Ariadne's POV

"I apologize, Your Highnesses," Harriet solemnly replied after delivering our new mourning dresses - looking as black as we felt. "I will make the arrangements with the rest of the staff." 

The absence of her presence made the room feel empty. No one wanted to speak. No one could. 

"I do not see why I have to get dressed," Bell complained, but her tone wasn't as loud as normal. "We can't see anyone."

"Harriet is having... it announced later tonight to the entire kingdom. We will be receiving many gifts and perhaps some visitors," Charities replied. 

I couldn't take the silence or pain any longer.

"I'm going out."

"Did you find the mail boy, while you were out yesterday?" Fortuna called after me.

"No." I sighed, not bothering to stop. 

Only Peter. And it was terribly awkward and painful after my conversation with Julie. Especially as I was the cause of her sickness. 

 "Princess Ariadne!"

I turned to see an old man wearing a large hat to shield his face from the sun with some old clothes covered in dirt. 

I must have looked surprised because he chuckled. "Don't worry yaself, I was just tended them flowers and saws ya, that's all."

I examined him once more before it hit me. "Are you the head gardener?"

"Indeed, Your Highness," he said with a polite bow.

"Mr. Vailer?"

"Some folks calls me that, but most 'em calls me Matthew," he said, winking at me.

I smiled. "Well, Matthew, what's your favorite flower here?"

He looked delighted and scurried off. I followed after him, relieved at his kind personality. I really needed it.

"This one is me favorite," he said, his eyes lighting up when we reached a flower that was a dark red, with white spots on the inside of its delicate petals. "It hails from Ralethia and be the rarest flower we grow here."

I stared at the small flower and its enchanting beauty. "Why is it one of your favorites?"

He smiled and gently touched the tiny flower with his finger. "It can end life in seconds," he responded. "But mix with three other deadly flowers, it too can save a life."

I looked closer at the patter of the dots on the flower, and it looked as if little, white rain droplets had fallen on the flower, never to leave the little beauty again.

"Fascinating, isn't it?" Matthew whispered.

I nodded, not taking my eyes off the small plant.

"I think that humans are like that flower," he continued. "Small and just be like everyone else; but when we really look, we can see their true potential and it be truly astonishing," he said softly, and a small grin crept onto his wrinkled face. "Even an old gardener like meself."

I smiled. "You are truly astonishing, and thank you for everything."

He nodded, looking pleased. "I hope I didn't bore ya," he said.

I shook my head. "Not at all. It was much appreciated, thank you."

Then something in the distance caught my eye. 

I turned and saw a large tree. It trunk spiraled up and spread out, showing off its magnificence. It looked exceptionally large and old, even from a distance. 

"What tree is that?" I pointed.

"What? Oh," the gardener spat on the ground. "Me thinks that tree is cursed. I get the creeps when I goes near it."

I looked at it longer, and almost thought I saw it moving in a way that made it look alive and enchanting. Almost like it was welcoming me in.

"I'm going to just take a look."

"As you wishes."

I slowly made my descent to the wonderful creation. The closer I got, the smaller I felt. It was truly magnificent.

I finally reached its trunk and slowly raised my hand up, but when I held my hand just inches from the wood, I found myself hesitating. 

Just touch the tree. 

But my hand seemed to be frozen in place.

Now!

I shook my head and forced my hand forward. 

The second it connected with the tree I felt a shock run through me, almost like a warm feeling that zapped through me. I stared wide-eyed at the tree and tried to pull my hand away, but my hand wouldn't move.

I looked frantically around, trying to find the gardener or anyone. I didn't know what was happening to me! Why couldn't I move my hand?

Calm down. It won't hurt you.

Then someone touched my arm. I tried to see who it was, but now I couldn't even look away from the tree! Suddenly, everything went silent, and a low humming started. Then the tree started glowing. At first, I thought it was my vision giving out, but the tree kept glowing brighter and brighter. 

I knew I should move away from the tree. I started to panic and tried with all my might to pull away, but nothing happened.

Then I felt another force helping me and it gave me strength; I pulled against the tree with every fiber of my being until finally, I felt myself fly backward on top of someone, and all at once my hearing came back and I closed my eyes, enjoying every sound. 

Move away.

"Move!" I cried, but it came out in a harsh whisper.

The person, who was noticeably strong, dragged me away from the tree and behind a hill.

"What were you thinking?" The owner of the strong arms asked.

I turned and glared at Prince Wilson. "It was just a tree!"

His anger softened. "I apologize, I did not mean to get upset. When I saw you there... I was just concerned. Are you alright?"

I looked over the prince, from his newly shinned boots to his pendant glowing as bright as the tree; although it could have been reflecting the brightness of the now menacing plant.

I coughed and shook my head. In response, Prince Wilson kissed my forehead and pulled me into a comforting hug. 

I took in a large breath and then relaxed into his arms.

This feels nice.

I turned to see the tree at its true beauty; not only was the bark glowing, but the air around it as well. The closest thing to it that I had ever seen was in the underground world where Estevan lived, but this was even more spectacular.

"Why is it doing that?"

I turned and looked at Prince Wilson, who did not seem as surprised as he sounded. "I don't know."

I looked back at the tree, but quickly looked away when I saw how bright it was. I ducked down and turned my head into the prince's chest to shield myself.

Then a loud noise, unlike any I had ever heard before, sounded through the valley and shook me to the bone.

After the ringing in my ears diminished, I slowly lifted my head up and looked at the tree.

It was breathtaking. It looked as if the wood had crystallized and had gemstones carved into its surface. In the midday light, it sparkled as nothing else I had ever seen.

"Is that a door?" I heard the Prince whisper and followed his gaze to the bottom of the trunk where an opening had appeared.

I slowly, and shakily got to my feet with the help of Prince Wilson, and carefully started walking towards the tree, but my first step was not stable and I found myself hitting the ground hard.

"What are you doing?" He asked and it almost sounded as though he thought I had broken my legs and should never attempt to walk again.

"I want to go to that opening."

"Not by yourself, you are not."

Without another moment's hesitation, he came over and swept me up as if I weighed nothing. Which couldn't be true, with all the layers of my dress I couldn't have been light. "I want to try and walk by myself," I told him, although I did rather enjoy being carried by him.

He raised his eyebrows in reply.

"Please," I tried again.

He slowly set me down, but never removed his hand from my back.

"I can walk by myself," I said, trying to believe it was true.

He slowly removed his hand, but it was back the instant I took a step and almost fell down the hill face-first.

"You sure you don't want my help?" He said.

"I guess it would be nice," I admitted, not wanting to go tumbling down the hill.

He helped me down the rest of the way, it was a slow process, but I began gaining back strength in my legs.

Once we got to the bottom I noticed that directly above the opening was a hand-shaped engraving in its crystallized bark. I shuddered, grateful that Prince Wilson had helped me when he did.

"You are going in there?" He asked, gripping my arm a little too tight for comfort.

"I was going to," I said hesitantly, now rethinking the wisdom in my decision.

Something inside me told me I needed to. Maybe it would have the answer to healing the kingdom.

"What if you get trapped?" He asked.

I opened my mouth to reply, but nothing came to mind. What would I do? I don't have magic or anything else that could help me.

I glanced over at the Prince and an idea popped into my head. "You could wait out here and if it closes then you can go get help."

His eyes narrowed. "But you cannot walk."

I sighed. He has a point. 

"Alright, fine."

I draped my arm through his and we walked into the dark tunnel. I felt as if I should have been scared, but I wasn't.

"Thank you, for saving me, that was very brave of you."

"It was my pleasure."

After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "You look very beautiful, as always, your highness. Not even nearly dying could change that."

I looked at him, but couldn't quite make out his face. "Thank you, that is very kind of you to say."

"It is not just kind, it is the truth."

I smiled. He is very handsome as well. 

But I did not dare vocalize my thoughts.

"What do you think we will find at the end of this tunnel?"

I thought a moment before replying. "Perhaps a magical kingdom full of wondrous things. Or perhaps nothing."

"You have a creative imagination princess. However, I could care less if it was a magical beautiful kingdom at the end of this tunnel or a pile of dirt and rocks, I am just glad I could spend some time with you."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and then felt grateful it was dark so he couldn't see. "I just hope we do not have meet under circumstances like this again."

He chuckled, and then stopped and turned to face me. "I would have to agree with you, Your Highness. It is not the most desirable of situations."

Suddenly, he stopped us and turned to me. 

"I don't want to lose you."

I almost responded when the cold touch of his finger grazed my chin, tilting it slightly up towards his face. I looked in his deep blue eyes, seeing someone in there who cared. Then he slowly pulled me closer, and I closed my eyes, feeling his lips press against mine. But as soon as he kissed me, he pulled away.

"I think I see the exit," he said pointing down the tunnel.

I looked that way and saw a light at the end of the tunnel. But my mind was not on leaving the tunnel.

He's a good kisser.

I blushed and hoped that the prince couldn't read my mind.

"We should probably go see if it is this magical kingdom you are hoping for," he said.

I nodded, still speechless, and we continued forward. This time I did not run out of the exit, and once we stepped out I felt my heart drop. It did not work. We were back outside, facing the palace.

"What? Where are we?" I asked, puzzled.

He shook his head. "I don't remember turning around."

"Me either," I said disappointed. "Maybe it doesn't lead anywhere."

Prince Wilson touched my shoulder. "I think it does." I looked up at him, the grimness was gone. "I felt almost like I wasn't welcomed in there. I think you were right. I think it has to be just you."

I thought about that. It could be. I definitely didn't feel unwelcomed. 

I remembered seeing the tree welcoming me in. Perhaps it is just supposed to be me.

I looked back at the tree and suddenly I did not want to go back in, not alone at least.

"If you do not want to-"

"I will go," I said trying to muster up some courage before it was all gone for good.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

I nodded. "I will be fine."

"I do not doubt it," he whispered and gently led me back to the opening.

"I will be back in a little bit," I said, definitely feeling stronger than I had a few minutes ago. "If not, please come get me."

He nodded and I took a deep breath. "Here I go."

I stepped inside the tunnel and it seemed to go dark instantly. I turned around but it was dark everywhere I looked, and I started to panic. Then a small light appeared behind me, like a beacon in a thick fog.

I turned around and saw a lit torch sitting just a few feet away. I sighed in relief and went up to grab it, but when I was inches away from it, it disappeared and I quickly pulled my hand back in the sudden darkness, then I saw it appear a few more feet away. I looked at it questioningly but figured it was my only way out. I followed the torch until I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Please. Please be the way out.

I continued to walk and then realized that the torch had disappeared completely, but it didn't matter because the light from the opening was enough to see by. I quickened my pace a little and when I was a few feet away I closed my eyes, and wished for a way out, not caring where it led. I stepped out and opened my eyes.

All around me there were little bug-like things that glowed and sparkled, making everything around them seem even more beautiful. 

It could only be one place. 

I was in Estevan's kingdom. 

I quickly turned around, but the door I had just exited was gone. 

I was trapped.

Thank you everyone!! You guys are seriously the best for sticking it through this far! 

I love writing, and I feel like something new just kinda slips out every time that surprises me - hopefully it surprises you as well. 

What are your thoughts?? 

How about that secret kiss in the tunnel? 

How will Ariadne escape Estevan's kingdom?

Please remember to comment and vote!