Entwined

Chp1. Azreia 1

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Cold was the first feeling to cross my senses as I awoke, accompanied by warm fur pressed against my back and neck.

I looked up and around, realizing the sun was just beginning to rise.

Shit!

I'm late. I only meant to stay here for a moment, enjoy my time with Lia, my familiar as she endured the last few days of her pregnancy. I could tell she was due to pop any day now, and couldn't stand the thought of being away from her.

As quickly as I could, I stood to my feet and tried to shake off some of the stiffness that had settled onto my bones from the cold, winter frosted night.

Lia slowly craned her neck up to look at me, her eyes heavy and tired. I was worried, this pregnancy was taking a toll on her body, more so than it should've.

I reached down to run my white tipped nails through the fur of her scruff. She nuzzled me before motioning her head as a sign to get a move on. And with that I sprinted away and towards the cobble stoned road.

The castle had many entrances, far too many if you asked me, but no one was, so.

I scurried towards one of the guards guarding an entrance to the maid tunnels, and sprinted through them. Not very lady like, I know. Not very royalty like, oh well.

Scurrying through the tunnels, I tried to slow my pace at every maid, guard, worker, etc. Though with the way they were moving I could tell I wasn't doing too well at being discreet.

Once finally passing through a door leading to my portion of the castle, I finally allowed myself to breathe.

"Princess Azreia! My dear, we've got to get you ready!" An older maid, my mothers old maid Lorenza, addressed me.

I followed her to my chambers, and into the bathroom. Standing at the sink was a lady I'd hoped not to see in my section of the castle, Lady Koria. While she may hold a dear place in the safety and protection of our lands, she was quite the intimidating one. Known for her harsh punishments and whispers of her holding a power of which is beyond this earth.

"Lady Azreia," She trailed off, probably at the sight of my messy hair and dirt smudged trim of my dress.

Righting herself, she continued.

"While I apologize at the sudden intrusion of your personal quarters, there are some matters we should address."

Lorenza began unbuttoning the back of my dress as Lady Koria was speaking to me, eyes straight on mine.

"You're parents plan to marry you off, as you are well aware of, I assume."

I stiffly nodded, before giving a verbal 'Yes'.

She nodded and continued.

"I know what the people here speak of me, and they are, in some ways correct. I do hold abilities that aren't natural to this world, given to my ancestors by a powerful Goddess, and passed down in full by blood. We have many lines, and I wish for you to consider my offer carefully."

I tilted my head slightly, before noticing and righting myself.

Lady Lorenza had finished combing my hair, and guided me to the bath. The aroma that of lavander and teatree oil.

"Instead of giving your life to that of a statue by a random heirs side," Lorenza gasped at her choice of words, making a smile Ghost my lips.

"I offer you the opportunity to come along with me to find and meet with your soul sisters." I could tell Lorenza wasn't going along with Lady Koria's words.