Chapter 121: A Clearer Mind
It has been three weeks since Evanna’s birthday and since her mother dream walked to her. After the king and prince left her in the garden, she returned to the prince’s quarters and asked to stay in her room. Asked? No, it was an order by the king; there were guards outside the door, including Cedric and Anwel. Neither looked her way as she entered nor spoke to her for the whole day.
At first, she worried over Arawn and the reprimand he would receive. But then she was reminded that the prince couldn’t possibly get in trouble. This was his kingdom, and she was the uninvited guest.
Still, the longer she spent away from him, the clearer her mind became. She spent her time on the balcony, thoughtlessly rearranging vines with her magic as she stared across at the stunning view. When Rina returned to her, checking in on her, Evanna played the dutiful guest though her mind was swirling with reckless thoughts. After finishing her meal, she dismissed the handmaiden, explaining that she needed to rest.
Yes, the more time Evanna was by herself, she was reminded of the dream she has been thrown in. With all the qualities of such a place she started to adore, she felt at home even with restrictions in place. But it was not home. The king’s chilling look lasted in her mind and felt like a bucket of icy water crashing over her.
Evanna was jolted awake from the surreal routine that had become her temporary life. And in the time that Arawn had not returned to see her, Evanna started to plan different escape routes. All of them seemed to give a 50% chance of survival unless she were to do the usual of dressing up in a servant’s outfit and climbing into a cart. But the princess knew this would not be the case. The guards were aware of her appearance, and even in the elven kingdom, so far, she had yet to meet another with raven black hair and emerald, green eyes.
Evanna was sitting on the balcony once more as she gazed upon the moonlit sky. Footsteps startled her from her reverie, and she turned her head to see Rina approaching her. While Evanna had been gazing upon the sky, she had not noticed how the flowers bloomed brighter than before and leaned towards her more. Rina stared at the buds closest to Evanna, causing the princess to tilt her head to the side.
"Do you require a bath before bed?" Rina enquired politely. Evanna smiled in return and let the handmaiden draw the bath. Once it was full, she stepped back on the balcony, waiting for further orders.
"Has there been any word from prince Arawn?" Evanna stood up and started to make her way to the bathroom.
"No, my lady. It seems his highness and his majesty are yet to leave the study." Rina followed behind her and dutifully helped Evanna out of her dress.