Upside-Down
Dawn came slowly, edging over the canopies of the trees surrounding her land, washing over Aurora’s beloved gardens like a gentle, warm wave. Not a touch of sleep had found her—not that she’d tried hard at all to allow it. All too often she’d find herself settled into nightmares so terrible, she often wished for those of the red room, for they’d at least been tangible, something that felt real, could leave a real mark.
What she feared the most, however, were the dreams. Dreams so beautiful and realistic they warmed her heart, her soul and wrapped her so tenderly in its visions that she begged them to never let go. She could feel the sun on her face, feel his embrace around her shoulders, holding her so closely that she might have merged with him and cried from the joy of it all. He’d be there, he’d be healthy and smiling, eyes so bright and warm as though he’d been born of the stars. And then she’d awake, and the worst of it all would be the damnable hope in her heart. For a moment she’d search eagerly about her chambers, about her wing of the palace for his face or any sign of him at all. And he would still be gone.
Blindly, Aurora allowed herself to be dressed, pampered and primed for the arrival of her people. One of her ladies would murmur a gentle greeting, a wish for the happiest of birthdays, and Aurora would blink confusion from her gaze once more. It was her birthday—how silly to forget. That’s what the event was for, wasn’t it? Her birthday, and the presentation of her new king to the people. Yes, very silly.
Time seemed to move so quickly, leaving her reeling and having to remind herself to smile react as a queen to the people—nothing could be wrong. She had to remain a sign of hope, an icon of peace and serenity and strength, or her people would be distressed. Her voice rang out over the crowd, expressing her deepest gratitude for their support, their work in making her vision for the land a reality. She spoke of plans for the future, a hope for continued peace…
When her eyes caught the familiar face in the crowd once more. Her words drifted off into the breeze, falling short on her tongue as her heart skipped behind her ribs. It was impossible, of course, but just for a moment…just for a moment she’d seen Phillip in those empty eyes, staring right back at her. Quickly, Aurora recovered, offering a smile, a mask to school her expression as she finally introduced her husband, their king, to her people, allowing him to speak and begin to build a relationship with them. There would be festivities to follow, but with the shock…she longed for nothing more than to disappear among her flowers. Perhaps when the music rang clearly through the hall, when wine had taken its toll, she’d be able to slip away.
Not long after the sun began to rise, the castle gates opened, allowing those part of the kingdom who did not live within the castles walls to join the more noble in hearing the queens speech. It was not difficult for Phillip to find a crowd to slide in with. No one would care if a scruffy, less than clean villager came to hear the queen, so long as they were not intending to come with weapons. Phillip had left all of his own back in the woods hidden where none would find. So long as he kept his head down and looked no one in the eye, he would be able to manage to hear the announcement without anyone recognizing. After all, who would recognized the once clean shaven, light hearted prince now?
It had taken him no time at all to realize that everyone thought him to be dead. No one would expect him to be here, let alone alive. It made for easy cover as he joined everyone in the courtyard. Being here would have brought back a feeling of nostalgia - were he capable of feeling it. Many a time he'd stood where the presenter now stood, awaiting for the queen to arrive. He remembered making their marriage announcement upon that balcony. Remembered both of them presenting themselves after their coronation.
All distant empty memories that held no love nor excitement that they once had. They almost felt like dreams now, ones that threatened to be remembered as Aurora was presented to her people. Following suit, he bowed as she came forward, not wanting to give away his royal status. He was merely here to listen, not to make a scene. As one, the kingdoms people stood tall once more and their queen began to speak. Phillip attempted to keep his head down, for fear of Aurora catching sight of him, but something she said, the way her voice rang through him, it caused his head to jerk up.
For the briefest of moments, their eyes met. In that quick lived moment, it was almost as if a jolt ran through his body, piercing the heart that no longer lingered within him. Instantly, he broke the connection, despising the feeling it shot through him. He didn't want to feel. Life was far easier not feeling. Yet, the man she was introducing, he knew that this king held some part in his capture and taking his heart. Carefully, Phillip weaved his way through the crowd, one location at a time as to not draw attention to himself.
Thankfully the wretched kings words did not last long, and Aurora's name days celebrations rolled into effect. It made blending into the crowd all the more easier, parting with the villagers to the lesser areas of the celebration where he'd best fit in. At least... until he could find a way to slip into the private parts of the castle.
