1 Chapter One

"Why can't I go to the festival, Queen Laelynn?" I ask her. I kick my legs on the side on my bed, peering through the window. Preparations were already taking place. People laughed as they brought baskets of food in their hands or levitated them. I saw off in the distance all sorts of different species coming together to build floats. Animal parts, faeries with moth wings, crystalline humanoids, elves, so many people just coming together. Why couldn't I join it? I clench my fist slightly but then release it. Anger would do me no good. I fix my eyes upon her shimmering golden butterfly wings, waiting for an answer.

"Amarante," she sighs, closing the curtains so that I wouldn't see what had been happening outside. All the orange-haired woman offered was a frown, blue eyes narrowed. "You know you can't go outside," she shakes her head, and a sneer enters her tone. "Or what, do you want someone to die? You've already killed people in the castle!" The Queen's voice raised, sharpening and becoming higher in pitch. "You'll just kill people out there too!" She points to the window. With almost everything said, she moved to the door, fixing her royal dress and the dress' collar. She opens the door. "It's bad enough, having you bring pain on this family. Stop being selfish and trying to bring it onto our subjects too. A good princess would do what is best for her subjects, even at the cost of her own happiness." The door thuds shut behind her.

A good princess would do what is best, huh? But that was unbelievably easy to say when they got to go out, make friends, talk to people… I couldn't, and yet I was supposed to be okay with that. Staying in, to not cause death. Of course I didn't want people to die, but I wanted to live too. Besides, it wasn't like that it happened every day! It could be okay, it would be okay. I wait in my room, sunlight filtering through the red curtains. My feet kick on the bed, trying to figure what to do.

Finally, I decide to get up. My hair had been ruffled and messy due to the pillow and the sheets. It takes me a moment, fumbling through the bed and such, before eventually getting up. Hah! I stare at the grandiose, rather large door and open it. It is rather silent, offering no creaks. I tiptoe out of the room, and see the hallway. How many years had it been since I saw those pearly, ivory walls draped with gold wall decorations and red carpet? I couldn't even remember. I hop down the halls, making sure not to create noise.

"What's this?" A sneer is behind me. I turn to see him. Ugh. Damiano. It was a shame he had actually been what girls in the castle considered "attractive". He had short purple hair, with molten orange eyes and wings the same warm color, delicately adorned with purple markings. He flaps his wings, and fixes his suit. "They finally let you out, hm?" His voice is smooth as he pulls down the sleeves of his outfit, which had been bunched up. "I'm surprised they even considered someone like you to be able to be around others." A malicious grin spreads upon his face as he shoves his way past me, a dangerous glance peering down. "Unless, of course, they've let you become my servant. At least you'll have more purpose than bringing others pain that way."

"Well, Dami-" I begin, and at this he slaps me. His nostrils flared as onlookers watched quietly, unsure of what to say if anything.

"It's Prince Damiano Écrisiteur to you!" He snarled as if a rabid creature, but places his hand upon his chest, as if elegant. "Though, Prince Damiano Écrisiteur of the Kingdom of Stozavia, the Crown Prince, or the Crown Prince of Stozavia also work! See how kind I am, giving you so many options?" He asks, smiling as if he didn't just raise a hand to me.

It would be worse to actually stand up for myself. "Yes, of course, Crown Prince," I mutter, waiting for him to leave so I could finally go to the festival.

"Good! I'm glad to see your foolish shut-in lifestyle has not taken away from your etiquette!" He beams. "Please don't worry about the festival, either, I shall make sure your room has the best view!" With that, he starts down the hall.

Finally, he would be gone. After he enters a room, I decide to get up. Servants watched me, stepping away as if they had feared for their life. Looking down, I trudge down porcelain stairs that clinked beneath my feet. As people appeared, like nobles or such, walking through the castle's expanse, I would force myself to hide behind walls or stairways. This was my home, and I couldn't even go out because of the fear I apparently inflicted onto people. I sigh, waiting for a few moments before continuing down the stairs.

This was the final stretch, the main entrance way. Then I could be able to talk to the townspeople, have fun, and maybe even make some friends! The mere thought makes my heart skip a beat. I looked around in the hallways connected to the main entrance, and once checking that nobody had been there, I rushed past towards the door and opened it. I hastily shut the door after I leave, smiling.

The town had been beautiful. I wished I could be there more often. Snow was gently falling, as was often given that it was a mountainous region, with buildings made up of marble - swirling black and white. There were stalls, with fruits and vegetables, and some had even been selling things like armor and weapons. The people were talking - one could see the winged faeries, or the elves with pointy ears, or even the crystalline Lineorite people. It was crowded, so many people actually lived here! So many people were the royal family's subjects.

They say there is no time like the present. I move in between people, muttering apologies and such. Despite my odd features, it appears that nobody has called me out yet. I run past many, eventually stopping at a stall, one with accessories and clothing. Things like ribbons, dresses, and such. "Hello!" I call, clasping my hands together.