Silvestre Pendragon

The disappearing boy

That day you could really feel winter creeping in; like a sly fox it tiptoed through the city, a chilling breeze forcing you awake as it flowed through the escaping curls of Silvestre's mane. Although the cold wind whispered through the orange and dying leaves the city felt alive with business, the princess' birthday was a joyful occasion and the excuse to drink rum and dance in the tavern whilst the formal ceremonies tied Silvestre to the Kingdom. Striding into the inn, she scanned the room. No Milo.
"Good day, me Lady! I'm surprised to see you 'ere today!" Cheered the friendly land lord, "Lookin' for somebody?" He asked.
" Good morning John," Silvestre replied, "I'm looking for a boy. New around here, name's Milo."
"Can't say I've seen 'im Miss. In trouble is 'e? "
"I'm not sure yet.." 

Returning back to the bustling streets Silvestre kept searching, her eyes hopping from person to person in the crowd. An uncomfortable, itching doubt irritated her mind, had she merely imagined the mysterious boy? Or perhaps he had left Camelot ?
He wasn't at the blacksmiths, he wasn't at the stables, he wasn't in the market and he wasn't by the river. Impossible.
Irritated, Silvestre began to slowly meander her way through the crowds back to the castle gates when she caught a glimpse of gold and melting autumn eyes. The chase began: she dipped and dived between the people, a swooping bird of prey, one eye always on her target, but the crowds seemed to grow thicker as she braided her way through them, she sprinted desperately but Milo had vanished, engulfed by the bustling city. Silvestre uttered a string of furious curses before catching her breath.

"Lady Silvestre!"
Turning, Silvestre saw Evelyn running towards her, she too looked out of breath.
"Please Evelyn, I've told you hundreds of times, I'm your friend there's no need to keep calling me 'Lady' all the time."
"Yes, Silvestre" Evelyn smiled, " I've been looking for you everywhere! We need to get you washed and ready! We're already running late! "
"Oh, sorry Ev, must have lost track of the time." Silvestre apologised,  as she followed the hurrying Evelyn into the castle.

***

Sinking into the metal tub, Silvestre allowed the hot water to flow over her brown skin, it was always difficult to tell whether it was simply dirty or tanned from constantly being out in the sun. Alone at last, Silvestre allowed her hands to grow warm and she watched as a tiny spark flew from her finger tip. Lowering them into the tub, she heated the water. Safe, she let the red sparks dance around her fingers. Mesmerised, she continued to create flames and played with them in her palmes, they did not burn her skin but instead gave a warm tickerling sensation.
If they knew...

If they knew, I wouldn't be getting crowned second Heir of Camelot.

Silvestre thought. Morosely  staring at the orange flames. Her death sentence. Her secret.
The door creaked open and Evelyn entered. Silvestre urgently plunged her hands into the water.
" Your gown Silvestre." Evelyn announced, presenting the crimson dress adorned with golden decorations,
" It's beautiful " Silvestre admired.

Evelyn adjusted the sleeves and tightened the corset, before stepping back to examine her mistress,
"You look magnificent." She smiled, "All you need is a crown."
Turning to look in the mirror, Silvestre laughed, she felt beautiful. Lifting her head up, she grinned.
Happy birthday.