Forbidden

Chapter 1

Serena

Flames.

Fire.

Smoke.

Everything was burning. Smoke filled my lungs. I could not breathe. My eyes watered and my vision blurred. Shadows danced against the walls of room, around the flames. Everything was turning into ashes and smoke rather quickly. I wanted to scream, to run, to call for help, but I couldn't.

My body was frozen. I lay there still on my bed, watching the flames crackle and dance, burning everything the eye could see. Everything, was weak against them. Nothing could escape. Everything would be ashes and smoke.

Ashes and smoke.

I could see my arm out of the corner of my eye. My hand was limp against the soft linen sheets, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't move it. Not a finger. Not a twitch.

Then the flames crawled upwards. Onto my bedsheets. The silk pillows, exotic wood bedposts, the soft pink canopy, the decorative ornaments on the bed posts.

It wouldn't be long until they reached me too.

Soon, I would be a princess of smoke and ashes.

A princess of smoke and ashes.

Smoke and ashes.

***

I sit up in bed, breathing heavily. I can still feel the heat on my skin, though there isn't any fire or even a faint trace of smoke in the air. I sit there for a good ten minutes, waiting for myself to calm down. 

Stumbling over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, I yank the curtains open. Much to my surprise, the moon hasn't even set yet. Leaving me with a few hours before Training in the morning.

I walk to the window that overlooks the city and sit down on the floor, my legs bent under me. Even though the palace is on a hill overlooking the city, its clear the skyscrapers are still much, much taller. I sit there watching the streets, looking for any sign of life, although I know its past curfew. Not a soul is out tonight, not with the threats of another gang rising.

I shake my head violently, struggling to rid myself of the thoughts of killers and death. Not now, when halls are still dark with shadows where anything could be lurking. Don't think about it Serena, it's too early -or late- for panic attack. I take in a deep breath trying to calm my racing heart and extremely wild imagination.

"Maybe some fresh air will help," I murmur to no one but myself. Donning a black hoodie and blue jeans, I slip out into the hallways, right after grabbing my phone. Quietly walking through the maze of rooms and hallways, managing to make it half way out to the gardens before a voice stops me.

"Uh, Your Majesty, if you'll excuse my directness, but what are you doing up at this hour?" I freeze thinking in panic mode.

Oh no! What do I say? That I woke up and was bored so I wanted to go for walk? No way, they'll never buy that! Uh, I was thirsty and wanted some water? I have a freaking mini-fridge in my room! But they don't know that, do they...? Well, people do say honesty is always the best option, right...? That doesn't make sense, if a thief was accused of a crime they really did commit, they wouldn't just say, 'Yup, it was me, but don't take me jail cause I told the truth!' What sort of trash is this that people pass off as advice? Not to mention, they 'll never trust a princess who has nightmares about death to help rule the country! Ooh, I'm dead now! TT^TT.