'Ah welcome my little phoenix feather!' The King's tone was cheery with delight. He took my hands in his and held my gaze. 'You look undefinable.' His smile was large though hidden by his light grey beard. I could feel his enthusiasm, not only that but I could see it in his eyes. Pale like the winter months yet ten times as sharp as an icicle when he wanted them to be. He loved to refer to me as something unique, something special. Only because no-one else had someone quite like me. 'I see you've already taken to my gift. How do you like it?' I pressed down my obvious feelings to seclusion. I cannot risk the King knowing of my true feelings for his gift, for all his gifts to me, for even his presence caused my anger to scream. But I would not grant it its freedom. 'It's beautiful.' I half-whisper to him, my voice soothing his face with its warmth and gratitude.

Some might say I'm a good actress for I practically live inside a theatrical play, yet others may call me a deceiver for hiding my true thoughts from my king. I am neither. I am simply a girl avoiding the worst of the storm that is my life. 'Ah, I knew you'd love it. I saw it and thought of you.' He took my arm loosely and walked me a little further down the corridor. I could sense his misplacement of thoughts, he wanted to tell me something but was looking for a specific way to tell me. 'As you know this is your sixteenth birthday party, and I want you to enjoy yourself. But stay near me at all times, I don't want any unexpected drama.' I knew he was referring to people who saw Gracelings as the outcasts and frightening beings they were. Once again I would be his little show-and-tell piece, where guests would look but not touch me, for I am priceless. The thought would have made me shiver if I wasn't cautious of my emotions. 'But I'd also like to speak with you privately afterwards. Nothing terrible, just a little talk.'

A talk? What else could he possibly have to say to me. I won't dwell on the subject for it might cause unnecessary tension. 'However now I have to leave you and get the guests all warmed up for your grand entrance.' His eyes were as eager as his words. My grand entrance, just another excuse for people to stop and stare at me, wondering whether to applaud or flee. 'Goodbye, my Lord.' The words crumble from my lips as his hands fall from mine and he slips away like the mists in spring.

I turn to Oriona who had been standing neatly behind me the whole time since the King's appearance. 'He will never understand me.' I whisper to her. She walked over to me slowly, obviously not wanting the King to just barge back in and push her aside as he normally did when I was around. 'What do you think he wants to talk to you about?' Her curiousness stirred some suspicion in my mind. 'I'm not sure, no doubt another party he wishes me to attend for one of his many acquaintances or friends.' My dry tone gave her some reassurance. 'You really do look beautiful.' Her eyes held tightly to my gaze.

She did try sometimes to make me feel better, some days I'd go along with it but today wasn't a day for my comfort. 'But not much more than yourself Oriona.' She blushed and looked down at her simple blue gown, suddenly distracted from her previous thoughts. She ran a hand down it awkwardly. I could see she felt almost bare stood next to me wearing something so simple, but the king would not allow anyone to out-shine me. I wish he would. Oriona would shine so brightly in one of my deep purple dresses. I want to make her feel better but refrain from using my grace. She deserved real empathy.

I touch the simple silver chain around my neck. I had forgotten I was wearing it. It is one of my favourite pieces of jewellery, simple yet beautiful. An idea floods me. I remove it quickly and hold it out to Oriona. The surprise on her face is palpable. I gesture for her to turn around; assuring her it's ok to wear. 'Understated elegance, it matches the meaning of what it is to be Oriona.' A wave of affection embraces me, the very words she had used on me. So this is what true gratitude felt like. Oriona turned around a new light in her eyes. 'Thank you Lady.' She whispers to me as if her feelings are a secret so treasured she only wishes to share it with me. 'You are most welcome.' A silence fills the moment, but not the empty kind, this silence was perfect, filled with a seemingly lost joy.

A young messenger boy scuttled along the corridor hurriedly. 'Lady Aria, the king wishes you at your entrance doors immediately.' There was urgency in his voice, but not from his message, from the fact he's had to speak his message to me. Some people will never get used to Gracelings and I cannot say I am not one of them. I will never accept myself for who I am. 'Thank you.' I say politely to the boy before he skitters away as fast as he'd come –if not faster. I turn to Oriona. 'It seems my time has come.' I say wryly. She giggles quietly almost to herself. 'I shall see you on the other side.' She returned my humour, gave me a nod farewell and flowed slowly down the corridor. I on the other hand stride broadly, which is very bad indeed. I don't want to get there on time, or at all, but I think better when I'm moving fast, I cannot begin to explain why.

I arrive in front of the grandeurs double doors. I take a breath as the two footmen dressed in green take hold of the door handles. Then suddenly as if the air's stopped, my heart skips as the doors open to reveal a new light.