Take Note : It's All Different

23. Creaking Floors

The man stood there for a few moments more. He did not say anything but you could almost hear him breathe. Then he walked away. Footsteps continued down the path and soon enough the man disappeared. I peered out a window but the street was once again empty.

I looked at Avonde. I remember that the King had a certain hate of our mother but I do not know what it has to do with us. Eagerly I stood at my brothers side as he kept his eye on the door.

"The King has never stopped chasing me. You're lucky he didn't chase you to the ends of the world. You would have been killed with no memories. Outside of this realm your death would have been easy, warm and satisfying for them."

Avonde pushed past me and walked into the kitchen.

"I still do not know why the King needs for my head. I do not know why mother kept me inside the house. Locked away on the royals birthdays."

"Prophecies." Avondes hand hit the kitchen bench. "Surely you've heard and remembered many. The wise owl in the trees. He was silence. But now he speaks once more. He speaks of the prophecy he promised our King."

"What prophecy Avonde? What prophecy?"

He had silenced himself but I was eager to know so I pried. Then he stood beside the window and let out a deep breathe.

"The prophecy that he will die at the hands of her who can see the words inscribed in the objects unknown, an angel she may be. The gift comes with one price. This prophecy."

"You made the riddle up." It was similar. Changed ending. A few different words. This one actually rhymed though. She may be and prophecy.

"I tried to stimulate your memory but clearly you did not know. This prophecy is why Avery and Anson especially tried every night to keep you locked in your room. Why he begged you not to go. Why mum hates Tanner. The prophecy never said when, it was broad." I nodded my head before resting it against his arm.

"Anson." I sighed.

The brother I had not seen since dinner that night. The brother who when not getting me in trouble stayed by my side when I had nightmares. The brother I desperately wanted to save from the enchantress. The enchantress. Why can I not remember anything about her? Was she even around when I was last in this realm?

Closing my eyes for a second whilst still leaning on Avonde's arm with his hand stroking my hair. Then the clocks chimed throughout the house.

"Time to prepare for the ball Lady Ambrose." Avonde kissed my head before walking off. He was already dressed so it was only me he would have to wait on.

It was now three in the afternoon. I did not know when we would have to arrive or be ready for to get into the castle. But I knew a way to get into the castle. That way would only be crucial if we can't get past the first lot of guards at our arrival. Knowing Tanner had gotten me in and out of the castle, a number of times. Not that any of my brothers knew that yet.

I slowly walked my way back to my room and slipped on the dress Avonde had bought the day before. Trying to find a mirror to see whether it was centred on my body. Without someone to dress me or assist me in how it looks or sits on my body I was unsure as to how badly it looked.

Trying to tighten the corset on my body was awkward. I called Avonde but he did not reply so I tried to manage this all myself. Once I was satisfied enough I walked my way around the house. Ensuring my brothers' room's doors stayed closed I looked around. I remembered where everything was including the toilet.

When I got there the dress came off immediately. I had peed on trees and held it in so awkwardly. With the dress crumbled on the floor I sat down on the toilet. My underskirt lying on the other side of the room. When I was done and sure there was nothing else left in my system I dressed myself once more. Pulling my dress up with a mirror in view I ensured it was centred. Pulling tightly on the ribbons and assorted elastics I stood tall. I didn't quite miss the corsets but I definitely missed the dresses and the fashion.