Venus
It’s the night before my coronation—the thing I’ve been dreading most since the day I could fly. I look at the gorgeous gown sprawled on my bed, orchid pink silks flowing. I try to imagine myself wearing it while sitting on the throne, golden crown weighing on my head. I think of all the responsibilities and anxiety washes over me, making it feel like the walls are caving in. I hear a knocking at my door. My maid comes in my room carrying a tray of hair products. With every step, her hooves clack on the hardwood floor, hidden by her linen skirt.
“Good evening Vee, or I guess that’ll be your highness by tomorrow,” she says, giving me a warm smile, cheeks round and dimpled. Her moss green hair sits in a low bun at the nape of her neck. Short horns twist around her head, furry ears droop on each side.
“Your mother sent me to try out some hairstyles for the event. I already prepared the berry serums beforehand.” She places the tray on my cream vanity. Candles, flowers, crystals and jewels clutter its surface.
She starts gently brushing my light pink waves and I try not to doze off. In the end we settle for a half up half down with pinned back braids allowing the sharp points of my ears to be displayed. Even though she’s my maid, Elowyn has always felt like a mother to me.
Speaking of Mother.
“Wow…You look stunning,” she says entering my room. Indigo hair flows down her back, revealing a luscious gown embroidered with flowers. Her pale mauve skin glows in the candlelight. Intricate antlers cast a shadow on her heart-shaped face. A face that looks nothing like my own.
“You did a great job, Elowyn. You’re free to go.” The maid bows and exits my bedroom. My mother comes up behind me so I can see her reflection in the gold vanity mirror.
“How do you feel?”
How does she think I feel? Panic and guilt creep up as I try to push them away. It’s too late to change things, I should accept my fate. I can’t afford another argument ensuing over everything I want to say.
“Could be better,” I muster up.
She places her elegant hands on my shoulders. “I understand this isn’t what you want, but it’s for the best. I’m proud of you. Your father would be proud of you.” Her voice trails off and I see a glimmer of pain in her icy blue eyes.
“Father wouldn’t force me to do something that doesn’t make me happy,” I say a little too harshly.
“Venus. I refuse to get into this again. You have responsibilities that can’t be ignored forever. You can’t prance around wasting your life away.” There it is again. Responsibilities this, responsibilities that. The same speech over and over. I don’t respond this time.
She looks at me with sympathy for a moment, the harsh lines of her face softening, “Get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day.”
***
A pale blue moon hangs in the starlit sky. I toss and turn, twisting the silk sheets. I should be asleep, but my mind can’t stop racing. I’m tired of all of this. It feels like my lungs are expanding and I can’t breathe. I’m tired of the tutors, of being told what to do, being trapped here like a prisoner. There’s so much I could be doing, a life I could be living. And yet I’m stuck here. In this awful castle. I look around my bedroom, the walk-in wardrobe full of luxurious gowns, the antique wooden furniture, floral wallpaper, curtains draping from my canopy bed. I’m overreacting, I’ll be fine.
Everything’s fine.
Just fine.
I feel like I’m drowning in the soft covers. The silent night leaves room for my thoughts to scatter. What if I just left? Left all of this behind, went back to a time before everything changed. A time when Dad was still here, before Mother became so overprotective. This is my only chance. But I’m my mother’s only heir, the last of our bloodline. If i don’t take the throne no-one will. My irresponsibility could single-handedly cause the kingdom to collapse. When I wake up tomorrow my fate will be set in stone. But I can’t just run away…can I?
I spring out of bed and put on the first dress I find. It’s too long and heavy, restricting my movements. I grab the scissors on my desk and cut. I’m left with an uneven skirt and fabric on the floor. I don’t have time to think about where I’ll go or what to take with me. I exit my bedroom, closing the door with caution. Adrenaline fuels me as I enter the dark airy hallway.
Every breath and minuscule sound feels as though it’s been amplified. Slowly, I move through the long halls and empty rooms, hoping not to get caught. I hear a clank and freeze in my tracks, holding my breath. My muscles tense and I wait for a couple seconds, alert of everything around me. I realize the sound I heard was the ʑɤɮʊɱɨʈɛ pendant my father gave me. I quickly relax but don’t put my guard down. The only light is coming from a small candle downstairs, but the darkness isn’t my obstacle. All I wanted was a normal childhood. Where I can make friends, explore the outdoors, garden and bake till dawn. I tiptoe down the carpeted stairwell, trying to shake the fantasies away. This is my life. I want things to change, but no-one is going to do that for me. If I want a different ending I’m going to have to make it happen myself.
Trying to stay silent, I exit the castle walls. Purple darkness surrounds the night sky, sprinkling stars that twinkle in the moonlight. A gentle breeze catches my hair as I fly towards the travel chambers. I’m not allowed to be here. I’ve never gone outside The Castle Ruins. It’s scary but exhilarating, breaking the rules I’ve been told to follow my whole life.
Upon entering I remember there’s been complaints of the portals not working properly, but I dismiss the thought. I don’t stop to second guess my actions. I know I need to get out of here before I burst. Bright lights impair my vision and the only thing I hear is my own heartbeat echoing in the empty room. Closing my eyes, I enter the glowing abyss of one of the portals.
When I open them I’m greeted by sunshine hitting my face and the melody of birds, soaring through a bright blue sky. Greenery and tall structures surround me. My breath quickens as I realize I have no idea where I am. What have I done? Another stupid reckless decision I add to my list of regrets. I look around trying to absorb the beauty of this world when a furry little creature runs up to me. All worry melts away as those big round eyes look up at me wanting cuddles. It’s telling me it’s lost, I can sense it. One ear points up in confusion as if reading my thoughts. Everywhere I look I see new things distracting me from the feeling of distress. Strange metal machines zooming past, loud noises, vibrant lights and colors. I’m not on Quaria anymore.
