Kingdoms Collide

Chapter 1: Ageless Memories

It was a normal day, or so I had originally thought, the two of us were playing in my families' castle gardens, running through the grass chasing each other through the winding pathways. There were so many memories like this; we were young then. Young and unafraid. We had not the slightest clue that this would be the last of those favoured days of peace and freedom, I'd give anything for the return of that blissful ignorance.

We kept running and playing until the inevitable calling from our parents was heard, as darkness begin to fall and the cold began creeping in. They called our names and we turned to look at each other a little disappointed that the fun was over; that wouldn't matter by morning.

Adonis was his name, the boy I had known all my 12 years of life almost, a lightly tanned young boy, his icy white, messy hair nearly covering his sweet emerald green eyes, deep and seemingly endless. A face I couldn't possibly forget. We ran back inside when we were called for, our separate parents gesturing for us to say goodbye like they always did. We hugged softly and smiled at one another, only this time I felt brave enough to kiss him, I thought it was a good idea at the time, so as the hug parted a little I pouted my lips and leaned over to him but he screwed his face up and turned his head. Our parents laughed as my kiss touched his cheek- he was displeased, this was the last time I saw him. Tension in the air- not that we knew of course.

Adonis and his parents left to travel home back to their own kingdom that evening, it was unbeknownst to me that something was not right.

My mother lead me upstairs to my bedroom where she would usually tuck me into bed, however tonight was different, she simply closed the door behind her and said "Goodnight my darling daughter". My confusion stopped me from responding to her, I climbed into my oversized, comfortable four-poster bed. I lead down and tried to fall asleep, I closed my eyes and concentrated. It didn't work, I was awoken to the sound of shouting voices. Disturbed, I crept out of my bed, slipping my bare feet onto the carpet before slowly making my way to the door, being as quiet as can be. I made it to the door - the shouting getting louder, I turned the door handle and stealthily made my way down the hall towards the noise. Violent voices echoed down the hall, I began to panic.

I arrived at the doorway to my parents' bedroom, their door slightly open, I peeked through the door to them arguing, unfortunately my father instantly saw my afraid panic stricken face. He marched over to me still full of rage from his and mother's quarrel as she's crying behind the door. "What are you doing up at this hour? Go to back to your room!" he shouted. "I'm sorry father... all the shouting woke me up." I said softly, my eyes tearing up a little as I backed away from their door timidly, he sighed heavily "I'm sorry... Zatheena." he looked down at the floor rubbing his fingers across his forehead firmly. "What's going on...? Why are you and mother fighting?" I sobbed. "Nothing for you to worry about my dear, just go back to bed and get some rest, we can discuss this in the morning." he explains, I nod softly, looking him in the eyes one last time before sulking back to my room and crawling back into bed. Sleep evaded me that night.

Morning came around what felt like an eternity later, I awoke feeling further exhausted then when I had gone to sleep, unable to quiet the thoughts of last night. I needed to know everything. I reluctantly arose from my bed and stumbled to my wardrobe and pulled out a long silk dressing gown and threw it on over my sleepwear. I then lazily walked over to my mirror, taking my silver engraved hairbrush and running it through my long silky black hair, falling straight to halfway down my spine. My piercing blue eyes staring back at me.

I finish this and head out of my room onto the landing overseeing the beautiful glass chandelier hanging from the decorated ceiling covered in endless paintings embellished with gold detailing. Two symmetrical staircases leading down to the hallway, beautiful red carpet sitting perfectly on each and every step, I hopped down them my hand on the glossed wooden railing.