Chapter 1

• Elena~
• The view from outside my window was beautiful. Green rolling hills and bright blue skies, I was lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the palace and kingdoms.
• I had enough to eat every day, and the best that life could have to offer. Life is beautiful and sweet and fulfilling.
• But it came at a cost. I felt my stomach twist nausea rolling waves through my body, I sat down on my bed, sinking into the soft, plush fabric.
• Every time I tried to distance myself from the upcoming horror I was sucked right back in. Every time I try to calm my racing heart, the steady beating rose again, threatening to consume me.
• I took a shuddering breath and felt it, blow out against my hands. I was painfully aware, in this moment of just how fragile I was.
• How easily broken.
• I shuddered and tried not to think about it too long or too hard, I still have preparation to make. I still had to get ready for my torturous journey.
• With trembling leg, I made my way to the bath chamber that was attached to my room, I could have asked for a servant to accomplish me and bath me, but right now I crave a moment of privacy.
• I knew that I would not have many of those left, Stripping of my dress and my under robe, I set them gently to one side, I let my hands linger over the cloth for a moment, before turning away.
• I'd be bringing my finger robe with me, but I wasn't sure how long they would last. The anxiety was twisting in my stomach was stronger the more I thought about it.
• Everything was happening so fast and it was starting to exhaust me, I had known it would be scary, I had known it would be hard. But I had not prepared for this. It was very foolish of me, but I still have a lot to learn.
• It's overwhelming.
• I shook it off and stepped into the water. It was still hot having been freshly drawn for me and I sank into the warm bubbles
• For a moment I shut my eyes and tried to pretend that everything was as it used to be. For a moment I pretended that I'd get out of the bathroom and go to dinner with my father.
• I'd discuss my duties for the following day and then we'd have a light-hearted conversation. Then I'd retire to my bed-chamber, focus on my lesson and some light reading for bed.
• I wanted to pretend, I wanted to bury myself In the life I had l lived so far.
• I didn't want to think about the future. But think about the future I have ahead of me.
• I washed every inch of my skin scrubbing it until it was clean, I rinsed off the bubbles and use every sweet scent soap that I had. I lingered in the bath until the water had gone cold to the touch.
• I lingered until I could linger no longer.
• Then I stepped out and dried myself grabbing the perfume and lotions that had been provided. I rubbed them into my skin before picking out the robe I'd set aside for today.
• Deep inky blue, it was soft and smooth in my hands. I put on my underclothes before sliding into the fabric, each item of clothing that I was bringing was an item I could get into myself.
• I left the more challenging dresses behind. I wasn't going to have help anymore, and I needed to prepare.
• "Remember the kingdom.. Elena.. remember the people".
• I swallowed nausea and went to my mirror. I barely recognize the person staring back at me.
• Pale and frightened, I had bags under my eyes that I didn't remember having yesterday.
• It was scary how much this was changing me already.
• My blonde hair usually bouncy and full of life, lay limp along my shoulder, I'd call Catherine to handle that. I didn't have the strength right now.
• Besides, it would be nice to have someone to talk to.
• Catherine had always been more like a friend more than a servant anyways she was a close friend right now.
• I stepped out of the bathroom pulling on the rope that rang Catherine's bell in the maid quarters, I bit my lips and shifted my weight. I was nervous.
• I made my way to my bedside table and picked up the necklace that I inherited when my mother passed away.
• I needed a piece of her with me. Now more than ever, I needed her help and her guidance.
• Catherine announced her presence by knocking on the door.
• "Come in." I called quickly. Too quickly that I was starting to lose my sense of decorum, my calm demeanor in the face of this trial.
• It was getting harder and harder to keep it together.
• I set down at my dresser, resting my hand firmly in my lap.
• " Catherine.. if you would be so kind.. my hair needs some doing." I paused and swallowed hard. I was never so formal with Catherine.
• "it being an ill behavior."
• Luckily Catherine seemed to understand where I was coming from, she had a way of doing that and I had a feeling that was why I had instantly started to trust her when she came to work at the palace.
• "That alright, I'll get that sorted for you," she said, grabbing a few tools as I leaned my back in my chair and took a deep breath.
• When Catherine started brushing my hair, it was soothing. Her touch was gentle and she had a way of putting me at ease. I appreciated that about her.
• And there was a lot more I appreciated about her.
• I'm going to miss her.
• "Are you... prepared, Elena?" Catherine said softly.
• Her voice was nothing more than a whisper between us and I already felt sick, I liked the way she said it calmly and I also loved the way she still called my name even now. I asked her to call me by my name cause I needed a friend, not a servant.
• I needed a moment of comfort in this crazy situation. "Of course, I am, it is my duty and I'm happy to do it." My voice cracked on the last word, betraying me all at once.
• I cleared my throat and squeezed my eyes shut. "I've bathed, I'm dressed and my bags are prepared."
• My bags have been prepared for a week now. l was sitting and waiting for me to leave, I didn't know if I had packed the right things, but I could only hope.. it was prepared enough.
• Honestly, my bags were usually packed for me, But I had insisted that I and Catherine would pack it this time. She helped me double-check and make sure I didn't forget anything vital.
• I choose the item that would be the most comfortable for me.
• I would need comfort. That much, at least, I was completely sure about that.
• My father had insisted I take nothing with me and I know it was his way of trying to make me feel better.
• He blamed himself, but I didn't blame him. Not for a minute.
• What the point anyway?"
• "I know," Catherine said her voice still unfailingly soft and reserved. "But are you ready?" She questioned again.
• I felt the weight of her questions sink into my body, my chest aching where my heart lay. The weight was heavy, as heavy as the crown on my head.
• There was a lot of weight that came with being a princess a lot of weight that many people didn't anticipate.
• "No." I whispered, a moment of vulnerability showing how unprepared was. With Catherine, I could be scared and unsure of what lay ahead of me, with her I could be angry and frightened.
• With everyone else, I had to prepare.
• Because that is what a ruler will do.
• Ruler care for her kingdom and country, her people even before herself. And I wouldn't let everyone down for my selfish reason.
• This was my fate and I accepted and I had accepted it.
• It was the price we paid for prosperity and I was well prepared to pay it.
• At least, that's what I told everyone else. Inside, I had never felt a terror so strong.
• "I've been praying for you, it is not a death sentence Elena."
• "There is light at the end of the tunnel, I am sure of it." Catherine was rambling now as she lifted my hair and did it up pinning it in place.
• She want to make me feel better, I know she did. But all she was doing was reminding me of what lay ahead.
• I was a sacrifice to keep them happy, if I lay my freedom, my life on the line, my people will be spared.
• Catherine continued. "Perhaps the dragon lord will be merciful."
• The name DRAGON LORD sent a shiver down my spine and my heart turned cold immediately.