Celeste had a bad feeling the moment she woke up . She had tossed and turned the whole night and eventually fallen into a restless slumber. She stared at the ceiling of her room for a few minutes, collecting her thoughts. Sunlight was peeking from the curtains, she could hear the hustle of the now alive castle. She blew a strand of her dark hair from her face. And then when she remembered what today was, she wished she could go back to sleep and never wake up.

Today, her tutor Marilda had promised she would turn her into a proper lady . Funny how she thought she could do something in a single day when so many had failed to do it in 15 years of her life. No doubt, today would be full of taunts and scolding, dresses and pins and violins and nagging. Celeste groaned into her pillow. Why couldn't they give up already? Half the kingdom knew Celeste was as far from a proper lady as could be. She couldn't curtsy, walk like she was gliding, be graceful, or even eat like a lady. And Gabriel compared her violin to the sound of a dying hippo. But her mother and Marilda were ever so stubborn. Most days she could count on Gabriel to get her out of those lessons and go riding or practicing her shooting but her mother had given Gabriel a proper scolding last night. And he was too much of a coward to go against their mother.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the creak of her door was soon followed by Talisa's cheery voice

"Good morning My Lady!"

Talisa was a women in her twenties who had been her handmaiden since she was five. But to Celeste she was more than just a servant, she was family. Like an older sister.

That didn't matter when Talisa pushed the curtain back. The Celeste was sure she hated her. Light pooled into the room causing her to groan.

"Nothing about this morning is good" Celeste mumbled as Talisa ripped the sheets off of her.

"Why do you say that My Lady? It looks like a wonderful day indeed" Talisa grinned.

"Your positivity is ever so nauseating Talisa" Celeste grumbled as she slowly sat up. Her head was pounding ferociously.

"I feel sick" She admitted. Talisa frowned as she placed a hand on Celeste's forehead.

"You seem fine to me . Perhaps a hot bath will make you feel better?" Celeste nodded absentmindedly. After bathing she let Talisa dress her up in a simple blue gown . Despite her protests , Talisa forced her to wear her mother's locket . Then she had to go through a torturous 15 minutes when Talisa did her hair in a complicated braid while half of her hair flowed down. Only when Talisa believed she looked appropriate was she allowed to attend breakfast.

Celeste lazily walked through the halls to the dining room where her family would no doubt be waiting. She yawned as the guards opened the doors then tried to smile ever so politely. Her father sat at the head of the table, smiling at her . He had grey hair and firm features. He held himself upright and the crown rested on his head. Despite his smile he looked tired and weary. Next to him was her mother. Ciana was a beautiful women with her golden hair and blue eyes. She was graceful and a proper lady unlike her daughter. And then there was Gabriel. He had inherited his mothers hair and eyes. He was fairly tall despite being just two years older than her. He was funny,chivalrous, and intelligent. Ladies all over the kingdom were swooning over him which only worsened his ego. The said boy took one look at his sister and chuckled.

"Finally decided to grace us with your presence eh?" He said as she slid into her seat.

"Oh shut up !" Celeste snapped as a servant poured her some water.

"Cel!" Cried her mother indignantly. "Do not be rude "

Celeste rolled her eyes, suppressing a groan .

"What I meant to say was," Celeste said in an overly sweet voice to her brother.

"Would you please do me the honor of shutting up?" Her mother's groan was drowned out by her father's laughter.

"We'll see how sarcastic you are when Marilda has her way with you" Gabriel smirked.

"Surely Marilda should know by now, I am a lost cause" Celeste said dramatically.

"That's quite enough " Her mother said not harshly. "You will attend your lessons after breakfast . And please dear, do not make this harder for Marilda"

"No promises" She whispered under her breath. Gabriel snorted into his drink.

"I plan to ride to the markets with Ben" He told father. "Its been suffocating enough in the castle as it is"

"Its not fair that you get to leave the castle and I don't !" Celeste said sourly, for the hundredth time .

"The markets are no place for a princess" Father said absentmindedly.

"But I would have guards with me!" Celeste argued.

"We are not going through this again" Father groaned.

"Well it isn't fair that-"

"Not this again!" Gabriel scowled. Celeste glared at her brother. Her father smiled at her gently.

"Maybe someday I will take you for a ride through Idris" He said thoughtfully. Her Mother immediately gave a look of protest and Celeste's eyes had lightened up . A grin had found its way to her face as she beamed at her father.

"But today, promise to not cause trouble Cel" Her father said as she got up.

"When have I ever caused trouble ?" Celeste said innocently as her father kissed her forehead before leaving.

"I shall have a word with your father about spoiling you" Her mother said hardheartedly as she too got up giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"Gabriel, please escort your sister to the courtyard. Marilda must be awaiting her " And with that she too left. Celeste gave Gabriel a crooked grin .

"I am most certainly not getting you out of this" Gabriel said absentmindedly. Celeste pouted.

" You're just grumpy because you lost to me at cards and owe me some real money "

"Do not!"

"Doooooooo" Celeste stretched . Gabriel got up and ruffled her hair.

"Get up now Celly before mother beheads us both"

"Anything would be better than this" Celeste complained but got up all the same.

The courtyard was on the ground floor not too far away if you went through the east wing but Celeste convinced Gabriel to go through the gardens. The gardens truly were beautiful this time of the year what with their endless variety of flowers.

"If I was a flower, which one do you think I would be?" Celeste wondered aloud to Gabriel. If it was anyone else they would've gawked at her and told her not to be stupid and talk nonsense but that wasn't Gabe. And Celeste loved him for that.

"An ugly one no doubt" Gabriel joked. Celeste shoved him .

"Well you'd be a shrub"

"Both of us know I'd be a rose"

"Arrogant much?"

Before Celeste could even comprehend , they had reached the courtyard and that horrible sinking feeling in her gut had returned.

"Gabriel" She said suddenly.

"I...."

"What is it Cel?"

Celeste shook her head.

"Its nothing " She said quietly. Gabriel frowned at her. And she could tell by the look on his fact that he knew it wasn't nothing but he let it go.

" Stop looking so down will you? Its making me feel bad"

Celeste stared at his retreating figure as he left.

He was right, there was no point in being miserable. If Marilda saw her like this, she'd start a sermon beginning with the words, " A proper lady never...."

Lately her days had a bittersweet familiarity to them. Everyday was spent the same way, and every night as she went to sleep Celeste felt further and further away from reaching her dreams. She would wake up at night, in cold sweat having nightmares where she didn't escape. She spent the rest of her life inside castle walls, nothing more than a pretty decoration.It was not that she hated her home, She hated the fact that there was a whole world out there and no one wanted her to see it.

If only she would've known what was coming she would've held on to Gabe, embraced him, told him how much she loved him.

Oh. how short living innocence truly is.

Celeste had made a mess of things and she knew it. But it was too late to regret it now. She truly had tried, she had. She walked, and bowed and poured the darn tea into the cup but all that didn't make her a proper lady. And Marilda ought to know that too. She nagged and nagged and it took all of Celeste's will not to throttle her.

After eight whole hours of torture finally Marilda herself was exhausted. But then her mother sent word that Celeste was not to be sent back until she was a complete and proper lady and Marilda accidentally let it slip that her mother's new found determination was only because the Prince of Casterale was riding to Idris tomorrow morning with his father and the prince was a perfectly handsome bachelor of Celeste's age and there was the talk of engagement.

Celeste would like to lie to say she took it well. If you could call taking it well smashing a teapot full of hot tea and blurting some colorful language no proper lady should be heard using and then finally calling her tutor some thoughtful names and then storming outside. Celeste had been overtaken by fury and a sense of betrayal. Her heart was a mess of emotions. Anger,resentment,confusion,frustration . So C

d with a cry of exasperation Celeste had ripped its fancy edges off.

The tree branch shook slightly with the wind. Celeste could've seen the garden very far off.

And maybe if I climb some tree really really high, I could see a world beyond my castle, Celeste thought.

And it was at times like these that it all caught up to her. The pressure,the fear, the loneliness. Celeste felt like she was choking on mere air. The pressure in her chest worsened as she closed her eyes.

" Count down from ten" She heard Gabe in her mind.

Oh Gabe. She longed for her brother as that horrible sinking feeling settled in her stomach.

"Ten" She whispered, The wind rustled as goosebumps appeared on her skin.

" Nine" She could hear distant sounds. People, shouting or were they laughing?

" Eight" Maybe everyone was looking for her. She wished they wouldn't.

"Seven" Her mother would be mad. She would be disappointed.

" Five" Gabe would know where she was. He'd come and comfort her and bring her back.

" Four" There was a funny smell in the air. Like something was burning.

"Three" The shouts were becoming louder. Was she imagining it or was it really screaming?

" Two" She was shaking now.

" One" Her eyes shot open only to be met by smoke coming from the east wing. Her breaths came in pants as she almost fell off the tree. Was there a fire? Was everyone alright? She stumbled on her feet as she started off towards the castle.

It was screaming. She hadn't imagined it. It seemed as it the castle itself was screaming. Cries of agony and pain. Celeste felt fear as she had never before as she ran to the castle. She was on the western side and she could see it. The western gate but where were the guards? The gate was never without guards. Panic rose in her like a storm. The smell got worse as she approached the gate. It was too dark to see much.

That smell.

She walked closer. The glow from the torches now lighting up the scene. The moment she saw the bodies, she fell to her knees. Only to realize the floor was wet. She brought her wet palm closer to see the blood. Celeste screamed as she tried to stand , only to fall in the puddle once more. Only then did she hear the bells ringing.

The City was under siege.

She was supposed to be inside.

Gabe was out there.

She had to move. Celeste got up, tears falling from her eyes as she choked back sobs. She had to get inside. They would protect her. She slipped into the door. It was eerie quiet. The Castle was never quiet. Thoughts rushed into her head like a hurricane as she quietly ran through the most deserted passes to avoid meeting the invaders. The more closer she got to the throne room, the louder it got.

There had to be a logical explanation for this. Where was everyone? How did the invaders get in? Who were they? And what were they doing in her home?

She pressed her palms to her ears to keep the screams out. Hot tears, of frustration and fear collected in her eyes. Her heart was thumping, its beat ringing in her ears.

Where would they be?

Surely the soldiers would drive the enemy out. But she had counted more bodies of her family's soldier than the others. She ran panting through the corridor to the library when a hand appeared from behind the pillar and grabbed her roughly. He slammed his palms against her mouth to silence her cries. Celeste screamed as she tried to bite him.It was then she heard it. Footsteps running . Then she saw them.

They were barbarians. Huge, bearded, wild, no doubt looking for her as they ran towards where she would be going. It was only when the had disappeared when the soldier took his hand off her. Celeste jumped away from him hysterically, her vision blurry. The Knight started to advance, raising both his hands in surrender.

" Get back!" Celeste shrieked. The guard stopped, taking his helmet off. Relief was a cold feeling that washed over her.

" Brandon! Thank God ! W-what is going-" Brandon shushed her. Blood was coated on his hair and his eyes danced with ghosts.

" Your brother sent me My Lady. I've been told to get you out of the castle at once"

" Out of the castle?" Celeste whispered in disbelief.

" Surely the castle is the safest place to be ! Our guards will drive the enemies out any moment now!"

" Our guards" snapped Brandon harshly. " Are either dead or traitors!"

"I will not abandon my family, my home!" Celeste said firmly.

" I want to see my father, my mother and my brother!"

" That's not possible"

" Listen to me you two faced piece o-" Brandon grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the corner roughly.

" Let go of me!" Celeste cried slapping him.

" Look out the window" Brandon said gruffly.

" Don't tell me what to do!" Celeste fought.

" Just look!" His eyes softened a fraction.

Her heart thumped in her chest , she didn't want to look in fear of what she might see. But her curiosity got the better of her.

Curiosity killed the cat.

White banners hung on the the castle walls.

" Gabe?" five year old Celeste whispered to her brother who was busy peering out of the window.

" What?" Gabriel snapped impatiently. Celeste pouted.

" Whats going on? Where's mommy? Why are we at the palace? I thought we was gonna be riding?" She rambled. Gabriel's eyes softened as his face fell. He gestured for his sister to come closer.

" Look out the window" He said slowly. Celeste grabbed he edge of the window, standing on her toes to see.

" You see those white banners?"

" Yeah"

" It means the King's dead"

Celeste could hear her brother over and over again in her mind.

" It means the King's dead"

She clutched her ears, trying to stop those awful words. She had fallen to her knees without being aware. She waited for the tears to come. They wouldn't.

She couldn't comprehend this. No, this was all a big misunderstanding. She had seen her father this morning, he was alive. He couldn't be...

Celeste laughed. She was vaguely aware of Brandon shaking her. He was pulling her, shouting at her. But she couldn't hear him. It seemed like the ground was spinning around, it made her want to throw up. She felt the sudden urge to do it.

" Celeste!" Brandon hissed at her. Suddenly the sound was back. The shouting, the hustle, the explosions.

Brandon harshly pulled her to her feet.

" This is no time to grieve! We must leave at once" He began pulling her along.

" No" She whispered. Brandon did not understand . She had to see her family. She had to see them.

" My family" She cried as he dragged her along.

" Your family" Snapped Brandon , " will not appreciate it if you get yourself killed!"

Celeste flinched.

" Right now, all you can do for them is pull yourself together and get out of here. Trust that your brother and mother can do the same. For Heavens Sake child! I thought you had more bone than that"

Something inside her shifted. Brandon was right. Even though it did not rest her heart she had to trust that Gabriel would get their mother and himself out.

As for her father, she couldn't think of him. Not now.

She was hardly aware of Brandon pulling her through the passageways.

" How can we leave? Every entrance probably is surrounded" Celeste said shakily.

" All entrances that they know of" Brandon grunted as they rushed down the dungeon stairs.

" There's a hidden trapdoor back there that opens up to the stables" He said.

" Your brother will meet us there"

" And then?" She snapped. " Where are we supposed to run off to? These barbarians or whoeve-"

" Its bloody Valentine" Brandon interrupted.

" What?" Celeste breathed out.

" I knew he harbored a grudge against father, but th-there is no way... he could not have pulle-"

" Alone he couldn't. The tribes of Kinross have hated your father since he ascended to the throne. They've been smart aye, very smart. We were in no way prepared for an ambush since your uncle Alphard has taken half of our troops to solve the Tournfort disputes. And that is where you'll go . Straight to your uncle and soldiers"

" But Tournfort is... its days away!" Celeste cried incredulously.

" Stop it with the bloody questions girl" Brandon snapped.

" My name" Celeste hissed venomously ."Is not girl! Its Celeste or if you're too dumb to pronounce it, just call me Miss or some shit"

Celeste almost expected Brandon to hit her . But he only looked vaguely amused.

" We're here" He announced opening the locks on a huge wooden door. He finally pushed it open and pulled her inside.

Celeste felt it before she saw it. The harsh wind pushed against her as they emerged in the stables. She could smell the smoke. And she could see it .

She had spent so long wanting to be outside castle walls , and now she was. And she would do anything to go back...

This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

" Quickly now" Brandon hissed as they ran to the stables.

" Stay here" He commanded as he rushed to get a horse.

Celeste was shaking, she realized. She was shaking violently and her face was wet. It felt like someone was squeezing her heart . She took shallow breaths staring at the door from which they had emerged. It was silent, she realized.

Finally, it was silent. Celeste was supposed to be in her bed , tucked away , safe from the dangers of the night. Her brother should have been dreaming in his own bed. Her mother should have been safe. Her father should have been alive.

Celeste sobbed as she stared at the door impatiently,

" Come on Gabe" She whispered.

" He should have been here by now" Brandon grunted suddenly from behind her. He was holding the reins of a dark horse which was barely visible in the darkness of the night.

" He'll be here" Celeste said in a little voice.

He will, she told herself. Gabe would be here. For her and their mother. He would be here and they would leave.

But what if he isn't? A voice chided in the back of her mind.

" Shut up" She whispered to herself. Gabriel wouldn't do that to her. He had always made it . For her.

If he isn't, you'll have lost everything in a span of a single night, the voice in her head chided.

No, the world couldn't be this cruel. It had already taken enough from her.

She was frantically aware of the time ticking and the shouting returning.

" We can't stay here much longer" Brandon said.

Celeste bit her lip in anger.

" We'll wait for them"

" We have to consider the possibility th-"

" I will not leave without them!" She cried out suddenly.

It was then the door burst open.

Celeste had been waiting for this , but it wasn't right.

Because instead of her brother and mother, five men stared at her.

They were huge, all holding swords or lances and dressed in black. The man in the front had a huge beard. He grinned at her making her shudder.

" Boys," He said triumphantly. " Looks like we found the wee princess"

" Celeste get on the horse" Brandon ordered , taking out his own sword.

Fear gripped Celeste but more for her brother and mother than for herself.

" No!' Celeste snapped, " I will not abandon my family"

Celeste didn't know what was funny but the enemy laughed like she had told the funniest joke in the whole damn world. It took a few moments for the bearded man to collect himself before he said in a mocking tone

" Your family's dead your Majesty! And you shall join them soon enough"

Celeste's legs gave out. But she didn't hit the ground. Instead Brandon roughly picked her up and threw her atop the horse as she shrieked . The men advanced, attacking Brandon all at once.

This wasn't happening. Celeste's mind had shut off. She couldn't process anything.

Cold. She felt cold.

" Leave!" Brandon cried implanting his sword in one of the man's chest as he tried to reach her.

She couldn't leave. She couldn't leave.

No, she had to help Brandon. She had to help him.

But you don't even have a sword, the voice scolded.

Then a memory tugged at her mind like the first light.

"Sometimes we have to make the right choice Cel, for the greater good"

Heart falling into a black abyss, Celeste pulled the reins as the horse shot off.

Leaving her family, her home and Brandon as she gave out a last cry of agony.

Celeste rode into the night.