#notes that bite

The clatter of hooves and wheels echoed off the cobbled streets, as the capital bloomed with royal banners—blue and gold fluttering like flames in the wind. The streets bustled all in celebration for the prince's coronation. This was a significant time and milestone for your kingdom. A symbol of hope and prosperity for another 50 years. A crowned prince, and soon a king to rule many many years to come. 

In your very sculpted gown, you sit in your carriage reading and analyzing your composition sheet over and over again. One mistake and that’ll be in head for sure. This was your first big event as a pianist. You were assigned to play for the prince's coronation specifically requested by the king himself. He said it would be nice to have a familiar face open for his grand event. You immediately accepted in hopes of making your father proud without knowing the rigorous practice and run-throughs you would have to go through to get this perfect.

And now here you are, in front of the giant bustling castle you used to be in 10 years ago when your father had been a mentor for the prince. Inevitably you had gone along with him to follow in your fathers footsteps. Practicing and learning piano with Jake was…Practical. Not much exchange of words. Just practice, critique, learn. A never ending process. You didn’t mind though, even though you had hopes of becoming friends in your time at the castle. But you understood where you stood. Despite your father having somewhat of a title you weren’t royalty and so it would be best to not cross that line.

Flanked by two guards in royal livery, you crossed the threshold of the castle—its towering doors groaning open as if in welcome. They led you down the torch-lit corridor toward the throne room, where the coronation would soon unfold.

There, awaiting you near the dais, stood a woman, Gloria, in fine silk, her hair the color of polished bronze. She had been the mistress of ceremonies planning this event for the coronation.

“Ah, there you are, sweeting,” she said, her voice warm and swift. “Radiant as dawn, truly. Come, I shall show you where you are to perform.”

You bowed low, hands clasped at your waist, and followed her across the echoing chamber.

The grand piano. You’ve never seen anything like it before. Your father would talk about it but it never appeared to you how big it would actually be. With many mechanics even under the keys. You sat down placing your sheet paper on the display and began practicing. All of the other members of the staff had been shuffling around placing decorations, cleaning, and making sure everything was in place. 

Going through the opening and the ending to make sure everything was perfect. Before you finished practicing you were introduced to the other court musicians who would be playing later in the ballroom.

“Come now, dear child, you must sample our finest vintage, it would be unjust not to.” Gloria rushed you to the kitchen. Entering with a gush of steam and rich scents you have never experienced before.

“Pardon, my lady, but is this not reserved for honored guests of the court?” you inquired, keeping your voice hushed with decorum.

“Why yes of course you are our special guest. You’re providing this evening with beautiful music. Why wouldn’t you be treated”.

“Thank you so much, I am truly honored”, You smile gently at her. 

The sun had been setting and you knew it was time for final preparations to be made. You killed time by exploring and viewing the other areas that would be open during the ceremony as well as going over the music again. More guests started to pour in, filling the entrance and garden, all conversing and laughing about what they’ve been up to. But you know in a matter of time all attention would be on the Prince, Sim Jake. You thought about how you haven’t seen him at all today, not once. Sure he would want to meet the guests, or you, an old acquaintance. 

The king had made his way into the throne room, guards on either side of him. Everyone turned, He was tall, made his energy and presence be known amongst the huge room of people. He made his way over to you. Me? What did I do? You started to get nervous, palms moistening as he got closer and closer. You nervously bowed, a little too early but it sufficed.

“Miss Groth, Thank you for playing for us today. You’ve grown so tall since I’ve seen you last.” The king's voice, deep as oaken casks, rumbled through the chamber.

“The honor is mine, your highness. I'm happy to be playing for the prince today”. You bow again and smile softly.

He made his way over to observe the final preparations and you let out a sigh. It always made you nervous being around royalty. Not because they were scary but their power to have you punished with just an order was chilling.

The night has finally arrived. You were in your position at the grand piano. On the upper side of the room, near the throne. It was surreal seeing it up close. The candlelights were set. The ceremony was about to begin. Your hands stay placed on the keys, inches away, waiting for your cue to play. It went quiet, waiting for the lights to begin to start the ceremony. The King on the throne and the High priest beside him ready to begin as well.

Suddenly, Gloria comes rushing, heesl tapping on the floor with a nervous face. “Dear, have you seen the prince anywhere, he’s not in his position”.

“No I’m sorry, I can go look for him if you’d like, I’m sure he'll like to see a familiar face.” You offer.

“Oh of course, you’re so kind.” She smiles and holds your arms.

You go and leave through the side door of the throne room, a long hallway filled with paintings, sculptures made of gold, and hand made architecture that makes your eyes widen. Everything is elegant and perfectly placed. It made you want to stand and admire but that was not the task at hand right now. You knock on doors hoping someone would answer.

“Your Highness? Prince Jake?” you called, voice urgent as you turned down yet another corridor. But then, you halted. A sound. A violent clamor of splintering wood and something...inhuman.

Following the din, you came upon a door trembling in its hinges. With trembling fingers, you nudged it ajar.

And there he stood.

Though half-draped in shadow, the figure was unmistakable—tall, his frame hunched, clawed hands clutched to his head as though in agony. His lips curled back in a snarl, teeth bared like a beast’s. Eyes, once warm hazel, now glowed red and wild.

A terror unlike any you had ever known stole your breath. What is…who is that. Cold swept down your spine. You stepped back, heart thundering like a war drum.

You leaned back up and dashed toward the exit of the hallway like your life depended on it. Breath quickening and heart beating increasing per second. Thinking a thousand thoughts at one. That can’t be the prince no, it was a monster. The prince was possessed by a monster. What the bloody hell is going on.

You slowed when you got to the entrance of the throne room. Act normal. Pretend like you didn’t just see whatever that was in the room. You opened the door and slowed your pace of walking, attempting to look fine. You sat back down at your seat hoping you were just seeing things from the possible fatigue.

A minute goes by and you are given the cue to start playing. Confused but ready, by muscle memory you start playing the piano and the torches begin to light up. The crowd was quiet and observing, you started to feel the pressure weigh on you. You steadied your breath trying to relax. Just like you practiced, all this work can’t go to waste. And like it was second nature you played swiftly and elegantly. The notes flowing off the instrument finely. Everyone looked pleased. Even the king. And there the gates opened. Out came the prince.

Plaid in royal fabrics of blue and gold, cloak rested atop of his shoulders he walked in a steady pace like it was rehearsed. Face unmoving and cold, he walked to the front of the throne room, facing his father and the high priest. Playing your last notes it was time for the ceremony to begin. 

The high priest begins, “People of this kingdom, bear witness this day, as we honor this tradition. By the will of the crown and in the sight of the gods, we gather to name the heir to the throne.” His voice was loud and echoing through the silent room. Jake kneels and places his hand up.

”Before my sovereign, and my people I swear this solemn vow, To uphold the laws of this kingdom. To honor the name of my family. To protect its people with my life. And to serve with wisdom, courage and truth even after I am called to wear the crown”. Jakes voice. It was new to you, it had matured and deepened.

The King stands and is given the crown. “By blood and by right, by tradition and trust, I name you Crown Prince. May your path be noble and your reign, when it comes, be long and just”. The king places the glimmering crown atop of his head. “Rise my son”.

Jake stands tall, face still unwavering as he moves to face the crowd. “Let it be known from this day forth, Jake of house Sim is the heir to the throne, Crown Prince, and Guardian of its future!” People cheer and applaud. Your next cue to start playing for the ending of the ceremony.

The moment your fingers hit the key it caught the prince's attention. He slowly moved to look your way. You don’t look back in fear of being spotted, you were scared of the face he might be making. Had he really caught on that it was you? It couldn’t be, he only saw my eye.

The crowd clapped as he walked back down the aisle and out of the throne room. That was the cue to transition to the grand hall where the rest of the event would be happening. Everyone hurried along, ready to enjoy the food and the people there. You stretched your hands and grabbed your music sheet from the display. On your way to the grand hall, you passed through people as some of them complimented your playing skills. 

The grand hall was even bigger than the throne room, already set up with places of food and drinks, waitresses on stand by and the rest of the musicians already in place.

The rest of the night was lively and eventful, it was so refreshing to see something like this. Everyone enjoyed themselves as they danced and enjoyed food. You even chatted with the musicians about your father and their music careers. You eased up now that the atmosphere wasn’t so intense. However you could feel eyes on you for almost the whole night. Your eyes searched around and there you saw him. 

Jake's eyes gazed at you like he wanted to throw daggers at your back. People had been chatting with him, wine in hand and smiling. But his eyes were on you. Unmoving and still. It made you get goose bumps. Does he really know it was me who peered at him? Never mind that. When the party is over I’m getting out of here as fast as I can. 

You played the best you could without the worry and anxiety catching up to you. Face holding a facade of happiness while inside you wondered if you would actually make it out of this castle. 

The clock bell struck louder than you’ve ever heard before. Midnight. Finally, that meant the party was wrapping up. Guests were saying their goodbyes, staff had been cleaning tables and collecting glasses, and even Gloria had been wishing everyone a fair well. The musicians stopped to wish their goodbyes to you as well and you knew that was time to go. Just as you got to the entrance Gloria stops you.

“Oh it’s so sad to see you go so soon dear. You were great today. I bet the king would want you to play for other events too.” She spoke with a wide smile.

“Yes thank you it was an honor to be here today” you said in a rush. More than half of the people here are already gone. I need to get out now.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t want to stay here and visit from time to time, you are more than welcome”

“I am so sorry, I am in a bit of a rush. My fathers waiting for me, you know how parents can get. Fair well”. You said fake smiling and before you could hear a response you were out the door. Great. Now you have to deal with the long garden rows to even get to the gate. You spend your way through the garden to get to the line of people making their way to their carriages. 

A quick and swift sound was made through the gravel. It happened so fast your mind couldn’t process it. A large shadow grows from behind you. You felt the warmth of breath near your ear.

“Sleep”

Your body shut down before your brain could create a thought and there you were. Lights out. In his arms.

read next…

The wide corridors opened to reveal a chamber steeped in velvet and shadow. Golden drapery hung like cascading fire from the high-set windows, catching what little torchlight dared pierce the gloom. At the center stood a long, vacant table, fit for a lineage of kings. Yet only one figure sat upon it: a cold prince, alone, awaiting your arrival.

The walk to your seat felt long and drawn out due to the quietness and how big the table had been itself. 

“Please. Sit” Jake spoke, directing his hand to the chair. Already pulled out and ready for your arrival. You peered at his plate and it had been untouched. He waited for me, a polite thing to do. 

“Thank you” You bowed politely and sat down. Jake had waited until you were situated to pick up his utensils and start eating. You did the same.

The silence bit at your thoughts like cold wind against bare skin. If a pin had fallen, it would have thundered louder than a thousand hooves upon the palace stone. Only the soft clatter of cutlery disturbed the hush.

At last, Jake exhaled and broke the quiet. “Did you find pleasure in the day’s affairs?” he asked, still cutting into his meat, wine in hand. His speech startled you slightly but nevertheless you spoke.

“Ah..Yes I did. I would like to see my father some time else.” You smiled awkwardly.

“Then it shall be done”. He replied. The atmosphere sunk back down into cold silence. Honestly you were replaying all those stubborn days of not dining. Despite not regretting it you felt embarrassed now seeing how silent it would be.

“That lad that we spoke to…He said you enjoyed painting”. He spoke

“I do.”

“More than music?” At that phrase the two of you make eye contact in sync. 

Art was something you felt a great connection to despite making music. However it is something that has not been vocalized. Piano was your image. It was your fathers image, making him proud was something you prioritized. Being the child to inherit the skills of a prodigy would sure be something to be known for. Art was something personal, and close. Something you let not escape the walls of your heart. Especially because it also holds another thing closer to you as well. Your mother.

“Y/n..” Jake tilted his head slightly. You snapped out of your gaze and spoke in a frantic manner.

“Right, I like them both equally. However art isn’t taking me to success”. You cleared your throat.

“Why is that?” Spoken with curiosity.

“I am being known for following in my fathers footsteps. Not making paintings. Art is something I keep close to my chest. Music is something I share with the world.” You had put on a facade of confidence.

“I understand I won’t pry”. 

You nodded, and returned to your meal. But as you struggled to cut your meat with decorum, your hand slipped. A quiet gasp escaped you as the blade caught your finger. A single drop of blood welled up and glistened crimson. You and Jake looked at each other in unison again and he offered a handkerchief. 

“Here” he spoke quietly. You took it and tilted your head in surprise. 

“You didn’t react”. Questioning in curiosity.

“Why would I?” His expression shifted slightly.

“Well aren’t you…a beast”. He looked at you again, expression much more vibrant and surprised.

“Vampire. Vampire is the word. Half vampire to be exact". Jake took another sip of his wine.

“So your mother must be...” Your voice got quieter but that didn’t stop the curiosity from flowing in your mind.

“Yes.”

“So you eat regular food like this all the time?”

“I can survive on both, it's no problem.”

“That must be why you can go out during the day”. Your voice spiked in eagerness to know more. The conversation started to pick up and you quite enjoyed it.

“Well how were you born? I had thought vampires were considered dead, like alive but a creature of the night. Do the servants know? How come I was oblivious to this-  Do you have fan-” 

“Enough!” His voice was enough to shake the ground your feet walked on. The very air trembled, the table quivering beneath the weight of his anger. Your heart stopped for a second and it was as if he had compelled you to silence. Your breath caught in your chest.

You tried to quiet your breath as you looked down at the table. Jake himself couldn’t learn to face you. Your body felt glued to the table but as you tried to clear your mind you remember, you weren’t. 

Your feet moved first, then your legs, then your torso. “My apologies, will you excuse me” You spoke almost in a whisper. You walked and made your way to the corridors as your feet picked up the pace. And there you left. Off to your bedding quarters.

Right he really is a heartless beast…Vampire. You had to snap back into reality. This isn’t a vacation, or an amusing trip. You were stuck here. Trapped in this vacant castle with no one to talk to other than the man who put you in here in the first place. In the back of your mind there was a part of you that really wants to believe that this isn’t all that the prince is. Letting you visit your father, and trying to approach you with less rudeness had only been a bare minimum. He really is stuck up royalty. That thought started to make its way to the forefront of your mind until this. 

He doesn’t owe me any kindness and I don't either. You slouched on your bed, face stuffed in overfluffed pillows and here you are. Sulking about getting yelled at for prying. You did understand partially however.

Something in you wanted to figure out what was hiding underneath such tough skin. There had to be more. Another part inside you felt a warmth in your heart. Part curiosity and part unknown. You held your chest as you dosed off to slumber.

The next mourn had been silent. Eating your regular meal and heading to the bathing quarters as usual. Your mind lingered from last night while in the warm embrace of the water. You thought about what your next interaction would be like, what he would say, if he even would apologize. Deciding if a stubborn snarky remark would be suitable or genuine forgiveness. It was hard to choose since inside you, being unmoving and stubborn was a part of your personality.  However you dare not to push the limits of his tolerance.

Once you had stepped from the water, you gathered your robes and returned to your chambers. A rack of garments awaited you, as it did each morn, with a selection made ready for your choosing. Not that you gave it much thought—your fingers reached for the nearest ensemble, mind still clouded.

As you disrobed and began to don the first layers, the chamber door burst open without warning. Swift as instinct, you seized a nearby blanket to shield yourself.

“I am dressing!” you cried sharply, only to find Jake standing in the threshold, clad in his leisure garb. His gaze locked with yours for but a moment before he turned quickly and shut the door.

“Ah apologies”. He spoke from across the door. You had not replied but simply finished dressing to continue the conversation. You opened the door to face him. Jake stood awkwardly ready to talk. As if he’s going over lines in his head. 

“Yes, what is it?” You brushed your gown down and locked eyes with him. 

“Y/n..I have come to apologize for the past day and I request you accompany me”. You tilted your head in confusion. 

“I see.” A beat passed. “I forgive you,” you said at last, though your tone betrayed no emotion.

“Though where is it that you want to take me”.

“You’ll have to follow me to see”. You squint your eyes in reaction and despite being skeptical you followed. 

You kept your pace slow enough to stay behind it despite the long walk making you anticipate this ‘surprise’ even more. Walking up the pairs of giant steps parallel to each other and yet through another corridor you sighed, uninterested creeping upon you.

“Are we there yet this is feeling like a joke” You slouched your arms and looked up at him. 

“Well yet we are”. He motioned his hand to the door in front of you that looked larger than any other door in the hallway. You quickly moved out of the way to let him open the door.

With a quiet creak, the heavy door gave way, and what lay beyond drew a breath from your lips.

A chamber grand and serene, filled with canvas—some veiled, some bursting with color and life. Easels stood like sentinels of creation, draped in cloth, surrounded by errant hues that had found their way onto the stone floors and walls. You stepped fully within, eyes wide in wonder.

Lifting a fabric edge, you unveiled half-finished works, some vibrant, others faded with time’s touch.

You turned to look at him. “What is this?”.

“It’s for you, I figured you might as well have something else to do in this castle”. He inched closer. You looked around and scoffed.

“This is…outstanding”. A big smile creeped onto your face.

“And you say you cherish both music and art equally.” Jake smirked. And in that sentence you roll your eyes and continue to look around. 

“The tools and paints are in that closet”. He pointed to a long cabinet clad in white and gold architecture. Walking to it you opened the doors and you saw the shelves stalked with paints, oils, charcoal, and all sorts of tools and brushes. You grinned and thought about the possibilities of what you could create.

You turned to face him again. “Thank you…Jake”

“It’s my pleasure, I’ll leave you to it then”. He raised his eyebrow looking for a response and you nodded. You started looking around for an empty easel as he left the room. 

There was a small stool in the corner of the room that you dragged to the easel with the empty canvas. You started at the options of paint and tools figuring out what paints and brushes to use. Picking a quick selection you brought it to the easel and then, you began to work.

You never really had to question what it was that you would create because it had always been in the back of your mind. Your mother. A deadly illness had swept her of all her life when you were still so young. You were all your father had now and you wanted to make him happy. 

Your mother had been the one to teach you the art of painting and so you passed on the art with her. You’ve painted her ever since she passed in honor of what she taught you.

Quite a bit of hours have passed as you perfected the painting. Rich in life color. That's how you wanted her to be remembered. It was something you had never really talked about. The arts and your mother because they were close to your heart. As close as it can be. And you weren’t obligated to share it with the world. 

A creek at the door startled you as you have been in silence for hours. It was Jake, popping his head in the door frame before you fully stepped into the room.

“Ah I’m almost finished I’ll be out for supper”. You spoke, adjusting your position to face him.

Jake took a long look at the canvas, observing the details you put into it. “Who is this, you look similar”. You paused for a moment, you felt your mouth wanting to move before you could think but you didn’t. Something in you felt safe to share the history of the painting. Like it didn’t matter or that he wouldn’t pry or judge.

“It’s my mother. She passed away when I was twelve of sickness…I paint her all the time to make sure I never forget her face.” You looked down, in anticipation and nervousness of what he would say next.

“I see, is this why you never talk about painting?” He questioned.

“Yes, she taught me how to do it”. You slowly made eye contact with him. Jake’s expression softened and thought a minute before speaking.

“My condolences.” He grabbed the nearest stool to sit beside you before he continued. 

“My mother has too passed away. Only when I was four my father couldn’t make peace with the vampires after my birth and so he had gotten mad and used my mother as a sacrifice. He concealed our secret and went on with upholding the kingdom.” Hearing this made your blood run cold. He was younger than you, to have your parents sacrifice your mother for the sake of Royal appearances. Your face grew melancholic and you tilted your head hoping he would acknowledge the pain you felt for him. 

Without thinking you placed your palm on his hand. “I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have pried at last supper. I understand.” The breath in Jake’s chest as he looked from his hand to you. 

The both of you looked at each other as if trying to enter one's soul. Jake moved his other hand closer and closer to your face. By your ear. He tucked your hair behind it and set his palm on the ends of your face. 

You both stay like that for a moment with only the sounds of breathe filling the room. Then your mind snaps out of whatever trance you were in and your cheeks get hot in realization of what is happening.

“I- uh my apologies”, You move your hand away and turn back to your painting.

“Right” Jake spoke with a long pause and got up from his stool to exit. Before he could leave you spoke again.

“Jake”

“Yes?” He tilted his head back into the door frame.

“Thank you”, And with that he nodded his head and was on his way. You let out a long sigh and slouched in your seat trying to make sense of what just happened. Why is my heart racing? You grabbed at your fabrics and held your heart again. 

Parallel almost like it was fate, Jake didn't move his feet. He leaned against the door frame, breathing quickly. He too had his heart in hand. He was…warm. Something he thought only the sun could make. Heat. Though there was no sun in sight. Only you. The one to light a flame in his cold heart that he has yet made sense of. 

Your eyes fluttered open, the golden fingers of sunlight piercing the heavy drapes and spilling like molten fire across the stone floor. Drowsy thoughts stirred as the memory of the coronation returned—then, a jolt. This chamber was not your own. You sat upright. Where am I?

The realization struck swift as a blade—you were still within the castle. Panic clawed at your chest. You leapt to your feet, scarcely aware that your shoes remained upon you. You reached the door and flung it wide—only to collide, quite unceremoniously, with a figure of unyielding stone.

You stumbled backward, heart thundering, and your horror deepened as the face came into view.

Jake.

He stood before you, motionless, eyes fixed as a predator's on its prey.

“Hey, you—”

“Was it  you who saw me in my quarters last night?” he asked, voice low and deliberate, blinking slowly.

“And why should I speak such a thing to you? Stand aside, and let me pass,” you replied, attempting to slip around him.

But he barred your way.

“Answer me now, or I will compel it out of you.” He leaned in, his gaze meeting yours with icy force.

“So it is true then, you are some kind of beast.  Just because you are royalty does not—” your voice rose in defiance.

“You shall not leave this castle, not unless I grant you to leave.” His voice cut like a commander's blade, firm and cold.

Shock painted your face.

“Am I to be kept prisoner, then, in this fancy house of yours?”

“I have given you freedom within these walls. Roam where you will, but set not one foot beyond these grounds.”

“And if I do?” Your voice was half challenge, half curiosity.

“A dungeon awaits with your name on it.”

“Dungeons? You dare? My father awaits me—soon there shall be a mob—”

“I have already dispatched a letter to your father. He knows you are well and shall remain as a... guest. For now.”

With that, he turned on his heel and departed, expression unreadable.

“This is a crime!” you cried at the sealed door. A sweat broke across your brow. You had to escape. You rushed to the window. Five stories high, and naught but gravel below. A fall from such heights would surely be your end.

You sank to the floor, head in your hands, despair weighing heavy upon your spirit. The chamber was grand, too grand for a prisoner. Pillows plumped and embroidered, drapes woven with gold, columns adorned with flourishes of art and tale.

Why had you not been cast into the dungeon? This room bespoke royalty. In a strange, unsettling way... you were grateful.

A knock stirred your thoughts.

“To hell with you!” you barked.

“Lady Groth, might I enter?” came the gentle voice of another—not Jake’s, but aged and kind.

You peered through the opening. A steward stood there, clad in the livery of the house. Hair grizzled with age, eyes calm and familiar.

“I am Alaric, steward of House Sim. I come to serve.” His voice was soft, well-practiced in courtly speech.

“Oh. A good day to thee,” you said, opening the door wider.

“I surmise you hunger, Lady Groth. I have brought a tray.” He laid the repast upon the nearby table: tarts, a bowl of hearty porridge, and grapes freshly plucked.

“Pay the prince no mind. He is not warm of heart, but it is his father’s blood that runs cold in him.”

“I ought to have been warned before he threatened me with irons,” you said with biting wit.

“I daresay he spoke in jest... though his manner doth lack grace.” Alaric smiled faintly. “If ever you are in need, milady, but ring yonder bell.” He gestured toward the golden cord near the door, its string disappearing into the ceiling above.

He bowed and departed.

You ate in silence. A simple fare, but welcome. Your mind turned swiftly to plans of escape. Perhaps by nightfall… perhaps through the gardens...

Yet as the sun dipped low and shadows crept long across the stone floors, hope began to dim.

A knock. You rose, assuming it to be Alaric once more—but instead, it was him.

The prince.

Disappointment twisted your expression.

“You shall dine with me this eve,” he said—not as a question, but a decree.

“And why should I do such a thing?” you asked coolly.

“Because I have bid it.”

“You said I might do as I pleased within these walls. And I please not to dine.”

You turned your back to him. A pause.

“Very well,” he replied, low and taut with frustration. He left without another word.

A clang outside your door broke the silence. You opened it slightly—a plate of food sat alone. You scoffed.

“So I am fed like a hound now?” you muttered, shutting the door once more.

And so the days passed. You took only the breakfasts Alaric brought, refusing all else. You bathed swiftly, avoided others, and never attended supper. A single meal a day—it was paltry, but you cared not. You would not bow to such rudeness.

“You will join me for dinner,” he declared one eve through the closed door.

“I will not! I would rather waste away!” you shouted.

“Then so be it!” His voice echoed, stern as war-drums. “Stubborn girl,” he murmured, and stormed off.

You were weakening. The hunger, the isolation, the absence of your father—it wore at your very soul. Something had to change, or you feared you would lose yourself.

The next morn, after your bread and berries, you cracked open the door. The hall lay empty. You crept out, passing idle suits of armor, trying each door you came to. At last, you found a chamber that stirred your memory.

A music room. A small room with a cream white piano. Drapes closed hiding the sun though it had lit the room just finely. You opened the drapes and dust flew everywhere. No one has been here for quite the time.

You sat on the seat and opened the top of the piano. It had been days since you last touched the sounds of music. Getting to play the music on the keys felt comforting. A reminder that there had been things to look forward to. You played a song that had almost been long gone. A song your father had taught you in this palace. It was simple, harmonic and elegant. A smile had creeped through your face as your ears filled with the music. 

The door creaked suddenly, making you jump. You silted your head to look and out came Jake. Not in his usual attire, A loose white shirt that complimented his broad shoulders. He entered the room and kept looking at the piano. You moved back hesitantly.

“The song your father had taught me, in this very room”. Your eyes had locked and that's when his face shifted. It wasn’t cold or annoying, it was calm like he was remembering the past events. 

“Yes, it’s come to a surprise how I can still recall it”. Tone on the defense but not aggressive.

“Your father was a…Great teacher. I still remember his lessons.” He walked closer, closing the distance in between you two. 

“Please..” He spoke, asking and offering while he motioned his hand to the seat. 

“Oh” You moved to the side so he would have room to sit. And so he did. His gaze stayed on the keys for a good while, then he started playing. Another song that was old and memorable. A song that you both had learned together. Your mind filled with the memories of being with him when you were younger. And when your mother was…

Tears welled up in your eyes. Home had called you yet you could not answer. Jake noticed you and had been quick to stop playing. He peered at your face unsure of what to do. One tear drop on the keys was all it took for you to break.

“Please let me leave…I miss my father. He needs me he- He’s getting old and..” You spoke between gasps of air and a grieving voice. You looked up at him despite your eyes being blurred with tears. 

“I’ll do anything, you can erase my mind to forget just please”. He looked down at your eyebrows furrowing. His breath quickened and a slight pain in his chest filled. 

He let out a deep sigh, “I’ll let you see your father…Any time you’d like. Just under the accompaniment of me”. You let in a deep gasp of relief. 

“Thank you…god preserve me”. You tried to catch your breath and wipe your face. You didn’t know how to thank him enough. You got up, bowed quickly and swiftly moved out the door. Jake moved to speak but you had already been gone, leading him to sigh alone in the chair. He took another look at the piano and slowly left as well.

Steward Alaric brought your breakfast again for another day.

“Lady Groth we know you haven’t been provided with the proper garments in your stay and I do greatly apologize. The keeper of robes has prepared a selection of gowns to wear today, please pick one to your liking.” Outside your door, a rack of colorful and detailed gowns reside. Each one with intriguing sewing and design. You picked out the most simple one, a light purple with a darker tone corset and pearls laces to the fabric

Finishing your breakfast, the maidservants entered your room to assist with dressing. Tightening your corset, brushing and tending to your hair, and even cleaning up your face. You felt refreshed. It was a new experience, being pampered like true royalty. It felt somewhat undeserving. Though that wasn’t at the forefront of your mind at the moment. You were just ecstatic to see your father again.

The sun was gleaming as bright as ever. You let yourself absorb the sun, how you haven’t seen it in days. It made you smile. The wind blew lightly, cooling you off from the heat. Jake had already been standing at the entrance of the carriage with a guard. He stared at you as you inches closer. You stopped in front of the carriage waiting for him to speak. Though no words left, just gazing, intensely. Awkwardness creeped up on you and you broke the silence.

“Shall we get going..?” You raised an eyebrow, your voice breaking his trance.

“Right.” He opened the carriage door letting you enter first.

During the ride you peered out the window gazing at the townspeople and their activities. Lining up wet clothes outside, piling leaves, selling bread, it was familiar. You were finally coming home…occasionally. Though it still makes you at ease knowing that your father will get to see you in good condition. You made it to the end of town where the large manor sat.

“This is it” you spoke quietly, still looking out the carriage. Jake only silently nodded in response.

The guard opened the carriage door letting you depart from your seat. You took a moment to breathe in the smell of home. It made you feel free. Jake moved to stand beside you.

“Shall we?” He spoke. You nodded and you both headed off to the front door. You knocked twice loudly enough for the whole house to hear and in seconds the door opened. Your father stood there, glasses on and smiling.

“Oh dearest, I'm so glad you’re home” . He said calmly as you swooped in for a hug. He looked back at you and that's when he saw the prince. His face changed into more of a formal expression.

“Your highness…I didn’t think you’d be making an appearance here”. He bowed politely.

“I’m glad to see you after all of those years Sir Groth”. He returned the kindness.

“It is my pleasure. Although I am working on something in the house and it is quite a mess. Dear why don’t you show the prince around town while I clean up. I’ll meet you soon.” Your father suggested. You looked to him and to Jake to see if there would be any reaction. Nothing.

“That would be wonderful, it would be good to see what his people are up to.” You tried to lighten your tone despite the slight awkwardness.

“Shall we?” You pointed your hand in the direction of the town in which Jake nodded in response.

The both of you walked through the town peering at the people there. You said your hellos to the acquaintances you knew since childhood and you caught up with a few. You even made Jake buy the bread at a local shop.

“How is it?” You looked up at him, eyebrows raised.

“Good.” 

Crossing the roads you came across yet another old friend. Jay. He was helping his father unload equipment for his blacksmith shop.

“Y/n, haven’t seen you in a while. You still look dashing as ever, how's your father”. He smiled and tilted his head.

“He’s doing just fine, what about you?”

“Still helping with the job. Are you still playing the piano” He asked. You nodded in response. 

“Why don’t you paint? The last time I heard you love it better than music.” He chuckled.

“Art is for the wealthy Jay. I do not have the time or the skill”. 

“Ahh right. And who might be the lad who’s peering daggers into my neck?” He moved his head to face Jake.

“Oh this is the Prince Jake of house Sim.” Jay's face quickly turned apologetic.

“My deepest apologies to your highness, I had not recognized you.” He bowed quickly and stood awkwardly thinking about what to say. But before you could depart his facial expression changed and called out to you.

“You know my offer is still up.” He spoke louder. This made you turn your head in remembrance and your cheeks turned red.

“It’ll be up for a while then” You spoke and turned back to walk away. Jake’s face moved in your direction and that’s when he spoke.

“What was that?” He questioned.

“Oh, Before I came to the palace, Jay had offered to marry me. We’ve been acquaintances for a while now and I’m sure my father is very fond of him”. You spoke head low is a slight embarrassment.

“And you do want to marry him?” He asked again.

“I don’t know”, You stuttered. “I’ve never been into romance because my head is in what I’m passionate about.”

“I understand”. He hummed in agreement.

The rest of the day went well. Your father joined you and you talked by a fountain. About his work and about the days of teaching the prince. It was joyful really. It was the first time in days that you had enjoyed your time. All of you walked back to the manor, the sunsetting meant it was time to leave and so you did.

“Dear are you not staying?”. Your father spoke, holding both of your hands. You sighed and your face became more melancholy.

“I’ll be back, father. I promise. Not now though because I’ve been enjoying my time at the palace.” You smiled in hopes he would see past your facade.

“Of course. But please do write to me”

“Yes father I will” and with Jake behind you, the two of you entered the carriage and left. 

You looked out of the moving carriage, a tear rolling down your face. You dare not to show expression as it was a great day after all. I will be back…I promise. Jake had been silent as well. He moved to look at you and spoke.

“Please. Join me for dinner. You are frail”. He spoke between pauses eyeing your hand. Your frame had gotten smaller. You hadn't noticed it nor cared with your stubbornness washed upon you. You quickly wiped your face and turned to him. 

“I will”. That was it. A simple agreement. 

Though hidden between the thorns of Jake’s heart. One that seemed like it was in the center of a blizzard. A flame grew. But with that flame came the burning of the way lay beneath the skin.

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