I placed my hand on the doorknob, jumping slightly as it swung open on its own accord. That was strange; my mother was a careful woman--she would never leave the door unlocked.
Chalking it down to the affects of her illness, I pushed open the door...
I jerked awake as I felt another light extinguish into darkness.
This one had been a strong presence, its brightness making the surrounding lights pale in comparison. I sighed, forcing my eyes shut and wishing for sleep. Unwillingly, I felt my consciousness span out as it touched all the little lights both near and far.
Everyday, some fell into darkness while new ones blinked into existence. I already missed the warmth of the strong light that had extinguished just moments before. Its shining brightness had been a source of comfort in the face of hundreds dying out everyday, but now...
A tear slipped down my cheek as I stared out the window at the twinkling stars, so alike to the ones inside my mind.
But whose death was I mourning?
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"Rise and shine, sleepyhead."
The annoying sound of my personal 'alarm' drew me away from my slumber. I cracked my eyes open and grimaced as sunlight streamed freely through my open window. A quick glance outside told me it was already past noon and my eyes snapped open in horror.
"Why didn't you tell me it was this late?" I clambered out of bed, slapping away the pair of hands that tried to help me. "Call Estella and Prim, I'm already late no thanks to a certain someone."
That 'certain someone' only chuckled as he followed me out of the room.
"We are here, Your Majesty," the two identical girls announced in unison, curtsying daintily. Sitting me down in front of the vanity, they started attending to my knee-length hair.
I yawned as together they swept up my silky midnight locks into a thick braid and adorned it with tiny white flowers.
"Any longer and flies are going to get in."
Closing my mouth with a snap, I glared at him through the mirror, ignoring the blush that threatened to colour my cheeks as I stared into his moss-green eyes. I suddenly found great interest in the satin bow of my nightgown and started fiddling with it.
Estella swiftly continued with my braid while Prim headed towards my wardrobe.
"What would you like to wear today, Your Majesty?" She stepped in, picking through my assortment of gowns.
"Whatever you see fit, Prim."
She nodded, pulling out a lavender gown that had long, loose sleeves and a fitted bodice. It was simple--almost too much so--and I cocked my head in confusion. I had to visit my subjects today, and I had thought it would had been better not to look like a peasant girl.
I opened my mouth before a startling flash of deja vu stopped me. The dress looked strangely familiar...
"Not that one." Kieran cut in abruptly, striding to Prim and taking the dress away from her. He vanished into the wardrobe before reappearing, this time with a velvet blood-red gown with a ruby studded bodice.
