My father once told me to always take care, to always take caution, and to never ever forget your pocket knife. He said your life could change in an instant, but I always assumed he was exaggerating, that his brain was aging faster than his body and his words were one of senile nature– But now, his words slapped me across the face. And it stung.

Somewhere along the way I traded a pocket knife for a sword, and caution for doubt. No matter if I blame a damn horse, or a piece of paper, or the damn air I breathe, the outcome would still remain the same. I have no standing, no money, no nothing. I have the clothes on my back and a piece of steel.

I may have lost my caution, but I still take great care of the things I do own.

I take a moment to stare into my own eyes as I clean my sword, my reflection shining from the pristine metal blade. I was always prideful in the end result, it looked as if it had never been touched, fresh from the forge. I suppose it was true it never saw real combat, or blood, but I whacked some training dummies and some armor here and there.

It has been nearly a week now since I met with Commander Ulric, absolving me from my position. I was going crazy inside the castle walls. I’ve yet to hear any news or information on my future, so I decided to fill my days by exploring the grounds.

This morning was a bit more exciting than most, some high brow royals from overseas arrived to meet with the Queen. They spoke the common tongue, much to my surprise. I only know this because who I assume to be the King of wherever they came from yelled at one of the maids the second they all arrived at the castle.

Their arrival gave me some insight as to the layout of the castle itself. My room was in the back of the castle, in a hallway mostly used for storage purposes and the castle kitchen. Near my room was also the living quarters for the maids and servants. At the front was the gigantic foyer, where on either side broke off into a wing of the castle. Up the twin set of stairs in the foyer were off limits, much to my disappointment. Most places were off limits to me, but I knew there was a library on the left wing, and guest rooms on the right wing. The two wings went further back, creating more hallways and more mystery. I tried to determine where things were by the items maids would take to each wing. It was hard trying to seem inconspicuous in doing so, as many maids have given me odd looks, or asked me if I had needed anything. I would usually attempt to ask them questions they weren’t allowed to answer, and I would always frown when they brushed my question off.

In many sorry attempts to ask maids or knights why I’m still here, I’ve learned that I’m not being kicked out. A young maid told me so herself as she brought me new bedsheets two days ago, and it was clear she wasn’t supposed to speak a word to me about it. My incessant and almost annoying asking has scared the old maid that usually comes to change my bedsheets away, but I’ve spotted her a few times since. I caught her eye just this morning, and I giggled a little as she quickly slipped into a different bedroom, clearly trying to avoid me. I had apologized to her the morning after I got absolved, genuinely sorry for breaking the wooden chair. She gave me her usual stone expression, and shrugged.

I laid my sword gently against the wall in its sheath. It was the one thing they allowed me to keep, and I was grateful for it. My armor had been taken away, probably given to some other knight. I entered the hallway once again this morning, and I had my mind set on the gardens. It was cloudy today, so I figured they would be empty.

On my way there, a few maids scrambled with trays of food past me, taking it towards the opposite wing where the royal guests were staying. I craned my neck to try and get a glance at which room they took the food to in the long forbidden hallway, but it was no use. I sighed and continued on.

I made my way into the garden, my hands clasped behind my back as I stared up at the hedges. They were still cut to look like rabbits, but I enjoyed them. The snow atop them disfigured their intended shape a little, but they still were impressive.

Looking past the hedges, I noticed the guards that usually stood at the gate at the side of the garden were gone, and I didn’t hesitate to walk over. I peeked my head through the open metal gate, and there was not a soul in sight. I felt a sense of excitement as I looked down the path ahead of me.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

A set of stone steps led into a wooded area at the back of the castle. It seemed serene, untouched. I took one last look behind me before I made the descent down the stairs, being careful not to slip and fall on my ass as I did so. The snow was perfect on the ground, no footprints from human, Fae, or animals.

At the bottom step I stopped, looking up into the snow covered pine trees that looked straight out of a painting. The dark green pine needles held up the snow in a way that made it look weightless, like a cloud. It was mostly cloudy today, but the sun would peek through every few minutes to cast a pretty yellow light. I took my time to walk through the woods. The path was lined with unlit lanterns, and my curiosity kept me moving to see what was at the end of the stones.

After nearly fifteen minutes of walking in the serene woods, I made it to the end of the path. I was surprised to find a temple made of the same marble I saw in the throne room. Pillars surrounded the main covered temple in a circle formation, empty stone vases sat atop them. In the middle was an open pavilion, a lit lantern inside the pavilion created a soft glow on the marble flooring. I ran my hand along one of the pillars, admiring the soft gray veins that looked like lightning.

I knew this was a temple as soon as I saw the podium that sat in the center of the building. In my hometown we had a temple, but it was old. I watched as many people would bring various offerings to the gods and goddesses. So much so that the poor podium couldn’t hold them all. I swept my hand across the podium, feeling the cold marble against my skin. It seemed as if nobody had been here in ages. None of the lanterns had been lit, and there were no offerings.

I took a moment to bow my head and pray to the Goddess Krydea, wishing for her unlimited luck. I had never been spiritual, never gave offerings. In the past, I don’t remember much of a reason to start praying, but now, I’d pray until my final breath if it would help.

I snapped open my eyes, my head still bowed to the floor as a soft, almost whisper like noise came in waves through the temple. The whispers enveloped my mind, creating a sense of ease and peace spread throughout my body. It was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. The feeling faded as quick as it came, a chill running down my spine.

I held my arms to myself, “Hello?”

My voice echoed softly in the temple. I waited a moment, but heard no reply. The pine trees were unmoving, and silence overtook the temple once again. I hadn’t seen any Fae or half Fae in the castle besides the Queen since I arrived, and most magic around the castle was prohibited for safety reasons.

I racked my brain, trying to understand the whispers. If it had been some leftover magic, then someone must be close by. I began out of the temple, scanning the trees. I had only ever read about magic, but I knew the Fae possessed it. Fennix never could produce a spell, but it was sort of a coin toss among the half Fae on if they would have magic or not. Rumor has it that Queen Graelin is full Fae. Most people nowadays, if they have Fae blood, are either half or lesser. Anyone who had more than half were mostly noble or royal, usually of a high social standing and major influence in politics. If Queen Graelin was fully Fae, she is a rarity. Pure Fae bloodlines are mostly gone, most still residing overseas.

The forest was still, and I decided to accept that no one was around. My pace was quicker as I headed back towards the castle. At the bottom of the stone steps I stopped a moment, staring up at the spires on the castle. It was easy to feel insignificant at the sight of it. The marble structure shot up towards the sky, the darker stone spires looked as if they would pierce the sky itself. Most of the exterior was stark white, some of the white broken in view by green ivy that had begun to grow up the sides. It was breathtaking, and almost everyone considered it an honor to see it up close.

I was careful not to slip as I climbed back up the steps, closing the gate behind me, trying to leave no trace that I had even snuck out. I silently hoped there would be more snowfall to cover my tracks, and I crept back into the garden. It was still early in the day, but I felt satisfied by my small adventure. It helped ease that stir crazy feeling I have had in my stomach the past week.

My hands were almost frozen solid, huffing hot air into them did little to appease the sting. I determined that a nice warm bath would help, and I walked to the doors at the front of the garden. Upon opening the door, I heard that same King yelling again, although this time I couldn’t make out what he was screaming about. I shoved my hands into my pockets and made my way to the bathing room in the maids quarters that I’ve been using all week.

Walking past the opening to a hallway on my right, I felt the hair on the back of my neck raise, and I stopped dead in my tracks, quickly reversing to stare down into the empty hallway. I knew the feeling too well, the feeling of eyes on the back of my head. I brought my hands out of my pockets, and began to walk heel to toe, quieting my footsteps as I snaked down the hallway. All seemed normal, then I snapped my head behind me as I heard the soft pitter patter of feet.

“Hello?” I call out, feeling as foolish as I did in the temple. A door on my left opened, and I jumped. I was met with a kind, round face of a maid I’ve seen pass me before.

“Miss Marion, may I assist you?” She beamed her eyes up at me, smiling.

I eased up the tension I held in my arms, relaxing my entire body. I was ready to throw a few punches, but now I was relieved I didn’t have to. “No ma’am, sorry.”

She softly closed the door, and I was left by myself. Turning, I rushed down the hallway, back towards the maids quarters. I felt the prick at the nape of my neck again, and I began to sprint, my feet not able to keep up with how fast I wanted to go.

In an instant, I was face down on the long runner rug of the hallway, my face instantly pulsing with hurt as it took the brunt of my fall. “Fuck!” I exclaimed, trying to get myself back on my feet. It felt as if something had tied my feet together, and before I could look I was forced back down, another grunt escaping my lips. I twisted my body in a panic, and I felt someone pressing their foot on my back. I turned my head on the rug, my eyes staring up at a girl dressed fully in black, with long brown hair braided on her shoulder, a smirk painted on her face. “Marion Creed… Whatever am I going to do with you?”