Mabon came quickly. Some trees were losing their greenery, painting the capital's streets in all colors of the spectrum.

I decided to venture outside. The shadowguards waited at the main gates, hands behind their backs, nodding briefly when they saw me approach. I got up in the carriage and pushed the on button. The self-driving vehicle took me to my favorite part of Argenis.

Slim streets of the city poisoned me with desire to spend the money I was given this morning. Father has a funny habit of leaving a letter with sepha in it, for my personal use. I stopped asking where the money came from, knowing his only answer would be silence and a condescending look. As if I was not supposed to know all the details of our internal economy and how taxes worked.

I found spending sepha brought me happiness. Temporary, but it satiated my thirst for some time. Until the next time I could go outside. Which, in truth, was still quite rare. My schedule was packed with meetings. I had to attend nearly every council Father held - to train. To my initial surprise they turned out to be boring. None touched the themes of complicated trade with the Fae, or the covens being a little disturbing lately. No, they concentrated on pleasing some noble from southern Malachite's borders, or what color would be the rush of fashion in the capital. The fashion part I listened, taking notes. I wonder if it was a coincidence that they talked about such things when I was there.

Tiny shops in the south part of Argenis sell foreign goods that I am so fond of. My favorite store smells of lilac. An elderly woman sells perfumes and handcrafted bracelets adorned with precious gems from overseas. I never hide my face when I enter shops. I learned to fake indifference at some point. Maybe it was when I brought that summer dress two years ago, or maybe it was people's unending comments on my appearance when I traveled with my parents. After some time, you get used to the eyes.

This lilac shop, in particular, felt safe and was very quiet. I touched the jewelry and laughed when I found earrings with tiny bears on them. Under the burgundy drapes, yellowish lamps and crystals, I took whatever I liked, assuring the old lady that I do not need her help to find something. I take whatever catches my eye. We can afford it, and unless the kingdom is dying, why should I stop myself from purchasing things that make me happy?

Munching on the sweets I bought in the grand market, I strolled around the city, my head empty. I looked around, noticing new decorations on top of buildings. Cute rooftop gardens, flags, public telescopes for sightseeing. Argenis was a big capital, but far from being the biggest in the world.

West appears on my left and holds me tight by the waist. I gasp, in surprise, but he does not budge. In front of me, a man stands, his hair greasy and nails dirty as he tries to pass me a note.

"Your Highness... What a coincidence. Would you take this letter, please?" I frown, examining him. Filthy, stinky and poor, here in Argenis? That must be a joke. I look at West and push his hand away, approaching the beggar.

"Why should I take something from a stranger?" I ask in my sweetest voice, staring him down. My hands are full of bags, with jewels and clothes and baked goods.

"I... Please, just take this. Read it... Help us," I close my eyes, sigh, and pass my bags to East, who is standing on my right. He takes them in a swift motion, our fingers touching. His hands are as cold as West's, a little bit more calloused from fighting, though.

I take the note, the paper is slim and withered, as if he's kept in his pocket for years. I narrow my eyes, and throw a glance at the man, patiently waiting. He stretches his hand forward, his eyes full of sorrow. I subside a chuckle.

"I will read the note, but you must stop pretending to be poor, good sir. There are no people like you in Argenis, nor Malachite, actually!" I muse.

My comment takes him aback. He takes a step back and shifts his head to the side. I look around, waiting for people to applaud or shout 'cut'. Movie making is an art we, sadly, do not practice here; but maybe the technique traveled from Hanwi to here without my knowledge.

"Your Highness, what do you mean people like me?"

"That's enough, please," I turn on my heels and head back to the self-driving carriage.

"Enough shopping for today, I suppose," East groans, looking back at the actor. Alas I might have interrupted his

West's hand finds mine and his fingers touch my palm. I smirk, but instead of taking my hand, he grabs the paper.

"Hey!"

"It might hold a spell, or something you certainly do not want in proximity, Norella,"

"Titles, West. We are in public," East hisses and I stifle a laugh.

"Enough you two, nobody can hear us, it's so crowded here," I wave my hand at the people around us. I look closely, to find anyone who is dressed as that man was. But, not surprisingly, everyone is dressed okay. Exquisite dresses from the best shops in Argenis, gold and silver jewelry, shiny shoes and silk pants. I note that I should buy those the next time I'm out. Apparently they're in fashion this year. "And why would someone dressed as a beggar pass me an offensive spell out in public? Isn't it illegal?" I add, chewing a sour-sweet candy.

Both shadowguards keep their mouths shut as I approach the vehicle. It's parked on the boulevard, protected by a veil. West opens the passenger door for me, and I position myself comfortable on the velvet seat. East puts the shopping bags in the tunk and closes it.

"My job is to keep you safe, Your Highness,"

"I'm not in danger, West," I smile, touching his hand, grabbing the paper. I open it quickly, before the shadowguard can stop me. Nothing happens, and I read the uneven words scribbled down.

Help us, princess, we beg you. The king will not listen, he will not budge. People are starving, children are dying, nothing is like it should be. It's all lies. All of it. Please, help us.

I stare at it, my mouth a thin line. The city's noise dissipates as my mind takes me down the maze again. I barely feel West's hand take the letter from me.

My tutors taught me about Malachite's economical situations over the years. We have always been prosperous, in our green and fertile lands. Lies. Silly lies are written here.

"What kind of joke is this?" I finally ask. West looks at me, his face emotionless. Not a wrinkle, not a sign of anything human. His black eyes don't budge when I grab his hand.

"Joke of poor taste," he says and closes the door. "See you at the main gates, Your Highness." And the carriage leaves the main market street.

I sigh, forgetting about the odor of paper in two minutes. My eyes are mesmerized by the ravishing columns on the street leading to the palace. The arches act as the warmest welcome to the people, wanting to visit the castle. Although I haven't seen many nobles visit lately, I quickly forget that too. Too many things to see, too little time before I have to get back to work. I still had to review the changing seasons decorations. And to contact the chef. And to scold a maid for messing up my shampoo mixture.

The carriage stops at the golden gates of the palace. The design of the gates reminds me of old fairy tales, those with witches living in the enchanted forests and pixies ruining mortals' days. The golden lines swirl and transform into otherworldly creatures, birds and fish, stars and moons. I've seen these gates all my life, coming back from the Academy, and yet, the delicate work of the nameless artist never fails to amaze me.

I bow to the driverless carriage, out of habit mostly, and grab the bags filled with jewelry and sweets from the backseat. I brought some for Rigel and Spica. Hopefully that will calm their attitude.

In front of me West and East are already waiting. They're in their shadow form, bragging, I am sure. I smile and pass the bags to East. "Here, help me get all of this to the palace."

"Norella..." West starts, but I shush him with a simple gesture of my finger.

"I don't want to hear it. It is my home, and you will accompany me inside," I demand and both shadowguards follow me, after sharing a look I could only describe as uneasy. "Please." I add as we walk on the gravel road leading to the grand entrance of the palace.

I go up the marble stairs, noticing on each side a collection of perfectly clean pot with daffodils blooming. My nostrils flare open as I take in the wonderful smell of greenery around us. Argenis is good, but nothing compares to the scent of nature surrounding the palace. It's situated on a hill, overlooking the rest of the city, which makes the air a bit less polluted by smoke and whatever else the city produces under us. We don't use charcoal any longer, so at least that chapter of history is over with. Still, the capital smells of people, thus pollution. No matter how clean the nobles who reside there are, they are still living beings who sometimes forget to brush their teeth in the morning. I could never do that, not with the servants prying.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Speaking of the devil, once we're inside the hall, a servant comes to grab the bags, but I shoo her away, leading the shadowguards further inside. "I'd like to show you my favorite place here, I'm sure you'll get permission to visit."

I lead them through hallways, right to the center of the castle. The perfectly preserved space of grass, trees and fountains. A small, but cozy place, where meditation after hours-long work happens. "Oh, please, put these here. I'll give some of them directly like this to my siblings."

East delicately puts the bags on a round metal table, standing right in the middle of the small-scale paradise. West comes to me, wary of our surroundings. His face is pale and his eyes search for any sign of unknown danger. But there is none to be. We are safe here. There is no safer place in the whole world.

"I used to climb this wall when I was a kid, remember?" I gently hit West with my elbow, laughing.

East rolls his eyes from a distance and approaches us. "Why did you bring us here, Your Highness?"

"We truly are alone, East, you can relax," West speaks unexpectedly softly. I look up at his tall figure and smile, squeezing my eyes shut.

"Alright. Why are we here, princess?"

"That's your relaxed tone?" I laugh, pushing him jokingly. East doesn't smile. "That's because you're new."

"I've been here since you were eighteen," he snaps and I blink.

"Yeah, that's what I mean. You're new. It took years for West to open up," I sit on one of the chairs and invite them to do the same. They follow, each looking more shocked than the other.

"I can see that," East grumbles under his breath and I look at West for approval. He only nods, closing his eyes.

"Anyways, I thought of something. Father never officially forbade you to enter the palace. So what do you think if we gave you both rooms?" I ask, the autumn sun still warm, even when a slight breeze caresses the fluff on my arms. I do not shiver, I bathe in it, waiting for their answer with closed eyes.

They do not respond right away. They probably share inquisitive glances, communicating through prolonged looks, like bodyguards do. I am patient, feeling my heart beat agressively against my chest, like a fluttering bird. I cannot deny I'm nervous. It is quite bold of me to ask such a thing. But I truly need more company, or I will simply go mad.

"We would be honored," East says.

"You love horses, don't you?" I ask, facing West, my neck bent back. My neck exposed to the sunlight, I breathe in. The air is magical, just like him.

"Indeed,"

"Then you'll be able to tend to our horses in the stables freely."

When West and I became friends, he showed me where they lived. It's a small house, not far from the palace, built for foreigners coming to work for us. Mother told me it was previously used to host musicians who came for the Autumn Equinox to play us ballads from other countries. I was too young to have any memory of it, but still, knowing he resided where music came to life, was a gift in itself. It calmed the aching for a while.

"Then it's settled. I'll ask Father to make arrangements,"

"Why don't you do it?" West asks, his eyes burning with childish curiosity. I look at him and ask myself the same question.

"I don't know who to ask."

***

The Academy's avenue is illuminated by tall white lamps. The fire never goes off, even in the worst thunderstorms. The entrance has mosaic-glass gates. I straighten the folds of my dress and pass through the gates.

The sun is setting, and the atmosphere of the quiet avenue is still like those summer evenings. When the air is not as hot as during the day, when life dies out around the castle, when students return to their dorms to rest, the cooks prepare dinner and servants finish their daily duties.

I walk through the empty halls, not paying attention to the angelic statues above, or even the slightly iridescent paintings on the walls. They grew too familiar. Too heavy to look at. They remind me of the time I wish to forget. All those years that I spent here, studying, trying to love.

I step into a small storage room filled with tools practitioners use for spells. Grabbing an empty canvas and a brush, I leave as quickly as I came. Before the banquet of my coming of age, I have one last assignment. Something ordered directly by the king. Aware of my painting talents, he mused that I should paint my dream gown. It was one of the sweetest things he had asked of in the past few years. It was an easy job – somewhat insulting even. I know how to merge things into existence by now, and I know what kind of gown I want. Just like I knew what crown I wanted for my coronation, that would come when Father steps down.

The circlet will be pink with gemstones from every country of the Grand Gem circle, our union, our trading partners and more; and of course, the crown jewel will be a leaf of the Scarlet Tree of the Fae Isles, the Otherworld. I will make it nice. The people will continue to prosper – as will the friendships. When I am queen, I'll have many friends.

This time I'll make sure everything goes well. This time, I'll be a good friend too.

Sighing in delight while putting my long hair into two side buns, I sit on a bench by the Academy's lake. At this time of day students are usually in the dorms, and professors are long gone, to restaurants or taverns. No one in Argenis goes home right after work. I've always hated that. The people had the freedom to walk around, lavishing in artistry while I stayed behind closed doors, wondering how it would feel to step outside without constant supervision, schedules and curfews.

As time passed, I let the envy drown, but at times, like today, its decomposing body resurfaced, reminding of freedoms I shall never have. I told myself I don't need more freedom - I have anything a young heart desires. Wealth, knowledge, a friend and a protector. And yet, I craved more.

To avoid any more unprompted sadness, I watch the swan maidens swim slowly, sometimes throwing glances at me. I learned to pay them no mind and concentrate on my tasks. They were Fae, living in the premises of the Academy, and were, under no circumstance, approachable. They were under the protection of the mages. These Fae were unlike those who live in the Seelie Court. These were far more alien creatures. Shapeshifting is common among the Folk, but some creatures can live decades without ever turning to their original form. I never knew if swan maidens were born swans or humanoid.

I once came up to them, when I was only fourteen, giggling as I tried to touch their snow white feathers. They had hissed, showing off their silver fangs, and bit me. From that point on I was never curious. Swan maidens lived their lives, and I went on with mine. I've never met other Fae like them.

I put my brush on the canvas, applying whites like I would apply blush. Gently, I paint in strokes, following the rhythm of the water beside me. I hear chirping birds flying above me and concentrate on the magic.

If I needed to say one good thing about the Academy, it would be that it taught me to see the beauty of nature. Against all better judgment, I did not believe them at first. I was too angry, too tired, at the time, to understand the blessing of the trees, giving us air, and the water, giving flowers life. The Academy also taught me to use my painting skills to merge things into existence. For that, I will be forever grateful. So, after a good forty minutes, I was finally done.

I walk towards the king's office, heels tapping the glass floor. It echoes, announcing my imminent arrival. The king is already looking at the door when I enter. "Norella,"

"Your Majesty," I smile and show off my work. The canvas is no longer needed, as a white puffy dress lies in my arms. I carry it like a newborn babe. It shines like a prism, collecting the rest of the sun rays from the windows.

He gets up and grimaces. "Good."

I giggle. The king watches me, and for a moment his smile becomes cold. I wait for another praise, something, anything. His smile is faint and I feel the pair of chairs and his office desk between us create a distance I've always felt deep inside. "It's great."

A cough comes from the corner of the room. A short man stands there, crossed arms and a big funky hat. "Your Majesty, about the Coquelicot coven..."

"Oh yes, of course. Sorry, Norella, duty calls."

"Wait. I have something I'd like to do," I start. His blond hair is pulled back and his beard is the same as it was years ago. His face is unchanging, as if someone put an anti-aging veil on him. I would never ask such a thing. Prying is bad. Curiosity is punishable.

"Can it wait?"

I hesitate. "I'd like West and East to stay in the palace, as other knights do."

Father points to the door with his chin and the small man leaves, bowing to both the king and me. I nod, a nervous smile adorning my features.

"For years they've lived in the house by the avenue. Why do you need them here?"

"I just thought it would be nice for them to stay with us. They've been doing such a great job keeping my company," I bite my tongue, but the words leave my mouth too fast.

"Their job is to protect you whenever you're away, not to be your friends,"

"I know, Your Majesty,"

His gaze falls to the stack of papers and letters on the cluttered desk. There are so many things here, so much knowledge I'd like to dive into someday. But not tonight. He looks up, after deliberating for a moment.

"Alright. I'll make arrangements," a wide smile appears on my face, illuminating my features.

"Thank you, Your Majesty,"

I curtsy and turn to leave the office, when he calls my name. "Have you prepared for the coming of age ceremony?"

"It's not soon," I say, but it is no answer and his cold gaze tells me the same. "No, I haven't."

"Prepare your dances and talk to your mother about the guest list. I'm very busy at the moment."

"Will I see you at dinner?" I ask, hopefully.

"No."

I nod and leave the office, holding my dress tighter. The sun has nearly set now. It was time for a bath and a pre-dinner walk around the gardens to awaken my appetite. I shove the dress into a servant's chest and tell them to bring it to my chambers. I feel a flicker of anger, but it soon subsides. I take a breath and head to the gardens.

As I return from dinner, I note to myself to never buy sweets for my siblings again. Spica had spit them on the ground, grimacing, and Rigel simply had not opened the box. I chose them carefully, I spent time looking for their favorite flavors. It would have been a wonderful dessert after the soup we've eaten. They were always difficult, and I never understood why.