Athira

Escape

I walked through the Grand Hall going over the decorations that were being set up. Massive vases of pink and white roses lined the rows of pews. Silk banisters hung from ceiling to floor. The huge windows on the far wall were pushed open letting in the fresh smell of pine.

As I made my way down the long aisle I let my fingers trail over the velvety petals. Servants scurried around, always looking for something to do, all but ignoring me. Most pause for a brief second to lower their head not waiting to see if I did it in return. They almost seemed to be dancing as they moved gracefully about.

As I reached the front of the room I paused. My hands folded over my lap as I looked up at the massive pillars. Pink lace creeped around the white marble reminding me of the candy canes our father got in the later months of the year. Everything in the room was festive and I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

"You look amazing." I spun at the sound of my mother's voice. It was light and musical. Ever since I was a child I wished one day I would be as immaculate as my mother. She reaches out taking my hands lightly in her own. "Are you nervous? I was terrified on my wedding day."

"What is there to be afraid of?" I release her hands and we slowly made our way back down the aisle. "Joshua has been my friend since childhood. We always spoke of the days after our wedding. I would always speak of what a great husband he was and he would tell me what a wonderful wife I made. No I am not nervous only excited."

"Well after tonight you will be queen." I swallow hard at that thought. I hadn't given myself time to think about it. In fact, I had avoided the topic every chance I got. I looked to my mother who had softened her face but her eyes were still expectant.

"I know." I let out a nervous sigh as I push my back straight. She had stopped walking and it took me a moment to figure it out. When I finally turn to face her she puts her hands on my shoulders.

"You will make a great ruler." Her kind smile almost mades me believe it. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get myself to believe that. I wasn't as sure as everyone else seemed to be. "Trust me, I can feel it. Some day you will be an amazing ruler."

"Yar Grace," before I can ask about her comment the thought slips my mind. The strange accent makes me turn to see who is behind me. It's one of the knights my mother always had at her side. I didn't know his name but I had seen him everyday since I can remember, "ther tis matters we need ta speak of."

"If you'll excuse me. I will be right back." She smiles at me but her posture had changed. I could see it in the way her shoulders were a little to stiff. Her steppes were measured but brisk. Something had put my mother on edge but I couldn't place what. The man hadn't said anything alarming.

I brush it off for the time telling myself I would ask about it later. I make my way out to the foyer avoiding as many people as I can. It had taken me almost on hour to make it to the Grand Hall. Everyone at court wanted to stop me. They all had something sweet to say to the future queen. Mostly because they wanted in my favor so they would be permitted to stay in the castle.

I slipped into the side hall that would take me to the kitchen. In a matter of seconds I ducked into the warm room and found a seat at one of the counters. Mary, the castle cook since was a child, danced around humming to herself. Her apron was stained and her dress faded. Her once blonde hair was now gray in places. It took her a while to notice me but I was happy watching her dance around.

"Oyi my lady," She jumped as she spun around and spotted me. Her flour covered hand went to her heart as she bellowed out a laugh, "I didn't see ya there. What can I do for ya."

"I just need an escape from everyone." She collected herself once again and began to dance around the kitchen. I watched as she grabbed all kinds of things and placed them on a plate. She set it in front of me before dancing off back to her task. I looked down to see what it was and my mouth watered. Roast chicken, garlic potatoes and a slice of sourdough bread. I began to eat slowly, watching Mary as she worked. I finished my plate getting up to take it to the cleaning rack. As I dipped it in the basin I whirled around to face the old cook. "Do you think I will make a good ruler?"

"I think you'll make the best." I made my way over to her slowly. She was decorating the wedding cake and before she could stop me I plucked some frosting off the base. She scolded at me playfully but simply put more down then went back to her place. I held my finger out to her, biting my lip and she dropped a dab of frosting on the tip. "Only cause it's a special day."

"Thank you for baking the cake and making all the food." She smiled at me kindly but we both knew my thanks were unnecessary. She didn't have a choice but I still felt all that work was worth a thank you. She smiled kindly before continuing.

"It's that reason, right there, that you will make an excellent queen." My cheeks blush as I smile and dip my head lower. "You are kind hearted an you give kindness to all. Even when it is not necessary. It is not only my job but my pleasure to make this day perfect for you."

"I should get going. I still have to get my dress on." She gave me kind smile with a bow of her before I hurried away. The whole back to my room I couldn't get it out of my head. It still terrified me to think I would be queen in only a few hours.

I entered my room to find my ladies waiting. My dress had been laid out for me to see. I smiled as I hurried over captivated by the beauty of it. It was everything I had ever hoped for. I scooped it up feeling the soft fabric beneath my fingers.

"It is perfect." I felt as tears began to well up in my eyes. Everything about that day was just as I had imagined it.

"Come, let's get you into it." I wiggled excitedly as, Claire, one of my ladies, gently took it. Poppy began to undo the back of my drees as Regina gathered everything else they would need.

It was quiet a while before the dress was on. Poppy smoothed out my skirts as Claire tucked the last of the strings in. Regina had already moved to the vanity where she was readying the stuff for my hair. I was ushered over and sat down. All three of them began to work around my head at once.

"All done." I smiled as Claire handed me the small mirror. I looked in it with a gasp. They had pinned my hair up with white roses twisted in. It was such a contrast to the pitch black of my hair. I lightly touched it feeling as a lump rose in my throat. It was beautiful.

I stood up going to the floor length mirror to see myself fully. When I stepped in the path my hand went to my chest. I didn't recognize myself. There was no way the beauty standing in the mirror was me. I couldn't help the tears.

The dress was white with black and gold trim. Black and gold beads twisted around my waist and up the left side. The skirt bells out softly. Delicate folds fell to the ground like the waves of the ocean until the pooled around my feet. It wasn't poofy like most dresses. It slim and eligant with just a hint of flare. I could never have asked for more gorgious gown to be wed in.

"Than-" as I spun around to thank them my door burst open cutting me off. "Mother?"

"We have to go now." She had tears streaming down her face as she ushered me over frantically. I scooped up my dress quickly making my way over to her. We hurried out the door heading the opposite way of the Grand Hall.

"Mother what is happening?" I stopped walking but she only grabbed my wrist and pulled me along. I stumbled after her as she led me through corridor after corridor. "Mother please tell me."

"There is no time." She burst through a door in a dark part of the castle. Waiting there was the knight from earlier. My mother turned to face me with panic in her eyes. "I love you so much. I need you to go with Keegan. You need to listen to him. He will keep you safe."

"Safe from what?" I grabbed at her as she headed back through the door. She shut it in my face leaving me alone with a man I didn't know. I began to bang on the door when I wasn't able to open it. "Mother! Mother please!"

"Princess, we must be goin." I stopped hitting the door as fear took hold of me. I began to sob uncontrollably. "Please, hurry."

"What is happening?" I fell into the door sobbing even harder.

"I'll esplain everythan jus' a soon as we get out o' here." He grabbed my wrist pulling me with him. I was so distraught all I could do was follow. We went down a spiral set of stairs that seemed to go forever. When we came to a wooden door he opened it blinding me. He led me out into the tangled forest behind the castle.