Chapter 12 Risky Choices
Chapter twelve
Risky Choices
Alaceandra
Iwake up early the next morning, sweating.
I had nightmares the entire night before but cannot recall their contents, which is strange.
I dream vividly every night and usually can recall at least bits of every dream I have, but this morning the memories have escaped me, leaving me with a sour feeling in my stomach.
Shaking my body to get rid of the awful feeling, I throw off my covers, and I stumble out of bed before my body convinces me to sleep for any longer.
Padding over to the bathroom, I complete my morning routine.
Staring into the mirror, I sigh. It is hard to navigate a place that I have no knowledge of to begin with, but couple that with being avoided at every corner by staff, and being watched by a stranger who is supposedly your future husband?
This is starting to feel impossible. If that were not the least of my problems, there is still the mystery of the lights and red glowing rock.
I am dying to continue to investigate it, but I understand Sam and Sorin’s hesitation.
Diving headfirst into the unknown does not always prove beneficial, especially when you are already in dangerous waters.
Despite this, I cannot help but be so curious, I know there is only so long I can go until I lose my resolve to be safe.
It has gotten me in trouble on numerous occasions and a person does not change overnight.
Truly, I am happy that there is mystery to solve.
At least now I feel as if I can have some purpose here outside of my father's plans.
Those lights were unlike anything I had ever seen before.
I bite back tears. I thought that, maybe, if I were able to get away from Tikilium and my father, I could explore more of the world.
Get to know more about the kingdoms surrounding me and maybe even have a chance to visit Philos.
If these last couple weeks are any indication of what my life will be like here…
then maybe my father is right. 'You are just another chess piece,' my father's voice invades my thoughts.
'A pawn will always be a pawn, no matter whose hand it is in.
Know your place. Submit to it. Curiosity will only lead to your death in the end. '
I slam my hairbrush onto the sink. No. No! I will take control of my future if it is the last thing I do. Starting with this note. I snatch the piece of paper from the counter.
Stalking out of the bathroom’s warm embrace, I find clothes have been laid out for me once again this morning and my bed has been made.
Today there is a light-yellow dress. It has the same silky texture as the dress the day before along with leg holes and pockets.
This one also has a vine design around its hem, although this design is a lot more subtle and delicate than the day before.
I quickly get dressed and then let out a short huff of breath.
I find a piece of paper and scribble down a note thanking my handmaiden for the beautiful selection and leave it on my bed.
While I have paper and pen, I also scribble out a note to my pretend Fadres and Credour letting them know they can find me in the garden if they need me.
Shoving the prince's note into my pocket, I resolve myself to the fact that I will have to once again face the prince alone. I set my shoulders back and leave my room.