17 Mythical Moment

It's a privilege to stay in this room with large windows of the outside view that almost appear to be paintings. I watch the sky turns yon orange as the sun goes down the horizon, tranquil and gorgeous. From the vintage clock that hangs on the wall beside my bed, it's only half-past four. The sun does set earlier today.

My attention reverts from the window to my reflection as I stand in front of this full-length mirror. A girl, wearing a sleeveless light blue dress with a sparkling translucent fabric flowing from the shoulder sleeves to the back, decorated with bright pink flowers on the dress's torso and bottom.

Hair neatly braided behind, but strands of stubborn hair fall on the side of her face. If her dress resembles the blue sky, then her eyes mimic the land. Foresty green eyes, she looks magical.

That girl is me. I've been staring at myself for quite a while now, still unable to accept how stunningly enchanting I look. In all my years, I wore only second-handed, dull-looking dresses. Appearance never mattered to me.

A smile crawled up my lips; I look like my mother in that portrait I saw her in.

"Now, aren't you the most beautiful human in the center realm," a voice speaks from behind me. Blossom steps into the view, revealing her reflection on the mirror.

I turn around facing her, "thank you for this dress and for helping me with my hair," I take her hands in mine and give her the brightest smile.

Her eyes glimmered, "of course, anything."

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

She shakes her head, "no, I have matters to attend to here but enjoy your night as much as you want."

Our heads snap towards the door after hearing three soft knocks. Blossom lets go of my hand to answer it, opening the door revealing Rhys dressed in his regular knight gears. To think about it, it must be uncomfortable to be wearing heavy-looking armor most of the time.

If I didn't see it wrong, his eyes lit up after seeing me approach him, "the carriage is ready; we should be heading out before the sun sets completely," he says, bowing his head slightly.

Blossom nods, stepping out of my room, and I follow behind her. My eyes meet Rhys' as his eyes follow my every movement. I send him a glare causing him to look away. I bite back a laugh.

We head down the castle and towards the main entrance in silence. The castle was exceptionally busy today; the halls weren't empty as usual. Elven knights, pixies, and trolls, the usual keepers of the castle, were everywhere. I'm not certain what ought them to emerge from their usual hiding. Maybe this castle has more secret rooms they would hide in.

The instant we step outside the large front doors of the castle, the golden sunlight welcomes us, warming our faces. Excitement flows through me, seeing a beautiful, elegant carriage.

The box-like carriage is fully made of gold and engulfed with golden patterns and designs from the bottom to the roof. The top half is shiny glass, while the bottom half is a painting of the sky and the woods. It's unlike any carriage I've seen before; this looks to be made for royalties.

The horses' neighs stole my attention from admiring the carriage, only for my astonishment to extend seeing four magnificent white horses. From my fascination, my hand travels to cover my mouth. This particular scene appears to be very familiar.

Cinderella.

I remember dreaming as a child to be in Cinderella's shoes when the magic happened. To see my own eyes, a fairy godmother turns a pumpkin into a wondrous carriage and mice turning into majestic stallions. Even though this wagon in front of me didn't come from a pumpkin or the horses were once mice. This evening couldn't be more magical, and I can't ask for anything better.

Rhys stands by the foot of the carriage door, opening it before extending his hand for me to take. I take his hand, the remaining oxygen leaving my body as soon as I stepped inside the carriage. The seats were smooth and comforting, but the ceiling is painted just like the bottom half. The painting is of the sky, clouds half concealing a bright sun and two angels sitting on clouds.

My eyes have been traveling in awe with me, not realizing the calls from Blossom, "Rose...Rose," and my attention finally snaps back to Blossom. My cheeks furiously heat up, and I apologize. Blossom smiles, understanding my excitement.

She then passes me a black folded thick piece of cloth, "take this and wear it as soon as you reach the town," I take it, unfolding to realize that it's a hooded cloak.

"Stay as close to Rhys as possible, don't wander off on your own, and never take your hood off," with a stern voice, Blossom instructs. Sadly I won't show off my gorgeous dress if I'll be covered with this cloak. Though I know that Blossom is only looking out for my safety, I don't argue or ask any questions. I obediently nod at her.

Blossom claps her hands together, bringing a cheerful smile, "okay, have a blast, be back before midnight," she pauses, turning towards Rhys, "bring her back before midnight." Rhys loyally bows to her and gets inside the carriage sitting right across me, closing the door behind him.

The coachman, a troll, appears on the front, not sure when he got there. By now the sun has completely set, I could guess the time to be at exactly five o'clock. The carriage lit up the dark surroundings.

With the sound of slapping rein, the carriage starts to move at a slow pace. I direct my attention outside, waving at Blossom through the glass. I watch her wave back and see her head inside the castle as we got past the castle gates.

The carriage picks up its speed. I watch as we distant from the castle, following a single path and into the large groups of towering trees. The night is serene and silent, and behind the thick grey clouds, slowly emerging a bright blue full moon.

Unknowingly, a tiny pouch strapped on my leg under my long dress, inside is my mother's necklace. If it weren't for the leather pouch, I'd feel the warming necklace coming alive.