𝓜𝔂 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓘𝓼 𝓐𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮

𝐵𝒾𝒹𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒜𝒹𝒾𝑒𝓊

The warmth of heavy silk sheets weighs down on me as I slowly open my eyes. Some stray hairs in front of my face as my fingers sluggishly brush them aside, then move to my eyes and remove the eye crusties that had formed during the night. I take a deep breath, savoring the comfort of my bed before reluctantly pushing myself up to start the day. Today is the day I leave to go to the Kingdom of Sunrise.

Vivi gently helps me out of the covers and assists in me getting dressed. Helping me wash my face, get dressed, and prepare for breakfast. Changing out of my loose nightgown and slip into a dress fitting for the morning.

A deep teal, regal gown with a high choker neckline adorned with intricate silver embellishments. The halter-style bodice features shoulder cutouts, allowing for voluminous sleeves gathered at the wrists. A silver belt-like design accentuates the waist, matching the ornate detailing on the collar. The long, A-line skirt flows gracefully to the floor, with silver embellishments forming an intricate pattern from the waist to the hem.

Vivi proceeds to place some fine silver jewelry on me, a necklace and matching earrings that complement the intricate design of the gown. A pair of matching kitten heels in the same color and matching details around the front and sides tie the appearance all together. I close my eyes as I take a deep inhale inward before exhaling through my nostrils. A warm, tingling sensation runs down my body, goosebumps as I take in just how much of a colder day it seems to be.

"My Princess Ophelia, shall we make our way down to the dining hall?" Vivi asks , her voice soft and soothing. I nod in response, sighing quietly as I take in one last look at my surroundings. My bed, my desk, my bookshelves, my reading chair, the vases, the flowers, my work, my past, my everything—the place I will no longer stay or reside in. "Ophelia?"

I turn, and my gaze meets her, pale blue eyes meeting bright green ones. Like forests in bright daylight, though I've only seen bright light when I was reading picture books when I was young. So bright, so beautiful, so lively... such pretty green eyes.

"Its just... I can't believe that I'm going to be leaving home. Forever." I say as I slowly turn three sixty. Taking notice of every known nook and cranny, dedicating every small line and shadow to memory, my eyes scanning everything intently to remember everything as best as I can. I want to remember where I came from before I can never return... forever. "Forever is a funny word, isn't it?"

"Forever? A funny word?"

"Yes, Vivi, forever is a funny word. It implies permanence, but nothing truly lasts forever. Change is inevitable, even if it's hard to accept. It holds so much weight and finality, yet it's impossible to truly grasp its meaning until we're faced with it. It's both daunting and freeing at the same time. Do you get it, Vivi?" My eyes meet hers, and I watch as she sighs and places a sympathetic hand on my shoulder and pats it. Giving it a gentle squeeze before she rubs both my shoulders.

"You read way too many novels... but yes, I do... sorta." She jokes and rubs the sides of my arms. I chuckle at her response, finding it humorous how she always manages to lighten the mood with her playful teasing.

"Alright, let's get going now. The maids will need space to pack up, and I have a meal to eat." I murmur to no one in particular as I motion for Vivi to follow me out of the room. With a smile, she nods, ready to head down to the Dining Hall with me. Back straight, shoulders back, frame square, walk in a line, head high.