Mirrors ✔️

Chapter 7: Escape

Wow, hi, Its me again. This is also unedited, because I've been working fast, but I hope you like it! -Erica

Renee

Once the Princess calls for me, she doesn't say another word. I only watch her quietly from a corner, watch her eyes dart around wildly like a cornered animal.

At least, that's what she should be doing. That is what she is always doing.

What has changed?

Her eyes meet mine, a challenge, maybe. Her hands are clenched into fists at her sides.

"What is your name." A statement, not a question. Another ordinary choice of words, if they hadn't been spoken with a dull, flat voice. Somehow, this is more terrifying than anything she's done before.

I don't answer her, and her lips twist into a smirk. "What is your name." She repeats.

I move to set her tray of food on the floor and then begin back away, away from her, away from her whole room. She holds up a hand to stop me, and I freeze.

"What is your name." An order. A command. Her words echo in my ears, and I stare at her. She's still smiling.

"Renee." I finally reply, and her smile widens, as if I've learned a new trick.

"Renee. Re-nee. Renee." She tests out the word, letting it roll off her tongue.

"Princess," I start, "I really must go-" I don't have to, I'm lying, but how can she possibly know that?

"Certainly you must go." Valarie agrees, and I'm about to run out the door when she darts over and blocks it. I gasp and retreat. How did she get there so fast?!

"But first," Valarie continues, as if nothing has happened, "You need to help me."

What can she possibly mean? I've helped her every day, helped her with her food and drink and clothing. Ever since that death. No one really knows what happened to her then. One death-especially one of a traitor-shouldn't have driven her to such lengths. There are plenty of rumors, none of which can possibly be true with the Princess still alive. But.....what can she want from me?

"I don't understand." I tell her slowly. Careful, always careful. "Explain."

Valarie laughs, brushing her hair back behind her ear. She seems almost....normal. Almost like she'd been before.

The Princess points to her bed without moving. "Sit."

I obey, afraid of what she'll do if I don't. And she is a Princess, after all.

Smiling, Valarie glides over and seats herself next to me, far to close. I flinch away from her, and she giggles. "Renee, Renee. Don't be afraid." Her eyes hint at the opposite, endless pools of blue. The light of my lamp is reflected in them, adding fire to her gaze.

"I need you to let me out."

It's the last thing I expect her to say, and a gasp escapes me involuntarily. She laughs again.

"But-Princess-The King-I mean, your father-his orders-why-" I'm stuttering over my words, which only seems to amuse her.

"Correct." The Princess says. "I'd forgotten. Perhaps I shall just let myself out, then."

And without another word, she skips to the door. I'm too shocked to move, watching her run into the hallway, easy as can be.

She smiles again as she shuts the door, leaving me in darkness.

I hear the sound of a lock clicking.