Aldrick Territory|√

1

Abigail White

We've always yearned for a Disney life, or should I say marrying a prince on a white horse when we were kids? My friends and I used to sit before the television and watch Disney films all day. When they dreamed of becoming a princess and marrying a prince with blond hair. I dreamed of marrying the king who was hidden in the darkness. It all started when I was ten years old - when my grandma used to tell me old folk tales from her native village.

I was closer to her than anyone else, as my parents were always busy with their "empire". I grew up hearing about him, picturing him in my mind, thinking if his existence was true or if it was a folk story. I have heard about this king who kept himself hidden from the world. Since then, I have gotten all excited whenever Grandma took the word "king".

I guess that is one of the reasons why I'm interested in history. I was the odd one in the crowd - at home and at school. All my cousins went to different fields - they chose business, medicine or modelling as their career; but I wanted to be different, so I chose nothing.

I was not a merit student like my brother or my cousins; I have friends who are probably busy with their lives.

"You must be thinking what she meant by nothing?"

I believe there is so much story and mystery behind what we see. Maybe we are not too keen to see things behind the things, we don't hear the story that lies behind the story. I believe in the folk tales Grandma told me because no one would be so brainless as to create stories without a little bit of truth behind them. The stories that are told by our grandmas and grandpas might even be real because we don't know what they saw or lived through.

So, I decided not to follow the paths laid down by others. I didn't complete my graduation. My parents and brother weren't happy with that but I could not go to university when all I felt was run away. I didn't do my best, I failed exams and I had issues with other students. At some point, there was too much pressure. I just couldn't concentrate and pass my exams.

When I knew about the outcome, I decided to utilize my energy somewhere else. I picked up my camera and started making the videos. I have seen that YouTube vlogging has become a thing. I thought why shouldn't I give it a try when I go on treks and to the cities?

It took a year for me to build a YouTube base. I was happy that I had around 200k subscribers and, in the beginning, I didn't know we could generate income through YouTube. When I received my first paycheck, I put the word 'dropping out of college' before my parents. They didn't react well and didn't like the fact that I had joined the hippy club.

My parents even asked me not to do anything. They are pretty loaded, old money ran through our families and they were happy if I just stayed home and accompanied my mum to her parties and events. They even asked me to go with my brother to our company. I worked as his Personal Assistant for three months before leaving. I tried, but that wasn't the life I wanted to live.

It took forever to make them agree with my choice when I said I wanted to explore places and learn new things. The first thing I did was travel to England as they have a great history, and then to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand... My blogs and vlogs on the history of these countries half the world doesn't know, make the readers curious.

I even got the chance to volunteer in foreign countries. I sold my pictures and videos to travel magazines. Worked alongside some of the well-known travel agencies. Meeting new people, and recording their memories and stories is something that makes me feel alive. It just brings so much happiness to you. I travelled to many countries and met many people, but the only place that I yearned to visit was the place where my Grandma grew up.

I decided to move there on my 21st birthday. My parents don't know about my decision yet, and I'm not ready to tell them. If they knew I was going to live there, they would kill me. I don't know why, but for a strange reason, my parents wouldn't like it if we took the name of the village. They would say all ape-shit, but it only increased my interest and curiosity to live there.

My phone rang, breaking my thoughts. I saw the screen and it showed my brother Albert's face. I accepted the call.

"Hey," I said.

"Hello, am I speaking to Abigail White? She is always busy and doesn't have time to answer my calls." I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. "Well, I do not have time for idiots."

"Ouch, is that the way you call your elder brother?"

"Yes." He chuckled. "Have you eaten?" I hummed, looking out of the window. "Have you?" He sighed, I know he forgot to have his lunch.

"Albert, you shouldn't ignore the food."

"I know, I'm sorry. I will wrap up the work and have my lunch." Before I could say anything he continued. "When are you moving?" he asked me. "This Sunday." I cannot keep it a secret from Albert. He is the one who did the most of the help and the reason why I would be able to live there.

"Are you coming home for your birthday?"

"No, but I may come home when you people are home." He sighed, I'm sure he caressed his forehead.

"I will visit you when you've settled down. About your birthday―I'm not sure about it. I will try my best to be there."

"You better visit me."

"Take care, little sister. I love you. I got to go now." His assistant might've called him.

"You too... and I love you Allibie," I said, using the word that he hates.

Albert is my best friend. We grew up fighting like normal siblings and still do. But we both knew how much we loved each other. Our bond is thick and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I looked out of my apartment here in London. All of my things are sent and I'm all ready to leave this place.

*

I looked out of the window and saw endless trees and mountains. The only visible thing is the greenery, the mountains, and the road ahead. I landed in the country two hours ago and took the train to the state. I had the option of using public transport or hiring a cab. I decided to go by public transport, as I didn't have much luggage.

I have got questioning looks from the villagers who are on the same bus. I sat alone and they didn't bother to ask me anything. Which I'm thankful for. I don't think I would be able to answer any of their questions.

I've already googled everything about the village that I'm gonna stay in. I always remember my grandma saying just how beautiful the place is, and to be honest, the greenery here is breathtaking.

It is a perfect place to live if you need a break from your daily life. Permission to enter and visit the village is limited. The government doesn't have any power as the royalty rules the village. Outsiders are not allowed inside the village. If anyone wants to visit the village, they need to go through some procedures. Will only be allowed when the Royal Board members give permission.

I also read posts by the tourists who visited the village. They wrote many amazing things and the common point of all of them was the "Castle". It was the most beautiful place they ever saw but they didn't get to see the whole Castle as they only got permission to see the north wing.

They didn't meet any high officials or royal people as it was forbidden for tourists, which made me curious to know more about the Castle or should I say ― the people living in it.

I don't know how Albert got permission for me to live there, but I think I'm really lucky. The bus dropped us at the stop and all the villagers got down along with me. I saw the signboard which said,

"Welcome to St. Ravenswood Territory