18/05/2024
The chitter of the early morning crowd filtered through the open window and coaxed me from my dreamless slumbers. I scrunched my brow and buried myself deeper into the overly plush cushions of my bedding, my sister’s snores further dragging me from my sleep. Only once I’d successfully buried myself beneath the feathered pillows and rich blankets did I open my eyes and glared into the darkness.
The summer retreat was exhausting. Every summer the King and Queen came here, and every summer every royal family, advisor, and rich knight came along for the ride. And unfortunately for me, my father was the royal physician. So every summer since before I can remember, I’d been dragged to this mountain retreat with all the snobs and pompous asses.
Today was day one this year.
I decided to rise and shine, as best I could, and made my way to our shared bathroom to wash up. Flames sparked from my fingertips and heated the water as it filled the copper tub and I swirled the crackling energy around the outer edges. Once filled I tossed in a handful of salt and rose petals before slipping out of the head to floor silk nightgown and stepping into the steaming water.
My gossamer wings shuddered at the heat and I practically melted into the bath. My sandy blonde hair, perfectly, naturally curly, floated at the surface as I lowered my chin into the water and closed my eyes.
The morning had the birds singing their songs, the rooster in the distance calling its tune, and the rhythmic sound of training echoed on the early summer breeze. I even heard an owl and a smile tugged at my lips. What a rebellious creature, out and about at this hour. I loved owls, they were my absolute favorite. Anything that resembled the night. Quiet and mysterious.