8. Falada

Nothing happened for the rest of the day. Soon my second day at the Palace had ended, and then the third. It wasn't until the fourth day that things started to get interesting once more.

In all truth, I wish they hadn't.

After lunch, I decided to explore the palace library. I wasn't sure if this was something I was allowed to do, so I had to play it safely. But not trying could be disastrous.

I was blind. I had no idea where I was going. I could hear a bit, but I didn't think that would be useful. Mostly I had to rely on my instincts. Knowing this really scared me. But I did find the library eventually, and somehow I managed to get inside undetected.

There were birds everywhere! I thought that at least half of the birds I had taken out that morning were from the library.

Now I was blinder than ever. Not only did I have no idea where to start, but I couldn't see well. The books covered a large amount of light coming from the windows.

Books were plentiful, but I could only see ones about singing. I needed to find out about this place. I had learnt all about royal life when travelling here, but I didn't know the first thing about the life of a peasant. Quite frankly I didn't think I needed to.

Singing for the tuneless. I might need that book later, but not so far.

Tooth, tongue and trilling. It seemed that this book only contained books about music.

Then I saw what I needed – books on Ayorthaian life. Good. I picked it up. Would I be able to borrow it? How?

I soon found out. A young man who I hadn't seen before sang out.

"Is anyone here?

The ever enchanting Lucinda

Is anyone here?

A good title, not overused

Is anyone here?

I can see you, you know

Is anyone here?

Good luck hiding from me

Who is here?"

I truly panicked then. I wasn't even sure if I was allowed to be in there. I didn't want to lose my head for visiting the library. Of course, I would have to show myself eventually if I wanted to borrow the book, but I wanted to know that it was my choice to reveal myself.

To my surprise, fear and relief, someone else answered.

'Yes, Otto, I am here. You caught me again.'

I was startled to recognise the voice of the prince.

I decided I would have to move now or pay for it later.

Chosing not to sing, I said 'I, Aiya, am here.'

It was the prince who replied.

'You are the sweet maiden who I walked with in the gardens the other day.'

He remembered me! Part of me wanted to jump for joy that someone remembered me, een if it wasn't the real me. The other part of me was mortified. I couldn't afford to be remembered. I needed to remain invisible if I wanted to live.

I left the aisle and saw the prince and Otto standing near eachother. They were roughly the same age, and they seemed to be friends.

'Good day, Hiram' I said, curtseying. I hoped his instruction was genuine.

He smiled.

'And to you, maid Aiya. How are you enjoying staying here?'

'You are all very hospitable.'

'I hope you settle in here well.'

'I thank you,' I said, curtseying once more. I turned to Otto. 'Is it possible for me to borrow this book?'

Like Hiram, Otto smiled. Everyone in Ayorthaia seemed so nice. Arae had seemed nice too.

'Certainly. Just right your name on this sheet.'

I gulped. I could speak Ayorthaian quite fluently, and I hardly even had an accent, but I wasn't confident with writing.

Otto's smile wavered.

'I trust you can write?'

'Yes, yes, I'm fine.'

I took the quill. I figured that names couldn't be to different. I waited for a comment, but heard none, so I assumed I must be fine.

'Please may I accompany you to wherever you wish to go next?' That was the prince again.

I hesitated. I didn't really want him to follow me, but I couldn't refuse.

'Thank you, Hiram.'

We wandered aimlessly around the palace grounds, making idle conversation. Finally I decided to take the risk.

'Have you been enjoying your time with Princess Anidori?'

'It has been….interesting. She makes me wonder sometimes.'

'Really? I have heard she isn't too bad as long as you stay on her side.'

'Well, she doesn't have a kind heart.'

'What do you mean?' I had to play someone unaware, ignorant. The only thing I should know about Arae is what is going around in rumours.

'Well, for example, the horse she rode into the palace.'

'What happened to it?' I desperately hoped Falada was okay. I couldn't stand anything to happen to him.

'She has ordered him dead.'

'What?' He looked at me strangely. 'All animals are beautiful,' I continued quickly. 'What has the horse done to her?'

'Apparently he was misbehaving. I would do anything to save the creature, it is handsome and strong and tame. But she would rest for nothing.'

'I have to go now.' I was no longer acting well; I had let down my guard. But that didn't matter now. Nothing mattered except that Falada would die. I had to save him.

'Wait – Aiya. Where are you going?'

'To the stables. I have to save the poor thing.'

'I'll help you.'

'No, please don't. You could get in trouble if you were seen. No-one would recognise me.'

'Well, if that is what you wish. Do you know where the stables are?'

'Yes.' That was true, I had seen them when walking in with the guard, my first day here. The guard! He seemed friendly. Perhaps with a decent payment he would save Falada. But what did I have to give?'

'Okay then. Hurry now.'

I ran as fast as I could to the stables.

It didn't make sense. Why would Arae kill Falada? Because it would get to me. She knew how much I loved him, how he was my best friend, so she decided to get back at me through him. She may have even thought I would give up. But I couldn't. I had to survive until help was sent to me.

I arrived at the stables. The uard was friendly, and let me in without much of a fuss. I went to Falada's stall. I needed to save him now.

Someone was already there.

Howzat? Sorry this chapter is so short, I have another one coming soon that will be longer.

Cya