The World Cannot Know

Chapter 3

(Edited)

Matthew Wild

As I lay in bed, watching the sun rise, as a new, quite gloomy day begins, my thoughts wonder to the conversation yesterday with the prince. What I do know, is that he seems like a genuine man, who somehow, I'm seeming to trust. Everything about him seems honest and authentic. If I was talking to my past self, he would say 'I'm trusting him too easily', and 'I don't really know the prince too well'. A part of me wants to listen to that side, but another wants the opposed.

Today we have 2 other families who have arrived at the castle. Lord and Lady of Winchester and their daughter Elizabeth and the Earl and Countess of William and their daughter Alice. I myself have never met these people, nor do I want to put effort into getting to know them. But I know I can't get what I wish for. Today a small dinner is being held with the families, a way to get to know each other and take a judge out of each person's character. This dinner will surely not be pleasant, after all, all families are competing against each other, the prize which is the title of Princess and one day Queen.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, I was out of my room. The dinner does not start until 7 in the evening, so there's ample enough time to go exploring on my own. There's something surreal being on your own, in a new place. It's just yourself, your mind and the unknown world to explore. I don't have many talents, but I am passionately curious.

The castle grounds are phenomenal. It was impossible for anyone to find their way around from how confusing all the pathways where. Just outside, stood bounteous of trees all swaying in the wind, almost like it was waving with hundreds of tiny hands. Off I walked further out and entered the private gardens. The weather suddenly darkened, with clouds forming together and drops of rain began to fall. But hey, rain makes the flowers grow, so I continued my adventure. Gardens are always a shad brighter in the rain. It was as if the gift of the skies wasn't water, but liquid magic, washing our world to show what was there all along, nature in our humble brilliance. The buttercups became gold, the grass the shade of every dreamer's meadow, roots quenches, soil renewed.

I was becoming drenched now, but oh, it felt great. Guess this is what life should feel like.

"What exactly are you doing?"

Startled, I turned to see the prince, also as equally drenched looking directly at me.

"You frightened me!" I said, putting a hand over my chest.

"Sorry" He replied with a daring smirk across his face. "Why are you out here in the rain?"

"Why are you out here in the rain?" I retorted back.

"To see what you are doing here" I waited before I could respond to his statement, but the prince beat me to it. "Plus, I've just finished my daily dose of exercise"

"Well, I've come to explore the grounds" I said, once again taking in the breath-taking surroundings.

The prince looked me up and down "In the rain?" he answered.

"Yes, rain doesn't hurt, you know" I turned to look behind me, through the entrance of the gate to see a group of maids, all with sliver trays above their heads and running in doors.

"Come inside, I'll show you something incredible" The prince said, also following my gaze. "But before that, let's play a game". He held a casual smile on his face.

...

After a quick change of clothing again, the Prince and I made our way to the drawing room.

The room itself was grand, huge windows faced the front of the castle, looking out towards the courtyard. A sofa and two armchairs sat all perfectly neat and next to each other. In the middle an ostentatious fireplace warmed up the room.