Crowns Of Shadows

4: Raven

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 must have gotten lost in the beauty of the night, because I stumbled through sticks and logs I did not remember being there. It was a difficult task especially at night, but one I was willing to overcome. The moon settled into the trees with a grace, and light that, through the trees, lit my path. The trees, flowers, and overgrowth looked so majestic in the light of the moon. Everything was so much more beautiful at night.

Coming out here made me realize just how beautiful my kingdom truly was. No longer was I cooped up in a small castle, I was out here. In the wilderness, fighting against darkness, sure, but I was free. If I had known about the beauty the night brings, I would have been in the forest instead of my own balcony to think. I was supposed to reach the village by now. Alexander once took me to the village when the fighting got too bad. He bought me pastries and other little trinkets that still lay in my room.

It had been way too long, I should have reached this village an hour ago. The fact that I hadn't worried me.

Was this my fate? Was I going to die in this forest, was this my end? I had begun to panic when I looked up and noticed a grassy clearing surrounded by trees. In the middle was an opulent wooden mansion that has aged far beyond its years. It had about three stories to it, and honestly, I was surprised it was still standing. Against what I read in books, and what my brothers had taught me earlier in life. I walked towards it. My legs were growing tired, and I had no idea where I was.

A little spider infested mansion was the least of my problems. Though the fact it looked water damaged to the point it was going to collapse, was one of my problems.

As I neared the house, I heard people laughing, specifically a group of boys. I arrived at the porch and the laughter was as loud as it could be. I figured I'd knock on the door, if people lived here, it felt rude to intrude. I knocked three times, steps sounding quickly, and the door opened just as quickly

"Hey!" A voice called, it sounded of pure happiness, but it had a silvery tone to it, though it was older than I had first anticipated. He opened the door fully, freezing in place as he looked at me.

"Hi.." I answered back.

"You- you're not John.." The blue eyed boy looked me up and down, there was a long pause. "You're a woman.." He whispered.

"To which I am." I chuckled awkwardly.

"Do you walk like a woman? Because you definitely speak like one." His big blue eyes looked at me, shuffling uncomfortably asking the question.

"I think so?" I responded, trying to lighten the situation.

"It's a bit cold outside." He asked as he opened the door wider. "Come on in? If you're comfortable, of course!" He added the last statement as a fall back in case I found his behavior rude. I chuckled, I didn't mind.

"Yes please." I tried smiling my warmest smile. Trying to seem like the least threatening thing they could come across. He smiled warmly as well, blowing out his chestnut hair from his face. He closed the door behind me after I had stepped in. I looked around, looking at the two boys on the sofa.

"So, you all live here?" I asked no one in particular.

"Yes." He answered. I was shocked, where were these boy's parents?

"What's your name?" I asked the boy next to the door.

"Damon, what about you?" He returned the question.

"Oh, I'm" I paused. "Alexandra." I thought of my brother. Hopefully this name would suffice.

"Nice to meet you Alexandra. The two on the sofa are Eric and Benjamin." He pointed to the sofa. The one named Eric looked tall, but looked the same age as Damon, with blonde hair and blue eyes, painstakingly resembling Alihandro, my spine stiffened at the thought.