I look about the dark room I'm in tonight. The dim candle sheds barely any light to confirm that there is even something up here. No one has been in here for more than three hundred years. I wanted to be the first. My corset now full of dust and my skirt covered in dirt and cobwebs, I decided I must stay.

Before I'd come here I'd planned it out perfectly, there would be no delay once I'd snuck out of my room but of course there was. I look at my favorite person in the castle to make sure he's doing alright. "Are you handling?" I ask politely as I continue to walk around and explore.

"Arievella, you know your mother would kill you if she saw your clothes in such a manner." He commented avoiding my question.

"I'm well aware, Archie. Now answer my question," I demand. Archie sighs and doesn't answer "Come on, Archibald, are you scared a girl will be less afraid than a man. Because if you do, I thought you were better than protocol."

"Hush, woman." Archie insists. In my frustration with his words I give him a stern look then turn away, biting my tongue. I continue looking around and find a beautiful full-length mirror. The base is beautifully crafted and the design had to have carved by a world-renown wood carver. Its very flow and mystical aura seeming to have almost a magical feel. The swirls and lilies carved into it seem to be entrancing. The pull me into what I can only assume is what a hypnotic state feels like.

"Archie! Come look at this beautiful looking glass!" I order in a friendly manner.

"What is it, Vella?" He asks as he nears it.

"Like I said. It's a looking glass! Oh, look at the beautiful design and how it's crafted! Look how clear the glass is! As if it's never been touched!" I say overjoyed. I reach to touch the smooth glass just as bells sound. "Oh no, Isadora! I completely forgot!" I scold myself. "You have to cover for me, Archie!"

"Fine, but you'll owe me, Vella." Archie says sternly. I grin widely then gently hug him as I rush down staircase leading to the room to my chambers.

Once in my chamber I throw on a nice white Victorian blouse and corset as well as a brown skirt with matching boots and rush to where Isadora is waiting.

"Isadora! How lovely to see you!" I curtsy. She nods and welcomes herself in. Her platinum blonde curls are done into a fine bun and her blue silk dress skirts out behind her. She's much wealthier than I and far more spoiled.

"Yes, yes, I know dear. Where is that servant of yours, Archibald, is it?" Isadora asks as I straighten myself.

"Archibald will be not open for service today. I let him off for the day." I say kindly. I couldn't fathom seeing her drool over Archibald once more in my life.

"Such a pity. I'm sure I'll be seeing him though. I will be seeing him, even if I must bribe to get it," she says in a stuck up voice. I bite my tongue once more and lead her up the stairs to the main rooms of the home.

Such a putrid young woman. Never once considering the fact Archie may not enjoy her consistent protests and whines about their current arrangement. I will admit Archie was quite charming and most certainly a gentleman but she never had the nerve to ask if he enjoyed it or if he fancied her back. I'd heard many rants about Isadora pour from Archie's locked lips. I was the only one he ever spoke to aside from his family which we both preferred.

I didn't realize Isadora had come to a sudden halt and nearly toppled over her. My expression must have shown my anger and confusion as to her sudden stop because she nearly immediately said in her spoiled tone, "Well aren't you going to get the door?"

I pull my hair to the side of my face to hide a quite obvious eye roll. Cautiously I open the door in hopes that what I see is just some nightmare I may wake up from but no, it is just as it was and always will be. The mahogany desk with maps and books and my stories of adventures I have yet to discover littered over it in the right corner, my bed placed center on the north wall giving my room an almost princess-like feel.

Suddenly, it comes flashing into my mind like a bat out of hell. The mirror. Memories so strong, so forceful, blast through my thoughts and I can't get them out.

My thoughts about the mirror are interrupted by a flirty giggle and I turn to see what has occurred. I realize Archie was being fondled over by Isadora even though he stood expressionless, not a single word spilling from his lips. It was simply a one-sided coversation. I let out a heavy sigh and think for a long while. "Archibald!" I say hurriedly hoping it sounded calm.

"Yes, ma'am?" Archie asked, clearly holding in a sigh of relief.

"Would you be so kind as to get me a glass of water? I'm feeling somewhat parched," I asked much calmer and I knew it. I looked him in the eyes seeing the relief in them as he nodded and walked away.

Isadora's face fell in disappointment. Her eyes followed him as he walked out, practically screaming how desperate she was. Once again anger flared through me at her incompetence. I wondered slowly to my desk, peeking out the window before going through papers. Unintentionally, the bland words, "Did you ever think Archibald may not want anything to do with you?" slipped from my lips. Turning to see her reaction, I stared at her with an emotionless expression. 

"I...I... How dare you speak to me in such a way?!" She shrieked. I sighed heavily before shrugging and resting a hand on my hip.

"You are in my house. I am your host. If you wish to instigate such situations with my servants I'm going to have to ask you to get out of my sights and never return." The ice that had slipped into my voice was new, undiscovered. I would be getting my punishment from father later when he returned but it doesn't matter right now. Only protecting Archie mattered in this moment.

A low clearing of the throat caused my blazing gaze to leave Isadora. I looked up only to see Archibald struggling not to smile. "Miss Syrvella, you're water." He bowed to hide his smile while outstretching his arm to offer me my water. This was my turn to protect him, this was my turn to break protocol. Graciously, I took the water and set it on my desk.

"You may now take your leave, Isadora. And you are to never return to my household unless you seek to further instigate a problem, am I understood?" My ice-like gaze had returned to Isadora. Fear... it coated her entire expression in such a way that was amusing. But why was it amusing?

Nodding, she quickly walked herself out. "Archie, would you kindly find someone to escort her to her home?" 

"Of course, Vella," he walked out and I was left alone again. I stared at my walls then at my desk. Adventures which I'll never have the chance to explore myself, nor will anyone else. Unless my husband gives me permission to publish them - which he most likely won't. Freedom, adventure, my own life. It's all I want. But as a woman, it's something I can only dream about. I must obey the men in my life as if they are a god on Earth. How despicable.