I’m running. Laughter floats all around me turning the world into a place of wonder and magic. It’s as if everything around me has been waiting on cue to come to life. The pixie’s dance along with the dandelions in the wind, talking in their tiny voices as they try to avoid the human feet flying through the air. They whisper secrets of the Princess Diana playing with the common children as I pass.
As my ebony hair touches the wind, I pretend magic flows from the small strands sending life wherever the wind goes from here. I fancy myself a witch who can make anything happen and turn any who defy me into nothing but dirt at the snap of my fingers. I am feared in my own mind, but in reality, I know the only reason others fear me is because of my last name.
After Queen Evaine, my mother died my father, King Peter, married a monster. She is evil and she will kill without hesitation. I know it’s just a matter of time before she considers me more of a liability than a daughter. All she wants is the power my father’s throne gives her; she could care less about me. I never asked to be drawn into her life like I am. I thought maybe she would leave me alone for no other reason than I am the KIng’s daughter. When it comes to Isabella, no one is untouchable. She will harm anyone and anything standing in between her and the throne of Firefall.
I turn around watching a fair haired boy and his dark haired counterpart chasing after me, "William hurry!" I cry as the air rasps past my throat and into my exhausted lungs. William’s tiny feet attempt to gain speed as we make our way into the trees. "He’s going to catch us!" I squeal adrenaline surging through my body with a vengeance.
"Diana! Come on you’re it!" a black haired boy whines his little feet stomping upon the green grass in protest. Although his bright green eyes convey a sense of adoration in the way he looks at me, his gaze seeming transfixed as if he’s gazing at a distant star. He holds his head high, even when he knew that it will get him nowhere. I know that both of these boys hold an affection for me that is unique in its own way. For as long as I can remember, Kilian always had an aura around him, telling everyone he was the victor and he always gets his prize. However, I am not a prize to be won.
The fair haired boy smiles at his brother, "Kilian, stop being a guppy! If she doesn’t want to be it, she doesn’t have to!" He turns back to me, his bright blue eyes made all the brighter by his wind chapped cheeks, "After all she is the Princess. "He said shyly in my direction, making clear once again the distinction setting me apart from the little trio. William is always the one who comes to my rescue when Kilian challenges me. He is my self appointed protector and he will continue to protect me when most will just leave me to fend for myself. He is loyal, kind and believes everyone’s heart is as good as his is, but his belief in humanity will become his greatest weakness.
I smile at him, my raven curls waving in the wind after my red cloak as if it were saying goodbye before I knew it was necessary. I feel as though I need to curtsy to him to make up for the unspoken compliment but instead I blush and focus on the grass beneath my feet. I know I can say nothing back for I was the Princess, and when it is time, my father will find a suitable mate for his daughter. My father did marry a commoner out of necessity, but it will never happen again, the counsel will make sure of it. The small blades of green hold my blue slipper clad feet in between their soft fingers as I stand there unsure of what to do or say next. I hope one day I can love William as much as he loves me, but with Isabella on the throne, it will never be possible.
"Kilian! William! Come here!" a loud, gruff voice interrupts. I turn to see a man with burly arms and an angry red face calling Kilian and William home. Both boys turn and run towards their father, shooting apologetic glances in my direction. Even from here I can hear their father’s disapproval. "What have I told you about her? You’ll get us all killed!"I can’t escape the fact the villagers fear me because of my step mother’s tyranny, and once my father leaves I shall become a prisoner in the only home I’ve ever known. I know she cannot stand the fact I get all of the attention from my father and I know she would jump at the chance to make me serve her. So as soon as my father’s foot leaves the threshold of our doorway, I will be condemned to the same life the villagers have, or I will be locked away and erased from existence forever.
I turn my gaze away from the palace with disdain, and look at the house Kilian and William reside in with longing. I hope when the time comes, they will remember their future Queen. For if they don’t, there will be no hope for the kingdom of Firefall.