A Free Bird

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Outside the palace main entrance, Valda sat on the bare ground with her back against the cold, unforgiving walls. She cradled her knees, resting her head upon it for support, whilst she stared vacantly into the vast expanse, a lone tear escaping her eyelid.

The cool wind fluttered her silver hair, and a familiar purple butterfly flew past her vision. The night was eerily silent, and majority of the guests had already left the palace to their designated homes. But even then, Valda's ears failed to perceive the footsteps approaching the secluded corner where she sat, and a familiar honeyed voice pierced through her reverie.