Prologue

Nathaniel and I followed the screams of terror through the courtyard and found ourselves in front of the doors to the ballroom. He told me to get behind him, which I did, but even his broad back wasn’t large enough to hide the reality we walked into. Soldiers and guards, the ones who swore to protect us with their lives, were slaughtering everyone in the room. Women and children too. I couldn’t fathom the situation, and neither did Nathaniel, however we didn’t have time to when a guard turned to us and immediately lunged at us with his sword raised. 

Nathaniel pushed me back and drew his sword, to protect me. He managed to kill the guard, but as soon as he did, George spotted us. I thought I saw his eyes glimmered red for a moment as he ran at us, but I deduced it as a trick of the light. That didn’t stop my own bodyguard from running towards us, sword raised. In the knick of time, Donatello jumped between him and Nathaniel and began to fight him. “Run!” he told us, but Nathaniel stayed to help fight. Meanwhile, I stared at the massacre happening in front of me, trying to figure out how something so horrifying could possibly happen. 

*****

    I remember the carriage ride to the castle as if it was yesterday. Mother and Father sat across from me as we talked about the present we had gotten for Nathaniel for his 16th birthday. They mentioned how they were to announce rather jovial news at the ball. I asked them about the news, but they said “It’s a secret darling. And where’s the fun in ruining such a surprise? Besides, you’ll find out soon enough.” Right before I could badger them into telling me what it was they were going to announce, the carriage came to a stop and George told us that we had arrived. 

    The palace had always been the most beautiful place in the world to me with its stunning marble walls, floors, and ceilings that blended into stone around its highest towers. The old piece of the highest artistic achievement was surrounded by a lucious, green courtyard that eased into a small forest that surrounded the palace on all sides. The lineup of chrisp, disciplined maids and butlers ready to serve always amazed me, but I took it all for granted. 

    As soon as the carriage door opened, I completely forgot about the announcement and was simply overjoyed about seeing my childhood and best friend, Nathaniel. He greeted me with a warm hug and asked me about his birthday present. I didn’t tell him, but I asked him to take me to the ballroom to see the decorations to get him off my back. After showing me the new flowers his mother, Queen Irene, had added to the royal garden as well as the brand new chandelier that was added only a week prior, Nathaniel walked me to my chambers and left to get ready for his birthday ball too. 

    When it was time for the ball, Nathaniel came back to my chambers to take me to the ballroom where everyone else was. As we were walking to the ballroom, we passed Paul, the head of military affairs of Pasiphae and the most powerful person in Pasiphae after the royal family. He was going the opposite direction, and told us he had, “some things to take care off before he went to the ball”, and he told us to enjoy it. 

    The ballroom filled with paintings from the finest painters in the land was bursting with music, suits, and ballgowns. Our parents sat directly across from the door, with our fathers right next to each other, so that our mothers could converse next to themselves, and Nathaniel and I could talk in peace. We were late to the party, but we got away with it because it was Nathaniel’s birthday, after all. After a few toasts, jokes, and stellar meals, dancing resumed and everyone looked like they were having a great time, until it was time for the secret announcement.

    Our parents asked for everyone’s attention to tell them all something that was making them quite excited. After dragging out for a bit, they finally announced “It is with great joy and pride that I announce that my daughter, Princess Callisto, will be married by next spring.” “Married?” I exclaimed, “to whom?” “To my son, “ King Ferdinand said, “Crown Prince Nathaniel.” He was confused. I was confused. We were confused. No one told us anything about an engagement, yet everyone was celebrating the news. 

    I was livid that my parents made such an important decision without consulting me and told them I “hate” them before storming out of the room. I passed a young boy with crimson eyes and short, kinky black hair as I left, but I paid him no mind. I should’ve. Nathaniel, being the incredible friend he is, followed me to the garden and asked me what was wrong. I told him how I don’t want to get married against my will. It wasn’t fair. “Look on the bright side,” he reasoned, “You don’t have to marry some prince from another kingdom that you don’t know. We’re already best friends. Marriage is just for the public’s peace of mind you know.” 

He made sense. As a princess, it was my duty to bring assurance and peace of mind to my people no matter the cost, but I just couldn’t figure out why they didn’t even ask me. It’s my marriage after all. Nathaniel kept trying his luck with breaking my stubbornness, but  I ignored him. He noticed that I was shivering and gave me his coat. He told me how I “should complain inside where it’s warmer.” I giggled at his comment and my giggle made him laugh, which made me laugh even harder until we both were gasping for our breaths in the cold air, but our laughter was shattered by the trail of screams that led us to the massacre.