The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

↞･:*✵*:･↠

I hid away in the library for the rest of the night, afraid that if I did fall asleep, Colton would come back and continue to mess with my fatigued mind. I forced myself to stay awake, staring down at a book placed between my hands, my head lolling forwards occasionally, threatening to send me into a deep sleep.

Eventually, I must have dozed off, for the next time I opened my eyes, sunlight was streaming through the window. I rubbed my eyes, yawning as I stood, surprised I'd not faced any frightening nightmares.

When I stood up, my head spun—most likely due to the sudden movement as I'd been still for a long period of time. Pushing back strands of loose hair, I took all the books from in front of me, scooping them in my arms as I prepared to put them away.

Walking down towards the back of the library, I heaved a sigh. Placing the stack down, I then pulled two books from the bundle, sliding them back into place. I did the same for the rest of the novels, except for the romance. I'd found this book the most interesting, and I was going to ask one of the maids to try and find another book by the author when they ventured into town for supplies.

Exiting the library, I gripped the book in my hand and continued along the extended hallway that seemed to stretch on forever. I kept my eyes peeled for a maid until I found myself wandering into the throne room. Entering the vast space, I was filled with memories that I'd rather not touch, remembering the way Aldous had taken control of my body and caused both myself and others pain. I shook my head at the thought, and continued on past the room, eager to escape.

Now back in yet another hallway, I paused, thinking. Having nothing better to do, I supposed I might as well search for a maid to give my request to rather than wait for one to show up. I wandered outside into the gardens, where I was sure there would be at least one maid tending to the flowers and trimming bushes. I stepped along the stone path of the gardens, staring at the nature surrounding me and marveling at the sight of the flowers, swaying along to the beat of the breeze.

The gentleness of the arrangements made me feel a sort of serenity despite the many problems I was facing. I was mesmerized by the way the flowers bent and twirled like dancers, the wind their partner. Stopping from where I'd been walking previously, I watched a group of white flowers bend slightly as another cool breeze drifted by. Reaching out my hand, I cupped one of the flowers in my palm, and smiled as the soft feeling of the lush petals caressed my hand.

Suddenly, taken out of my trance, I retreated from the flower, pulling my hand back to my side, blushing now, slightly embarrassed. Looking around to make sure no one had seen me, I continued on the path, although I did still stop a few times more to watch the floral arrangements, enthralled by their lightness and beauty.

It took me a while, but I soon enough spotted a young man clipping at one of the bushes, forming the leaves and branches into an animal. Coming up beside him, I smiled softly, grabbing the male's attention for a moment as I came into his sight.

"Ah, hello there," the boy nodded to me before turning back to his work, clearly focused on the task at hand.

"Hello," I answered politely before continuing. "I'm very sorry to bother you, but would you happen to know where I could find a maid heading into town soon?" I asked politely. At my words the male shrugged, glancing down at me briefly before back up at the hedge.

"Practically any maid'll do," he commented casually. "They're all headin' out soon anyways. Only a few of 'em are gonna be left behind to help the King and all," he stated, lifting the sharp contraption he was holding and snipping at a branch a few times before the piece finally gave way, falling to the ground.

"How come? Why are they all leaving at once?" I asked curiously, causing the male to let out a soft chuckle.

"You really don't know? I'd assume you'd be eager to leave, also. You must be new. The kingdom's having a festival tomorrow. It only happens once 'round this time, on the Autumnal Equinox, to be exact. The people of Crostia like to celebrate that fall is coming. They very much appreciate the yellow color of the leaves, I suppose," he shook his head for a moment, a smile on his lips.

"Anyways, they all gather in the square. There, they dance and eat and sing. Quite exciting if you ask me. That's why all of the maids happen to be headin' into town on that day. They all tell the King that they're out of some supplies and need to be goin' and soon enough they've joined the party," he laughed.

"So, aye, any maid'll do if you really need a message delivered although for a maid I don't quite understand why-" he paused, looking down at me as I grinned up at him, excited at the thought of a festival. The male looked horrified all of a sudden as he took notice of my attire, and allowed himself a good look at all of my features.

"You're....not a maid," he spoke in a hushed tone, almost scared that he'd told me too much. At his words, I laughed, shaking my head no.

"I'm afraid not, but I am eternally grateful that you gave me the information you did. And no worries, not a word of thus will be spoken to Ga-the King," I corrected myself swiftly before continuing. "Thank you, again. I'll be off now, I've got to go search for a maid. Have a nice day, sir," I nodded, then heading off back towards the palace, an unwavering smile plastered across my face.

Finally, I had something to do. I'd be able to sneak into town and get the new novel I'd been craving. Finally, I'd have something to do besides worrying about nightmares, bickering with Gale and stealing pastries from the kitchen. I'd soon worry not about having to fight boredom by the hour.

For I was going to the festival, whether people liked it or not.