"I searched for something I couldn't find."  - Kate. 

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I walked out of the room and looked down the seemingly endless corridor. I reasoned with myself that I needed to scout the place out if I were to know how to protect this prince. Walking to the nearest door to my right, I slowly pushed it open to be greeted with a gigantic library. Thousands of books in all shapes and size decorated each shelf that reached to the ceiling. This is a place I could have spent my childhood in, if given the opportunity. I could imagine how thrilled Betty would have been had she seen this. Not ones in my life did I see something so grandiose. It was as if the books have a mind of their own, adding personality to the room like no other. My eyes flickered over each book, the endless stories that filled the room. What tears were shed? What memories were made? Could one find satisfaction in knowing that there was an endless possibility and opportunity to visit worlds that were unheard of, and live lives that one could only dream of? 

The room seemed to have come alive as I walked through each aisle, and the colors radiated against the sun that was coming through the large window. Everything in this place seemed unreal, a touch of time, that was captured and encapsulated. 

I smiled. At least somewhere in this place, I could find solace, and an escape to the harsh reality of the life I had just accepted. 

I closed the door and walked further down. There was no ways I would examine each door but I could certainly get familiar with some of the content that laid within. And hopefully meet another decent soul. I opened a set of double doors and was greeted with a kitchen. As I stepped into the bustling kitchen, I was immediately enveloped in a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. The air was thick with the aroma of sizzling spices and savory delights, mingling together in a tantalizing dance that teased the senses.

The scent of caramelized onions wafted through the air, a rich and comforting aroma that hinted at the culinary delights being prepared. In one corner of the kitchen, a skilled chef tended to a bubbling pot of onions, their sweet fragrance filling the room with a sense of warmth and anticipation.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, the staff moved with practiced efficiency, their movements fluid and precise as they worked in silent harmony. The only sounds that broke the quietude were the occasional clatter of metal against metal as pots and pans were expertly maneuvered, and the soft shuffling of feet as cooks moved about their stations. But amidst the controlled chaos, there was an underlying sense of serenity, as if each member of the kitchen staff moved with a shared purpose and dedication to their craft. Their focus was unwavering, their attention solely fixed on the task at hand, yet there was a sense of camaraderie that permeated the air. I wondered if they were some paid actors. 

I saw a girl washing her hand at a station washing station, so I approached her. 

"Hi, sorry may I ask your help please." I spoke. 

Without meeting my eye, she bowed her head, shook it and quickly returned to her post. 

I was a bit agitated. Its true I was taking a back by the beautiful of the place and how synchronize everything was, however the inhumane or fear that was carried in the air from room to room, people to people made me feel disgusted. 

I walked out and went in search for the prince or some god damn individual who wasn't afraid to utter a sound. 

I walked into the garden and saw Damon sitting under and apple tree. Walking towards him I stopped in time to speak and break his concentration. 

"Are you waiting for your Albert Einstein moment?" I asked. 

"What is it you want?" He spoke. 

"How is it that each corner of this place is field with life but it seems like death rules over it?" I questioned. 

"Kate, remind me, why are you hear?" He asked. 

"To protect you, but clearly you don't need any. You are sitting perfectly still, eyes closed, in this completely safe garden!" I said frustrated.

"So you do speak." He mumbled. 

"Yes and I have a lot of words for you at the moment." I said. 

He sighed and stood up. He seemed different more relaxed. He looked me in the eye, but before I realized it, a slap was delivered on my cheek. 

"Who in the world do you think you are talking too?" He demanded. 

I was confused. Was this guy bipolar?

"You think because I was in my meditation session that I cared a whole lot about you whining about your job?" He continued. 

I wanted to beat this guy, but my hand remained controlled. 

"Your training starts tomorrow. You will have to get ready for an attack we will be facing in two days. If you fail at any moment, just remember we won't spare you." He said before walking away. I clenched my fist and tried to relax the rage I was feeling. Everything about this place made me feel angry. I started to walk, and somehow found myself leaving the palace. Nothing seemed as mesmerizing as before. Nothing was a glam. I had fallen victim of the enchantment of the rich life and its perceptive powers. 

I suddenly stumbled and felt a bit faint. Was it the fact that I hadn't eaten until now? I had no money, and the palace hadn't given any instructions to dine with them. I walked towards a fountain and sat down. The sun beating down on my face. Something wasn't right, nothing about me felt normal, nothing felt right. Why was I called here? Why did I come? I mean I know that I couldn't have said no, even if I wanted to, but this was foolishness. I had a life I wanted to live and in the very least I wanted to be happy. 

"What could you possibly be thinking about?" said a familiar voice. I opened my eyes to see Jake standing in front of me. 

"Hey!" I said. 

"Have you eaten yet? I was going to find something to eat right now actually." He said. 

I could just kiss him right now, but all I did was nod. 

We walked a bit until we found a small restaurant and we both sat down. I stared out the window as I let Jake order. I had no right to order because money wasn't an option for me. Should I let him know that?  

"Jake, thank you so much, but I can't pay you back, I don't even have money at all." I said. 

"Don't sweat it. A girl has gotten to eat at the end of the day right?" 

Soon two burgers and fries were served. My stomach growling as it received the smell of the chips. I dug in savoring each bite and as my stomach began to be filled.

"So, what's your story Jake. Why are you here?" I asked putting my half-eaten burger down. 

"Thats a deep question to discuss over a burger" He said looking at this glass smiling. No whether it was a sad smile or a smile of amusement, I was unsure. 

"Sorry, but its hard to trust someone you know nothing about." I said. 

"Fair enough, but one for one, you need to answer my questions too." He said looking me dead in the eye. 

"Sure." I nodded. 

"I was asked to come here, for some training, to work on the computers and the technology used to run the place. I actually don't work far from the palace." He said pointing behind him. 

"You are an IT guy?" I asked. 

"Sort of." He shrugged. "What about yourself?" 

"I'm still trying to figure that out. These people are so stuck up, it makes me sick. I can't even have a proper conversation with anyone. They act as if they are cabbages. In some sort of vegetation state." I ranted. 

"Well, what is the task you have been assigned?" He asked. 

"I'm just the janitor." I said. Why I lied, I don't know but something about Julia's words in my dreams made me be careful of the information I gave to others. And I didn't feel bad because I didn't know if Jake was being completely honest with me too. We were in a chest game with unset rules. 

"Cool man, that's something at least." He said gulping down the last bit of orange juice. 

I rested back on my seat and observed the man in front of me. He was paler than most, and a lot bit scruffier, his blonde dirty hair following straight on his forehead. He was kind of like an anime character, or at least that was the vibe he was giving me. 

"Do you need money?" He asked.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked. 

"Just..." He said. 

"Wow thanks man, that helps a lot. I appreciate it." I said sarcastically. "But seriously, why?" 

"You remind me of someone I want to forget. But for some reason I can't." He said his eye's narrowing. 

"I see. So why do you stick around me then? Doesn't having me around make it harder for you to forget?" I asked. 

"Yeah, it's kind of twisted. You know how, you know something is bad for you, but you just can't help yourself?" He spoke. "Like, I want to keep my distant, but then at the same time, I want to savor and relieve some of the memories." 

I nodded. I don't know if I could completely agree with his statement but somehow walking back home that was the only thing I could think of. Who did I remind him of? And in what era? 

I reached my apartment, and I unlocked the door. If I was going to make it in this place, I needed to change the way I thought and the way I did things. It was time to live not just in the shadow, but to activate survival mode.