Caged Birds Will Fly

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Chapter Eight: I know Death, He is Kind

H E L E N
My gown was a pale pearl, covered with silver linings. Utterly despicable. It ruffles at the top and choker and is floor-length. My hair is done into a swirling up-do; I don't know how they do it. The carriage ride was smooth due to pleasant weather, but my mood soured the trip I looked forward to. I stepped out, smoothed out my dress, and prepared for battle. He stood at the top of the steps. I grabbed him by his collar, "If you try this again, I swear I will jab my sword through your chest myself, my lord", I snarled. He nodded. His eyes played downwards, taking in all my dress. I touched the white fabric, "I know it looks ugly, just don't laugh". He shook his head, "I think you look ravishing". I blushed. The palace looked more magnificent than the last time I saw it. The Prince grabbed my arm, "Shall we?". "Of course, your Majesty", I retorted through gritted teeth. I stepped out, my feet bleeding in the terrible heels, and walked in arm-and-arm with the Prince. A girl in a pink ruffled dress appeared in front of us. She fidgeted with her hands, her face red, "Sir Helen, I saw your match and I fell in love. As I token of my affection and appreciation", she handed me a lilac box, "please accept this gift!". I smiled, kissing her left hand as I'd seen my father do many times, "I will gladly accept anything from a maiden this cute"; she trembled. Cute. Like a bunny. Aurous and I walked away, leaving her nearly fainting, "You are more man than woman, Helen", I shrugged (the boys used to tease me about this when I was little, so I'd gotten used to it), "I know. One of my many traits". I checked the ballroom, "I'll go get the King". I went to the throne-room, located east of the corridor, only to find what can only be described as the most horrific moment of my life!

The King lay cold on his throne; the crown, now red, at his feet. His head was tilted to the side and his once lively blue eyes were now pale and lifeless. The wound was crumpled with his brown hair; his fingers lined with the effort of struggle. His Empress knelt beside him, sobbing. I tore my eyes away. I bowed at his feet. Our once great Majesty... dead. I prayed that nothing worse would befall the kingdom. The man that gave me support, gave me an opportunity, killed. Why, why, why?! The room clung to me, the scent of murder clinging to me. I raced out of there, tears begging to fall, and sobbed, "His Royal Highness, King Richered, has been murdered!". They all turned towards me, the girl, with her face in her hands, crying, and rushed to find the truth I had spoken. I lay on the cold tile floor, looking for Aurous. He hugged his brother. They were crying.

After the tragic incident, I was appointed the young King's Gold Knight. I sighed into the open air, cursing. The murderer was not caught immediately but was caught dead in a cellar, his tongue cut. Someone obviously wanted the King dead. I had wanted my plan to succeed, but not in this manner! King Aurous was now the most wanted husband and without an Empress and First Queen, the kingdom could not go on for long. The courthouse was now filled with gorgeous women, all wanting to have a shot of being welcomed into Royalty. Of course, Violet and Naomi were competing for the crown as well. Their gowns were purple, while mine, now being a Royal Knight, was white with gold trims. So was the so-called Prince's "fiancé". I clenched my sword. The cool air swirled around me as I sat on the steel beam of a porch. The other Knights were also there, including my best friend Ivory. I had rushed over. Ivory waved, "WOW! Becoming the King's Gold Knight, good for you Helen!", he slapped me on the back. I grinned and socked him lightly on his shoulder. The men welcomed me with grace and honor. One even said I deserved to be the King's personal Knight. My pride was short-lived when Lydia took me away, asking me to introduce them to the King. Greedy. I scowled at the thought of the vultures I called my family. I needed to come up with a plan to get access to the sources to find Eli. Aurous, who still had not found a wife, beckoned everyone inside. I straightened, grabbed my sword, and went inside. The interior was still glamorous no matter how much I saw it. The King waved me over to his side, making me the target of many women. Some of the ladies' gaze lovesick at the image of us: King Aurous and Sage Knight Helen. The principle also came to see me, accompanied by a well-dressed man. He stood up and called for everyone's attention. "For years scientist have tried to decipher Queen Marigold's last letter. I believe it cannot be done, but now here it is: La vallée des dragons se trouve là où le cœur endormi, The Valley of Dragons lies where pure of heart sleep"