Chapter 1 knowing and believing

Ally P.O.V

I notice the leaves falling down. They were free, their only was the wind that gave them the freedom to fly away from what once was their home. They were having the adventure called life and seeing the beauty of things.

Sometimes I wish I was one of them. Blowing in all directions, being free. But being a princess the only freedom you have is when you die, and only being 18 death wasn't an option just yet.

I sigh.

I wasn't concentrating on my Greek translations anymore. I was thinking. Thinking about being my own master. No marriage, no god, just me and my three best friends; Trish, Cassidy and Kira.

The four of us, including me, come from the country Zorn.

Cassidy comes from Zelfred, Trish comes from oceanic, Kira comes from Naga and I come from Remedy.

We all live in Grey Hall Palace, which is located in the Zelfred seas. The reason for this is because our kingdoms are at war with our neighbouring country, Suffolk, after the treaty of love and peace was broken.

So all four of us ended up moving to Grey Hall, for our own protection. Even though we are not permitted to go outside and there isn't much to do I am still away from my one and only enemy: marriage.

The four of us are used as pawns in our parent's life. They move us around on the chess board until another piece gets us out. Luckily we are still playing on the chess board we call life. But what I dream of doing is being free, like the leaves out in the autumn woods.

I can hear the door that leads to the sitting room open and close. Someone was awake. I bet it was Cassidy, since the others like to sleep until late. I was an early riser and usually got up at first light to finish my work that was set by our Tudor, Mr Tummnes.

He was a great teacher, only a few years older than Trish, who was the oldest by 2 years. Then there is Kira and Cassidy and then finally me.

He had nice facial features and kind manners. He praised my work and I always got good grades. I didn't need him to tell me but I knew I was his favourite.

The girls said the only reason he praised me so much was because he fancied me. I find that absurd. Mr Tummnes is a great teacher but I don't think I could ever marry him.

"Ally" I hear a groggy voice behind me. I turn back to see Cassidy slowly walking towards me while rubbing her right eye.

"Hey" I say turning back to my transcriptions.

"How can you wake up so early" she asks me walking towards me still rubbing her eye but now using her other hand to cover up a yawn.

I merely shrug.

"How can you guys sleep in so late" I retort smiling as she takes a seat opposite me

"We are normal" she replies giving me a teasing smile. "And we don't desire to impress a certain teacher"

I turn pink at her sudden remark.

"I do not fancy Sir Tummnes" I mumble "and I have no desire to impress him" giving her a pointed glare

"Oh is that so" she replies with a coy yet amused smile on her face

"Yes" I answer "and I want to finish my homework so I can read later"

"Oh innocent Ally do something fun for a change, you're the youngest but you act like the oldest. Always reading and doing work, live life to the fullest for a change"

"And I suppose playing cards and doing embroidery is 'living life on the edge'" I say sarcastically.

She just shoots me a playful glare.

"I haven't washed my night gown in 3 days and it is starting to smell" she complained holding a small portion of it in the pinch of her hands.

"I am going to bathe and change" I nod and watch her walk out of the room. Cassidy has always been picky but she is beyond gorgeous she has light hair with beautiful green eyes and a pearly white smile.

I close my books deciding to bathe as well. I carry my books in my hands as I walk in the direction of my chambers.

They were in the north wing. To be blunt they were the smallest but I enjoyed having a small portion of area to live in. it seemed so cosy and created a warm blaze inside of me. The rest of the palace seemed so cold and death defying. You never knew what was going on past the sea, where swords were being raised and people killed.

I shudder at the sickening thought and enter my chambers. They had pale red colour accents that balanced out perfectly with the grey stone walls.

"Lena" I call while putting my books down on my wooden desk. "I want to bathe. Please ready the water for me"

I hear frantic steps moving towards my bath tub. Lena was a trustable servant that had been my maid for years. She has nursed me ever since I was a baby. She knows me like the back of her hand.

"The bath is ready your majesty. I had the water running while you were out" I smile her. She knew me so well.

"Thank you Lena" I say grasping her hands in mine "You are such a loyal companion" she bows and leaves the room.

I strip out of my clothing and slowly enter enjoying the heat surrounding my body. I felt so relaxing like all the worries of war have been absorbed by the water.

Rose petals float on the clear water. Lena knew I loved to bathe in rose petals. They were so delicate and smelt so wonderful.

After a while, the water starts to get cooler and I hop out, putting a bath robe around my body. The cold tiles make contact with my warm feet and I shiver as I walk out of the bathroom and into my dress room.

I look carefully at my options. There were 100 different dresses that I haven't tried on yet. I walk in between the dress stands inspecting each and every one of them carefully.

I finally came across a light lavender gown, with sleeves that started past my shoulder. It had a dove grey borders around the perimeter of the dress.

I was beautiful and I was madly in love with it. I select the dress and one of my maids grabs it of the dress stand and brings it to my bedroom.

I take off my robe and fit into the dress quite well. The gown was poofy and had a minor train trailing behind it.

Next was my hair. My hair was naturally curly so I left it out. The soft smooth curls landed a little before my bellybutton.

I sit in front of my mirror as Lena puts on my tiara on top of my head. It is a simple design with little diamond studs. It fitted my personality quite well. It was simple and small.

"Thank you" I say to Lena once again as I bounce off my chair and grab the latest book I was reading and head out the door.

My soft shoes slide against the glazed floor as I glide towards the last door. It was the entryway to the salon.

I open to door in a hassle and make my way through the wide gateway.

My small smile falters when I see a letter in Cassidy's hand stating the royal stamp on the envelope. What was going on? Who sent that letter? And most importantly why is Cassidy smiling?