Clouds Don't Own the Sky

Chapter 2

Austin made her way to the wall, well, a part of it. After the Evil Queen tried to keep the murderous Snow White out of the kingdom, the 7 dwarves became possessed by Snow White's beauty. They decided that using their pickaxes they would tear down the wall brick-by-brick until Snow White was able to get through. The wall remained there as a symbol that tyranny would always overcome the good through their horrible means. Those up there in the clouds owned it all. They owned the sky. Austin liked to sit on the wall though because it was the last thing she could remember of her grandmother. She wasn't there when Austin was born, but Austin felt like she was. For a little bit, Austin thought that she should maybe try to rebuild the wall. However, she knew she'd be labeled as a traitor and exiled from the kingdom if she ever did that. "Hey, Austin!"

"Hey, Naignomi." The small girl gnome stared curiously at Austin, wondering why she looked so sad today. "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. Just royal stuff you wouldn't understand."

"I can try to understand?" Austin sighs and looks directly at Naignomi. "My mom's holding a mock ceremony for me to be queen, and I really don't want to be part of her oppressive regime."

"Then don't go!"

"I don't have that choice."

"Well you might as well make the best of it, maybe put on a pretty dress, dance in the gala, have fun!"

"I guess...my mom wants me to find a boy."

"Ah, yes, I've heard. A lot of boys are coming to meet you as well."

"What?!"

"Yes, I didn't know what they were talking about before but now I do. There were a bunch of carriages going through here and a lot of them were talking about meeting a girl. I'm sure that girl is you!"

"I don't want to meet boys! I'm not interested in boys!"

"Perhaps you're interested in girls then?"

"No! I mean, I don't have anything against that but I just don't want a relationship right now. I'm my own person, I want to live my life before meeting someone."

"They are pretty handsome, though. I saw one really cute guy. His name's Micah, I think. Son of Aurora?"

"I couldn't care less. Ugh, when will she learn to lay off me for a minute? I'm not like her and dad, fall in love at 18 and get married. That's the old days of fairytales. Now princesses get opportunities, like education, and universities, I get to travel. I don't want to get married and get locked down into the monarchy."

"Well, maybe you should talk to your dad about it. I'm sure your dad will do something."

"He already told me to enjoy myself and not focus on boys if I don't want to."

"Then go do that!" Austin looked down and saw her clothes began fading away. This was an indication that Megan was calling her to the palace to get ready. "I have to go now Naignomi. It was nice talking to you! I'll be sure to bring some leftovers for the family!"

"Bye Austin!" Austin sprinted through the leaves as her clothes began fading even more. She had 2, 3 minutes tops, to get to the palace, otherwise her heels would pop back and she would for sure fall and probably lose her way. The palace doors were within sight, just a few more steps. At that moment, Austin tripped and realized her darned high heels had come back. As she closed her eyes and braced for impact with concrete she felt strong hands holding her up. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I didn't mean to trip, just these high heels..."

"I get it!" the boy laughed. "My mom hates them too." When Austin stood up she looked back at the boy and stumbled in shock. He was wearing a simple white jacket over a white cotton shirt with jeans. "Uh, are you...one of the cooks?"