Lady Cecille seems nervous as we walk towards the royal wing. She doesn't show anything on her face, her emotions nowhere to be seen as she walks quickly, the only evidence something is on her mind, her hand tight around the king's written request as we near the guards.

"We have been requested by His Majesty," She says, handing over the piece of paper that had been handed to her this morning. She had rushed to my room and woken me, my brain banging against my skull after all the drinks I had consumed last night, especially after being told off for dancing. I had been made to sit next to Lady Cecille in silence, everyone around us watching me as the light from the fire dulled and mine grew even brighter, illuminating the patio.

"Of course, Sash'la,".

I have never heard anybody use the Eflasash term for lady, but Lady Cecille doesn't seem fazed. There were rumors in the castle claiming she had once been a famous faerie, a lady in the elfic court who had won her place there with her fame. But after decades of stardom, she lost all her connections to nature, turning her into a mere human and losing any powers she had once wielded. As the gossip goes, she then met the late Queen Ameria, managed to befriend her, and that is how she ended up working in the castle.

The guard to our left opens the dark wooden door, the resin shining under the sunlight filtering through the window.

"Thank you," Lady Cecille says as she walks into the cozy room, my steps right behind hers.

The inside of the room is coloured purple, the plush chairs that surround a wooden table inviting, a grand fire burning in the fireplace next to it. A black carpet covers most of the floor, although there is a space with bare stones surrounding the flames to ensure nothing unwanted is set on fire. Curtains cover the windows, making the room darker, the candle lights hanging from the ceiling casting a faint glow.

Looking up, I can just about make out different shapes painted onto the ceiling, tiny drawings recreating something that seems to be a war. Usually my skin would be bright enough to show me the details, but I am starting to realise it brightens and dims depending on my mood, and taking into account the headache I currently have, I am not surprised it looks greyish.

"My wife arranged for it to be made before she died. Said it was going to help me in the future," A voice says from my right making me jump, "But you're not here for a history lesson. In fact, you need to have dance lessons," The king says, throwing himself into one of the chairs, his body just about fitting in the frame.

Before I can say anything, Lady Cecille saves me, "Of course, your highness. I will teach her straight away. If-".

"No," He mutters, placing a hand under his chin as he stares at me.

Pushing my shoulders back, I try to stay calm. I can tell my hands are shaking so I place them behind me, holding tight for what is to come. I guess it's not a bad thing that I drank a lot last night, because otherwise it would have flamed up, blinding all of us in nervousness.

"Moira shall be taught by Madam Freeshi. She used to be our best dancer,".

Goosebumps run down my spine, my hair flaring more than usual as I slowly nod at the king's request.

I don't know what it is, but the name Madam Freeshi seems to bring me distrust.

"Then it shall be done. I will contact Madam Freeshi myself,".

I imagine Lady Cecille is very uncomfortable after being denied in such a way, but the way she speaks makes it seem like there was no better option.

The king grunts, agreeing.

"Is that all, Your Majesty?" Lady Cecille asks, bowing.

I follow suit, hoping I can leave this dark room and return to my chambers where I plan on sleeping for the rest of the day.

"Moira will eat with the Lords and Ladies of the Court from now on, starting today. So go and get ready! You are dismissed,".

I can't process what he has just said, so instead I bow deeper, my legs hurting from being strained. Walking out of his room as he starts munching on some grapes, I'm filled with dread.

I know I can't say anything until we are out of earshot, so I walk behind Lady Cecille, concentrating on keeping my steps even, making sure I don't quicken my pace. Lady Cecille had told me a few days ago that the best way to tell if someone is nervous is by their way of walking, and so the same way I could tell she was nervous earlier, if I don't keep my walk even, anybody watching will be able to tell that the conversation with the king had left me more that a bit agitated.

Turning a corner onto a quiet corridor, I whisper, "What? I can't have lunch with them! I'll be an outcast... You saw how they all looked at me yesterday! And who is Madam Free-".

"Stop talking," Lady Cecille commands, her walk not slowing down, "We need to get you bathed and changed, lunch is in four hours. And I'll ask a maid to go and get Ghusande for your headache, hopefully it will soothe it enough for you to be able to have a normal conversation without distracting you too much,".

Ghusande is an expensive drink that is believed to have been created by the same people who created the old language. The last time I had drunk the hot drink was when Mummy was ill and she had let me try it because she didn't like the sweet taste. Daddy had told me off for it, making me realise it was medicine, and ever since then I haven't had a sip on the rare occasion someone from home had to take it out of fear of the droplets I would have taken being the ones that could save my siblings life.

"Lady Cec-,".

She is already at the end of the corridor.

"Wait!" I whisper-shout, holding my skirts up and running as fast as I can without tripping over, trying to catch up with her, "Lady Cecille!".