Caged Birds Will Fly

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Chapter Seven: Love is Strange, Isn't It?

H E L E N
My days as Prince Aurous's Knight were duller than I imagined, except for trying to stop all the swooning, and menacing, women. "Helen", Prince Aurous argued, "please stop calling me 'Prince Aurous'!", as we walked towards the palace. "Why?", I questioned, turning my heel on him. I stared at him as he averted his gaze, his ears red. "Because you are now my Knight, so call me 'Aurous'."
"Is that what your adoring fans call you", I hissed, pointing at the crowd of women. "I command you to from now on", he added hastily, avoiding the question. I grunted but accepted his request. For the King, for the King, I thought, my patience wearing thin. I glared at him. "Hey, it's time", I told him. He took my arm and went to see the Principle. He grunted and turned to me and Aurous, "Now, Prince, I have a request. Judging from Helen's background and...um... sex, I do not think she is fitted for the Acad-"

"My father made that request not me"

"I know, but", he hands me a pink piece of paper, "we cannot guarantee that she would be a benefit after she graduates, if she doesn't it would possibly damage out school's name. We cannot take that risk... for her", he gestured to me, "Please sign and leave as soon as possible. You understand, right Aurous?"

He stood there, silent.

I stood there with the paper in my hands. Ha... hahaha. I can't believe it, they would do this to me, to him?! They have no idea how hard I worked for this. For Eli. Hot tears clouded my vision and I knew it; I had to find another way. I fled the room. How could he just stand there! I should only think about how to get Eli and go home. I entered my room and started to pack my bags. I could not accept this. I stared at the rose-colored paper. I thought of Eli, would he be disappointed? Would they all? I sniffled and brought my brooch to my chest, "Mother... how can someone so right be so wrong?". I never knew you could feel this betrayed. A knock on my door, followed by its opening, brought me out of my reveries. Ivory rushed towards me and wrapped his arms around me. His dark evergreen hair brushed my cheeks; his arms tan and welcoming. That did it, I started crying. I gripped his broad back for support; I feared I might crumble into the abyss if I didn't. He whispers 'it's okay' into my ear over, and over again. Aurous stands at my doorway, his gaze landing on Ivory and me. Ivory lets me go. I cling to him still and avert my gaze from Aurous. He grabs me by the shoulder, facing me towards him. "Helen, as your best friend, I must tell you this. You are the most crazed girl I have ever meet; you stand up to men, out-best them, and care for them. All the guys here would be sad if you left... I would be sad. Think about why you're here, he needs you". I stood up, wiping my tears, and told Ivory I would think about it. I look at the piece of paper, ripping it in half. They wouldn't make me leave, not by King's orders. I had every right to be a Knight as a man did. That night I slept peacefully, for I knew that I couldn't abandon my purpose. Not for anyone. I will get home. 

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E L I
I graze the stone in my hand before letting it sink into the lake. I muttered a light 'Helen' under my breath and went to the bench. The tree-shaded me from the sun and my chocolate-black hair gently fell into my face. It has been a long time, so much so that I think my memories were just a dream. But I know they're not, because she's there. Her bright smile, lake-blue eyes, and ebony hair. I smiled. My sister, the only thing keeping me going. I twirled the flower in my hand, letting the yellow hue stain my hands. I looked around for Annibelle, my maid; she was under the cradle near the pond. I walked over to her and handed her the basket filled with green apples. "Thank you, Celeste", I cringed at the name, so used to being called "Eli" by Helen. She laced flowers into the cradle, occasionally taking an apple from the basket. I sat on the grass, letting my fingers brush it sparingly. My feet dug into the soft soil, letting memories flood into my vision.
"Eli", she called out, grabbing my hand and weaving me through the crowd of people. Her hair swayed side to side and her boots made stomping noises on the ground. I stared at the marketplace, the liveliness, and the food. I gazed at the kids that zoomed through, laughing. Helen's mouth clenched and she continued walking. Her dress, like my outfit, was baby blue and dotted with merry-go-rounds. I gripped her hand tighter and giggled. Finally, we arrived at "Marine's Candy Shop"; I held my breath as we entered. The store was cluttered and stocked full of treats to cotton candy. My mouth water, but Helen mouthed 'wipe your drool, ya doof'. I quickly wiped my mouth, but my mouth kept drooling; I was bedazzled with the store. It was one of my favorite memories. Now those days are gone. 

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H E L E N
The rumors of my "knighting" spread like wildfire throughout the kingdoms, bringing everyone to bug me constantly. I noticed that people I've never met introduced themselves upon seeing me, it was extremely annoying. Today was a peaceful morning or was supposed to be until Aurous barged in yelling, "Helen help me. My father's' hosting a ball and I need you to pretend to be my date!"

"Why?"

"Because if you're not, I'll be eaten alive!"

"Haha ha...no", I had enough of those monsters, even Nightshades would run away in fear. I returned to my cake, trying my best to ignore him. It didn't work.

"I-I command you to be my date, that's an order"

"I. Hate. You. So. Much."

"Sorry", he shrugged, "I don't want to invite a girl who wants more than I want to give her, but I also can't disgrace my father by not having a date. So how can I solve this: By bringing you!".

Fun fact: I hate balls. 

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T/N: This is a little peek into how Eli's doing cause some of you guys wanted some insight. I really appreciate all the encouragements, it helps me fall in love with writing again. Thank you!