There always seemed to be a new season of my stay at the palace. More and more it became my new home; I knew its corridors as if I had roamed them my whole life. 

    My transition from a common house servant to practically a member of the royal family left some confused, while others barely noted my absence. The headmaster never formally acknowledged an end to my servitude, but it was an unspoken statement that I never went back to cleaning again.

    Instead, I had a new role.

    I made it my priority to shadow the queen in all her duties as a duel leader of Edalirwen, taking in new information and learning the mechanics of her work. The queen welcomed my presence, applauding my determination in learning more about ruling a kingdom. Often times, she would patiently and thoroughly explain certain tasks that she did. It slowed her down, making me unfavorable in the eyes of her advising women who narrowed their eyes every time I added my input, but I was grateful for the personal training.

   "To be a good ruler is not merely about efficiently running a kingdom, it is about efficiently and properly running it with the perfect communication of a partner. You cannot run a kingdom alone, Aelita."

    I took every word she spoke to heart, mulling it a thousand times over. She carried such elegant wisdom to her- a different wisdom than what Minryn had for hers was a steadier, yet rougher said kind.

    As I began to become a permanent presence by her side, my opinions and advise rose in value to the queen who would lend me an attentive ear. The knowledge I had been taught and discovered throughout my life made my words of wise appear sound, and in most instances, she'd carry through with them. This strengthened my confidence, but also kindled the flames of jealousy among the advising women who were becoming nothing more than the excessive bird chatter they were in the queen's ear; she would often dismiss them whenever discussing any sort of affairs with me, even the most serious of matters.

   With my new, high position by the queen's side, I finally felt Minryn dying words were proven correct. My talents were being used to their fullest potential.

   Though working alongside the queen kept me busy, I made sure to dedicate my time to my other relations. Whenever I'd get the chance, Amalone and I would venture up into her secret tower and I'd teach her her numbers- though most days she'd sneak around work and engage me with her many stories and far-fetched tales. I dined with the royal family every night and often times my advice would be well received by the king who often sought me out for it after hearing what words I had told his wife. Swethyna was busy, continuing her servant duties then stealing moments with her swain, but we still met and chattered away about the happenings of our daily lives. Then there were my times with Odel which I cherished above all else. We would sometimes talk strolls in the back woods if there was ample time, but usually there was not so we would settle on meeting in our library, whispering promises and discussing our future happiness and success as the next rulers.

    "Your studies with my mother are extraordinary." He commented to me one time.

    "Oh? Why so?"

    "The way you shadow her activities is admirable. You'll make an excellent queen."

     I beamed proudly at his compliment. I hung onto his every word, my love for him swelled inside me until it hurt my very being. I could never fully express the complete extent of my love for him.

    As our love grew with every passing day, I was exhilarated when he mentioned a wedding in the future, even a possible date. Though there was no ring presented yet, marriage was a thought lingering in my mind at every hour.

   
At supper one night, the king brought a topic retaining to the servants, asking for our opinion- he glanced directly at me when saying so. He proposed hosting a celebratory feast for them in thanks for their continual hard-work in the palace- guardsmen and other staff would be invited to attend as well. It would be held in the servants' quarter a sennight from now. He believed it would give them a sense of accomplishment in their work.

   "I think it's a very tempting idea," Odel spoke approvingly.

   "Yes," The queen was in agreeance. "The servants' spirits need to be lifted in some way or another and a feast is probably the best way to do so."

    "I like it," Amalone said, excitement in her voice.

    All eyes fell on me then as if my say were the authority over this. Perhaps my past experience as a servant was seen as valuable in the final decision or simply my opinion overall was deemed useful, either way, I set aside my chalice and nodded.

   "A very fair idea indeed. The servants hardly have anything to celebrate, why not reward them with this one night of celebration."

    They all beamed in accordance with the king making it official. The news spread through the quarters, from what I'd been told from Swethyna, and our predictions were valid for there was much gaiety to be had in the coming days.

    "You must hear how the girls swoon over what to wear and how their hair is to look," She told me. "All the men seem to care about is the food to be served."

    While the feast was being planned, there was much still to do in ways of other affairs. I kept myself occupied regularly with work that needed to be done, often staying awake at night to work while sometimes smiling to myself about my good fortune and pondering about issues facing the kingdom. The queen often, in jest, would claim I cared more about the kingdom than the king did.

    While the days drew closer to the greatly anticipated feast, a conversation with Amalone one afternoon kept my thoughts churning for many years to come.

    We were up in the secret tower, each of us doing whatever we felt at our leisure. I sat at the desk scrawling away in a small book that kept my thoughts in order. Amalone laid rather ungracefully in the chaise, her mind concentrated on studying a book I had presented to her as a challenge. A challenge it was, there wasn't a minute passed that she didn't inquire about the meaning of one word or another. After a few turns of the pages, she placed aside the advanced volume and sighed, though refraining from speaking until a few moments passed.

    "Aelita, do you believe I could be a sorceress or enchantress?"

    My baffled expression must have told tales for she chuckled warmly.

    "I know it's strange, but I mean it. Can't you envision me wielding such magic?"

    "I could, but that doesn't mean you should."

    "What do you mean? I could help people, cure entire villages if I wished." Her eyes filled with the dreamy gaze she acquired whenever rambling on about something dear to her.

    Her dreamlike expression humored me, but I needed to be her good sense for in those moments she had little.

    "It takes the best enchanters years, decades to master such efficient spells and conjurings. To add to the fact, those in magic tend either to be born into it or chosen to wield it, it's not a choice as other occupations are."

    "Oh true, but who says at what age you're chosen for such a path?" She stood up then flounced over to my side. "It all goes back to what I said about becoming disillusioned with my current position, being a princess and becoming someone new. But this time, I would truly find who I am."

    I gave her a skeptical expression. "It is not just situations driving you to think such things?"

    "No, I swear it to the Fates."

    Her eyes were genuine and her demeanor boiling over with eagerness. I kept my face neutral at that point, not wanting to hurt her in the slightest.

   "Amalone-"

   "Aelita, I am sincere. This beckoning forward is so persistent, I'd be a fool not to follow it. I wouldn't bring this issue to you if I felt it wasn't of the upmost importance. You are practically my sister and I treat you accordingly."

   "You have. But as a sister, I also am one to advise you. Magic, from my studies, is a powerful, complex being- it is not a thing, it is a being. It is uncontrollable, unpredictable, and at times dangerous in its workings. I want you to be safe, but even the wisest in it fall victim to it."

   She wasn't deterred by my speech.

   "I know and already from studying I have learned a great deal about the structure of magic, the very soul of it. There is a balance between dark and light- it keeps the universe in equilibrium."

   "Dark and light?"

   "Yes, we need both to exist. Dark magic is for those cursed by the Fates while light magic is a blessing."

    That wasn't new information for me who knew quite a bit about magic. Even though magic was rare, we had been instilled to understand the dangers of meddling with dark magic and those who dealt with it. Though it did keep the universe in balance, it was an always looming threat to civilization, for all darkness brought about was death and destruction. For someone to be cursed with such a vile thing meant their soul must have been twisted enough for the Fates to turn their faces away from an admonition.

    "I wouldn't be learning it on my own," She continued. "I would seek the guidance and counsel of those experienced in it."

    It still unnerved me to hear her speak such delusional, demented thoughts.

   "Have you talked to your mother or father about it?"

   Her smile faltered as she stared down at her hands. "No...you won't tell them, will you? Please don't, Aelita, I really want this, I long for it."

    "Don't fret. This is not my business to be proctoring. You will tell them in due time."

    A small smile returned to her face as she embraced me tightly.

    "I am ever so glad for your presence."

    I held her back with all my might.

    "The same goes tenfold for me to you."

The night of the feast had arrived and as I crept into the quarters, I could feel the excitement about the oncoming festivities. Servant girls were decorating the tables for the food being prepared, women were bustling about, getting things in order, young men were moving about the tables to arrange, and the men were preparing the feast. Though they had to cook the food themselves, it was painless work, especially considering the ripe reward at the end.

    Keeping out of the way, I visited Swethyna, who was busy peeling carrots and potatoes. She regarded me with the brightest smile, which was nice to see for she was the only one of the four other women to greet me.

    "It looks lively here," I observed.

    "Ah, yes, the most excitement I'd ever seen buzzing about these quarters since I've been here."

    Making myself useful, I got to work on helping them peel the skins of the vegetables. The other women regarded me in a more kindly manner afterward.

    "Are you going to join us in our celebration?" She asked me.

    I focused on the blade, careful not to cut myself.

    "No, it wouldn't be right. I dine with the royal family."

    "Why so? If I recall correctly, you were a servant once before."

    "Once before. I am viewed as a servant no more. How improper would it be of me to peel a few potatoes then feast right next to those who work night and day to keep this palace clean? It would be unethical."

    She swatted a dismissive hand at me but didn't press the matter, knowing I was right.

   After all the vegetables were peeled and carried into the kitchen, I decided to get out the way and return to my room to study. I departed from Swethyna, giving her a brief embrace and whispering in her ear,

   "Enjoy tonight. You have earned it."

   "I will, but it will be hard to do so without you."

   After that, I returned to my room where I set myself to my studies until idleness got a hold on me, dragging down into a peaceful slumber. I awoke to a darkened room, the sun gone from my window.

   While I wondered what transpired while I was asleep, I lit a candle to continue my reading, but I found my mind was wandering from the teachings of ancient tongues and drawn to what might be occurring in the quarters. It stirred me fiercely until I had to extinguish the candle on my desk and abandon my room to wander down to the quarters, where even a hall away I could hear the jolly music of a rebec mingled with noisy clamoring and plates scraping the table. As I drew closer, entering into the quarters, peering into the main hall, I could see the scene was just as buoyant as it sounded.

    There were two long, wooden tables which stretched nearly the entire length of the room with chairs crowded round. Every servant on staff seemed to be present, and it appeared the hot water was freely flowing.

    I lingered by the doorway, listening to their rowdy conversations and celebratory songs. It struck me then how odd it was that I hardly knew any songs of celebration- I was never taught them. I was an apparition for a several minutes before turning to leave only to hear my name called from behind.

   "Aelita?" There my sister stood, the warm light escaping from the hall splayed across her face. She regarded me with an easy smile. "Where are you going? Aren't you going to join the feast?"

   I remembered she never knew I ceased being a servant to live as a prodigal with the royal family. As far as she knew, I was still a proper guest to attend such a feast. I felt no need to correct her, seeing how she longed for me to join her.

    So I put on a smile.

   "Of course."

   Taking my arm, we waltzed in arm-in-arm into the boisterous hall. To my surprise, no heads were turned as I walked in, no one noticed my presence. My eyes were immediately drawn to Swethyna who sat across at the other table near the end. Her eyes were glistening with tears of laughter and merriment was evident on her face. I noticed Rycas sat next to her, his eyes shone lovingly on her. I didn't try for her attention as my sister lead me to the other table.

   As we sat, I was temporarily overwhelmed by the surge of people vying for my sister's attention. I knew Feria to be a charming person, but I was taken back by how many seemed to flock to her, reveling in her presence- they hardly took note of me. After a bit, Feria managed to shoo them away politely, allowing for us to converse uninterrupted.

   For the oddest reason, it always amazed me that my sister was so adamant about talking to me. A year or so ago, I would I have thought nothing of it, but staring at her sparkling eyes I had scarcely anything to say to her. She, on the other hand, had quite a bit to discuss.

   "How have you been?"

   "Fair. How have you fared?"

   She took my hands in hers, a gesture that was a tender, sisterly gesture but felt foreign to me.

   "How bizarre it is that we live not two rooms over yet we hardly share a single word."

   "Ironic, I know."

   "Have you written to maman and papa lately?"

    I hadn't been keeping up with my letters to home as of late due to my occupied time spent by the queen's side learning about the kingdom, but I knew it would bring up worrying questions from my sister if I didn't hide that truth.

    "I have. They are in slow correspondence, unfortunately."

    "Well, don't be afraid to wake me whenever a letter arrives. I long for news from home."

    "Of course."

    Her smile ebbed away until a soft frown replaced it. She held me at arm's length, her concerned eyes searching my face for something.

    "What's troubling you?" I asked.

    "Are you sure you're well, Aelita? You seem so...aloof."

    "Do I? Forgive me then, I am quite fatigued."

    At that, her frown only deepened.

    "Perhaps attending this event wasn't a wise choice," I begin, starting to get up from the bench.

    With that, she stood as well, pleading in her eyes.

    "Oh no, please don't go." She pulled on my arm. "Aelita, we hardly ever talked anymore. We barely see each other. Now when we have the chance to celebrate and talk, you walk away. I don't understand."

    I laid a hand over hers. "It is not your fault, Feria. I am simply worn."

    Even as I turned to leave again, she held onto my arm like a child clinging to their only salvation. It did agitate me some, but I suppressed the urge to pry off her hand and hurry away. Besides, what had my sister ever done to me to cause those feelings?

    "Aelita, wait."

    "I'm sorry, Feria, but perhaps we could talk another-"

    "There is no other time."

    Just as I had had enough of her attempts to get me to stay, we were interrupted by a hush that fell over the crowd that then erupted in loud murmurs. A voice rang out, a familiar voice, calling out the surname of my sister and me.

   "Domshov! Domshov!"

   Baffled, I answered, though my voice could hardly be heard above the noise. "Odel?"

   Finally, I see him making his way through, searching. I noted his urgent demeanor and it worried me.

   He was just about to call out again when his eyes met mine. He immediately hurried to where I was, whatever confused he had about me being there never surfaced- only a grim expression lined his face.

   "Aelita. I have news from your household."

   The blood in my veins felt as though they had become thick and no longer moved through me. My tongue felt drier than sandpaper as I forced the words out.

   "What news?"

   "It is your uncle, they say. He fell ill on a voyage but his condition has only worsened. They fear he's nearing..." He couldn't seem to finish his sentence. Clearing his throat, he looked at me, "You must leave now. I have prepared a driver to take you there-"

   "There isn't enough time. Grant me your swiftest stallion and we will be on our way."

    He nodded and guided me out of the once vibrant room, with Feria close on our heels.

    My heart pounded violently against my chest, causing a shortness of breath. From that moment on till the time we arrived home, time moved in no consistent order. I vaguely remembered hastily mounting on a horse and the sympathetic touch of Odel's hand that faded away once I urged the beast on. Though it was night, I pushed the beast to its capacity, my thoughts solely on arriving home. Even Feria, who clung on to me, warning me to slow down, disappeared from my reality.

    After some minutes, the beast began to wear even as I pressed it on. It was only in those heated moments of frustration did Feria make her presence known again.

   "Aelita," She calmly touched my shoulder, concern in her eyes. "Let me guide."

   Reluctantly, I switched positions with her, allowing her to ride us all through the night back to our small province. Thoughts pestered me, driving sleep from my mind.

   Up ahead in the distance, a sight that should have rendered warm feelings now loomed. Home, silent and foreboding in the early morning light.

   Feria hardly had slowed to a halt before I hastily dismounted, my weak knees racing toward the house. I came in abruptly, startling maman who turned to see who had barged in. The moment she took me in, her expression of shock dissolved into melancholy. Though she came forth to embrace me, I paid her no more attention than a wraith, going directly to my old room where I found papa knelt by our old bed. There, in the bed, laid a sight which stopped me in my tracks.

   The man that had once rode in so handsomely upon his impressive mare now laid in a small bed, pale as death, his brown eyes closed to the world which he had marveled at and made me marvel. The sight itself shook me to the core of my very being- I could hardly move to his side.

   Papa had previously been resting his head on the bed, bent over in fervent prayer and devotion, but he watched me now with sorrowful eyes as I staggered closer. He opened his mouth to speak but didn't have to say a word for I felt it like the omen it was.

   I didn't collapse in on myself, by then I had been visited by Death enough to tolerate her sting, but her friend Grief still struck like an iron rod.

   Sinking to my knees, across from papa, my hand intertwined with my uncle's stiff one. For a second, our eyes met, my gray ones with my father's clear brown ones which were losing their luster with age. I broke away first to gaze down upon my beloved uncle, tenderly caressing his face with my other hand. Papa returned to his silent prayers, his head bent and trembling hands clasped tightly.

   A tear or two traveled down my cheeks, one of them bouncing onto his hand. Feeling an additional presence, I turned my head to the doorway where Feria stood, tears streaming down her face.

    She knew.

    Nothing was said. Nothing had to be. We had come too late.
  

After the burial the next day, we returned in a solemn promenade back to the house. We had buried him next to Erinna's little grave.

   The house was quiet, not a word to be spoken.

   Maman moved silently about, preparing the midday meal while Feria assisted her. Papa sat in his chair, hunched over like an old man, and I, all I could do was stare out of the open window. It was that way for nearly half an hour before papa's raw voice spoke up in a shaky manner.

   "He left you his satchel, Feria."

   Feria momentarily paused her activity, even maman froze watching her. It seemed a whole minute had passed before my sister gingerly responded.

   "Thank you."

   My attention was still drawn beyond the house, beyond the grief that surrounded me.

   "Aelita-"

   "Papa, please don't." The strained voice that uttered out hardly resembled mine.

   "For you, Aelita, he left-"

   "Papa, please." I tore my eyes away from the window, looking back at him, pleading. He kept his gaze on the floor and said no more

   After a silence had passed, I faced back towards the open world, escaping emotionally once more.

   We remained with our parents for four days. Though the loss hit papa the hardest, he recovered much quicker than with Erinna's death. After the day of the burial, he returned to the fields early in the morning, leaving me with maman and Feria. Maman stayed only for an hour before departing for town, leaving Feria and I alone- similar to our younger years. The second day, though, I joined maman going into town, an agenda of my own.

   Maman was grateful for the company, though I wasn't in the best of spirits to talk. Thankfully, she did most of the talking for me, describing every detail she could think of that occurred while we were gone. I noticed how much more stolid she had become in our absence. Though she was never a harsh authoritarian, maman was in past times too stiff lipped and strict, but age had mellowed her in character and appearance. Her brown hair had grown a few shades lighter and was up in a loose bun rather than a tight knot which drew her skin taunt as a drum. She still carried herself as a woman burden with life's disgraces, but the unexplainable aurora of homely determination could be felt from her.

    Though I wished the conversation would have remained unspoken, I could not blame maman for wanting to know more about my experiences.

   "You wrote to me once about the beautiful views from the palace. You described it so vividly I wished to see it."

    "Yes, it is lovely."

    "I anticipate your letters. They bring comfort when I feel I have none. Sometimes I have the message boy read it twice over just to hear what I missed the first time."

    I said nothing, allowing silence to besiege us. We were only a quarter of a mile from town when the silence interrupted.

    "You have written to us about the crowned prince on numerous occasions," Her voice held something beneath the surface of a dim, knowing smile. "Have you befriended the prince?"

    As much as I wished to remain neutral in my expressions, the love I had for Odel could bring me joy in whatever grief-stricken situation I was in. I pictured his face in my mind's eyes and longed to breathe the same air he did, inhale his very soul. How I longed for the comfort only he could offer.

   "Indeed I have."

   "It has advanced past a platonic relationship, I assume."

   Her eyes watched for my reaction, and unfortunately, I gave myself away, color rising to my face. She merely let out a lighthearted chortle.

    "Oh, Aelita, how wonderful of you to discover love. So young and innocent to it."

    I could say nothing to confute her statement, it was all true; I wasn't ashamed to be in love with Odel.

    All I said in response was, "Don't go telling everyone now, maman."

   "What do you take me for?" She grasped my hand, squeezing it lightly. "I will take all my secrets to the grave."

    The mention of a grave brought me back to my present situation. We continued the rest of the way in silence.

   My business in town was brief. I made my way to Minryn's cottage where her grave was and sat there for a bit. I noticed her garden still thrived on its own, though the vegetables suffered, everything else prospered; that put a slight smile on my face. While there, I also looked after the cottage, cleaning, wiping down dusty surfaces, and most importantly, caring for the books. I hated seeing such good books go to waste, but there was little I could do- it was impossible for me to take all of them back to the palace. For the time I was there, I made do with what I could.

   By the end of our stay at home, we were leaving with another hole in our hearts. Though I fought to suppress the morbid thought, I wondered to myself who would be next upon Death's charter. I had a peculiar feeling that she targeted me, not for death, but for punishment. She took my darling younger sister who had so much potential, my teacher and rock, now my uncle who supported me in all my doings. I could only speculate as to what grievance I'd cause against her.

   Bidding farewell to papa and maman, Feria went to untie the stallion from the tree, but papa hurried back inside to retrieve something. He re-emerged carrying a handsome bow, one I knew well. Placing it in my hands, he made sure I grasped it. His eyes bore into mine firmly and his voice was surprisingly strong.

   "He left this for you, Aelita. He said you'd know what it meant."

   I did, but as I stood there staring into my father's eyes, the grand bow felt worse than hot coals in my palm. I said nothing, keeping a stoic face throughout the exchange. He gave me the quiver filled with arrows then quickly embraced me again.

   It appeared as if he wanted to say something profound to me, the gleam in his eye told me so, but he simply gave me a saddened smile, kissed my cheek, and wished us a safe travel back.

   They watched us ride off and I looked back once to watch them fade out of view. Feria rode a majority of the way for my thoughts distracted me. Staring down at the bow, I marveled at its beauty like I did the first time I saw it, but I was unsure why of everything he owned he would leave me this. It was a hard bow to string, even he put in an effort to pull back on it, and I was hardly the expert archer.

    Nevertheless, I clung onto it as the only keepsake left of my adventurous uncle who traveled so frequently. In my mind, he would forever live on. I could hear his voice now as we rode through the forest.

    "Well looky looky, two young maidens tall and fair, walking by my noble mare."