Treason

Little Girl

"Today we won't be training." Felix looks up at his dad.

"What are we doing then?"

"We're welcoming someone into the castle."

"Is it the black prince?!" Felix's dad laughs and grabs his sons hand as they walk down the castle halls to the front gate.

"No son. The black prince is only nine years old, he won't be here for several more years." Felix pouts.

"Well then who is it?"

"A girl."

"A girl?" Felix scrunches up his face in distaste.

"Yes. She'll be living here from now on, so you have to be nice to her. You won't see much of her anyways because you'll be training at different times."

"She's training too? What is she training for?"

"She's a sorcerer."

"Woaah, I've never met a sorcerer before!" Just then the big doors slowly open to reveal several guards clad in blue, and a little girl hiding behind them. The blue guards set down suitcases, bow, then go back to their carriage, leaving the little girl to stand in the large entryway alone.

The girl slowly raises her head and makes eye contact with Felix, who's frozen in place.

She has long brown hair, even straighter than his own. Her chocolate eyes are wide and her small hands are clasped tightly around a stuffed rabbit, pressing it against her chest causing her pale blue dress to fold strangely.

"Dad, who is she?" Felix asks, still in his trance.

"That is princess Martzia, of the blue kingdom. She's your age."

Martzia. It fit her so wonderfully. Felix wonders if they'll be able to play together at some point.

Felix slowly starts to walk towards Martzia and bows deeply once he's in front of her.

"Welcome to the black castle, princess Martzia. I am Felix, a soldier in training. I hope you can live comfortably in our home, and some day call it your home as well." Felix holds out his hand for Martzia to take, and she does. Felix leads her around the castle, showing her where things are and where not to go and finally to her room.

"Make yourself comfortable, my room is just on the other side so it shouldn't be hard to find if you need anything." Martzia gives a small nod and Felix leaves her to gather herself. He goes back to his room, where his father is waiting.

"What?"

"I've never seen you be such a gentleman to a girl before."

"Well, she's a princess, I have to be nice don't I?"

"You've been a brat to princesses before."

"Yeah, well, she's scared. I'm not that mean you know."

"Mhm." His dad isn't convinced.

"You better not like her."

"What? No! Girls are still gross dad. And even if I did, why not?"

"Because you can't."

"But why?"

"Rest up, we'll train hard tomorrow." Felix's dad ruffles his hair then walks away, completely avoiding the question.

"Old man." Felix mumbles then enters his room.

/////////////////////

"Hello..wake up please." Felix groans and rolls over.

"Please, F-Felix." Said boy slowly peals open an eye then quickly rubs and opens them both and sits up.

"Princess. What are you doing here?"

"I-I'm sorry, it's silly of me to bother you in the middle of the night." Marzia turns to leave but Felix grabs her wrist.

"No, it's ok. What's wrong princess?" Marzia hesitates.

"I just, had a nightmare is all. It's silly, I know."

"Not at all, but you still look a little nervous, are you sure that's it?"

"It's just.. I've never been in a boys room before. It's a little frightening to be honest."

"Oh, ok. Well follow me then." Felix gets out of bed a steps into his slippers and robe. He takes Marzia's hand and leads her down the hall to another bedroom.

"No one uses this room, so it's not a boys room at all. I'll stay with you here as long as you like tonight."

"Thank you Felix."

"What's a soldier for, right?" Marzia laughs and Felix's face lights up.

"You have a nice laugh." Marzia blushes.

"Thank you."

There's an awkward silence.

"So, what do you want to do then?" Felix asks but Marzia just shrugs and plays with her hair.

"Could you just talk?"

"About what?"

"Anything. I find your voice to be very calming." Felix's skin heats up as they lay on the bed and he starts to talk.

Eventually Marzia falls asleep, and Felix finds himself staring at her, wondering what this feeling is.