"Mother, why are the leaves falling?" 7-year-old Althea asked her mother, as they sat in the midst of Autumn leaves.

The sound of rustles echoed through the forest as they soaked in the light that danced across their skin. Her mother stopped humming along with the birds and looked down at her. She smiled.

"Winter is coming, dear Thea." She replied, patting her hair with soft strokes.

A leaf dropped on to Althea's lap. She picked it up and observed it. The once vibrant color of green had faded into dull brown. Her forehead wrinkled in a frown.

"What's wrong dear?" Her mother asked, concerned. "Why are you frowning?"

Althea pouted. Her heart ached for the leaves. "It's not fair." She said. "Why do these leaves have to be separated from their tree? They won't survive." A tear streamed down her face.

Her mother took her face in her palms and cleaned her tears; placing a kiss on her forehead. "Althea," she raised her chin. "These leaves had to sacrifice themselves for the tree to survive the winter and bear new leaves when it's over. They are being separated because they have served their purpose."

"Just like Father did?" Althea said as she looked down, playing with her fingers. She peered up at her mother and saw her mouth was opened in shock. She looked away.

"Thea..." Her mother started. Thea shook her head.

"I know Father was an important person to the King. He's just like these leaves." She mumbled the last part. Thea bit her lips. She didn't want to cry.

Althea was suddenly pulled into an embrace. She broke into silent sobs, holding her mother tight.

"Don't cry, my little one." Her mother cooed, whispering into her ear. "You have to be strong for both your father and me."

Her mother wiped her tears. "Your father did it for a reason." She said, "To protect you." She stroked her cheek.

Althea closed her eyes as her mother's caress calmed her down. Mother was right. She had to be strong for both of them. She couldn't let her Father's sacrifice go in vain. There was silence for a while.

"I'm sorry, Thea" Her mother whispered, then the feeling of her hands were gone.

Althea scrunched her face in confusion, then opened her eyes. Her mother was not there.

"Mother?" She called out, her eyes searching around the forest. Where did she go off to? "Mother?!" Still no response.

Panicking, Althea scurried to her feet. The atmosphere changed. Her world swirled around her. It was like the trees were multiplying themselves.

Althea bent to her knees, clutching her head. "Mother, I'm scared." She whispered, hoping her mother would hear her and come for her.

Suddenly, Althea felt pressure against her back. She gasped as tingles went up her spine. She gripped the earth as the pressure became too much. Everything started to fade.

Rose jolted up, breathing in short gasps. She clutched her chest, feeling the erratic beating of her heart. What was that dream? It felt too real. Her hand rested on a soft surface.

It was then she took in her surrounding. She was not in the cell anymore. She was lying on a bed in an unknown room. She looked down at her clothes. Her ripped shirt and jeans were replaced with a cotton white dress. She stared in confusion. How long had she been out?

"Finally, Sleeping Beauty is awake!" Witch lady emerged from the darkness. "I was starting to think you were actually dead."

Rose steadied her breathing. "You... What did you do to me?" She asked. Rose remembered asking her for help. She couldn't recall anything that happened after.

The woman sat on the sofa opposite the window. Her expression was unreadable in the moonlight that slid through the cracks of the curtains.

"I branded your skin." She shrugged.

"What do you mean?" Rose asked, feeling agitated. She did not like the sound of that.

The woman rolled her eyes. "What it means, Rose." She said, "You should be grateful you're alive, dearie. No one is foolish enough to challenge the Prince."

Rose hung her head in defeat. She felt stupid. She should be more careful with her words. She was lucky to escape death once again.

"Thank you." Rose muttered. "What do I do now?" She asked with more conviction. She did agree to do the task.

"You'll be serving the Prince from now on. That will give you enough time to lure him." The woman stood up, "I've set the pace for you, Rose. It's in your hands now." She walked towards the door.

"Wait." Rose called out to her, "Will I see you again?" She wanted to know.

The woman halted. She was silent for a while before she spoke, "If I need to." She reached the door, "And please don't try to get killed again. I can't be wasting energy on saving you every time you get into trouble. Night night." She waved and whispered something under her breath.

Rose felt dizzy all of a sudden and she slumped on the sheets, falling into a dreamless sleep.

***

The sound of someone entering the room awoke Rose. Alerted, she listened, pretending to be asleep. Footsteps approached the bed until they stopped beside her. She could feel the person's hot stare on her face.

The scent of soap and aftershave hit her nostrils. She inhaled deeply. savoring the smell.

Rose felt soft breaths on her neck. They caressed her skin, sending shivers up her spine.

"I know you're awake, Sweetheart." The Prince's deep voice whispered in her ear.

Rose gingerly opened her eyes, to see the Prince staring right at hers. Her eyes trailed down his face. He had dark circles under his eyes. Did he not sleep? Sprinkles of unshaved hair rested on his chin. The corner of his full lips turned up in a smirk.
AQ
"Done checking me out?" He teased, bringing Rose out of her dazed state.

Realizing what the Prince said, Rose scoffed "You wish." She murmured as she forced herself to sit up. Her body still felt sore.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in." The Prince answered.

The door opened and a young girl entered holding a tray of food. She bowed her head, "Y-your Highness." She stuttered. "The food you requested is here."

"Keep it there and leave." He pointed to the bed space in front of her.

"Y-yes, your Highness." The young girl rushed to the bed and dropped the tray in front of her. Her hands were shaking, showing she was nervous.

"Thank you." Rose whispered to her, smiling.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at Rose. She gave a quick smile.

"Leave." The Prince ordered. The girl jumped at the sound of his voice and fled the room.

Rose shook her head. "You didn't have to be mean." She pointed out.

The Prince glared at her. "Eat." He seethed.

"I'm not hungry." She retorted at the same time her stomach growled. She blushed, biting her lips.

"Are you sure about that? Your stomach doesn't seem to agree with you." The Prince mocked.

Rose scowled at him. Jerk. She eyed the food. The sight of oatmeal made her groan internally.

I could really do with some Pizza right now. Rose thought. She sucked it up and picked up the spoon and ate out of it.

"Hurry up." He snapped, "We don't have all day."

"Well, are you going to watch me eat?" Rose asked, raising her eyebrows.

He grumbled under his breath and walked towards the sofa. He sat down and crossed his arms, staring daggers at her.

Rose rolled her eyes and continued to eat. How is she supposed to seduce this Grinch? This woman was sending her on a suicide mission.

"Where are we going by the way?" She asked, curious.

"A dangerous place." He said.

Rose choked on her food. "What?" She coughed out.

He sat still, not even batting an eye.

"The Royal Council Meeting." He said, "In other words, hell."

***

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P.s Not edited.

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