Once Upon A Winter

Chapter One: Nightmares

Winter.

It was a winter morning when father had ordered for the maidens to play soothing music for us. I had just finished braiding my hair has father was discussing how I would have to marry soon. I wanted to complain to him, but I was to obey my father; who was the king of our lands. Father would smile and talk about how good a matrimony would be. Before I could share my thoughts with him back I heard the soldiers dashing back into the palace. The calm, soothing royal music had stopped suddenly once the voices of angered soldiers burst through the palace gates. I remember father standing up immediately, turning to me and saying, 

"Head to your room at once."

An obedient princess I was. I nodded and without any hesitation, without a question, I did what I was told. I don't recall the next arguments. I just know that after that event, the palace began to be at war. I could hear father's argumentative tone from my room has I stood outside of my balcony door when a maiden knocked on my door. 

"Come in." I spoke.

No response.
I stopped leaning on the rails has I headed back inside my room when I heard the door burst open and soldiers dashed in. I stepped backwards has they came around me. One particular one, stood firm, walking over to me.
"Princess Magali ." The voice was deep and strict.
I couldn't help, but shake in fear has my anxiety rose high. 

"Who are you?! How dare you come in and invade our palace" 

"Very cute, I don't think you have any permission to speak right now." He said has he moved his sword towards me, dripping blood.

"...." I swallowed hard has the soldiers held me by the arms. 

"So I have heard the king... is no longer king... so the princess turns into a queen" 

I couldn't see his face but I could feel the stupid smirk on his face.

"So I beckon I have to take you to my palace where we can get crowned as the new king and queen of Belis" 

I couldn't help but give an angered look has he brought the blade closer. 

"What do you say?" He whispered has he reached for his helmet.

"No."

The rest is blank...

I always awakened at that part, feeling a sharp pain in my chest and legs. I turned on my bed has I looked over at the balcony, still perhaps midnight; The moon was high in the sky. I rubbed my eyes has I felt tears there. Why? I sat up has I heard a knock in the door. 

"Sister?" A voice mumbled.

"Y-yes?" I said has I stood up. 

The door opened has a black haired girl walked in, hurrying over and hugging me.My sister. It was just my sister. 

"Same dream?" She asked.

I just simply nodded has I let the tears out.  

"Except I... I saw more"

"More?" 

"Soldiers, He was about to remove his helmet... and I just couldn't."

She stroked my hair. "It's okay, don't force it"

And like any other night, she stayed to watch me sleep, comforting me. I felt safe... in my sister's arms. Even though, every time I sleep, I see the same nightmares... over and over. My sister stroked my hair has I closed my eyes... falling asleep again.