7 The Nightmare

Finally, winter time arrived once again, my favorite season of the year, and I was on my way to bring his highness his afternoon tea. The cold and breezy wind blew in may hair and the beautiful snowflakes fell like little angels from the sky. I was so excited for the winter season. I knocked on Xiaoyuers door, but did not hear an answer...so I walked in, there laying in his bed, was the prince. He was so handsome, I wonder what kind of King he will be in the future, and will I live to see him as King....I hope so.

I really did not want to wake him, so I sat the tray with the tea set on the end table, and got on my knees for an up close view. And, no...dont think Im a creep, if you served a handsome guy like the prince, you'd be awed to watch too. Anyways, I sat there admiring his beauty until he began to open his eyes. I sat there like a dummy, not knowing what to say or what to do. I just froze with my eyes wide open staring into his.

"Ah-Ruby! You scared me. What are you doing just sitting there?" He said while sitting up in surprise.

"S-sorry your highness! Well you see I...I was just-" I stuttered.

"Ha ha, you are turning red like a cherry tomato! You're funny Ruby...but I know it is hard not to stare..thank you for bringing my tea though." He said with laughter.

"Y-you are welcome your highness." I said in embarrassment.

I literally was dieing inside. I felt like my body would explode. I was blushing so hard I wanted to pass out to get away from this awkward situation. I took my leave and ran back to my room as fast as I could. I plopped on my bed and sighed, hoping to erase what had just happened. He called me funny...and he laughed at me. Well, at least the prince is happy. I don't know what I was thinking, but at least it's over. I'm not sure what to do today, I finished all my chores, and I think it is too early to encounter the prince again, for now I guess. It's too cold to go out for a stroll, I'll just take a short nap.

"I'll wake up in a bit..." I said while yawning.

I am now in my dream, and it is winter. I looked around to see where I was, and it turns out I was in some type of village. It was not only snowing, but it was also dark out. There were lights that filled the long dirt roads of the village. You could hear music playing from afar. But it all ended when the face of a woman appeared. She stood at a far distance, and she wore a pitiful face, that in only seconds, changed to an evil grin.

I was getting a little scared because that was really creepy. All of a sudden, the lights shut went out, and her silhouette began to walk slowly toward me. I couldn't move, my body was frozen, almost as if I had been paralyzed. The woman began to walk faster, and the walking gradually turned into a run. I wasn't even able to shut my eyes, and the evil grin appeared once again, but now screaming at my face. Then, I could see a huge flame ignite around us, I tried to scream, but I could not hear myself, the villagers were gone, but the sound of screams remained. I could hear the screams and cries of both men, women, and children. Suddenly, I could see the woman speaking, but I could barely hear her voice over the sound of the distressed screams. Her lips moved and spoke.

"Save my family! The fire won't stop! They lurk in the shadows!" She spoke stressfully.

I finally woke up, soaked in sweat, and breathing heavily. What was that? I got up out of bed, and splashed my face with water to wake up. It was probably getting late, I overslept. I hope his highness won't be angry that I forgot to bring him his meal. I'd better go now. I hurried to the kitchen, prepared his meal, and went to his room to serve him, not forgetting about our encounter earlier.

"Your highness, I apologize for my tardiness, I overslept, please forgive me, I have now brought your meal." I said.

"Come in." he said.

I entered and sat the platter of food on his table, and silently bowed, then turned to the door to leave the room, until I was stopped by the prince.

"Ruby, wait! Um...have a seat." he said.

"Hm-, a-alright." I stuttered.

"Are you trying to avoid me Ruby?"

"N-no, well I don't mean to but...It was very awkward to talk to you after what happened yesterday morning..."

"Don't worry about it, I'm sorry for teasing you about it earlier, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Thank you your highness, but I should get going now."

"Wait...will you accompany me to the Winter Festival this weekend in the village?"

I was flabbergasted, I did not expect to be asked out by the prince! Should I go...I don't know what to say. I wonder what the festival is like, and I have never been outside the palace or to the village. Let's take a chance and go with him.

"Yes, I would love to accompany his highness to the Winter Festival this weekend!" I said.

"Alright, I look forward to it than!" He said with a bashful smile.

"I look forward to it as well!" I said happily.

I left his room, and skipped happily down the halls and back to my room. I can't wait till this weekend! I have to figure out what to wear, what to bring, and anything I would need. This made my day, I guess this day wasn't so bad...well aside from that nightmare I had, today was pretty good. I should make something for the prince and give it to him on the day of the festival to thank him for his care and hospitality while I have been living here. He was the only person who treated me like a true friend, and I feel that I can trust him more than I did before.