A Princess being born to an uncouth father was a cruel fate I wished on no woman. Yet, here I was, stuck in a manse-like keep for the past twelve years, wondering if one of my escape plans would ever work. Wondering if I would ever see the outside of this castle, or maybe my father would come to his senses? Elation swelled inside me as I tilted my head over the open book before me. No, my head reclined at the thought, and my misplaced elation faded. My escape plans were all I had. They were where my hope resided. So, I only needed a new escape plan, a good one.

I looked around; books have surrounded me all my life. Books filled with adventure and merriment; books about mystery, drama and all things complicated. Things I only experienced through my imagination. This was all he afforded me. Not even his presence he gave me, not even that.

The lock on the door was knocked. I turned and saw my favorite soldiers to hate. Hangor and Beckburt. In front of them was Rionala, the new girl that was not as terrible as the others I had serving me. Hangor and Beckbert were old, but strong, tall soldiers. They have been in my father’s service for a long time. They had his respect and followed his orders strictly. I could not sway them if I tried. My Princess title meant nothing to them up against the title of a king. Their dark eyes, void of emotion. Their caramel colored skin matched everyone else’s except mine. I was lighter in the grace of the sun.

Rionala was the only one I liked. Well, I wanted to like her, but she was never helping me with my escape. But I think I am wearing her down. In time, she would be on my side. She wore a short blue linen dress under a sheep pelt tunic. In her hands was breakfast. A plate of meat, I think, while beside it, peppered salt fish dumplings and some type of lumpy looking paste on the side. Her other hand held a glass of that terrible red wine, I think. Not my favorite, but it sufficed.

Rionala came forward. “Blessed, here you are, Lady Carmine.” She slid it on the table and pushed aside an open book. I cringed at the sight of the book closing; that page I would have to find later. I said nothing and waited for her to leave. They were still staring at me, so I could not ensnare her in front of those old cretins.

“Oh, Lady Carmine, I bring good tidings for your pleasure. Someone will be visiting us from the palace.” Rionala said.

I froze. Raising my hand cautiously, I sled the hair from over my eyes. She grinned. I nodded, speaking first. “Who is it?”

Rionala looked back at the men. Their eyes had a brief conversation before she turned back and sheepishly said, “Not sure. We just got word, my lady.”

I sighed knowing all too well what that meant. “If it is my father, I do not want to see him.”

Rionala whipped her head back in shock. “Bu—”

“If you answered his letters, maybe he would not have to come down here directly. Do you realize the King is a busy man? To be coming here for you? Y—“

I stabbed the pen into the table and retorted, “Well! Maybe! If he let me out of this hellscape, I could go see him directly. Since, he is so busy. Si-” I almost shouted, but I steeled myself and continued, “… sir.” The pen shook in my hand as me and Hangor stared at each other menacingly.

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Rionala waved her hand. “Please let us be cordial. Whoever is coming will want to meet you. I am sure you are happy to see someone after so long, my lady.”

I turned back to my books. “Yes, I am so happy to see anyone.” The pen was ripped out and pointed at Hangor. “Anyone, but their ugly mugs.”

“We must go prepare for their arrival, my lady. Rionala?” Beckburt glanced at her, then signaled it was time for her leave.

She turned and left with them. They closed the door; I slowed and listened. I heard the first lock crunching into its slot, yet I heard the screech of the second lock. My shoulders relaxed, but the newer and third lock clanked against the old metal. I closed my eyes, disappointed, and sighed, releasing a breath I had not remembered I was holding. No mistakes for me to take advantage of this time. It felt like they knew I was planning something, so they mocked me every chance they got.

I took up the closed book, flipping the pages back to the spot, then took a sip of the red wine. Swirling the muddy red liquid in my glass, I raised the glass to my eyes and took a second look at the wine. It tasted unfamiliar and strange, lacking any truly good flavor. They were nothing like the wines I had in my teenage years. Those were the best I had. There was probably better out there, but what would I know? I never saw further than the wall of a castle for so long. The one I was born in and the one I was caged in. My tongue’s absence from the life I once had was probably why I thought this portly wine was so good.

I laid it back down and continued reading. Not that I wanted knowledge, but it was all I had. It was all I could do not to go mad. It felt better to live through the words and fairytales of others. I looked at the spoon, since they’ve stopped giving me knives. I groaned as I started eating the mysterious paste left in front of me. What was this? I pushed it around my plate, folding it, trying to figure out what it could even be. It was tender and bland; yet still I liked it. I should ask Rionala what this was.

Time passed. How much? I was never sure. It passed like all things in my life, without an anchor to the reality I saw. Another round of knocking woke me from my distant thoughts. They never waited until I said anything before they came in. I stiffened at the sight of a man covered tightly in a cloak. The cloak’s hood fell back. I examined his slightly wrinkled skin, recognizing a face I was sure I would never see again.

“A… G-Gat… Ga-Garth?” I asked. I got up and looked at the others. Hangor was crying; Beckburt looked like he saw a ghost, and Rionala was staring at the ground, hands in front of her.

I said, “What is going on?”

Garth said, “My Princess, I came as is my duty.”

“Princess? I have—”

He held up his palm. My silence allowed him this, “Yes, your father is dead. You are the last blood relative left. Hion requested I find you.”

What? I snickered as my legs shivered. I mustered enough cohesion to say, “My father cannot be dead. He-He was supposed to come and see me. Hangor,” I pointed at him. He looked away.

My breathing became shallow and my legs buckled the more I turned. I felt Garth’s arms around me. He slowly set me down in my seat. His arms embraced me as tears raced down my cheeks.

“Why?... Why?” I asked no one in particular.

His hoarse whisper crushed my senses, “Carmine, please. List-”

I pushed him off and whipped my arms in frustration. This did not make any sense. What was this? How was this happening? This was not supposed to happen. My body froze, but my mind caught up quickly enough. I stared at the unseen sky spread out above this wood and stone.

He came forward and hesitantly said, “Princess Carmine, we must go. Not here, we can’t—"

“How did he die?” I asked.

“Assassination.”