Once Upon a Story [ SLOW UPDATES ]

Untold Secrets

Here began my obsession with the fantasy genre. I originally published this on my amino on October 10th, 2022. I've made a lot of changes (like A LOT).

Name(s) from the generator: Gareth
Original/Inspired name(s): Nyx (goddess of the night-Greek mythology), Katrina (random), Dawn (also random)

Prompt: Fantasy
Magic is forbidden by order of her father, the king, and punishable by death. How will she hide the fact that she can suddenly talk to animals?

Word count: 2020
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"Princess, it's time to wake up," a voice called from her window. A young man peered at the lump under the duvet lay still. He frowned, sliding inside the room.

"Nyx, I know you're awake."

"Go away, Dawn. I'm tired," she moaned.

"I have a gift," he sang, skipping to her side. The young woman rolled over, facing a single white daffodil.

"I got your favourite," he smiled. "Fresh from the woods, just how you like it."

"You always do the most." Stretching her arms above her head, she shuffled off the bedside. "Thank you, Dawn."

"Who else will bring a smile to that charming face if I don't?"

"I can name a few," she mused, giggling at his offended expression. "Maybe I should visit the woods..." She stopped short of ending her sentence, eyes trailing to the door. Someone was there. Dawn noticed and quietly jumped out the window as the door clicked open.

"Princess," a maid spoke softly. "You haven't sneaked your friend inside the castle again, have you?"

"No, Katrina, I was murmuring to myself again," the girl replied. "I can't seem to stop this terrible habit. I'm sorry."

Her maid didn't think much of it. Watching your mother's execution would be traumatic for anyone.

"Let's get you dressed. Your father is expecting you for breakfast."

"No, I've gone mad. He wants to share a meal with me?"

"Princess–"

"We haven't shared a meal in years," she interrupted. "Father must be planning something."

"Princess, your father isn't planning anything," the maid reassured her. "You have nothing to worry about."

You would have everything to worry about if your father ordered your mother to burn at the stake.

Katrina styled her hair and let Nyx pick her dress. She settled with a simple arctic blue dress whose long tulle reached the floor. The sleeves ran long, dripping off her fingers like flags. The high neck covered her chest and dipped low at her back. Slim silver chains ran across her bare skin, keeping the dress in place. She was a beauty.