Kingdoms Rise

Ten

Books had become Mae's salvation over the past few days. Since the night of the festival, Mae had visions in her sleep of soulless, antlered creatures. They kept her up most of the night. She had always known that books calmed her, so when this hit her she went instinctively to books.

She'd curl up in the chaise lounge that rested in the corner of her room, a blanket pulled around her lap. The torch lit at a comfortable brightness, bright enough to ward off the haunting darkness, but dim enough to let in its soothing counterpart.

Mae was there now, it that pleasant spot by the torch. Her book lay open in her lap and she read it peacefully.

The door to her room opened without anyone knocking. She didn't look up from her book, assuming that it was Gwendolyn or one of the twins.

The person walked up to her and said nothing.

Carefully, Mae closed her book and looked up. She almost jumped out of her chair.

Vesta stood in front of her. "I don't believe we've been introduced, I'm Vesta." Of course Mae already knew but she was not about to tell her that. "I take it your Mae," She raised an eyebrow, Mae nodded and tried not to look too frightened.

Vesta murmured something about how they need not to keep everyone from her. She looked menacing, but Mae thought that she could be nicer? than what they said.

"I came her to talk to you about training," Vesta said flatly.

"Training?"

"I know you have had some prior training in Edyssa, but that was mortal training. We don't expect war or battles, but it would be good for you to know how to defend yourself if it comes to it."

Mae thought about how she took on those three Fae guards. How she had barely managed to get out alive. The scar at the base of her neck felt like a burning brand, a burning reminder.

"Don't worry, we'll start off easy. Work you up to where most people are—those who live here at least."

Mae nodded, "Alright."

"I'll meet you in the gardens at six." Vesta turned and started for the door. "Don't be late," she added as an afterthought.

Mae hoped she wouldn't regret her decision.

~

Mae left the comfort of her little corner. She walked the halls of the castle, still trying to get a feel of place. There were so many rooms she didn't know what they were all used for.

She lost track of how long she had been wandering through the castle. The clock chimed four but she didn't remember when she had left her room. But then she heard it, as the clock quieted its chimes—she heard it.

It was beautiful, it guided Mae like a like a cat with a string. She followed it blindly.

She was entranced by the melody, feeling it in her soul. She supposed Faerie music had that sort of effect.

Music was as tangible as a painting or books: it could make you feel connected to the world; it could make you feel alive.

Mae found herself in front of two large double doors, the piano's vibrant music bleeding through the cracks. She pushed them open. A male figure sat at the grand piano, he didn't notice her as she approached and stood a few feet away, utterly lost in the music.