Once Upon

Chapter I : The Beginning

The young woman who lived here did so reluctantly.

You knew you came from royalty, 'twas a burden you had tried out as easily as the finery which adorned your body every single day. Yet you longed for something different, something better not only for yourself, but for totally those who one day would look upon you as queen, a day which you dreaded might come sooner than later.
Your mother had died, the inclemency of winter and her class not any kinder to her than to the others of the village whom the difficult season had claimed. For your father he seemed to grow older, more worn with each passing day and you feared the consequences of the words you had heard spoken that previous evening, words you were not presupposed to have been privy to.

Addison, the sorcerer who was your father's counsel had spoken. He had always treated you with kindness, compassion, concern, but though his words were true, they still brought a quiver to your bones.

"An heir my lord, you must have an heir and to do so your daughter must marry. I fear time is of the essence and if god willing you shall give this mortal earth these lands will befall to evil times. You have many friends, but I fear you also have enemies who will stop at nothing to insure that they would lay waste the spoils in front them. You call for an heir."

You could merely watch as your father nodded his agreement, a sign which brought tears to your eyes. To be married off like some prize to be won in a contest like those at the Reaping fair, like a symbol to validate a man was not the lot in life you had fancied.

That night, every bit the castle slept you dressed. The clothes were some you had taken great stealth in procuring, the look when finished like that of one of the peasant girls who were from the local small town.
Your dark hair cascading down your back, festooned with flowers instead of in the normal, proper, prim look of being on top of your head. Your brown eyes watching closely as you crept through the pathways leading to the hidden entranceway, one that you had found as a child while searching. Instantly, it provided you with the cover you needed to venture forth once again, though not in the anonymity you thought. There was another, a dark presence watching your every relocation.