The library was as quiet as ever. Even though the citizens could use the estate library, they have yet to do so. Most people in Hillcrest thought there were better uses of time than reading. I was one of the few that disagreed.

Nucrestrian history wasn't my favorite topic. But, the book called to me with its gold embroidered binder. As I briefly thumbed through the book, I saw that it was a newer book on the history of the most recent war. The country had lost the previous war to the dwarven territory of Hue, to the surprise of the entire kingdom. They were smaller and ununified compared to Nucrestria. But, their advantage in combat within the walls of their mines was more than our soldiers could overcome, even with their overwhelming numbers.

"Reading up on history, are we?" Cinthia asked. She had followed me into the library. I didn't know why. She certainly had better things to do, especially after all the time she had already spent with me.

"Yeah, the whole town was full of gossip when we lost that last war," I said.

"Well, that would make sense. Our army is more formidable than the Huen's."

"So, what happened then?"

"There was a turn in the war upon the failure of the Phoenix general. Losses from a single battle were just too great to continue. So, the military retreated on behalf of the Locknomore family."

Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone. Of all the people to be here, it had to be him. Neil. He was sitting on a windowsill reading a book. It had an armored knight on the front cover, saving a princess from a high tower. Neil was the only other person my age that frequented the library.

Cinthia noticed my gaze linger on Neil. Her face seemed to twitch with concern. Before I could speak up, Cinthia started, "Do you know that boy? He is the only person that might visit the library more than you."

"Yeah. That's Neil," I replied.

"Hmmm. We haven't been introduced quite yet."

I gave Cinthia an almost pleading look. But, she gave me no sympathy in return. All she did was nod, and I knew I would have to go and introduce the two of them if I wanted to stay in the good graces of Cinthia.

I strutted up to Neil, letting the dress wave around me. It took him a moment to recognize me, but his face went ghostly pale when he did. I took that as my cue to let him know how I felt.

"Neil, I am sure you are aware of who this is. Nonetheless, Neil, this is the Lady of Hillcrest, Cinthia. Cinthia, this is Neil," I said.

"Neil, it's nice to meet you," Cinthia extended a hand for Neil to shake.

Neil nervously grabbed Cinthia's hand and shook it, saying, "It's nice to meet you, my lady."

"Cinthia told me earlier that Clive went out hunting with Alfonso. Why didn't you go with them?"

"I am not much of a shot. At least that's what Clive says," Neil responded.

"Don't you think Devin looks nice? This look is much more like becoming a lady, wouldn't you agree, Neil?" Cinthia asked, giving me a quizzical look.

"Uh, yes he… I mean, she looks beautiful," Neil responded.

"What is your favorite part? I like the lip color my maid picked out for her," Cinthia said.

"Umm, yeah, I like her hair clip," Neil said questioningly.

"Yes, that is quite a lovely accessory. Why look. It looks like the rain has subsided. Why don't you two kids walk around the estate for a bit? By the time you make a round, Clive and Alfonso should be back," Cinthia suggested while covering her mouth.

I turned to look at Cinthia with a sense of hurt in my eyes. But all she did was smile and nod to me.

"What a splendid idea. Neil after you," I said with no sincerity in my voice.

Neil and I exited the library and out into the courtyard. Luckily with it being a weekend, only a few people were out and about the streets. So, the chances of anyone seeing us together like this were small.

"So," Neil said.

"What, you going to beat me here too?" I asked, rage filling my voice.

"No! I wouldn't. Never," Neil protested.

"Never what? Watch someone else do it behind your family shop. Oh, my hero. People like you make my existence unsafe," I said.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

A few moments passed between us. The silence and tension seemed to physically press into me. It was all too much. Tears started to breach my face, and I ran. I ran away from Neil and away from that false facade he was trying to put up.

"Devin, wait, I am sorry," Neil cried as I ran from him.

The day had been too much for me to bear everything about it. Living a life like this was a lie. No matter what I did, I could never be myself outside of this estate's walls and Cinthia's protection.

I made my way to the horse stables. I found a freshly cleaned and empty stall to be alone. There, I let out all the pain and turmoil people have been putting me through the past few days.

Then I heard the stable doors open and the sound of hoof prints coming down the aisle. They were coming right to the stall I was currently hiding inside. A head of a horse poked over the doors and looked down at me. Then as the doors opened, I saw a familiar face.

"Alfy?" I asked.

"Devin, what are you doing here and dressed like that?" Alfonso questioned.

"I was trying to surprise you," I lied.

"Well, I am surprised."

"Yeah," I said while wiping and hiding my tears.

"You okay? Here," Alfonso said while handing me his handkerchief, "your makeup is running."

I slowly took it from him, dabbing it at my face.

"No, it was only the dust of the stable in my eyes."

"That dress looks great on you," Alfonso said. He looked me up and down, giving me a mischievous smile. "My mother's doing?"

"Yes," I admitted using the handkerchief to hide the reddening of my face.

"Well, why don't you and I have some tea? I mean, you are already dressed for the occasion."

The genuine warmth of Alfonso's smile turned my insides against me. It felt like an eternity that I was lost in the intensity of Alfonso's inviting eyes. It took all my willpower to regain my speaking ability and not melt right there on the spot.

"That sounds nice," I managed.

Alfonso put away his horse and led me back through the estate and up to the manor. On the way, we passed Neil and Clive, to which Alfonso exchanged pleasantries.

"Yes, of course, we can go hunting again, Clive. Neil, why don't you tag along with us next time? It would sure be nice to have an extra hand out there," Alfonso said.

"Uh, yeah, I would…." Neil began.

"Neil isn't a perfect shot, so I don't think he would be useful," Clive interjected.

"Oh, don't worry, Neil. You wouldn't be as bad as Clive's first time. Besides, you can still come along and help carry the birds," Alfonso said.

"That sounds good to me!" Neil exclaimed.

"What about Devin? We could bring him too while we are at it. I am sure a boy like him would be good for making sandwiches," Clive sneered.

Alfonso turned on Clive faster than I had seen anyone do before. His eyes showed a genuine rage I hadn't seen anyone do on my behalf before.

"She can speak for herself, and if she did want to come with us, then she could. But, alas, she isn't much for hunting. I am afraid she has no stomach for it," Alfonso said.

I looked at Alfonso in a betrayed fashion. Alfonso knew I liked hunting and would often go out tracking with Sky. My family's bakery served the freshly killed game that we hunted. But I didn't want to interject, especially after he stood up for me.

Alfonso made plans with Neil and Clive to go hunting a few days after the ceremony had commenced. That way, Neil and Clive would have their affinities and abilities like Alfonso.

"I am sorry about them," Alfonso said after they left.

"Thank you," I blurted out.

"For what?"

"For standing up for me. I appreciate it."

"Don't think twice about it. That's what heroes are for, after all," Alfonso said.

I couldn't help but get lost in his smile as he said this. He was always so charismatic to me. I leaned into getting my face close to his and closed my eyes. But Alfonso returned the affection with a kiss on the forehead. I wanted something else. However, I played it off with a smile.

"I wish you didn't hang out with them," I said as meekly as possible.

"Why? Both of their parents are important people in town. It would be rude not to befriend them."

"I know, but they're cruel."

"Devin, you know how I feel about you trying to get in between me and others."

I stared down at my ragged shoes. The world seemed to crash down around them. Who was I trying to be? I don't belong wearing this lovely dress with a full face of makeup.

"It's all fake," I stated.

"What?" Alfonso questioned.

"Everything, it's all one big lie. I am sorry I think I should return this dress and leave."

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

"No," I said and turned and left Alfonso.

I could hear him a few paces behind me as I entered the manor to seek out Cinthia or Sarah to return the dress and clean up. I found Sarah first attending to one of the floral arrangements in the drawing room from earlier that day.

"Sarah, could you help me out of this?" I asked, holding back my tears.

"Of course, I will. Do you want me to fetch the lady of the house for you?"

"No, that's fine, but I could use a cloth to clean my face."

"Alright, I will get the clothes you came in and a cloth for you."

Sarah helped me out of that beautiful lie of a dress and back into my other clothes. After all, the makeup was off, and I looked in the mirror. To my credit, I already knew what I would see facing me. Him. The boy whom everyone else saw me for. The lie. I wanted nothing more than to erase his entire existence. It took everything I had to not break down. I left the manor in a panic. Running. Even the bustling streets of Hillcrest didn't stop me. Nothing stopped me. Until I finally made it into the swamp.

It took a few hours of being alone with my thoughts to pull myself back together. But I reminded myself that tomorrow would be the day of my ceremony. The day that everything could change. If Alfonso couldn't recognize my worth now, he would once I got my ability and affinity. He would let me leave this place with him if I got a powerful enough combination. Then I could be a part of his adventuring team.

That thought pulled me through and back into Hillcrest. It was late when I left to return to my family's shop. The city was once again a ghost town save for the few people heading to the tavern.

"Where were you today?" My father asked as I entered the shop.

"Hanging out with Alfonso."

"Oh, did you at least eat something while you were out?"

"Yeah," I lied.

"Alright. If you're hungry, there is some cake on the counter. That is if you want a slice. You should have told us that you wouldn't be here before I took the time to make it."

"It's fine. I am not hungry."

I turned and went upstairs to bed on an empty stomach. Sky followed behind me in quick succession. Sky always was an empath when I needed him to be. So, he cuddled beside my head instead of sleeping on my feet tonight. The warmth of Sky's fur let me quietly cry into him all night.