11 Rose Riding Hood

The moment I woke up, my body felt heavy. I woke up earlier than I intended to.

I wanted to go back to sleep, but my brain won't let me. So I just stayed in bed and only moved when the maids came in to assist. After I had taken a shower and put on some clean clothes, the maids lined up and bowed.

"Princess, we'll be going now. Please call us if you need any more assistance."

"Sure." I responded.

I walk to my bed when I accidentally stepped on something. I almost tripped and fell. Since I was in a pretty bad mood, I almost threw it out of the window in anger. Luckily, I caught sight of it just in time before I threw it out. It was the book that I was trying to read yesterday. It was pretty heavy that I decided to sit on my bed and placed the book on my lap. I traced the golden details of the book and it seemed to radiate life.

But I guess it's just my imagination.

I opened the book as I began to read. This time, my mind was slightly cleared that I was able to comprehend the words.

Decades ago, in the kingdom of Thalia. A kind King and a loving Queen dwelled over the land. Everyone was content and happy. That was until they angered the Gods. It was a day where the kingdom's freshly harvested crops were washed out by a great flood. Almost all of the food was washed away and only a few were left, leaving the citizens of Thalia weak with starvation.

The king decided to divide the remaining food to the citizens. Unfortunately, with the little of what they have and the large population of his kingdom, the food wasn't even enough to last for 2 days. Hunger led to desperation and greed. The people started to sin. They started to steal and kill. So many lives were lost and so much blood was shed. The war lasted for 3 days, it was declared as the Dark Hours, the day where the people were driven mad because of hunger and the blackened sand that was caused by the dried blood and ashes of its citizens.

One day, the King had had enough of the blood spills that he had banished all that was unworthy. Since then, a lot of the people fled the kingdom and lived in separate groups. There, they faced many challenges and have adapted into the wild to survive.

One group has decided to become one with the animals. They studied and imitated their hunting forms and acted like the animals. They were the very first Were people. The second group wandered far into the woods. They have food but water. Their thirst lasted for a week before one of them had decided to drink the blood of an animal, thus making them the first vampires.

The third group was the wisest. They planted their own crops for their living and relied on nature for their daily needs. They gave respect to nature as if it were alive. Soon the spirits of the forest had acknowledged them and given them powers. They became the first elves.

The Fourth decided to work on alchemy. They believe that the magic from their world can be learned through the use of symbols and languages. Through years of studying the alchemy and the elements, the people finally learned how to use it. That was how the warlocks and witches came to.

The Fifth discovered a mountain full of mythical creatures. Creatures forming bonds -

Blah blah blah and the list of supernatural beings went on and on. Explaining how they became this and that. How this happened and that. I yawned and flipped to another page, where the actual story begins. I'll come back and read the rest of the races later.

As years went by, each species had adopted and had become more civilized. Not long enough that they had built their own separate kingdom. Magic had bloomed -

I was still in the middle of reading when the door suddenly burst open. I looked up angrily at the one who had disturb my reading. "What do you want, PRINCE Ace?" I glared at him from my book.

Ace - Oh excuse me - PRINCE Ace only glared back at me as if he wanted to skin me alive. "You do realize that I have been waiting in the library for 2 hours. Then I came to find you here reading?"

I only shrugged at him as if it was nothing. "Well what does it look like I'm doing? Now go along and find someone to play with. I'm busy." I waved him off. "Shoo!!"

"We.Have.Training." Ace said through gritted teeth.

"I know." I said. My eyes still glued to the book.

"And?"

"And I don't care." I said and finally looked up at him. "I'm not going to do anymore of that training crap. No one can boss me around."

"No." He said.

"No what? Dude please be specific when you talk. You're not a kid." I said then rubbed my chin as if I was thinking. "Although you do have anger issues. Let me guess. You're in one of your moods. Is it your time of the month?"

Ace walked straight towards me and hauled me up off the bed, almost making me fall in the process. "Hey! What's wrong with you. I know you like me that much but I don't like you, okay? Might as well say it right here to make things clear." I said sarcastically, then pulled my arm out of his grasp. Ace only rolled his eyes at me before his attention was shifted to the book that I was reading.

He froze.

"Um yohoo! Earth to Mr. Pain here. Are you there?" I waved my hand in front of his face. Trying to catch his attention. "Hey. I didn't hurt your feelings that bad when I rejected you, ri-"

"How far have you read?" Ace grabbed me by my shoulders and looked straight into my eyes.

"It's called resear-"

"I'm serious. How far have you read?" His tone was laced with annoyance.

"And seriously, Ace. When will you stop cutting me of-"

"Rose!" Now with the screaming.

Sheesh! I think no girl will be able to stand this guy's attitude. He'll end up alone....in the dumpster. Dead.

I pointed at the page of the book where I have stopped. Ace finally released me from his hold. He grabbed the book and started to read it before he shut it.

"Hey. I was supposed to read that! I haven't even memorized the page!" I whined and tried to grab the book away from him but he moved it away. "Did you at least memorize the page number!?"

"Stay here and wait for me." He ordered. And now he's giving me orders? Who does he think he is? A prince?

...Well that was ironic and a stupid thing for me to think.

But that doesn't give him the right to order me around. "Why should I listen to you? H-E-L-L-O I am not from this world. I live in a free country so you can't boss this girl around." I pointed to myself. "So if you'll excuse me, I'll be going to get my breakfast now." I flipped my hair back in an attempt to be annoying. Of course, I know that everything that I do always annoys him. Or better yet, everyone annoys him.

Before I could even reach the door, Ace grabbed my hand and pulled me back. He walked towards the door and slammed it shut.

Talk about ladies first.

I ran towards the door and tried to twist the knob only to find it locked.

What the!?

I knock loudly on the door. "YOU STUPID SON OF A JERK!! UNLOCK THIS DOOR!!"

Well this is funny. I'm knocking from the inside of my room?

"Stay!" Ace barked and I heard his footsteps getting farther and farther.

Why does he keep threating me like a dog!?

"What!? No! Let me out. At least bring me something to eat! Ace!"

***

10 Minutes have past and I was still trying to break the door. I even threw my desk at it and was now hitting the door knob with my chair.

The cardio that I'm doing right now is making me hungrier by the minute.

"Stupid....Prince....I'll....Kill...You." I grumbled as I continued hitting the door with the chair. "I'll be sure to hang you to a post with your royal cape and expose your royal underwear so everyone one can see that pride of yours! ARGH!!"

The chair isn't working! I knew I should have used the mahogany one, but it was too heavy.

"ARRRRGHH!!!" I angrily marched to my dresser and grabbed all of the brushes and makeups that I saw and started to throw them against the wall. The makeup broke and scattered messily on the floor after they hit. It left a lot of stains on both the door and the floor.

The door suddenly burst open and the 5 princes came. A box of powder came flying towards Nate's face but he easily caught it.

Cool reflexes. I applaud him for that, temporarily forgetting about my situation.

Nate smirked proudly while holding the box of powder. As he strode towards the room, he immediately slipped because of the messed up powders on the floor from the other product. Luckily, he was able to catch himself and avoid further humiliation.

I slapped at hand to my mouth to cover my giggle. Unfortunately, he saw it and scowled at me.

I looked behind him to see Ace standing there with the rest. My blood started to boil at the sight of him and I grabbed my hair brush and attempted to tackle him. Unfortunately, the twins stopped me.

"Well if it isn't, PRINCE Ace. Nice to see you again after you lock me up in this room with no food and water! Do you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?!" I looked at the princes. "And did you even bring something to eat!?" I struggled against the twin's grip, but it was futile.

"I could cook you right now but I don't want your blood in my veins. I'll puke. And you probably think that I'm overreacting but I'm not. I'm a human for crying out loud! If I don't get any food then what will I dispose of after that!?" I slumped against their hold and continued to grumble.

"Woah woah. Slow down, Buttercup. Is it really that bad?" Dan asks with a laugh.

"He locked me up in this room! No food. No water."

"You almost hit a guy because of that?" Ren turned to the side and laughed.

"What do you mean almost?" I challenged him. I swung my foot up sending my shoe flying towards Ace. Very unfortunately, he slapped it away like a bug. "Okay then. Almost it is."

The twins started laughing. I gasped. These bastards must not have experienced hunger. After all, they are a bunch of spoiled princes. Well lucky for them.

"It's not just that. He almost choked me." They all stopped laughing. Shock was written on their faces. Slowly, they turned their head to Ace who looked really confused at the moment. Well he almost did when he grabbed me by the collar earlier and not so gently pulled me back. I was being dramatic here.

"Ace, Is that true?" Fred gave him a look.

"I figured he'd snap." Nate mumbled.

Ace glared at me for accusing him. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"I did no such thing." He said while glaring at me.

I gave a dramatic gasp. "So now you deny your actions a while ago? Just to keep that clean image of yours?"

"Why would I even choke you when I could snap your neck." Ace said coldly.

Now now. No need to go that far.

Feeling insecure, I touched my neck. "You monster." I mumbled. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up to see the oh-so-glorious-freakishly-handsome Prince Fred. "Rose, we came here to tell you something. Can this argument that you have with Ace wait?" He was giving me an expectant look as if pleading with me.

"PRINCE Ace." Ace corrected him.

"R-Right. Sorry."

"Okay." I nodded. Fred led me to sit on the edge of my bed. I looked back at Ace and stuck my tongue out at him.

If looks could kill I'd be dead.

The rest of the prince stood behind Fred. He came down to his knees in front of me and stared.

I'm getting married!?

I mentally slapped and dismissed the thought. No way is he going to do just that. He's a prince and I'm an alien...? Well I am from a different world after all, right? And besides, I'm still 17 and not legally old enough to get married.

But I am from a different world with different rules. Who knows?

He's gonna propose!

Where's the ring? I want diamonds!!

Fred sighed and grabbed my hand. "Rose, what I'm - I mean we're about to tell you.....it's kind of complicated-"

"I do!"

"What?" He asked.

"What?" I followed.

Fred laughed a little when our conversation was headed elsewhere. "What I was trying to say a while ago was..." Fred's eyes seemed to travel at each and every one of the boys. Having a silent conversation with them. I raised an eyebrow at him as I waited.

"Are you hungry?" Fred finished and politely grinned at me.

"FRED!!!" Nate and the twins screamed making me flinch at the noise.

"Oh. Is that it?" I was a bit disappointed. "Yes. I am starving." I admitted. Fred pulled me up on my feet. He was about to lead the way when Nate grabbed my arm and made me face him. He was looking at me. All serious and no hint of flirting.

Fred grabbed his hand that was holding my arm.

"Nate-" Nate swatted his hand away from his and glanced at Fred.

"I think this is the right time to tell her, Fred. She has read the book and I think that since she's living here with us then she has the right to know." Nate said.

"Right to know about what?" I asked. Making Nate turn his attention back at me. His red hair falling covering his eyes when he looked down.

Finally, he raised his eyes to meet mine again. His green eyes danced as it held a secret. "I'm a vampire."

Edward?

I started to laugh. "I have to admit. I almost believed you back there." I hit his forehead. "You sounded so serious."

Nate narrowed his gaze and leaned forward. His eyes did not leave mine for a second. "I'm not lying."

I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah. And I'm a mermaid. Watch me flip my tail." I scoffed.

"I thought she was human!" The twins sounded surprised. Ace hit them over their heads at their stupidity.

"He's telling you the truth." I turned my head to look at Fred. Curious was I since he started to take sides with Nate on his jokes. I only raised an eyebrow at Fred, then turned to Nate accusingly and glared.

"What did you feed the him?" I crossed my arms and stared straight at Nate.

"I didn't feed them anything! I'm just telling you the truth. Believe me." Nate said.

"Oh yeah? Then what are you guys then if Nate is a vampire?"

"Dan and I are wolves." Ren answered. "Fred is a warlock and Ace is an Elf."

Santa's helper says what?

I roamed my eyes at each and every one of them. They all have the same hard look on their faces as if they wanted to take a dump. That was why I couldn't stop the laughter that erupted from me. I backed away and sat on my bed as I continued to laugh. Tears had formed in my eyes so I started to wipe them away with my finger. When I looked up, they still had the same look on their faces.

Wiping the last tear from my eyes I grinned at them. "As fun as that was I think we have had enough jokes for this morning."

"You still think we're joking?" This time, it was PRINCE Ace who spoke. It was the first time that he had spoken since he came back to my room.

"Why else would you tell me such stories?"

"Because it's the truth." I was caught off guard when Fred had taken the spot to speak. "Remember yesterday when you had a sprain on your foot?" He asked.

I raised an eyebrow at him, wondering where this was going. "Yeah. But I could be imagining it. Nothing is there now."

Lies. I felt the pain of it yesterday.

"That's because I healed it." I stopped and tried to process what Fred had just said. Healed it? As in first aid? Is he a red cross in training? Well, if they have one in this world.

Ren looked at Nate with a tired look. "I think she needs proof." Nate nodded at Ren before looking back at me. He gave me a smirk. He moved in a blur that my eyes couldn't seem to follow. He moved so fast that I had to blink several times to make sure that I was seeing right. I gasped in surprise when Nate had his face close to mine.

But that was not the reason that made me uncomfortable.

It was his teeth. They were sharper and elongated. Pointed like needles that could easily pierce your skin.

I saw Nate leaning down on and exposed his fangs. "Still don't believe me?" He whispered.

Out of curiosity, I poked Nate's exposed fangs.

Making sure that he was not bluffing. Sure enough, it was real.

And that's where I lost my consciousness.

***

I woke up with a start. I was in my room, lying on my bed. I brushed the hair that had fallen on my face and looked around. The princes were standing by my bed staring at me. I gave each of them a curious glance as I took their appearances. I don't have to be a detective to know that something has changed on their features.

I first looked at Ren and Dan who both have snouts like a wolf. "My, what big nose you have." I suddenly said as I eyed them.

Oh and is it me or do my voice just echo?

"The better to smell you, my love." Both said at the same time. I raised an eyebrow at them before I turned to Nate.

Creepy

"My what big teeth you have." I commented as I examined his canine teeth.

"The better to eat you, my love." Nate flashed me his sharpened canine teeth which sent shivers down my spine. Making me look at Fred next.

"My what pretty eyes you have." I said to Fred as I looked at his bright blue eyes which were now glowing.

"The better to see you, my love." Fred then winked at me. Which is more of an action that Nate would do and not Fred.

Something is definitely wrong here. I turned my gaze to the last prince.

Ace

"My what big ears you have." I eyed Ace's ears. They became longer and sharper making his features more fine and detailed.

"The better to hear you, my love." Ace smiled at me.

Ace smiled.

Which only leads to one thing. This is not real. Ace never smiles at all. And I am pretty sure that he won't be smiling after I made that comment about his ears.

He'll kill me for that.

And saying 'my love?' This is a fake!

I looked up at Ace again. He was still smiling. A pure and genuine smile which added more charm to his features. Wait what was I thinking? Oh right.

GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!

.

.

"Rose! Wake up."

My eyes flew open and was met by Nate's green ones. "Why are you always the one who awakens me in my slumber?" I mumbled and wiped a hand across my face.

Nate chuckled. "That's because I want you to see something beautiful when you wake up."

"Then hide your face next time." I rolled my eyes and sat up. Just like in my dream, the princes were standing by my bed. The only difference is that they looked normal. No snouts, no fangs, no sparkly blue eyes, and no sharp and pointy ears.

But just to be sure.

"What big nose you two have." I said to both Dan and Ren. Immediately, they both turned and examined each other's faces.

I turned to Nate. "What big teeth you have."

"What?" Nate suddenly used his tongue to feel his teeth if they have, indeed, sharpened. Shrugging, I turned to Fred.

"What beautiful eyes you have."

Fred suddenly looked taken aback by my comment. "Why thank you...?"

Can't someone give me a proper answer so I can confirm that this really is the real world? I turned to the last prince who was crossing his arms and looking at me. I gulped.

I am counting on you Ace.

"What....big ears you have?"

Ace's eyes suddenly narrowed and became a murderous look. "You wanna die?" he said through gritted teeth. But despite Ace's treat I have managed to throw my arms to the air and cheer. I may look a little crazy but at least it was confirmed that I am in the real world.

Thank you, PRINCE Ace!

"It's real! It's real!" Then I stopped. Suddenly remembering something very important before I passed out. I froze and my gaze wandered at the princes.

It's real

This world.

It's all real.

I started to scream again. This time in terror. "It's all real!" I started to crawl on my bed and hid behind the sheets.

"You think this news about us not being human has affected her?" I heard Ren whispering to Dan.

"I don't know. I hope not." Dan whispered back.

"I think she's just upset?" Nate wondered.

"No one asks you, fangy!" Ren and Dan both said, resulting in more bickering from the two sides. I guess the whole story about werewolves and vampires not liking each other is, in fact, real.

"Hey princess!" The twins suddenly popped up beside my bed while I was deep in thought.

Wolves

These two are wolves.

"Eek!" I screamed and threw a pillow at them. It hit them both on the head. Ren and Dan playfully feinted death.

"You guys are not really helping." Nate grumbled as he fixed his coat. He glared at the twins who only stuck their tongue out at him and made funny faces. As if a switch was flipped, Nate's eyebrow began to twitch in annoyance. When the twins didn't stop, Nate rolled his sleeves up and dived at the twins.

I stared at them when Fred suddenly approached me. "Are you okay?" He had a concerned look on his face. A typical Frederick look.

I didn't give him a proper answer right away.

A Warlock.

Fred's a warlock

The room became silent. For the very first time since I came to this world, I was speechless. I still have no idea what to make of their revelations. Sure, I took the queen's confession that she was a fairy the first time, but that was it. Only a fairy.

Not wolves

Not vampires

Not warlocks

Not elves

If these boys are princes, then the kingdom that they're ruling must be full of their...kind? Or species. Whatever you call them.

I quickly imagined Ren and Dan's kingdom full of furballs running around the castle. Smelling each other's butts as a greeting and running around the palace trying to catch their tail. Well that is creepy and disgusting, but a little cute in a perverted way. I imagine Nate and his people sharpening their fangs before they sleep instead of brushing them. Drinking blood from a champagne glass. Which made me wonder if they have a blood factory? Yuck. Fred making some kind of potion for spells. Probably something that involves shiny and sparkly liquids. Zapping someone's butt and healing injured animals. Now I'm just picturing Fred doing all those stuff. And Ace, well.....doing what elfs do. Gardening?

Realizing that I was not answering, Nate and hesitantly kneeled in front of me and held my hand. His eyes bore into mine and telling me he was sorry. Despite being a vampire/bloodsucker/leech/flirt he was warm. "Hey. It's okay." He said. "You're frightened and shocked. We understand that. But I want you to know that, despite our nature, we wouldn't harm you or even inflict pain. I don't know what kind of books you reading in your world to have a different perspective of us. We have some hints of what it is in your books in the human world. According to Ace-"

PRINCE Ace immediately glared at Nate. Making him roll his eyes.

"Excuse me. According to PRINCE Ace, he told us that most of the time, your kind considered us as evil and vicious." Nate frowned at that and continued to circle his thumb on the back of my palm. "I dare to disagree. You're a family here, Rose. You're safe with us. And as long as you're with us nothing bad will happen to you."

I know what I heard and I know what it means, but I suddenly have a different interpretation of what it meant: Try and leave and you'll suffer the consequences. A voice sang in my head. Or maybe I was jealous because I don’t have any special abilities.

"I think you need to rest. Have this day away from your training." announced Fred. "Nate and I will talk to the queen. Rest well, princess. I will have the maids to deliver your meal."

Nate then leaned down and kissed my forehead. I flinched. I may be sulking but I still prefer having my personal bubble!

Nate must have noticed this because he gave me a sad smile before he and the others stood to leave. Ace looked back at me once before he and the others disappeared from my room.

Great. So now I'm in a supernatural world after all. There might be some other species out there far more dangerous. And I'm just a human, which makes me on the bottom of the food chain. But they haven't really done anything that could possibly harm me, right?

Yes. And they're just fattening you up so they can eat you afterwards.

No. They're not like that!

What are these strange voices in my head!? It’s like I am hearing a demon’s whisper!

My meals were delivered in my room. Both breakfast and lunch and later on was dinner. It was kind of lonely to eat alone, but I also want some privacy and to feel secure in my room so I guess that's just fine.

It was getting late outside judging from the color of the sky. I slumped on my bed and I started to think. Then I noticed that they left the book that I was reading earlier. I remembered the look on Ace's face when he saw the book. The way he reacted and locked me up in my room to get the others. That was when they started to reveal their true selves. Maybe - just maybe - this book is some sort of history book? If it is then it could tell me everything that I needed to know about this world and what I'm about to face.

Getting up from my bed, I walked towards my table and reached for a chair. I sat down and flipped the book to the table of contents.

Now what? I ask myself

Now you look for a solution to your problem.

My eyes darted towards the glass ball at the other table. The little mist of magic winking at me from time to time. I blinked at it once. Twice.

Hold it. I think I remember reading something about that crystal orb.

I quickly flipped through the pages until I landed on the page that I wanted. I started to read it silently. I was pretty sure that I had read something about the orb. But I haven't had the time to process it when I was rudely interrupted by the PRINCE.

My eyes went wide as the information made sense to me. I was right. I did read something about two orbs. One was light and one was dark. The light one is kept hidden in the Kingdom of Thalia. It's twin, the dark one, is kept at another greater kingdom called Tereu.

From what I have read, these two orbs both possess great magic. And I have a hunch that if it is true then the other orb can bring me back. Assuming that it's power was not consumed, unlike the light one over here.

But before I could do that, I have to see if this really is true. I have to ask someone about this.

And I know just the right person to ask.

***

I silently walked inside of the library. The huge door creaked as I opened it. "Hello?" I called out. My voice echoed in the large room.

"Why are you here?" My eyes darted to a part of the room which was lit by lamps. There was a small coffee table and some couch around it. Sitting with his back to me, probably reading a book, is his royal highness, PRINCE Ace.

I sat on one of the couches in front of him and watched him read. Actually, I was waiting for him to put the book down so I could talk to him. I placed the book that I was holding on my lap and waited patiently.

Fortunately, I didn't get to wait that long because after a few seconds, he sets the book down on the table without a sound.

"I assume that you're not here for the lesson." Ace said and finally looked at me. "What is it? I can see that you want to ask me something."

"If I ask you, Will you tell me the truth?" I asked.

Ace took some time before he answered. "That depends on your question."

I sighed. I guess I have to go to the safer route where he won't suspect a thing. "Is everything that this book says is real?" I asked and raised the book so that he could see.

Ace stared at me in the eyes before he stared at the book. "Why do you want to know?"

"Hey. I asked you first, okay?"

Ace frowned. "Shut up. I ask you why you wanted to know if it's real or not."

I huffed and wiped a hand across my face. "No particular reason." I answered. Ace didn't seem to be entirely convinced. He only narrowed his eyes at me in suspicion. "I don't believe you." He finally said. "If I know, you must have read something that triggered your interest. Last time I checked, you don't even care about the history of this kingdom."

I suddenly got irritated. This conversation was taking a lot longer than I wanted it to be. "Look here, your royal highness. I came to you to seek an answer. It's a simple yes or no question." I was suddenly aware that my voice had risen.

Ace didn't falter and countered me with his own pissed off glare. "I'm trying to be nice, okay? I kept my temper in check just for today because I figured that you are having a hard time with all these." Ace took a deep breath and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"You left the book earlier in my room."

"Prince Fred left it. Not me."

"Can't you just tell me? At least I am trying my best to learn."

He gave me a skeptical look. "Yes. That's the history of our world." He confirmed.

Hope suddenly burned inside of me. It's real. Everything in the book is real. I can go home. Assuming that the dark orb can help me. But I don't want to ask that question to Ace. He might suspect something.

"Is that all that you wanted to ask me?" Ace asked. Not looking at me when he noticed that I was still sitting there.

I looked at Ace and debated whether to ask him or not. "Um..."

Ace raised an eyebrow at me. "What?" He asked. And not in a very welcoming sort of tone.

"Um...are you really an Elf?" I decided not to ask my real question. Who knows? He might figure out my plan and tell the others. And besides, it's not everyday you get to meet an elf. I mean, what do they really do? I could just read from the book but it's better to just ask a real elf, right?

Ace frowned at my question. "Yes I am."

I pursed my lips. "Don't take this in an offensive way but, why aren't your ears pointy?" I said then made some gestures with my hands to my ears. I know what you're thinking. It's a rude question to ask. But as far as I know, elves have pointy ears and are short, right? Well according to the image of Santa's helpers in kids' books.

Looking at Ace, he was anything but. He was tall and his ears didn't seem to be pointed. But the book did say that they have sharp and pointy ears and that elves have a good sense of humor. Well if this is his way of showing a good sense of humor then I really don't find it funny.

In addition, they are strikingly gorgeous. Oh yes, Ace is gorgeous. But I prefer drop dead gorgeous.....literally in my case.

Try and get to know the guy, you'll see what I mean.

Unexpectedly, Ace didn't give me a death threat. In fact, it was like it didn't bother him. Or maybe he's just extending his patience a little bit. "That's because I'm not using magic." He said.

"Magic!? What kind of magic?! Show me!" I suddenly got excited. My eyes are probably shining right now as I looked at Ace. Expecting him to do something...magical?

"No. I'm not going to use my magic for show."

"Aw. You're no fun. Come on. Show me!!" I urged.

This time, Ace suddenly looked irritated. "Just read that book if you want to know."

"But it doesn't say anything! It only says that as time goes by, the elves gain elemental gifts. And that only the royals have unique gifts passed down from generation to generation. It wasn't written what those unique gifts are so how am I supposed to guess? You're a royal so you must have a unique gift."

"I'm good with swords. That's my gift." Ace said plainly.

"That's just a skill. I mean the gift as in your magic. You know. The sparkle and zapping kind of thing." I made an action of the zapping part with my fingers and looked at him. "That is how it works, right?"

"As I said before. I'm not using it for show." He said.

"So you do have one!" I beamed. "If you don't want to show me but at least tell me." I insisted.

Ace only ran a hand through his hair before he picked the book that he left on the table and started to read again. "That's for me to know and for you to find out."

That line sure is popular with the princes.

"That's not fair!! I want to know. Please."

"Good night, Rose." I can tell that Ace is getting pissed every minute at me. Why is he so sensitive about his gift?

"Come on. I won't tell." I pleaded.

This time, Ace let out an irritated sigh. I can tell that his patience is slowly draining. "Go to your room and just read the damn book! I don't care if you can't sleep because of your curiosity with my powers. It's not my problem. Grab your book and leave. You've been nothing but a burden to all of us!" He breathed. "Do you know how much trouble we are all in because of you? Why can't you just go back to your world? Do you enjoy playing princess that much and pretending that your life is perfect? You're no princess. The queen simply picked you up from your world and dumped you here. Know your place!"

I sat there silently as I carefully swallowed his words. "It's not like I was given a choice to be here in the first place." I mumbled. Grabbing the book, I stood up. Well I may be curious but I am not stupid enough to just sit here and have Santa's helper to give me a scolding. "You may be a prince, but you are not deserving of that title."

Ace gave me a menacing glare. I glared back before leaving the library. I got the information that I needed. There's no reason for me to stay and chat.

I hurriedly ran back to my room. Now that I was a little sure that there's a way out of this world without waiting for the damn crystal ball to recharge, I quickly opened the book and tore the drawing of a map on the first page. It was old and I don't know if it's still accurate, but it was my only bet. I place it in my dress pocket for safe keeping.

I opened my closet and brought all of the dresses out and tied them together to make a make-shift rope. I used all my experience in knot tying and making sure that the knot was tightly secured. Of course, I couldn't just die in my search for the other orb, right? That would have been pointless.

Once I was done, I checked my handy work and went to the balcony. I tied one end of my make-shift rope on the railing and grabbed the other end. I pulled at it a couple of times to make sure that it was safe. All the while, I couldn't help but to feel a bit nervous since I haven't done this kind of escape route. I have only watched it in movies. There is definitely no guarantee the fabrics would hold. Well I'm not saying that I'm heavy or anything.

Gripping tightly on the other end of the rope, I glanced back at my room and to the light orb on my table. I frowned and stuck my tongue out in it's direction before diving at the balcony.

It probably wasn't the best idea that I ever had since I was in the 2nd floor after all. And since this was a castle, well, the 2nd floor isn't really that low from the ground.

"Sweet Mother of Donkey milk!!" I cursed and quickly tightened my hold on the fabric. Luckily it was too short to reach the bottom, but enough for me to reach my leg out on the ground. I sighed in relief.

"Well that wasn't so bad." I said to myself. Apparently, I spoke too soon when the knot on the fabric that I was holding came loose, making me land on my butt. The fabric that I was gripping fell on my head. I groaned and grabbed the fabric that was covering my face and examined it.

It wasn't a dress at all but a hood. A red hood to be exact.

I laughed silently at how ironic that was. I just had a dream earlier that I was red riding hood. Not to mention that I was living with two werewolves. With a shake of my head, I draped the hood over my shoulder and tied the ribbon to secure it on me.

I fished out the map in my skirt pocket and examined the map. Using the light of the moon to see the intricate drawings on the paper. Then I looked at what was ahead of me, nothing but trees that might be full of creatures lurking in the dark. Then I looked behind me, the castle in it's white and gold glory.

I quickly asked myself if going out and searching was probably the best thing for me. It was, after all, a history book. Who knows? The other orb might not exist anymore. Am I willing to take that chance?

Do you know how much trouble we are all in because of you? Why can't you just go back to your world? Do you enjoy playing princess that much and pretending that your life is perfect? You're no princess. The queen simply picked you up from your world and dumped you here. Know your place!

His words were true. I should know my place in this world. I am a human. I do not belong here. But even though his words hurt me enough to make me hate all of them, I couldn't. I have a few nice memories here. I received kindness and shelter in this place. Sure it wasn't perfect, but the people somehow made it bearable. I will surely miss them if I'm successful in returning. Right now, I was actually thinking of leaving them a note, but I figured that it was too late.

With a final intake of breath, I set off into the unknown. Fully determined to search for the other kingdom that possesses the other orb. Just thinking about another way out of this mess and finally be back in my world made me smile.

I'll finally be home with my family. Soon.

***Meanwhile***

Deep within the forest, a small wolf awoke from its slumber. It felt a familiar presence far into the woods. It shook it's fur to dust off the dust from the ruins where it was sleeping. It didn't know how long it was sleeping the whole time for the place to be in ruins like this.

It looked at the place sadly. It used to be a lively place...

Then the presence hit it again. It's nose immediately sniffed the air. It smelled nothing, but the pull it felt somehow felt familiar. It's tail started to wag in delight when it realized something.

Master!

It let out a small howl. Finally! He must meet his master.

It gave the ruins one final look before setting off.