Such a long fall

815 24 1

by LChristiani

by LChristiani

"Wake up!" I heard the voice deep and gruff. So harsh and impersonal. That voice jolted me out of my sleep. I opened my eyes wide trying to see in the deep darkness of the cell. I shuffled slightly, the sound of the chains echoed off of the brick walls.

"Get up Princess! Time to show your face." He growled

The guard unhooked my chains and hauled me off the ground. I was dragged from the cells deep within the castle up the stone steps and through the carpeted halls. The room we stopped in front of had my name on it. In bright pink letters it read Annalyn. I suppose it is my room, or was my room, once upon a time. The room was the same as the day I left it. It was the same every time I entered it. The room was innocent, just like I was before. Such fond memories in this room, the place was still littered with toys and stuffed animals. The cursed diary I kept sat on the desk, mocking me, reminded me of what once was.

"You have twenty minutes to get ready. Don't keep me waiting." The guard said slamming the door shut. It was the same routine every time. I was to bathe, style my hair, paint my face and dress myself. I was to follow the guards to the throne room. I was to stand by my father pretending to be the perfect princess. The shackles still attached to my feet. The arrow aimed at my back. It was the same thing every week.

I followed the routine making sure to look presentable, If I didn't I would be stripped naked and left in the guardsmen bunks all night. It would not be the first time, or the second. The punishment has left me with child, twice. I have never been allowed to see my children. I haven't been allowed to do anything.

"Are you ready princess?" I was asked a different guard this time.

I nodded and followed him. The halls of this place so familiar at one point were so foreign to me now. The throne room filled with people. That man sitting on his throne his eyes twinkled when I walked in. Almost as if he actually felt something for me. As if he loved me and cared what happened to me. I was a nuisance a mistake. The reason his queen was no longer living. I was nothing at least that is what he told me. I looked over to see my brother standing tall and proud, he lived well and grew up loved. I stood stock still where I was placed. I smiled and laughed. I was nothing but a puppet and that is all I could ever be. The thought would drive me mad at night, when I was alone and cold wishing to be in my father's embrace or in a cold grave. Maybe today I will test that archer's aim.