Extra Chapter - 1

I woke up in the forest. I remembered being thrown out of the labyrinth by that creeper lady. Looking at the hour, I started to panic about my reaction at home but going back to save the Prince was also important. However, she saw a peculiar golden light from the entrance. It was the same one she saw whenever the Prince cast his magic. She felt a bit reassured that he will be able to manage it. With that understanding, she returned.

The moon cast a silvery glow over the palace courtyard as I slipped through the massive doors, my steps light but accompanied by the unmistakable rustle of fabric. Uncle, who had been in his study working late into the night, caught sight of me and raised an eyebrow. The exhaustion still was taking the best of me.

"Where have you been, Amaryllis?" he inquired, his voice a blend of concern and sternness.

Caught off guard, I stammered, "I lost track of time." I can't let him know what was going on in the labyrinth especially because it involves the Prince.

His eyes, sharp and discerning, studied me for a moment. His lips then curved into a smile and he asked, "In a moonlit escapade with someone special?"

I bit my lip, knowing that evasion wouldn't serve me well and feeling a tinge of annoyance due to his teasing, "I went for a walk, Uncle. That's all."

He sighed, a mixture of frustration and understanding. "You know the rules, Amaryllis. I allowed you to go alone this time considering our previous conversation. How many times did I tell you to be on time?"

"I am sorry."

"Repeat everything I have told you about sneaking out."

"Sneaking out at this hour is not acceptable. It jeopardizes your safety and our reputation." I paused after saying whatever he's reiterated to me for the last two times.

"The same applies for staying out late. Go to your room, freshen up, and meet me in the dining hall. We'll talk there." He said, after a moment.

I nodded, acknowledging the request, and made my way to my room. The familiar scent of lavender and vanilla greeted me as I entered. The room felt both comforting and confining, a reflection of the duality of my existence within the palace walls.

After a quick wash and change of clothes, I headed to the dining hall, where a modest meal had been laid out. Uncle was already seated, waiting for me. As I approached, he gestured for me to take a seat.

"Eat," he instructed, his tone firm but not unkind.

We ate in relative silence, the clinking of cutlery against porcelain the only sound in the room. Once the plates were cleared, Uncle leaned back, his expression serious.

"Amaryllis, you're not a child anymore. Staying out late jeopardizes not only your safety but the reputation of our family. The world is not a playground, and it is not as forgiving as you might think. Know that these little adventures of yours are only known by me, your aunt and Luka. It won't end well if others get to know about it."

I fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, avoiding his gaze. "I will pay more attention, Uncle."

He sighed, his features softening. "I understand the desire for freedom and also the feeling of enjoying the allure of night but with freedom comes responsibility. Our family's reputation is built on respect and tradition. Staying out till this hour undermines that foundation."

"But why is everything about reputation and tradition?" I protested.

"Because, Amaryllis, these walls protect us, but they also define us. Our actions, whether within or beyond these walls, reflect on our family. We are bound by a legacy that demands respect and adherence to certain principles."

I frowned, grappling with his words. I got permission to leave whenever I wanted but, this concept of not staying out till late because it can harm our reputation… I just can't wrap my head around it. "I don't want to be defined by rules and expectations. I want to live my own life."

Uncle leaned forward, his eyes holding mine. "Living your own life doesn't mean disregarding everything. It means finding a balance, understanding the weight of your choices. Staying out till late may seem like a small act of rebellion, but it has consequences that ripple beyond these walls. Remember, you are a part of something bigger."

He stood up, gesturing for me to follow. "Now, go to bed, Amaryllis. We'll continue this conversation tomorrow. Remember, you're not alone in this. There are ways to find freedom within the boundaries we live in."

In my room, he tucked me into bed, a gesture that felt both fatherly and authoritative. As he sat beside me, he continued, "You're a part of something greater, Amaryllis. Embrace it, but also find your own path within it. Rebelling always, is not the answer. Trust that we can navigate this journey together."

With a gentle pat on my head, he rose to leave, leaving me to contemplate his words in the quiet solitude of my room. The moon outside the window seemed to echo his sentiments, a luminescent reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and the yearning for freedom.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the delicate curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I woke up to the sound of birdsong, a stark contrast to the hushed tones of the previous night. The events felt like a distant dream, but the gravity of Uncle's words lingered in my thoughts.

As I made my way to the dining hall, the aroma of breakfast wafted through the air. Uncle sat at the head of the table, engrossed in a pile of documents. He looked up as I entered, offering a small smile.

"Sit down, Amaryllis. We have much to discuss," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

I took a seat, the air heavy with anticipation. Uncle folded his hands, his gaze focused yet gentle. "Last night's incident is not something we can overlook. It undermines the trust between us. And I just remembered I called you twice, you didn't even reply once."

I remembered how at night I was in the labyrinth. So the labyrinth doesn't allow a person to call someone using a communication ring.

I looked down, a sense of remorse settling in. "I am sorry, Uncle. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I didn't pay attention to it. I won't do this again."

He sighed, the weight of responsibility evident in his eyes. "Amaryllis, you're at an age where curiosity and independence often clash with the expectations placed upon you. I want you to have both, but there are boundaries we must respect. Now, tell me honestly, did you purposely ignore my call?"

"I never would, but I lost track of time. I didn't wish to come back and feel confined again." I spoke whatever came to my mind. It was a lie and not the truth.

Uncle leaned forward, his expression empathetic. "I know it may seem that way, but these boundaries exist to protect you. The world outside is not as forgiving as our home. There are dangers you may not comprehend yet."

"But I want to experience life, make my own choices," I protested.

"And you will," he assured me. "But there is a time and a way for everything. Staying out in the dead of night isn't the path to freedom; it's a path to recklessness."

His words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the delicate balance he spoke of. The servant brought in a tray of fresh fruit, a symbol of normalcy amid the weighty conversation.

Uncle continued, "We'll work on finding a compromise again. I'll allocate some time for you to explore the city at night under my supervision, and we can plan activities that align with both your desire for independence and our family's values."

I nodded, grateful for his willingness to find a middle ground. "Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate that."

As we finished breakfast, he stood up, a determined gleam in his eyes. "Now, let's face the day with a clear understanding. Remember, Amaryllis, you're not alone in this journey. I'm here to guide you, and our family legacy will be the compass that points us in the right direction."

With those words, he led the way out of the dining hall, the weight of the conversation lifting as we stepped into the embrace of a new day. Even though I was worried for Noah, this conversation gave me hope. The sunlight bathed the palace in a golden glow, a symbol of the potential for growth and harmony within the boundaries that shaped our lives.