If I had been given the choice between attending my own engagement party and being executed in the town square, I would have at least asked what time the execution started. People would come up to me just to let me know how lucky I was to marry someone so amazing. Even though I didn't feel so lucky, it was something only I could afford to do. I didn't deserve this opportunity and honestly, I can see where they got the idea that I would feel like the happiest man alive. The compliments felt hollow, encouraging the echoing of my own uncertainties.
Cecilia Russo was the second most sought after lady in our community. Brilliant, compassionate, stunning—everything one could hope for in a life partner. Unfortunately, neither of us wanted this marriage.
I was acquainted with many young ladies, but our relationships never extended beyond polite conversation. It kept things simple and spared everyone unnecessary heartache. It wasn't as if I had no friends at all, in fact, my sister was my best friend and to me that counted more than gold. We shared everything from our deepest secrets to our simplest joys.
I certainly wasn't suited for balls or Parties of any kind, really. This made finding friends difficult. Things like math and science bore me and in my opinion, were unnecessary. You would soon find me eating a raw onion then sitting in front of a 'complex math for dummies' textbook, which my tutor had graciously provided despite my many threats of cutting his pay.
I would rather read about new tales and adventures while curled up by a fire in my family's abundant library, but as the second prince, I had a duty to fulfill and couldn't just whisk away to my own fairy tales. This didn't stop me from doing it though. I still snuck out of lessons to sneak into the library with a tray of cookies I stole from the kitchen.
I was currently sitting in the drawing room laid back on the red velvet loveseat when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." I made sure I spoke loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear me.
I closed the book and set it on my lap right as the person entered the room.
"Alex, the carriage awaits!" Missy exclaimed "What are you still doing with your nose stuck in a book? I do hope you're ready to go. It's been hours! It takes the maids less time to get ready."
"Sorry, I lost track of the time it seems…" my voice trailed off as I looked at the nearest clock. The time showed noon when it was actually closer to two. I'll have to have the maid send a message to the horologist in the morning.
Cecilia was standing there with an exasperated expression. I found from an early age that her nose tends to twitch when she's annoyed or angry. I would never tell her that though because it's amusing to watch. Despite her stern expressions, that innocent little "tell" is something I cherish immensely—it reveals more than words ever could. Which was that, she was currently annoyed with me.
All this to say, While Lady Russo is the second most eligible bachelorette, my sister is the first. It's both a blessing and a curse, really. Men fought for her, as her beauty is said to be because she is blessed by the heavens. She also had to have the mannerisms of an ideal lady. At least, outside of closed doors.
This was all true, Missy is the perfect princess to everyone but I'm her older brother so I just find her annoying and irritating. She can also be nosy but that was a family trait. We all tend to be nosy. But me and her both had the same idiotic mentality at that age and for some reason we just clicked.
"Yes Missy, I am ready when you are." I called for a maid to take away the tea that was set on the table beside me and headed out to the carriage.
My sister hooked her arm around mine and talked to me about the do's and don'ts of a tea party like I hadn't heard them before. She does this before every social event. Despite being shorter than her by three inches, I had to hold her hand as she hauled herself into the carriage. The weight of the dress made getting in and out of the carriage harder or that's what I assume anyway. I followed her in and closed the door behind me. I heard the whip of leather and the carriage started forward.
I looked at the window as we moved through the town. The townspeople waved at the carriage as we passed. The town has always been prosperous and has hid most of the darker parts of realities in its back alleys. Mainly, I try my best to learn more so I can one day provide some type of comfort or support to the kingdom.
The day had reached midafternoon but we still had an early arrival.
It was about twenty minutes until we got to Duke Russos manor. The carriage stopped in front of the garden entrance where the orchestra could be heard. I helped my sister out of the carriage and the coachmen led the carriage away. The farther he moved away the more I fought the urge to shout at him to come back. My black velvet neck tie seemed to choke me as I got closer to the entrance.
It wasn't my first time meeting my fiancé but she tended to intimidate me by the way she held herself at other social events. She was confident and strong, I admired that and I didn't mind marrying her for the sake of the family. She was friendly and easy to get along with. We would learn to be great friends in the future. Of course the thought of children still scared me, but it was for the family and children were necessary. That said, I would never come to love her and my affection could only ever be shown through friendship. I feel marrying her is a wise decision and that's as far as my judgment goes.
The music got louder and so did the murmuring of noble men and jealous women as my sister passed. She is used to the attention and ignores their advances. I, on the other hand, will never be used to it. I was the quiet and secluded one in society's circle and I was known for not being quite down to earth. It was true though. I had a tendency to be a little imaginative and I daydream often. I found myself staring at a wall with my head in the clouds 50% of my days. It was almost part of my daily routine.
While nobles kissed my sister's feet and praised her, I often faded into the background. It wasn't as if I was ugly, I've been told I'm quite the pretty boy. I got my mothers dainty looks and black hair, while my father gave me his bright blue eyes which were a family trait but I was also weak looking and the knights used to make fun of me for looking pretty. At some point I just stopped going to sword practice.
I sat down on the table sitting next to the edge of the rose garden and waited for my fiancé to arrive. I was fidgeting with my pocket watch and glancing around as if I had anything better to do. It was now approaching sunset and the garden was being lit up by decorated torches on each corner of the garden. Blue iridescent glow stones hung from the pillars to meet in the middle of the garden. They lit up using the moon's light and glowed a pleasant blue. Around me were flowers of all kinds with a detailed sculpture of an angel playing the harp in the center of the garden. It was being lit up by the glow stones and people gathered around it, marveling at its beauty.
A waiter at the other side of the garden came and offered me some tea but I politely declined and requested wine instead. Of course at this time my fiancé decided it was the best opportunity to be fashionably late. She was the belle of the ball so I guess it was for the preparation of some type of grand entrance.
I waited almost ten minutes sipping on a glass of red wine the waiter brought me until she arrived. I needed it if I was going to survive through the night.
The doors opened and Cecilia Russo stepped out. With her satin, emerald colored ball gown, and jewels that blinded my eyes, she was certainly a sight to see. It made me feel under dressed so I sank into my chair with one arm in my lap fiddling with my family's ring and my other arm holding my glass to my lips. I avoided her gaze like the plague and continued to look at the roses next to me. I was praying to any god that she hadn't noticed me. My prayers were dismissed and she walked elegantly towards my table. Her two maids followed behind her. One of them held a box and the other held a cup of tea on a coaster. Which I supposed was Lady Cecilia's.
She stopped in front of me and I abandoned my glass of wine to greet her. Hopefully, with enough glasses, I could get out of here with the excuse of being sick or I could just impale myself with a knife.
She offered her hand and I grasped it, bringing it to my lips giving a light kiss on the back.
"Lady Cecilia! It's lovely to see you. How has your evening been?" She looked me up and down with a smile that seemed to be satisfied.
I'll have to thank Lizzie for picking my outfit. The gods knew that I could never look this good without help.
"It has been well, your royal highness. Thank you for coming. It has been quite some time. I do hope you're not avoiding me, we're to be married soon, some would say it's bad luck." There was a pause and she sighed with fake distress. "Ah, Marriage. It's quite exciting is it not?" She said with a tight smile. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted this conversation to be over….so did i.
There was another awkward pause before She held out her hand and her maid handed her the cup of tea. I nodded and acted like I was taking a sip out of my glass, but it was actually to hide the oncoming sigh which fogged up the glass slightly.
"Yes, quite exciting. Also no, I'm sorry if you felt I was avoiding you. I've just been cooped up in the study. I've been busy helping with my father's work. We've just bought some land and we're planning on building a new settlement to expand on a little bit. A farming settlement to the east." I told her, relieved that I actually had an excuse for not being at many social events lately.
She nodded as if she understood but there was no understanding in her expression. Suddenly she snapped her fingers and her maid handed her the box. She then handed it to me with a bored expression. She took another sip of her tea with a lazy expression. I could tell she was trying to hide her expression in the mix of so much company. Probably a wise decision. I opened the delicate glass lid and inside was an old, antique pocket watch. I held it up to my ear to hear the clear ticking noise but for some reason it was completely silent. I turned it around to see if it had an opening only to find an engraving written on the edge. 'Alister H.' It had a pretty design but I wasn't one to carry around a watch. I guess there's no time like the present. I pulled my best smile and thanked her for the gift. Her attention pulled away from me and over to a group of ladies sitting down around a table drinking tea and eating the snacks displayed on the center of the table.
The men, as usual, were standing around talking about the upcoming hunting competition being held by my father the king and of course politics.
I was ok with a sword—despite me ditching lessons—but not as good as I was with a bow. Target practice was my favorite time of day besides reading. I loved the feeling of the sun and breeze on my body, the sound of rustling leaves, and the feeling I got as I snuck up on my target. It was the pulsing of my adrenaline and the feeling of victory I felt when I hit the bullseye. Of course recently all I've been able to do is practice on wooden targets to stay in shape. I hadn't been to the seasonal hunting parties yet and I didn't want to kill prey needlessly. This year though, I'll be participating in the royal hunting match officially.
Currently I was talking to the prince of the Kingdom of Azalyn and I would do anything to find a distraction. Speaking of a distraction. My fiancé sees me standing with the prince and immediately excuses herself from the ladies and walks over with a long stride. She politely nods with a bow and claps her hands in front of her. Her maids followed behind her still holding the tea and coaster.
"Prince Castiel! How lovely to see you here. I had sent an invitation but I had no idea if you would show up or not. I would have prepared something for you." She spoke.
And that was my long awaited exit. I politely excused myself and walked over to my sister.
"Excuse me ladies." I said to the women who were sitting at the table sipping tea around my sister.
"Missy, I think it's time for me to depart. I'm not feeling well." I looked at her with pleading eyes. I would have gotten on my hands and knees if I wasn't trying to look presentable.
"Yes brother, you do look a little pale." She said with fake sorrow.
Thank you sister! I knew she would understand.
"Yes, as I said I do not feel well. I shall head home. Goodnight my ladies." I parted with a graceful bow.
"Safe travels, brother." she said with a warm, teasing smile.
I excused myself and said my farewells to my fiancé before heading out of the garden gate. It took a minute before I heard the 'clip clop' of the horses dragging the carriage down the stone path. I immediately hopped in and kicked off my shoes while letting out a long and exaggerated sigh. While it was inappropriate, my feet were sore and swollen from the tight fitting dress shoes. If the driver saw the most he could do was find it amusing that a noble could still act like a human. Or maybe he could silently judge me…but either way I don't care what he says because, no matter how snobby I sound, I'm the prince which means he can't say anything to my face.
As I settled into the seat, the rhythmic motion of the carriage quickly lulled me into a relaxed state. Looking out the window, I watched the countryside roll by in a blur of green and gold beneath the fading evening sky. The breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of last night's rain mixed with the faint smell of the city. I breathed it in and smiled as the soft lights of the town shimmered in the distance.
I can't help but think that it was something I had helped build. Maybe I should visit more often. I'd stop by the library, then wander over to the bakery for a warm pastry and a chat with the locals. It had been far too long since I'd walked those streets without a schedule breathing down my neck. Those quiet afternoons had always been my favorite.
When I got home, I dressed in more comfortable clothes and walked to the meadow not far into the forest. It was humid and I could barely see where I was going. The only light I had was the moon. Guiding me through the trees and brightening my path. The quiet hum of insects filled the air, and the earthy scent of wet leaves mingled with the fresh smell of the night breeze.
I always loved this place and came here to relax and hide from the world.
When I arrived at the clearing I stretched and laid on the grass humming a tune before drifting off thinking of the recent book released by my favorite author. All the book lovers are talking about it and I'm gonna be the first to receive it.
As I was about to fall into my dreams I felt someone reach into my pocket and pull out the pocket watch that was kept there for safe keeping. At first I was disoriented but as soon as I realized what was happening I sat up so fast that I got dizzy. I shook my head and shakily got up from where I was laying.
"Hey!" I yelled and turned around.
The man standing before me wore a white suit but it was a design I hadn't recognized.
He had to be a foreigner, there's no other way to describe him. He also had rabbit ears and a tail but for all I know it could be some type of hobby. Weird but not totally unheard of.
Among other peculiar things he had bright blue eyes that looked cold against his dark chocolate skin. What also stood out was the snow white hair and his silver adorned jewelry that I've never seen before. His pin straight white hair was tied up with ribbon and reached his low back. Only a noble could afford such luxurious items such as silver and silk but why would a noble steal my pocket watch?
"Are you the Alice? What a peculiar name for a man." He emphasizes the word "the" like I knew who he was referring to. It wasn't me. My name was certainly not Alice but I feel bad for the real Alice having to deal with such a rude man.
He had my pocket watch in hand and I tried to grab it but when I did it was too late. He was running off with my fiancés pocket watch she gave to me. He was yelling something about being late while looking down at my watch.
"Hey! Come back here!" I nearly tripped and fell trying to catch up to him but I regain my balance and pick up my speed.
I was quickly catching up and was about to grab his shoulder when he dropped into a hole. If I hadn't seen the hole I would have thought I was going crazy. I still think I'm going crazy. This all seems so real yet also so surreal. I can feel the wind and the itchiness of the grass recently on my skin but the thought made it all seem more like a dream.
"Are you dreaming?" A deep voice suddenly echoed through the hole in the ground.
"What?" I said while catching my breath.
"Or are you awake?"
The voice was deep and baritone and sent a heavy shiver down my spine. Not startling but rather smooth and thick like melted chocolate.
It felt like it was crying out to me to look but it didn't seem worth the risk to look further into it. I was about to walk away when something from behind me pulled me in by my leg. I didn't have time to look at who it was before I was falling. The branches snapped out of my grip and I closed my eyes, waiting for impact.
The sound of clocks and chimes were going off around me and the smell of freshly baked sweets filled my nose.
[edited 9/2/23]
If I had been given the choice between attending my own engagement party and being executed in the town square, I would have at least asked what time the execution started. People would come up to me just to let me know how lucky I was to marry someone so amazing. Even though I didn't feel so lucky, it was something only I could afford to do. I didn't deserve this opportunity and honestly, I can see where they got the idea that I would feel like the happiest man alive. The compliments felt hollow, encouraging the echoing of my own uncertainties.
Cecilia Russo was the second most sought after lady in our community. Brilliant, compassionate, stunning—everything one could hope for in a life partner. Unfortunately, neither of us wanted this marriage.
I was acquainted with many young ladies, but our relationships never extended beyond polite conversation. It kept things simple and spared everyone unnecessary heartache. It wasn't as if I had no friends at all, in fact, my sister was my best friend and to me that counted more than gold. We shared everything from our deepest secrets to our simplest joys.
I certainly wasn't suited for balls or Parties of any kind, really. This made finding friends difficult. Things like math and science bore me and in my opinion, were unnecessary. You would soon find me eating a raw onion then sitting in front of a 'complex math for dummies' textbook, which my tutor had graciously provided despite my many threats of cutting his pay.
I would rather read about new tales and adventures while curled up by a fire in my family's abundant library, but as the second prince, I had a duty to fulfill and couldn't just whisk away to my own fairy tales. This didn't stop me from doing it though. I still snuck out of lessons to sneak into the library with a tray of cookies I stole from the kitchen.
I was currently sitting in the drawing room laid back on the red velvet loveseat when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." I made sure I spoke loud enough for the person on the other side of the door to hear me.
I closed the book and set it on my lap right as the person entered the room.
"Alex, the carriage awaits!" Missy exclaimed "What are you still doing with your nose stuck in a book? I do hope you're ready to go. It's been hours! It takes the maids less time to get ready."
"Sorry, I lost track of the time it seems…" my voice trailed off as I looked at the nearest clock. The time showed noon when it was actually closer to two. I'll have to have the maid send a message to the horologist in the morning.
Cecilia was standing there with an exasperated expression. I found from an early age that her nose tends to twitch when she's annoyed or angry. I would never tell her that though because it's amusing to watch. Despite her stern expressions, that innocent little "tell" is something I cherish immensely—it reveals more than words ever could. Which was that, she was currently annoyed with me.
All this to say, While Lady Russo is the second most eligible bachelorette, my sister is the first. It's both a blessing and a curse, really. Men fought for her, as her beauty is said to be because she is blessed by the heavens. She also had to have the mannerisms of an ideal lady. At least, outside of closed doors.
This was all true, Missy is the perfect princess to everyone but I'm her older brother so I just find her annoying and irritating. She can also be nosy but that was a family trait. We all tend to be nosy. But me and her both had the same idiotic mentality at that age and for some reason we just clicked.
"Yes Missy, I am ready when you are." I called for a maid to take away the tea that was set on the table beside me and headed out to the carriage.
My sister hooked her arm around mine and talked to me about the do's and don'ts of a tea party like I hadn't heard them before. She does this before every social event. Despite being shorter than her by three inches, I had to hold her hand as she hauled herself into the carriage. The weight of the dress made getting in and out of the carriage harder or that's what I assume anyway. I followed her in and closed the door behind me. I heard the whip of leather and the carriage started forward.
I looked at the window as we moved through the town. The townspeople waved at the carriage as we passed. The town has always been prosperous and has hid most of the darker parts of realities in its back alleys. Mainly, I try my best to learn more so I can one day provide some type of comfort or support to the kingdom.
The day had reached midafternoon but we still had an early arrival.
It was about twenty minutes until we got to Duke Russos manor. The carriage stopped in front of the garden entrance where the orchestra could be heard. I helped my sister out of the carriage and the coachmen led the carriage away. The farther he moved away the more I fought the urge to shout at him to come back. My black velvet neck tie seemed to choke me as I got closer to the entrance.
It wasn't my first time meeting my fiancé but she tended to intimidate me by the way she held herself at other social events. She was confident and strong, I admired that and I didn't mind marrying her for the sake of the family. She was friendly and easy to get along with. We would learn to be great friends in the future. Of course the thought of children still scared me, but it was for the family and children were necessary. That said, I would never come to love her and my affection could only ever be shown through friendship. I feel marrying her is a wise decision and that's as far as my judgment goes.
The music got louder and so did the murmuring of noble men and jealous women as my sister passed. She is used to the attention and ignores their advances. I, on the other hand, will never be used to it. I was the quiet and secluded one in society's circle and I was known for not being quite down to earth. It was true though. I had a tendency to be a little imaginative and I daydream often. I found myself staring at a wall with my head in the clouds 50% of my days. It was almost part of my daily routine.
While nobles kissed my sister's feet and praised her, I often faded into the background. It wasn't as if I was ugly, I've been told I'm quite the pretty boy. I got my mothers dainty looks and black hair, while my father gave me his bright blue eyes which were a family trait but I was also weak looking and the knights used to make fun of me for looking pretty. At some point I just stopped going to sword practice.
I sat down on the table sitting next to the edge of the rose garden and waited for my fiancé to arrive. I was fidgeting with my pocket watch and glancing around as if I had anything better to do. It was now approaching sunset and the garden was being lit up by decorated torches on each corner of the garden. Blue iridescent glow stones hung from the pillars to meet in the middle of the garden. They lit up using the moon's light and glowed a pleasant blue. Around me were flowers of all kinds with a detailed sculpture of an angel playing the harp in the center of the garden. It was being lit up by the glow stones and people gathered around it, marveling at its beauty.
A waiter at the other side of the garden came and offered me some tea but I politely declined and requested wine instead. Of course at this time my fiancé decided it was the best opportunity to be fashionably late. She was the belle of the ball so I guess it was for the preparation of some type of grand entrance.
I waited almost ten minutes sipping on a glass of red wine the waiter brought me until she arrived. I needed it if I was going to survive through the night.
The doors opened and Cecilia Russo stepped out. With her satin, emerald colored ball gown, and jewels that blinded my eyes, she was certainly a sight to see. It made me feel under dressed so I sank into my chair with one arm in my lap fiddling with my family's ring and my other arm holding my glass to my lips. I avoided her gaze like the plague and continued to look at the roses next to me. I was praying to any god that she hadn't noticed me. My prayers were dismissed and she walked elegantly towards my table. Her two maids followed behind her. One of them held a box and the other held a cup of tea on a coaster. Which I supposed was Lady Cecilia's.
She stopped in front of me and I abandoned my glass of wine to greet her. Hopefully, with enough glasses, I could get out of here with the excuse of being sick or I could just impale myself with a knife.
She offered her hand and I grasped it, bringing it to my lips giving a light kiss on the back.
"Lady Cecilia! It's lovely to see you. How has your evening been?" She looked me up and down with a smile that seemed to be satisfied.
I'll have to thank Lizzie for picking my outfit. The gods knew that I could never look this good without help.
"It has been well, your royal highness. Thank you for coming. It has been quite some time. I do hope you're not avoiding me, we're to be married soon, some would say it's bad luck." There was a pause and she sighed with fake distress. "Ah, Marriage. It's quite exciting is it not?" She said with a tight smile. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted this conversation to be over….so did i.
There was another awkward pause before She held out her hand and her maid handed her the cup of tea. I nodded and acted like I was taking a sip out of my glass, but it was actually to hide the oncoming sigh which fogged up the glass slightly.
"Yes, quite exciting. Also no, I'm sorry if you felt I was avoiding you. I've just been cooped up in the study. I've been busy helping with my father's work. We've just bought some land and we're planning on building a new settlement to expand on a little bit. A farming settlement to the east." I told her, relieved that I actually had an excuse for not being at many social events lately.
She nodded as if she understood but there was no understanding in her expression. Suddenly she snapped her fingers and her maid handed her the box. She then handed it to me with a bored expression. She took another sip of her tea with a lazy expression. I could tell she was trying to hide her expression in the mix of so much company. Probably a wise decision. I opened the delicate glass lid and inside was an old, antique pocket watch. I held it up to my ear to hear the clear ticking noise but for some reason it was completely silent. I turned it around to see if it had an opening only to find an engraving written on the edge. 'Alister H.' It had a pretty design but I wasn't one to carry around a watch. I guess there's no time like the present. I pulled my best smile and thanked her for the gift. Her attention pulled away from me and over to a group of ladies sitting down around a table drinking tea and eating the snacks displayed on the center of the table.
The men, as usual, were standing around talking about the upcoming hunting competition being held by my father the king and of course politics.
I was ok with a sword—despite me ditching lessons—but not as good as I was with a bow. Target practice was my favorite time of day besides reading. I loved the feeling of the sun and breeze on my body, the sound of rustling leaves, and the feeling I got as I snuck up on my target. It was the pulsing of my adrenaline and the feeling of victory I felt when I hit the bullseye. Of course recently all I've been able to do is practice on wooden targets to stay in shape. I hadn't been to the seasonal hunting parties yet and I didn't want to kill prey needlessly. This year though, I'll be participating in the royal hunting match officially.
Currently I was talking to the prince of the Kingdom of Azalyn and I would do anything to find a distraction. Speaking of a distraction. My fiancé sees me standing with the prince and immediately excuses herself from the ladies and walks over with a long stride. She politely nods with a bow and claps her hands in front of her. Her maids followed behind her still holding the tea and coaster.
"Prince Castiel! How lovely to see you here. I had sent an invitation but I had no idea if you would show up or not. I would have prepared something for you." She spoke.
And that was my long awaited exit. I politely excused myself and walked over to my sister.
"Excuse me ladies." I said to the women who were sitting at the table sipping tea around my sister.
"Missy, I think it's time for me to depart. I'm not feeling well." I looked at her with pleading eyes. I would have gotten on my hands and knees if I wasn't trying to look presentable.
"Yes brother, you do look a little pale." She said with fake sorrow.
Thank you sister! I knew she would understand.
"Yes, as I said I do not feel well. I shall head home. Goodnight my ladies." I parted with a graceful bow.
"Safe travels, brother." she said with a warm, teasing smile.
I excused myself and said my farewells to my fiancé before heading out of the garden gate. It took a minute before I heard the 'clip clop' of the horses dragging the carriage down the stone path. I immediately hopped in and kicked off my shoes while letting out a long and exaggerated sigh. While it was inappropriate, my feet were sore and swollen from the tight fitting dress shoes. If the driver saw the most he could do was find it amusing that a noble could still act like a human. Or maybe he could silently judge me…but either way I don't care what he says because, no matter how snobby I sound, I'm the prince which means he can't say anything to my face.
As I settled into the seat, the rhythmic motion of the carriage quickly lulled me into a relaxed state. Looking out the window, I watched the countryside roll by in a blur of green and gold beneath the fading evening sky. The breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of last night's rain mixed with the faint smell of the city. I breathed it in and smiled as the soft lights of the town shimmered in the distance.
I can't help but think that it was something I had helped build. Maybe I should visit more often. I'd stop by the library, then wander over to the bakery for a warm pastry and a chat with the locals. It had been far too long since I'd walked those streets without a schedule breathing down my neck. Those quiet afternoons had always been my favorite.
When I got home, I dressed in more comfortable clothes and walked to the meadow not far into the forest. It was humid and I could barely see where I was going. The only light I had was the moon. Guiding me through the trees and brightening my path. The quiet hum of insects filled the air, and the earthy scent of wet leaves mingled with the fresh smell of the night breeze.
I always loved this place and came here to relax and hide from the world.
When I arrived at the clearing I stretched and laid on the grass humming a tune before drifting off thinking of the recent book released by my favorite author. All the book lovers are talking about it and I'm gonna be the first to receive it.
As I was about to fall into my dreams I felt someone reach into my pocket and pull out the pocket watch that was kept there for safe keeping. At first I was disoriented but as soon as I realized what was happening I sat up so fast that I got dizzy. I shook my head and shakily got up from where I was laying.
"Hey!" I yelled and turned around.
The man standing before me wore a white suit but it was a design I hadn't recognized.
He had to be a foreigner, there's no other way to describe him. He also had rabbit ears and a tail but for all I know it could be some type of hobby. Weird but not totally unheard of.
Among other peculiar things he had bright blue eyes that looked cold against his dark chocolate skin. What also stood out was the snow white hair and his silver adorned jewelry that I've never seen before. His pin straight white hair was tied up with ribbon and reached his low back. Only a noble could afford such luxurious items such as silver and silk but why would a noble steal my pocket watch?
"Are you the Alice? What a peculiar name for a man." He emphasizes the word "the" like I knew who he was referring to. It wasn't me. My name was certainly not Alice but I feel bad for the real Alice having to deal with such a rude man.
He had my pocket watch in hand and I tried to grab it but when I did it was too late. He was running off with my fiancés pocket watch she gave to me. He was yelling something about being late while looking down at my watch.
"Hey! Come back here!" I nearly tripped and fell trying to catch up to him but I regain my balance and pick up my speed.
I was quickly catching up and was about to grab his shoulder when he dropped into a hole. If I hadn't seen the hole I would have thought I was going crazy. I still think I'm going crazy. This all seems so real yet also so surreal. I can feel the wind and the itchiness of the grass recently on my skin but the thought made it all seem more like a dream.
"Are you dreaming?" A deep voice suddenly echoed through the hole in the ground.
"What?" I said while catching my breath.
"Or are you awake?"
The voice was deep and baritone and sent a heavy shiver down my spine. Not startling but rather smooth and thick like melted chocolate.
It felt like it was crying out to me to look but it didn't seem worth the risk to look further into it. I was about to walk away when something from behind me pulled me in by my leg. I didn't have time to look at who it was before I was falling. The branches snapped out of my grip and I closed my eyes, waiting for impact.
The sound of clocks and chimes were going off around me and the smell of freshly baked sweets filled my nose.