb passing me a worried glance. I give him a slight smile in return, letting my eyes travel past him.

My smile slips off of my face as I see at least half a dozen guards approach. Their bodies range from half reptilian, half bird creatures to wolflike humans. Their uniforms, all the same shade of grey, vary in size and shape according to their owner's bodies, but they all hold meanencing spears. I gulp as my escorts halt in front of the guards.

We face off in an awkward silence; I wait for the guards to do something, but they just stand there, staring at us. Luther catches my gaze, jerking his chin toward the guards and rolling his eyes. A chuckle slips out of my mouth, breaking the silence as every pair of eyes flick to me. I take a deep, steady breath and walk forward, away from my escorts and into the cold embrace of the Regina's guards.

They surround me, trapping me from any escape as they march forward into the palace. While the outside of the palace had been steel, iron, and brick, the inside is marble, metals and jewels decorating every corner. I try to see more, but I'm whisked through hallways, around corners, down and up stairs so quickly that it's all I can do not to trip over my white sandals.

I manage to glance back and between a black owl's feathers I see an empty corridor. I'm truly alone now, I think. That's fine, I didn't need them anyways. I can't allow myself to trust anyone here, especially not the Regina's special little pet.

I clench my hands into fists as we stop in front of two grand doors. A large golden tree locks the doors together, its branches weaving together and apart. I stare in wonder at it's color; after seeing my surroundings in different shades of grey for so long it presented a pleasing change. Silver leaves hang from the many branches, reflecting the waning sunlight that trickles in through the high windows. I'm left wondering how I can see its color, but there's no one to ask.

I square my shoulders as the branches unweave, the trunk of the tree splitting down the middle and opening, revealing a massive room. The guards back away to either side of me, allowing me to enter by myself. I stick out my chin, holding my head high as I try to steady my shaking legs. I pass through the barrier of the doors into the throne room, the guards quietly slipping in after me.

My eyes scan the room, taking in the long, soft rug leading up to a large throne that seems to take up half of the room. The arms and back of the chair branch straight up and out, mimicking the design on the doors.

What's with all the trees in this place? I think while walking closer to the throne. Are they trying to live in a forest? Because if so, they should know that there's one just a short train ride away.

I smirk at my thoughts, but a slight shout makes it slide right off of my face. My eyes dart toward the sound, someone had called out my name.

I see him, seated next to the throne. His green eyes stare into mine, wide as his mouth silently forms my name again. My shoulders relax, my breath hitching in my throat. He's alright, I think.