Firefly's P.O.V

    Meeting with the queen always plunges my heart into the depths of my body. My fingers begin to tremble and my mind wanders in to dark places. She never has anything good for me in store.

Kynn is truly nice to me and I'll be forever grateful, but his hospitality towards me is not enough to match his mother's hate towards me. She sees me as a tool. One day someone will take her down. Now that she has Auphine, she thinks she rules all, but Auphine doesn't seem weak. I know that the tables will turn on this horrid witch.

"Close the door," Mara says softly.

I lock the door behind me and prepare myself for what is to come. She approaches me and moves my hair out of my face. The middle of my chest feels heavy. She looks away and her expression is hard to decipher, it always is. No one knows what she's thinking. She looks at me and slaps me right across the face.

The force pushes me to the ground. My cheek feels numb and I can feel tears emerging from my soul; waiting to pour down my swollen face. I want to leave here. I want to be with my family!

"Should I slap you around some more?" Mara rolls her eyes as she kneels to my level. "Or shall I threaten to kill your entire family?"

"I'm so sorry Queen Mara!" I look into her eyes and it pains my soul to beg to her. "I will help any way I can! I didn't say much to Auphine. Please forgive me!" My voice cracks with every other word that leaves my lips. I can feel the tremble on my lips, the squinting of my eyes, I want her to forgive me. If she doesn't, I'll have nothing left.

"I forgive you," Queen Mara stands up. I sigh with relief and touch my chest to calm down. "Double cross me again and you'll never see your precious family again. I'll burn them! I have that kind of power. You're just an insect flying around my walls. Get lost."

I struggle to stand, but when I do, I make sure to haul out of that room. I stop running in the middle of the hall to catch my breath. My hair is covering most of my face and I can still feel the stinging sensation of that demon's slap. I bite my lips, hoping that it'll stop me from crying.

"Firefly?" That sounds like Auphine's voice. I turn and see her standing in front of me. She's wearing a navy blue gown mixed with gold ikat designs at the top. She truly looks like the ruler of a kingdom.

"Auphine," I brush my black gown off and move my hair out of my face and behind my ears. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," she looks down at her gown. "It's too fancy for my taste. May we have a moment alone?"

"I'm sorry," I begin to get nervous. I want to help her, I truly do, but this kingdom has walls with ears. I can't risk betraying the queen again. "I have business to attend to. Perhaps another time."

"Firefly, don't be scared. I'll protect you. Please . . . I need to know who to trust."

"You can trust the queen. I have to go," I begin to run up the stairs and away from Auphine. Lying like this is truly the worst, but I have no choice! I have to protect my family . . . I have to.

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Auphine's P.O.V

    I thought that I could trust Firefly, but it looks like Queen Mara is scaring her to the point where the poor child doesn't want anything to do with me. I guess the only person I have here . . . is myself. I have to stay strong, I can survive this.

Kian is busy discussing matters with his brother and father and I do not wish to speak with the queen. Now is my chance to leave the castle and walk into town. I may be able to find some answers there. I approach the door and the guard place their swords in front of me. I flinch a bit and begin to hear heavy footsteps.

"Trying to escape so boldly?" Queen Mara chuckles.

I sigh and turn to face the queen. "I wasn't trying to escape. Everyone seems so busy. I wanted to take a stroll into town."

"I see. I get it my dear. You may go, but my guards will accompany you. It's for your own good."

"Mine . . . or yours?" I scoff.

"Just go. Be back before sundown," she shakes her head and walks away from my sight.

With her guards hovering around me, I won't be able to find out anything. Maybe I can manage to run from them when I'm crowded by people. It'll give me time to blend in. The guards open the doors and I follow them outside. I need to wait for the perfect moment to run from them.

We walk across the bridge and I can hear the sounds of the birds chirping above me. Such free creatures. They're so lucky, I admire them every day. I look around and see wheel barrels carrying supplies, guards chatting, and royals enjoying the view.

I finally make it across the bridge and the outer gates open. I am revealed to the kingdom's town. It's huge and filled with markets and well made homes. I didn't really pay attention to this town on my way here. I was too busy sulking.

There are a handful of kids sitting by a bridge watching ships go by. Their face looks like they have no care in the world. It's kind of heartwarming. I wish my mother could live this way. It's a nice thought. Her and I living in a rich village, watching the sunset and the waves. I'd love that.

My eyes drift to the side and I can see the guards watching my every move. I look in front of me and try to find a good place to lose them.

As we walk deeper into town, people begin to crowd each other. This is my chance. I take a deep breath and begin to run through the crowd. This might be harder than I thought. Most people here have brown hair and my silver hair sticks out.

"Stop her!" The guard shouts, but people are too busy being confused. I turn corners. It's better this way. Walking in a straight line will make it easier for them to catch me.

I look behind me and see nothing but merchants and townspeople. I stop and my hands press on my knees. I take this time to catch my breath. That was such a rush!

"Excuse me," a weak voice calls.

I turn my head to see a young woman. Her hair is white and a bit wavy. It looks like she hasn't washed it in days. As I look into her clouded blue eyes, I feel an uncanny tremble inside of my body.

"Can I help you?" I ask, hoping she isn't on the queen's side.

"Do you mind sparing change?" Her eyes turn to sorrow in an instant.

"How did you manage to get into this region without any coin?" I ask with great suspicion.

"My family contains money, but I ran away. Can you help me?"

"Sorry . . . I can't. I have no money on me and it's best that you don't get involved with me."

"Ah I see. Such honesty," the girl stands and walks closer to me. It feels like my feet are glued to the ground.

"I have to go," I try to move, but she grabs my arm.

"Auphine Silver. What an enchanting name," her eyes widen and it seems like the smoke covering her pupils are moving. "See you again."

She lets go of my arm and I begin to run as fast as I can.

How the hell does she know my name?!

I turn the corner and knock into hard armor. A strong grip comes over my hand and I look up in fear. Of course. The guards are here to retrieve me. I'm sure Queen Mara will never let me out again.

"You're coming back with us," the guard's voice is bold.

I don't struggle. I let them carry me back to my prison. Hopefully I can get Firefly to talk or maybe even Kian knows a thing or two. All I know is that the queen is most certainly not on my side.

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