NO ONE GETS OUT ALIVE

The rest of the day moved by in a blur, thankfully the food was delivered to the king without any complaints. I never saw the girl I saved afterwards. She didn't even utter so much as a thank you but instead fled afterwards, never ran into her again. Whatever! Wasn't expecting some grand gesture or anything! I thought to myself as I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task of the day.

Evening approached and I made my way to the quarters, preparing to eat dinner before I go and attend to the prince and by attend, I mean getting my ass kicked while he sits and watches. Dinner consisted of bread and rabbit stew, which I grabbed and went to sit in a corner to eat alone as usual.

The other maids ate in groups, none of them wanting to associate themselves with me. I didn't mind, I always did things alone so this didn't bother me, not even in the least. I did miss my family though and I worried about them, especially Mirabel my mother who was unwell. I wondered if she was taking her medicines and if my absence was adding to her worries, their presence felt like a distant dream now.

I missed Grace, who was always so meticulous stitching the holes in my shirt and boots with care, even when I protested that it didn't matter. And Gizelle, with her artistic spirit, painting on the wall by the side of my bed, creating beauty in unexpected places.

The memories flooded my mind, each one a dagger of longing. I missed the simple moments, the shared laughter, the comforting routines, the loud arguments, with Gizelle mostly. Most of all, I missed my mother. The thought of her gentle touch, her soothing voice whispering to me when I would lay my head on her laps after a long day, feeling the weight of the world lift off my shoulders as she ran her fingers through my hair.

It always calmed my restless mind whenever she does that. In those moments, everything felt right and I knew that I was loved and cherished. But here in the castle, surrounded by opulence and grandeur and also snobby werewolves who always think of me as prey, I felt more alone than ever.

A pang of sadness hit me, and a lone tear escaped my eye. I quickly wiped it away, not wanting anyone to see my vulnerability. Just then, a noise startled me and I turned to see a girl dropping her food on the table as she sat on the bench next to me.

 It was the same the girl I had saved from the guard earlier and I arched a brow up at her, waiting for some explanation of some sorts but I got none. She just sat there and began eating her food.

Okay, guess we are staying silent then! I thought to myself as I went back to eating my food since, neither one of us was even feeling chatty to begin with.

"Why did you save me?" The girl suddenly asked in a small voice.

I paused, my spoon halfway into my mouth as I stared at her with a mixture of surprise and confusion on my face. The girl just continued eating as if she hadn't just ask me a strange question. "You know normal people would have just said thank you and moved on." I said starting to get a little annoyed I had risked my life for a girl who doesn't show gratitude.

"I didn't ask for help." She replied.

I rolled my eyes as I grabbed a cup of water, "Clearly and I shouldn't have bothered, point taken."

"Thank you!"

Ah, so she was capable of saying it then! I thought to myself as I stared at the girl who I noticed look small. She had a frail stature but still very beautiful. She was a delicate beauty, with a porcelain complexion that seemed to glow against her freckles. Her baby blue eyes held a sense of purity and wonder, drawing you in with their innocence. Her short, curly blond hair framed her face in a soft and gentle way, adding to her ethereal appearance.

Despite her frail appearance, there was a quiet strength that emanated from her, making her beauty all the more captivating. What I didn't understand though, was why she didn't save herself. "You know you could have saved yourself, being a werewolf with supernatural powers and all you could have…"

"Faerie" The girl suddenly said cutting me off.

"I'm sorry what?"

The girl smiled at me before raising her hair up to reveal two pointed ears. "I'm fae, not a werewolf."

"Wow." I breathed as I stared at her stunned into silence.

An actual faerie! That explains her beauty, I've read of them, beautiful but dangerous creatures. Didn't know they were in this part of the kingdom though much less meet one that would be working as a maid.

"My name is Flora." She said smiling at me.

"Flora." I repeated, "Does it have anything to do with your love for nature?"

Flora smiled at me, showing me perfect white teeth which were a little bit sharper than that of humans. "You are smart, you've heard of us?"

"Yeah, but mostly read about you." I told her wondering what she was doing in this part of the kingdom, "You are long way from home."

Flora smiled and it was a sad one that made my heart ache in my chest. "I don't even know what that is anymore."

"How…how long have you been here for?"

"Twelve years." She says and I drew in a sharp breath.

Twelve years? That was a long time and I felt a surge of empathy wash over me. I couldn't fathom the despair, the loneliness, the sense of entrapment that must have plagued her every moment. I then made a silent promise to myself as I gazed at Flora that I wouldn't let the same fare befall me. I vowed that as soon as my duties to the prince were fulfilled, I would find a way to escape this castle, to escape the chains that threatened to bind me and I will also take Flora with me.

"I will find a way to get out!" I whispered grabbing her hands, "We will get out of here soon, I promise you!"

Flora gave me another sad smile before she shook her head. "No one gets out of here, everyone who tried has failed multiple times. So no one gets out of here, not alive anyway!" She told me before she stood up and left, taking her empty bowl with her while I just sat down staring after her!