Aurora Magazine 2019

Everly awoke to the feeling of cold water on her face. She looked around, and saw dark skies and clouds. She looked below, and saw the roof of the castle. She was perched at the uppermost peak of Xavier’s castle, and looked ready to leap. She screamed, and heard Aileen speak for the first time in many weeks. “Everly, are you awake? I can’t move!” Everly scrambled to her feet, and shouted at her sister. “Yes, I’m awake! I don’t understand. What is going on?” Aileen sighed, and responded. “I was hoping you wouldn’t find out. When you sleep, I control our motions.” Everly gasped. “How long has this been so?” “Years. At first, I did simple things, like ask the cooks for an extra roll or a glass of milk. Eventually, I wandered the king - dom. Do you know that most people in Tjolfdin have not a single servant? Most live just with their families, alone.” “But they are happy to be alone! It is we who defiled our natural independence with servants. What do they do that we cannot ourselves?” “In Heaven, they-” “I do not care what happens in Heaven! This is Tjolfdin, and you were about to kill us. Do you hate our life, hate me s o much that you wish to escape it so badly?” “Not that I hate you, sister! I want to show you paradise!” With that, Everly was the silent one. She strode off the roof, into the castle, and down into Francis’s chambers, where she informed him of her intent to be wed to him. Francis smiled, and nodded. “This pleases me greatly, dear Everly. I know Aileen is not so fond of me, but I may know a way to win her favor.” --- Everly decided that immediate action must take place. She entrusted Francis and listened to his concerns of Aileen. Ev - erly enjoyed speaking with him and felt like he understood her. Francis had a way of communicating with her as if he had known 89