The Greywoods

Chapter 1

Prince Aurar looked out the carriage window. It was only once a month that he had to go survey the Shadowers lands, but he felt once a month was too soon to come back to

this inky forest. The black trees swallowed up the Shadowers entire land, giving the whole kingdom a grim atmosphere.

His mother, Queen Alina touched his shoulder.

"Now Aurar, I know you hate these trips, but we have to do it, to keep not only ours, but the Shadowers land safe. So try to put on a smile, alright?" She asked with a smile. Many people said he looked just like her. Same blond hair, same tall body, and a trait all the Lightners had, the same golden-copper eyes.

He gave a subtle nod in response, and turned back to the window. He could see the dirt path turning into cobblestone, and knew he would have to get out soon.

He saw a couple of buildings, some offering clothes, some offering food, and houses.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, They got to the castle. A tall, solemn building. He winced at the site of it. The carriage came to a stop in front of the castle, and a Lightner footman came out to open up the doors for both him and his mother.

He stepped out reluctantly, and started up the stairs. There was a large knocker at the door, and he gave it a hard knock. In almost no time, a Shadower came and opened the door. It was a male, judging from the hair to the white suit.

He was floating, and gave Prince Aurar a glare.

Aurar glared back.

His mother gave the doorman a sad smile, and followed Aurar up the winding staircase that lead to the throne room.

Aurar walked up, still angry about him and the doormans interaction. He was on the hallway to the throne room now. The sooner he could get this over with, the better. Lost in thought, he found himself tripping and sprawled on the ground. He looked back and saw another Shadower. He couldn't really make out if it was a boy or a girl...

The Shadower got up, and he could see what she looked like now. She wore a white apron, and had her long black hair tied up in a white ribbon. She had on white knee-high socks, and black shoes. She leaned down, and helped Prince Aurar up.

"Sorry, sir... Please don't get me fired for this..." She muttered, staring at her feet.

"Who are you?" Prince aurar asked.

"Erm, who am I? I'm Ebony Ampwood." She gave a small bow.

He nodded.

"And what do you do around here?"

"Um, I'm the maid, sir." She responded.

He nodded again.

"Well. Nice to meet you, Ebony."

He walked away, his mother finally coming up the stairs.

"Aurar! Why didn't you wait for me?" She asked.

"Sorry mother."

He looked back on Ebony, who was trying to clean herself up.

Once she saw he was looking at her, she gave a small wave, and turned back to her work.