The Pictures We Paint/ #wattys2019

21

The palace stood like an imperial mist at its finest archiepiscopal, dancing in a hazy mirage. It looked like a humongous block of glistening ice but on closer inspection I realised it made of glass- clear, achingly pristine glass that shone brazenly in the sunlight.

I poured over every detail, every curve and needle-like turret. I traced every magnificent arch and gushed over every grand doorway. The palaces centre was a dome and at its corners stood four breathtaking towers brushing the sky. I yearned to see what the view would be like from up there.

Daisy turned to me in a crazed frenzy and clutched my arm "pinch me Amelia, I must be dreaming, this can't be real." I gave her a savage pinch, she yelled in pain then began jumping up and down excitedly.

The other girls were in similar states, gazing at the architect in revealed adoration and wonder. Suddenly a helicopter came into view, hovering above our heads. It descended upon the grass, we screamed and stumbled backwards as it propellers summoned a wind that tore at our dresses and hair, targeting our faces with dust, grass and stones. Once the engine died down a woman stepped out.

She floated down the steps with an air of regal authority, her hands delicately hovering beside her, fingers bent elegantly. A blue carpet was hurriedly placed down before by servant who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and she carefully walked toward us, her incredibly beautiful gown billowing around her feet, brushing the tips of her sapphire jewelled heels. Throughout this whole process we watched in awed silence.

"I see you have all arrived safely, I am for one pleased." She spoke with with a low calm voice and tone that could pause a tornado on its destructive path. She almost didn't seem human, I couldn't imagine her doing anything normal or outrageous. I wonder if all Firsts were like this, Julian certainly wasn't, he always-

No. I couldn't think about him. I didn't know him. My heart fluttered with pain as I tried to chase his face from my mind. Doctor Truce had said to avoid emotional stress at all costs but it seemed that was all I could do these days. I glanced at the palace, this had to be a new start for me, no families, no disappointing mother, no being alone, defeated, hurt- no more of that.

"You shall address me as madam Brown, I shall be your mentor, adviser, facilitator and overseer. Since I am in charge of the welfare of the participant what I say goes, which means any instruction I give out must be followed. Failure to do so will result in punishment. Do I make myself clear?"

"I don't like her." Violet whispered to me. I glanced at her quickly asked why?

She narrowed her eyes and before she could reply, madam Brown cut through. "Talking whilst I am is not tolerated, Violet Resae, I expected more."
Violet flushed and looked down, madam Brown seemed satisfied in her reaction and moved on.

"Today will be hectic, there are many things to be done, you are the last batch since you are late of course."
I could feel eyes on me but looked decidedly forward.

"None the matter however, I shall shown you your room so as to clean yourselves and prepare-"

"For what madam?" Olivia interjected. Madam Brown bristled slightly.

"Olivia Rickson, I will explain all as we ride to the palace, you have been placed here for security purposes, come now, there is much to be said."

A roofless carriage that was unusually large drew to a stop beside us. Madam Brown indicated that we should climb aboard and as ladylike as possible we each took a seat, Daisy, Beria and Laura seemed to have a knack for it and so did Violet surprisingly as they gracefully tucked their dresses round their ankles.