Dancing with Death

Chapter One

MATAYA

          ‘It is a beautiful place, don’t you agree?’ Misanta, daughter of Evan, asked her youngest as her eyes studied the grand walls and beautiful designs on them. Ariadne nodded in response, for she could not deny it. Alqauada was a stunning palace and held a high reputation. She was the childhood home of some of the women who had married the greatest men in Casidia. For years, Alqauada fostered young girls from the wealthy families of Mataya and beyond. They were taught manners and behaved like princesses; most of them became perfect and made their mark on history.

          ‘Is the Princess fond of Alqauada?’ Their tour guide asked with a pleasant smile on her face. Ariadne turned to face her and returned her smile as graceful as it had been presented.

          ‘I am indeed,’ she responded. ‘Although this is no place for a girl like me.’

  ‘It is perfect for you!’ Misanta hissed, catching Ariadne’s immediate attention.

  ‘I was born a Princess, I need not know the information they will give me.’

  ‘You may be Princess, my dear. And yes it is certainly in your nature. But this place will give you what you need.’

          Her voice was now subtle, ‘I feel it is best for you to be in this environment for a while until you return to your true nature. These people are here to help you along every step of the way.’

          Ariadne was now glaring at her, and Misanta noticed that her daughter was not aware of what she was trying to tell her.

          ‘Ever since you started having those dreams…’ Misanta continued with her gaze lowered.

  ‘You will send me here because you think I am mad?’ Ariadne asked, and for a moment she was questioning her mother’s love for her.

  ‘No, never, my sweet! This place will help you rid your dreams; don’t you want to rid them?’

          Ariadne looked away speechless, inside she knew she wanted to rid them. After the celebration, she had started having strange dreams. She would always be wandering through a field of flowers. A man standing not far from her, and then he slowly changed into her reflection and she found herself staring into a mirror. Ariadne sleep walked when she had these dreams, she would go into her parents’ chambers and throw objects around

the room.

‘We are here to help you, my lady Princess,’ the tour guide added with a smile. Ariadne did not look pleased, although she did not reject what they were saying. Her attentions moved to the ground beneath her feet. They were standing on a tiled floor dotted with red tulips.

          Misanta silently called the servants in who delivered her belongings in carriers. Ariadne glared at them and then at her mother, who disregarded such a look. She felt betrayed, unloved, where were her brothers and father through out all this? Her eyes narrowed and showed a glimpse of hatred for her mother.

          ‘If it is your deepest wish, I shall proceed,’ she hissed formally, as though a servant was obeying a command. Misanta gave her daughter a look of pity and misery combined. She had no chance to reply before Ariadne was taken away surrounded by maids that carried her belongings. The last look Misanta got of her daughter was a few strands of her dark wavy hair disappearing up the staircase.

          ‘She will be safe?’ Misanta asked like she had many times before.

The tour guide gave her a heart warming smile before answering, ‘We are all cared for here.’