The Dark Halo

A Stroll In The Garden

Anya crept silently through the corridors of the Sun Palace. She walked past a wooden door, and she heard yelling coming from inside. “She is so stubborn!” It was her Father. “Antoine is going to marry her.” He yelled. “Dear, she can choose her lover.” Mother’s sweet voice joined in. “No, she can’t. She can’t be in charge of choosing. She’s going to choose someone that only loves her for the money.” Anya could hear Father crying. “I don’t want my perfect daughter to have her heart broken.” Father sobbed. “Oh, honey.” Anya could tell that Mother was gently rubbing his back at the moment.

Anya felt tears streaming down her face. She ran to the end of the corridor, took a sharp turn, and ran down the flight of stairs. She then went through another corridor, and another, and finally down two other staircases. Anya opened the door to the backyard and went into the garden. Her grandmother was knelt down, watering the daffodils. Anya ran over to her. The princess sat down, her white dress draping over a patch of flowers. “Anya.” Her grandmother bowed her head. “Why are you crying?” She asked. Anya covered her face with her hands. “Grandma, Father wants me to marry Antoine. The boy who lives down the road in that tall mansion.” Anya shed more tears. “I don’t love him! I never will!” She yelled. “Calm down, Anya.” Grandma soothed, rubbing Anya’s back gently. “No, Grandma. I can’t! I won’t marry him!” Anya let herself fall to the ground. Her eyes were red and dripping with tears.

“I’m going for a walk Grandma.” Anya said. “Get back in time for dinner with Antoine’s family.” Grandma reminded. Anya didn’t respond. Instead, she began running.