We're in the middle of nowhere, a huge bare land, black as coal on the ground from fire and the ashes. What happened to this place? Davina and I walked for miles; god knows how long we've been walking. I spotted the White Kingdom and felt like I must go there first. I don't know why, so I pointed at the castle to visit there first.

"You want to visit the White Kingdom?"

I happily nodded and she replied, "I don't see why not," since we're not in a hurry to reach the Northern Kingdom. Besides, we need to restock apples and some bread for our journey. I never reached a large Kingdom before, in awe of so many people walking in and out of the stronghold.

"Close your mouth, honey."

I immediately closed my mouth, embarrassed. Some ladies hold baskets over their heads, some people carry donkeys and children playing. Amazing. I went booth to booth, curious what they are selling, cloth, jewelry and you name it. They sell everything, I don't believe it. Davina kept dragging me to keep up pace with her. They sell birds and animals in a cage, why would people put animals in a cage? They should be free.

"Masha," Davina softly spoke in a warning tone to keep following her. It's beautiful here, peaceful and there's not one knight insight. The people are free to do what they want without any worries. I became shocked, looking up at the enormous castle, I had never been this close before. I want to go inside, I excitedly tag Davina, pointing at the castle.

"You can't go inside, Masha. Only royalties are granted and upon invitation."

I purposely pouted when we're not allowed. Davina rolled her eyes and smiled when she hugged me, "one day, I promise." I wonder what it is like to live as a princess, and royalty with servants and all you can eat. It sounded amazing to live in a castle. We continued walking around until I saw a red mark above the window. It's the exact same shape as my birthmark. I tapped her shoulder and pointed at the red mark. She looked up, confused, and puzzled as much as I am, "is that your birthmark?"

That must be a sign, I mean how many places that have the exact same shape as my birthmark. None, I tell you that. Now I must go up there, all I need is arrows. I signed, bow, with one finger, hitting the wall, to help me climb easily.

"Arrows, you say?"

Yes, bow and arrow, but she shook her head, "there's a better way to go inside and that is through the servant's quarters. No one will question us there. We only need to appear as servants. Let's buy some clothes."

We don't have enough money to buy clothes, signing no money.

"Some merchants don't always require coins that many can't afford, thus they trade. We have some valuable items that we can trade, and we'll negotiate."

Davina searches for servants' outfits, and I refuse to wear a dress. She looks cute, black dress with a white robe and black stockings and shoes. We exchanged a bracelet for both outfits. She promises that they are not worth anything. I mentally told myself that I'll buy it back for her one day. She paid a barber to cut my hair professionally, long mohawk and braided. She fixes her own hair up to a bun as a servant. She helped me dress in long black boots, black suits and purchase a small knife attaching to my belt.

"You look handsome, Masha."

So do you, beautiful woman. She shook her head, "you're not ready, you must learn courtesy first." Every royalty I see, I must bow, okay. She taught me to bow and stand straight, and many other manners. Now I know for sure I do not want to work as a servant, there are too many rules. I rolled my eyes, no way.

"If you want to go inside to find out about that red mark then you must learn, young lady."

I crossed my arms, sulking, fine. I force myself to bow properly and do every single thing she said, but I'm not happy, not happy about this.

"Stay close to me and if someone asks you to do a task, do it and meet me later in the room. Is that understood?"

Bossy. Bossy, but I nod anyway, fine but what happens if they ask me questions or a conversation. That will be a problem. Davina gave me a look, mess up one time, she'll kill me.

"Stay close to me!"

Don't worry. I'm not going to do anything, it's not like I plan it. I dutifully followed her to the back of the castle through the servant's door. There's a lot of chatter in a dirty room, so hot and crowded. An older and fat woman gave Davina a heavy dish to carry to the grand dining room. Davina grabbed a towel for me, what is this for?

"Put it over your arm, Masha," whispering when I followed the instructions, "stand straight and keep your arm steady." Now, I really hate being a servant, I can't seem to be still. Davina shot me a look to keep straight and calm. I mentally told myself, calm, calm, and straight. I hate this vest jacket, I can't breathe. The white shirt underneath is tied up to my neck as a bowtie. I wasn't paying attention when Davina lightly shouted at me, "Masha, pay attention!"

Oh, whoa there is armor, whew, thank God I didn't bump into it. Are we there yet? I believe I much rather live in a house or cabin instead of a castle. We were only allowed to walk in servants' stairs and took forever to go around the back through the rooms unnoticed to set the table. I moved my neck, so uncomfortable. Davina kept rechecking on me while whispering, "it's okay, Masha. Breathe."

I force myself to recompose and stand by the door while waiting for Davina to finish her task with other maids to set up the table. She ordered me to stay because one of the ladies asked her to follow her, they have more. Servants have to stand for hours, how do they do this? It made me appreciate them more when I see how hard they work to keep the castle clean. I tried not to smile when I saw Davina return with ... is that a pig?! I think I'm going to be sick, swallowing my throat and ignoring it.

I followed Davina to the third floor, almost the top floor, but she stopped because there's privacy. Servants rarely go to the top floor unless they come to dust and clean the rooms, early risers. Davina helped me with my throat to lighten it a little, and now I can breathe.

"Better, honey?"

I thankfully nod, beaming, thank you! I inhale and this is suffocating. I want out of this vest jacket! Davina straightens my suit then touches my face, "it's okay. Keep calm and remember, professional."

I'm glad she gave me privacy to breathe. I nodded for her to continue and followed another set of rooms and hallways to reach the current room. I spotted a bow and arrows in the corner, yes! Davina stopped me again, groaning.

"No, it's not yours to take, Masha."

I signed to jump over the window by using arrows.

"You can, but I refuse to jump four stories high!"

You don't have to, Davina. I tapped my back, I'll carry you.

"You mean, I'm going to hold you on your back while you climb down?"

Why is it I feel like flirting with her or is it I'm teasing? She has been following me everywhere even though we have no destination. I won't drop you; I promise.

"What if you drop me or I fall down?!"

I grabbed her body as I looked into her eyes, I got you, Davina. I would never let anything happen to you. Please trust me. I'm a good climber. Davina heavily sighs when she looks into mine, for a second everything else freezes except us. I knew she trusts me when she softly whispers, oaky. We searched the room, but I felt something. The room changes, so bright and it's a sack of books in the corner with weapons on the other. A smaller bed in the middle, what's happening. There's a young girl, long blonde wavy hair, smiling with teeth showing. I shook myself trying to get back into what I'm supposed to see, but for a moment I saw her touching the fireplace.

"Masha. Masha."

Davina kept tapping my shoulder then slapped my face. I rub my eyes then look up again, okay I'm back. A large dresser on right, a bed in the middle with a table for reading and writing. Davina consoled my back, worried, "are you okay, Masha?"

Yes, I'm fine. That is the strangest thing I have ever seen. What was that?! I felt the walls inside of the fireplace, the same spot I saw with a little girl with long wavy blonde hair. The brick crumbles when I touch one brick, farther in the corner. I carefully took out the brick and felt something inside. It's wrapped in leather, how … what? I put the brick back in.