The Golden Apple

Four - Jake

Sunlight.

I woke with a constant pounding in my head. The widespread light of the sun was directly in my eyes, almost blinding me. I tossed and turned and my heart skipped a beat. What on earth had happened to me?

I don't remember how long I was out for. I do remember feeling colder than usual at one point or another, but not much after that. All I know now is that I am awake, in bright daylight, which is shining through a nearby window.

Wait.

I paused mid-thought, taking a closer look at my surroundings.

A window?

My eyes narrowed. I seem to be alone in some elegant bedroom. The bed I am in has a green comforter, with stitched flower patterns and four fluffy green pillows. The walls are a beige tone; not as bright as the vividly dark green comforter. There was also a window seat with a big green cushion on it and a wooden chair in front of a full length mirror that hung on the wall. A glossy, wooden dresser stood in another corner. There was also a giant closet in front of the bed with the same beige colour as the doors.

I frowned. Where the hell am I?

A thumping noise from above startles me. I sat up quickly, my heart beating fast. I must be in someone's place. All I could hear were rapid little footsteps above me. I clutched onto my blankets anxiously; the thumping getting louder. I am certainly not going to be alone in here for long.

I pull my hood over my face as the door swung open. I lifted the blankets as an attempt to hide myself completely, but it was too late. The person that came in had already caught a glimpse.

It was a young girl that looked about my age. She had long wavy brown hair that flowed past her shoulders. Her eyes matched her hair and her lips were light pink. She was wearing a simple green dress that went down past her ankles, slightly dragging behind her as she paced about the bedroom.

I watched as she picked at her nails. She had quite the serious look on her face.

The girl then yanked one of her dresser drawers out and started rummaging through the contents. I remained silent. She pulled out a long brown towel, slowly setting it on the top surface of the dresser. Not once did she look at me.

Who is she? I thought curiously. I exhaled sharply to get her attention.

It took her a moment to acknowledge me. The serious expression was now gone, replaced with a small, inviting smile. I blinked and fidgeted with the bed sheet. Why is she looking at me like that? Am I amusing to her or something?

"Look who finally woke up," she spoke. I jolted up at the sound of her voice. She was actually speaking calmly to me, not just yelling and being crass like the guards.

"How did you sleep? It's been a couple of days since you've passed out. You must be exhausted."

I pulled my hood over my face again and nod in reply. She walked over to the bed and sat next to me at the edge. I winced as she lightly tugged on my cloak.

"I still cannot see what you look like," she continued. "When I found you, it seemed you landed in some mud before getting thrown into the moat outside the palace. I brought you into my room to let you sleep here for two days, and I forgot to clean the mud from your face."

I raised my eyebrows. This girl talked a little funny. She sounded like she was trying to be more elegant by making sentences in what seemed like formal English. The tone of her voice was a little off as well. I observed her more, watching her set her delicate hands down folded upon her lap.