Adele's Stories

Her wings fluttered as she tried to hold herself up in the driving rain. It wouldn’t be much longer until she reached the castle. She prayed that she’d make it before she fell to her death. The balcony came into view and with a heaving breath she launched herself over the side and rolled through the open doors into her room. Lana stood on the center rug, staring with her mouth hanging open. Mara sat up with a huff.

“Don’t. Ask.” Water dripped from her hair and dress and pooled onto the hardwood floor beneath her.

“Are you ok?” Lana seemed to find herself again and rushed to her mistresses side. Lana was more than a lady’s maid to Mara. She was her best friend. She hated lying to her, but it was for her own safety.

“I’m fine Lana. I just need some new clothes.” Lana hesitated for a moment, like she wanted to ask more, but then rushed over to the wardrobe and returned with a towel and a new dress.

“Has father returned yet?” Lana shook her head as she handed Mara the towel. She began drying her hair and shook out her wings.

“I know you said not to ask but…”

Mara have Lana a warning look. Lana straightened her shoulders. “But I think I deserve to know! Especially if it’s something that I could get in trouble for. Again.” Lana placed her hands on her hips. Lana is the only fairy who would ever dare to talk to the princess this way. And the only one who wouldn’t get killed for it. As long as the king never found out.

“Don’t worry Lana. The only way you’ll get in trouble this time, is if I do tell you. So trust me. You don’t want to know.”

Lana didn’t seem satisfied with that answer, but at least she stopped asking. Mara finished drying herself off and Lana helped her change before they exited the chambers. Mara and Lana made their way through the castle and into the kitchens. No one paid them a second glance as they gathered themselves some food and headed for the greenery. This was a standard occurrence in the castle.

The greenery was guarded by only one knight who let in the princess and her lady’s maid with out question. The two friends then flew up to the hammocks hanging from the tall ceiling and divided their dinner.

The rain beat down hard on the glass roof and the girls watched it in silence. When they left they would open up the panels so the rain could water the plants that crowded the floor of the greenery.
Usually the girls would chatter incessantly as they ate, but today there was something peaceful about just sitting and watching the rain. Normally the sun would be pouring in from all directions, feeding the plants their necessary nutrients. There was a reason the greenery was built in the highest place in the castle.

Mara loved it up here. Looking down upon the world through the glass room made her feel invincible. Suddenly the greenery door flew open and the king came barging in half flying half stomping. He searched the greenery until he looked up and found Mara. He was furious. Mara sat up straight and braced herself for what was to come. He launched off the ground and made his way up to Mara and hovered in front of her staring her down.

“What have you done?” His voice emanated quiet rage. Mara gulped but took a deep breath to steady herself. She needed to stay calm.

“What I had to.” Mara could see Lana’s terrified eyes from behind her father. She was shaking uncontrollably.

“Leave us.” The king commanded. Lana didn’t need to be told twice to soar out of the room.

“You had no right!” He bellowed.

“I had every right!” she screamed just as loudly. “The people deserve better! And as their princess it was my duty to give that to them!”

“I am the king! I make the decisions!”

“You are a terrible king! The people are suffering and instead of doing anything to help, you make their suffering worse to feed your own coffers! How can you greed be so great?” she felt tears prick her eyes. Mara grew up idolizing my father. She thought he was the greatest king. She thought he loved their people and would anything for them. When she found out the truth she was physically I’ll for days. Everything Mara knew about her father was a lie.

“It was their money, father. They need it more than we do.”

Fathers face was red. Mara feared for a second he would actually blow up. But the he grabbed her arm and dragged her off the hammock. She cried out in pain but he didn’t loosen his grip. Truthfully it felt like he tightened it. He dragged her through the castle before finally reaching her chambers and throwing her in.

“I am locking you in your room until I can think what to with you.” The door slammed shut and Mara could hear the click of the lock. She hung her hand and finally let out a sob.

After that day Mara continued to fight for her people. It wasn’t easy going against her father. But she knew if she didn’t stand up to them no one would. She knew that she was the best chance at a good future for her kingdom. The struggle between father and daughter lasted many years with tragedies on both sides. But eventually Mara did become queen. And she was the greatest Queen that kingdom had ever known.