As I raced down the halls of my home, in fear not looking ahead of me I came head to head with my worst enemy “Stepsister” she said in her overly witchy voice, what is she doing here, I thought, not up to something good I’m sure.

“Hey dimwit would you move out of the way” I said, but as usual the witch stayed and watched my every move, and I could hear the guards getting closer “Triss did I ever tell you how beautiful you are, now please move I really need to get out of here” I said trying to persuade her to move but she didn’t seem to budge, I didn’t care anymore I pushed her and ran past, I didn’t look back but I could hear her screaming and faking an injury as usual the witch strikes again, I rolled my eyes as I ran away through the kitchen and out the back door until I was surrounded by guards. “Let me go I order you” I yelled but to no avail “I am your princess, I order you to put me down” I screamed at the top of my lungs “Princess Zatina you were found running away, from your embroidery classes again” said my stepmother, and God help me if I could get down, and slap this woman’s fake hair off, every thing about her is a lie and I just need to prove if it my father, I’ve tried so many times but I’m sure the witch has turned his brain into mush. I rolled my eyes at her and said “oh please Marsha we all know that those embroidery classes are just your way of torturing, me all in the name of being a better ‘lady’ in future or to be a more sophisticated woman and Queen of my kingdom when we all know you know nothing of that nature you retched witch” I said and I swear the guards were holding on to everything in them not to laugh, She came forward and slapped me across the face, it came as a shock but instead of giving her the satisfaction of watching me wince in pain I looked her straight in the eye and laughed saying “is that all you’ve got” she didn’t do more after that and just said “ It’s queen Marsha to you, you little brat”.

She turned to the guards and said “ lock her up in the dungeon and she has no dinner tonight” I went ballistic at her “ I am a princess why would you lock me up without my fathers permission” she completely ignored me and went back into the palace garden.

It was already night time and I was starving I had been screaming all evening hoping my father would hear me, but I heard the guards say that he had left on a business trip and won’t return until the next ball. I had stopped attending Balls ever since my mom fell ill and died, I have a feeling that my stepmom has a hand in her death but I would need evidence to confirm it.

As I sat in the dark about to pass out of hunger, I wondered what my mom would think if she found out I was locked up, she’d probably lose her mind I thought, a little chuckle came out at the thought of what would happen, Just then I heard a knock behind me and I saw someone but couldn’t really make what they looked like as it was dark but I knew they smelled like something out of a moonlight lure, or like fresh baked potatoes mixed with some sweet corn alright enough of that, as he came closer I realized it was just my best friend jack who lived here with his Dad who’s the Gardener and he had brought me some food. “Jack what are you doing here you could get caught” I whispered “ don’t worry about me the guards are changing shifts so they won’t notice ” he said trying to convince me it was alright “Jack why would you do that, you know what the Witch would do to you if she finds out” I said trying to reason and get some sense into him, but as soon as I saw the freshly baked potatoes and corn I forgot about being reasonable “alright so should I just leave then” he said almost walking away “ No no don’t go please I’m starving” I said almost yelling, and he started snickering because he knew he could get to me with food and then he slid the tray under the space below the dungeon and I started to eat, the food was so good that it almost made me **** and I could hear Jack laughing like a hyena.

“Hey I need your help with something” I said as I was eating “ what is it your royal highness” Jack said in a mocking tone, I rolled my eyes and continued “I need you to watch the movements and whereabouts of Marsha the witch” I said whilst stabbing the plate “ can you do that for me please” I said to Jack flashing him my most charming smile, he took one look at me and refused “No Zanita, I really think you should drop this matter seriously” I watched in horror of the word’s coming out of the person I trusted the most it felt like betrayal “its not just any matter Jack my mother is involved my father is involved that evil witch is involved and she’s the reason I’m in here” I said yelling as I stood up taking angry paces around the dungeon, I completely lost my appetite and told Jack to take the food back “I’m sorry that I upset you but I’m just trying to look out for you, please try to understand that your risking so much” he said as he walked away “I have nothing more to lose Jack I’ve already lost everything” I said angry tears streaming down my face, he stopped in his tracks and looked at me with a hurt look in his eyes and said “but you haven’t lost me” in that moment I didn’t know what to think I was really grateful to have him a really good friend like him and with that he walked out of the dungeon chambers I hoped he wouldn’t get caught, I went back into a corner and lay my scarf on the ground and used my boots as a pillow and wondered what it meant to be a real queen a sophisticated lady which I know I am no, I looked up at the dark ceiling and slowly dozed off.

I was being chased by a mob in the center of the village, men in white horses, women in black attire, children holding candles, all about to strike as I screamed for help, then a light ray hit me and the once dark room now looked alive. I wondered what that meant, why was I being chased and by whom, I thought as I was reaching out for the bars of the dungeon wanting to scream but realizing it was of no use, just as I turned back to go into the dungeon, I suddenly heard the rattling of keys I turned back with the speed of light and the guards escorted me out, I tried my best to hide my excitement but I couldn’t wait to get food.

I made my way towards my bedroom where my maids had already prepared a bath for me, as soon as I soaked into the warm water it felt like all my problems were gone, I took a bath and headed for the dining hall for Breakfast, “Good morning Marsha” I said to my stepmother while helping my self to some bread, she didn’t reply and I regretted even greeting. “Stepsister, you look quite lovely this morning” Triss said while descending the stairs, but I didn’t even spare her a glance as I knew she had a smug look on her face. “ Mother” she said as she took a bow “how was your rest” she said with her face all giddy, which means she is excited for something and I wanted to what it was, “Morning darling”

she said with her face at the morning news paper and her hand on her fancy little pet cat, I hate that cat its as demonic as her, “ at least one of you know how to adress a queen” she said smiling at triss and then turning her attention to me looking displeased, but I couldn’t help but laugh and I could see she didn’t find it funny “oh Marsha why don’t you just call names your really bad at gossiping” I said while taking a sip of my orange juice, she rolled her eyes at me, but behind that look I could see that if we were the only ones here she would strangle me to death. Everything went silent after that as Triss started to take out some food for herself “ Triss, I need not remind you of what will take place today do I” she said as she turned serious at triss, what is she talking about, I thought “yes Mother I won’t forget besides I woke up earlier for this exact reason” she said as she arranged the garment around her shoulders “ what’s happening today” I asked curiously since no one was going to tell me “The heir to the throne of Harant is coming to visit us, I’m sure you know him Prince Troin” she said trying not to hide to the fact that she was trying to gloat, j gave her a confused look still not understanding the purpose of his visit “ Yes, I know him but why is he visiting Marsha” I said purposely to enrage her “Listen you brat he’s mine and you are not to be seen anywhere while he’s around got it” Triss said as she scraped her plate, Marsha managed to calm her down and all I could do is laugh “listen dimwit you think I’m interested in that excuse of and heir” I said whilst grinning with the glass almost at my lips, they both turned red and that was my que to leave.

I went out to the garden where I knew I would find Jack he could interprete dreams and I needed to know what mine meant, as I went through the maze I came across a man in Blue I couldn’t really see him clearly so I went closer, and all of a sudden he started walking “hey who are you” I yelled as the man started to run, I picked up my garment ripped the bottom layer of the dress to be able to run properly, and I started to chase after him after searching around without seeing him, I decided to give up but I didn’t know my way out, As I searched for the way which I came in I heard rustling noises from the bushes, I was scared to the bone, I had heard rumors that they were animals that came out from the bushes to feast on the servants, but I didn’t believe them so I really do know why I was scared and, then I felt a hand tap my shoulders “ahhggggg” I screamed as I swong my hands at whatever it was when I opened them I saw the same man again, The man I was chasing in Blue “ Whoa Princess, it’s fine” he said as he grabbed my hands, I shook his hand off and backed away “ why were you running earlier” I asked trying to avoid him asking me about why I was so scared, I’m not the type that’s into damsel in distress, I can save myself, but he doesn’t need to know that, he looked at me closely “ I thought you where my guard” he said looking away from me as not to meet my eyes, I gave him a confused look which made him smile and say “ I have anxiety problems and I don’t know how to make conversations” he said looking down at his hands and smiling, he looked back at me and wow did his eyes look beautiful, they were the most beautiful shade of hazel green I’d ever seen, wait why am I saying this I shook my head in shock of my own thoughts, “why am I even telling you this” he said, which made me snap out of my trance “But your talking to me, and I’m a girl” I said giving him a concerned look, he just smiled and offered me out of here “wait why are you here again” I said “oh I forgot to introduce myself” he said as he made his way to stand in front of me, “ I’m Troin the heir to the throne Harant” he said whilst taking a bow, I stared in shock at the man in front of me, he looks nothing like how he’s been described in previous conversations. “ It’s a pleasure to Meet you Crowned Prince Troin” I said bowing “I’m The first daughter of Kermona, Princess Zanita” I said smiling “the pleasure is all mine” he said as he pulled a twig out of my hair “ what’s going on” Jack said as he drew our attention, as I studied his face he didn’t look too pleased with the sight “I’ll take my leave now since your guard has arrived” Troin said smiling at the both of us “ Hey…..” I said as I turned to jack “ I’m not her guard, sir, I’m her best friend” Jack said flashing him his fakest smile ever “ It’s alright see you later” Troin said as he walked away from the awkward situation, I gave him a smile and then he left “what’s going on with you” I said turning my attention back to Jack “I should be asking you that” he said looking at me with accusing eyes, “I got lost while looking for you, idiot” I said while giving him a smack af the back of his head “your sure” he looked af me with a little pout “ yes” I reassured him.

We walked through the maze and I remembered why I was looking for jack “ oh I just remembered I need to tell you something” I said making us come to a halt “ok, what is the matter” he said asking “I had a nightmare and I want you to tell me what it means” I said as I looked at him with pleading eyes “ok tell me” “ In the nightmare I was surrounded by a mob and the were backing me up to a corner they where two men on horses, women in black atire and theg were chanting my name, and little children holding candles” I said as goosebumps came all over my arms, still in horror of the nightmare, he turn to me with a worried expression “Have you encountered any Dead spirits lately” he asked “yes, but it was my mom, in a dream” he looked horrified “I don’t believe that’s possible, they said it couldn’t happed” he said pacing and muttering to himself “hey, what’s wrong, am I in any kind of trouble…?” I said very worried “Your going to be put in different trials, in your dreams I mean, they want your mother to be reborn but they need to test the closest family member” he said and all I could hear was TRIAL, REBORN, MOTHER I stared in shock at what I heard, how is that even possible “zanny don’t worry i might not be right” I was still in a trance, as he walked me back to the palace.

I entered my room and collapsed on the bed I didn’t know how to get my mind off what Jack had said to me earlier, But I had to get some rest.

It was at the crack of dawn, I had tossed and turned all night, until I finally got a peak up sleep not shortly before sunrise. Today was the Day my Father King Harince of Kermona was finally coming back and nobody was more excited than me, well, I know, the witches we live with are probably conjuring up a little mischief to get me on dads nerves, but it won’t work this time because their tricks are getting a little too old. The maids had alerted me first thing in the morning “My Princess, it is time for you to awake” they said as they drew the Curtains, whilst the other handed me a glass of water. “Sincerely I would like you to just call me Zanita” I said with a chirpy smile on my face, “I don’t think that’s possible, My Princess” they said laughing awkwardly, I shrugged and got off the bed and headed to the bathe room, The maids prepared a warm bath with rose petals for me, as I was bathing I saw them giggling amongst themselves. “What’s funny” I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes, “My princess you didn’t hear it from me but…” she came closer and whispered in my ears “I saw Princess Triss trying to seduce The Crowned Prince Troin of Harant and when she tried to touch him he got up and ran away, while she fell down” she giggled as she finished. I looked up and gave a worrying smile “ is she alright” I asked feeling worried, even though she’s mean to me and everything else I still cared, because i knew if she didn’t join to bully me she’d be bullied.

I wore a emerald green dress, and and a little V shape at the top that showed a bit of my cleavage, it fitted my body like a second layer of skin and had a slit on the bottom , it was an off shoulder dress my mother had worn when she was younger, I was surprised it still look good and amazed of how I could see her in me, I smiled looking at my reflection in the mirror, the dress really matched my green eyes, my sun kissed skin and my jet black hair, I put on some jewelry and let the maids brush my hair, I put on the emerald green bracelet and turned around to see the finished look, took my purse and headed out.

“Where is Princess Zanita” I heard as I headed out of my room, “ Oh there she is” “Father” I said as I ran into his arms “My Darling you look mesmerizing” my Father said as he spun me around, I giggled at his reaction, “you look just like your mother, very young and agile” he said with a nostalgic look on his face.

“Father your back” I heard across the hall which made my smile turn upside down, I knew that voice I turned around to see Triss smiling and coming towards us, She wore a light pink dress covered in glitter, it was a dress with no sleeves at all, she had her silk white gloves on and a feathered pink shaul draped on her shoulder with white heels.

She came forward and gave Father a peck on the cheek “Father did you get me something for me” she said as she twirled around, like she was in her own little world, totally ignoring me and I couldn’t care less, rolling my eyes at her I turned to Father telling him, that I would take my leave.

I headed out the back door to the garden, what Jack said to me still buzzing in my head, I sat down and enjoyed the little breeze that blew. “Zanny” I heard a familiar voice call, I turned around to see Jack “Hi darling” I said smirking at him “Hmmm.., what’s up with you today” he said giving me a questioning smile, as he walked towards me “Oh nothing” he stopped in his tracks and got lost for a second like he was glued to the floor, I got up to see what a was up with him “ Helllo……,Jack Whims, earth to jack” I said waving my arms around his face, he just stared at me and smiled “Zanny you look so pretty today” he said as he took my hand and gave it a quick kiss, making me blush, I noticed his long blonde hair that reached his shoulders, which we’re really broad, and his ocean eyes And perfect smile, wait no..no…no I said shaking all the thoughts away, slapping him on the chest “You had me worried there” I said trying to break the silence, but Jack still had that look in his eyes, I really didn’t know what it was it was like he was saying something, a look of admiration and lust at the same time. “Oh there you are, I’ve been-” a maid said “what is it” I asked “My princess, the queen has asked me to call Jack to her room” she said hesitantly “alright I’ll be there soon” Jack said looking at her confused “no…., she wants you now” she said almost yelling, but still kept her head down, we looked at each other confused “Alright My dear zanny I’ll see you later” Jack said as he gave me a quick peck on the cheek, for the first time I was sad he was leaving, But why did the witch need to see him.

I turned back to palace to go get ready for the ball, I went up to my room to redo my hair and arrange my dress properly and I was ready took one last look and headed out, As I opened the door I saw Jack standing right in front of me he had a look that was quite indecipherable, but immediately put on a smile “Don’t you look Charming” he said as I made my way out “what’s with your Chivalry today” I said smiling and putting my hand in his as he led the way “It’s not Chivalry if you look this good” he said with a little grin, and I felt like it was time to tease him “Oh really” I said with a smirk, while fiddling with his shirt button, “ Zanny” he said as he grabbed my hands, he’s eyes closed shut as he inhaled breath “what’s wrong, d-did I do something” I said in a worried tone, and he opened his eyes I couldn’t recognize my best friend anymore, he pushed me against the wall in the hall with my hands above my head as he said “It would be a shame if your not a ****** till marriage” he said whilst playing with my hair, I realized what was going on, I turned him on, that’s new “That’s because I’m going to marry you love” I said batting my eyes at him “you better keep your promise” he said as he grabbed my chin, we were so close and i pushed him away, and started walking, I could hear him laughing behind me, and soon he caught up with me and put his arms around my shoulder. What just happened between us, and why is he acting like nothing happened, what’s up with him I said to myself lost in thought as we entered the Ballroom