Chapter 1: A Child in the Cage
Aurora sat by the window, swinging her feet slightly as she stared outside, humming a soft tune to herself.
The sky looked so big, and the trees seemed to go on forever. She was watching something very keenly. A small kid playing in the far-away garden outside. He was running, his hair fluttering with air. He was laughing happily.
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
Lucy entered quietly, as she always did, and placed a gown on the bed. "Miss Aurora, it’s time to get ready."
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
"There’s a special event tonight, and your father has returned. He’ll be expecting you downstairs."
Aurora
Aurora turned to Lucy with a bright smile, her eyes wide and innocent. "Father’s home?"
Aurora
"Is he bringing me sweets?" Her voice was light and hopeful, like a child waiting for a treat.
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
Lucy’s face softened with a trace of sadness. "Not tonight, Miss."
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
"There’s an important event you need to attend. The King’s banquet."
Aurora
Aurora’s smile faded into confusion. "An event? For what?"
Aurora
She twisted a lock of her golden hair absentmindedly. "Will there be cake?"
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
Lucy sighed, stepping closer to help Aurora into her dress. "No, Miss Aurora. It’s… something different. You’ll meet people. Important people."
Aurora
Aurora’s brows furrowed, but the worry didn’t last long. She nodded as if it didn’t matter. "Okay. If Father says so."
She obediently stood still while Lucy worked, her mind already drifting to other things.
Aurora
"Why do I have to meet people? Father says the world outside is dangerous."
Mary hesitated for a moment, her hands pausing in Aurora's hair.
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
"Maybe… maybe it wouldn’t hurt to meet someone new. Not everyone is dangerous, you know."
Aurora
Aurora blinked up at her, tilting her head. "But Father says everyone outside is bad. I’m supposed to stay here, right?"
Her voice was so trusting, so certain that what she’d been told was the only truth.
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
Mary bit her lip and gave a small shake of her head. "Yes, Miss."
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
"Just… remember, not everything is as it seems."
She fastened the last ribbon on Aurora’s gown, her fingers lingering as if she wanted to say more.
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
"There’s more to life than these walls."
Aurora
Aurora giggled, completely missing the weight in Mary’s tone. "I like these walls! They’re pretty and safe."
Aurora
"And Father says I’m always safe here."
Before Lucy could respond, the door swung open, and Lord Ashford stormed into the room, his face dark with irritation.
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
"Is she ready?" he barked, his eyes scanning the room.
Aurora
Aurora's smile lit up when she saw him. "Father! I’m ready! Look, Lucy made me all pretty."
The Lord’s eyes softened for a brief moment when he looked at her, but then his gaze hardened again as he turned on Lucy.
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
"What is this?" he snapped, motioning to Aurora’s appearance.
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
"She’s too… perfect. Fix it. Make her look plain. Hide her beauty."
Lucy - Aurora’s maid
Lucy swallowed, her face pale. "But, my Lord, she—"
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
"Just shut up and do as I say!" lord Ashford thundered.
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
"I don’t want anyone looking at her tonight. Make her look ugly! Make her look like a… dumb."
Aurora
Aurora stood there, blinking in confusion. "Father? Why would you want to make me look silly?"
Aurora
"I want to look nice. Don’t I need to be pretty for the event?"
Lord Ashford - Aurora’s Stepfather
The lord crouched down to her level, his voice lowering but still firm. "Aurora, you only need to look pretty for me. Not for anyone else."
Hedy
I am Hedy, your author
Hedy
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Hedy
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