Veil of Deception

Chapter Two

The morning dew settled cooly against the stone floors, my toes feeling alive as I take my first step out from the warm embrace of my bed. My head pounded from the lack of sleep as I was too paranoid about the intruder and the dream, the unsettling words ringing through my ears. Sighing softy, I run a hand through my hair and stand and walk over to the window and open it up, the icy morning breeze brushing my now pink cheeks. It feels so nice on my warm skin, releasing the ache of the nightmare my body holds.

Why did I dream that? And who was in my room? It didn't feel like my sisters, and their intent, wasn't murderous? Why? What is the end goal?

"Milady?" Elle's soft voice calls from the closed door, the knock came before her entrance, a small warm smile on her face as she brings in a tray of freshly picked fruit. I guess I'll be having breakfast here this morning.

"No family breakfast?" I enquire, walking further into the room.

"The King and Queen have a meeting with the Council Elders this morning and your sisters have left for shopping." Elle places the tray onto the dining table, pouring me some cranberry juice. I take a seat and thank her, eyeing her tired frame. Did she not sleep well either?

"You okay Elle?" I ask, concerned. Taking her hand softly, I lead her to the other chair, sitting her down. "Here rest. Eat with me, there is far too much fruit for me." Elle shakes her head, furiously before giving in.

"What is it you wish to do today, Milady? Today is your last free day before going to the academy." Ah yes, Windhollow Academy. I will start in 4 days. However, the next 3 days I will be sent to the seamstress, Elle and I will be picking up books for classes and my sisters will be drilling in some lessons before I go.

Watch for those five hidden in Boysen...

"Elle, have you heard of the word Boysen before?" I ask, curious. As I'm taking a bite of whisper berry, Elle ponders before smiling over at me, her eyes twinkling.

"There once was a family called Boysen but other than that, no idea. Why Milady?"

"Just curious." I say, shrugging. Elle dismisses the topic and we begin the morning routine. I suggest something comfortable for today as I will head to the library for some studying. Elle does not join me as she has other things to prepare before my trip to the Academy, so I have the whole library to myself. As I'm walking down the marbled hallway towards the library, no one disturbs my walk, ignoring my presence or too busy to acknowledge the youngest princess. Or the fact that I'm the estranged daughter who does not look like the rest of the Light Realm. My differences are seen as a bother to a lot of people however out of fear by the King, people do not complain.

The palace library is known for is magnificence. Tall shelves, glass ceiling, magic books and spells, history etched into the stone of the walls. Paintings of past rulers. The golden steel of the railings, white marbled staircases that someone's move on their own. And the best thing about it, the librarian is a small magical fairy who has a vast knowledge on everything.

I enjoy spending my time here but as of late, my free time has shortened and cannot be spent here. The guards acknowledge my presence, unlocking the seal on the door to keep unwanted intruders out.

Neveah, the librarian is flittering around the bookshelves, huffing and puffing with frustration, the books being lined into the shelves with her magic.

"Hi Neveah," I call, gaining her attention. "How are you?" Her blue eyes widen, and the previous frustrated fairy is gone out the window.

"Princess. What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for some information on Boysen." I say, my skirts brushing my heels as I walk further in, my hands barley touching the books as my fingers skim the covers.