I looked over the balcony, my golden blonde hair swaying back and forth in the cool breeze. The majestic landscape in front of my was simply astounding. I wished to splash my hand against the crystal water, to run through the colorful flowers, and to chase the beautiful winged creatures of nature. My mouth let out a small, barely audible sigh. I was like a bird living in an aviary world. Trapped. Caged. Imprisoned. I had never seen anything beyond the walls of the castle. I had never been allowed any type of freedom.

It had been ten years today. She, my mother, had left me ten full years ago. I still remembered it perfectly. She was on this very same balcony, her golden locks falling in her face, and her emerald eyes piercing me with despair. I was a mere six years old then, and I didn't fully understand. I still don't. All she did was hand me a dusty old box, and told me that everything would fall into place when it was time. Had it not been time enough? The box, I could not open. The key I had hidden, but no matter how hard I tried, the box would not budge when the key was inserted. The box now rested at the bottom of my wardrobe. There wasn't anything particularly interesting about it. It was a faded green color with a silver slot for a strange looking key.

My mother. She was the Queen of Morfia for many years. I did not know of my father. Every story I heard was different. Some said he died in battle. Others say it was a heart attack. Still, more far fetched ideas consist of him being a demon from hell and being killed by some type of angelicy. In truth, he was an outsider to our kingdom. I guess that sort of made me an outsider. I had never even seen a picture of him. I guess none were ever taken.

They say at age 16, I can rightfully take the throne which my mother held for so long. As of now, it was being held by her sister- my aunt. I didn't much like her, and I got the same feeling from her, but I never let on. Today was the first official day in which I could. I had a year to claim the throne or it will indefinitely be my aunt's until she croaks and dies, to put it bluntly. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be queen. As far as I remember, my mother never seemed to like it much. With the title of Queen, comes beauty, fame, grace, royalty, power, and love. Well, the love part is a bit iffy, I guess. More or less, it is someone that you marry. I don't believe in true love myself. Sure, I believe you could love someone, but you could love and care for almost anyone who's not a total bitch. But I don't think anyone could ever be truly in love with someone else. But the point is- I don't know if I'm ready for all that. What good would it do me anyway? I'd rather not have everyone stare at me when I eat, waiting for me to make a mistake. I'd rather not suffer for fashion, and I'd rather not have the power to kill anyone who I despised.

I sighed again, moving away from the balcony and back into my room. I was told to be down in thirty minutes, and I was certain at least fifteen had already passed. I opened my wardrobe, grabbing a long silky green dress. I was about to close it when I saw something shine out of the corner of my eye. Turning to face the wardrobe, my eyes found the source of the light. The keyhole to the box was shining, as if it wanted me to try to open it. I went back to balcony, pushing a loose brick aside where the key was hidden. I raced back to the box, and slowly slid the key in as an actor in a movie would do to add dramatic effect. The box popped open, revealing a glowing red jewel on a fancy golden chain. It was simply mesmerizing.

"The child... She is one of them," I heard someone say. Looking up, I saw that the voice had come from my aunt, Theresa. The Queen.

"Take her away, boys," she said again, her face grim, but I could see the smile, the laugh in her eyes. Take me away from here, away, away, away... I thought. I don't know exactly what happened next. I'm not sure if it was my wishing to be away or something else that had caused everything to turn black.

I woke up, a male figure hovering over me. The red jewel was still being clutched tightly in my hand, but the glow was no longer there.

"What...What happened?" I asked.

He laughed a little, but it wasn't the happy kind of laugh. It was dark. It sent shivers up my spine. "Ssh, you will know in time."

I started to say something else, but I drifted off into sleep. I didn't remember being sleepy.