Queen Idabell

chapter 3 of Idabell

Bright sunlight is casted on my face as I step out. And then an uproar. I open my eyes to see about  hundred people screaming and laughing. Some yell out my name until it becomes a chance. I smile weakly and wave my hand. The people yell even louder. Then I notice an old woman towards the back of the crowd. She is frowning and is the only person that isn’t wearing bright colors. Naomi notices and walks toward me.
“Ignore her.” She whispers in my ear. There isn’t something right with her.
“Excuse me, Excuse me.” Naomi bellows into the microphone. The people immediately fall into silence.
“Our country, Fall is finally complete again!” The people cheer again. “And it has our queen Idabell. New plans will be mad and everyone, everyone must follow her rules.” The people start chanting my name again. “Idabell, anything to say?’ She raises her eyebrows like it’s not optional.

I walk up to the microphone slowly, and lower it.
“Um, to tell the truth...I...I...can’t really remember anything.” There is a slight murmur in the crowd before they start chanting “That’s Okay! Thats Okay!” I laugh a little.
“Alright!” Naomi says, “It’s time for her to get a little sleep. You’re all excused.”
We walk back through the door.

“The maids will show you towards your room.” And with that she walks off smiling. I still wonder what was wrong with that woman.Why wasn’t she smiling?
“Excuse me your highness.” I turn around to see a timid girl not much older than me.
“Oh are you showing me to my room?”
“yes your highness.”
“You don’t have to call me that you know.”
“But it’s the rules.”
“I’m the queen I make up the rules.”
“of course...”
“Just call me Izzy”
“Alright...Idabell.” We wind through the intricate passageways adorned with many hall decorations.  WE finally reach a huge door. She takes a key from her pocket and unlocks it with a soft click.
“Thanks.”
“Oh, and Izzy.” She looks around quickly.
“Yeah?”
“You don’t completely make the rules.”
“What do you mean, I’m the queen?”
“Naomi..is, well controlling. Don’t get her mad.” She runs off down the hall.
“Wait!” I call out. But she continues running.

I walk into my room and I’m shocked. It’s huge and has several doors leading off of it. But I don’t spend much time observing the room. Something isn’t right about this country. I flop onto the bed and don’t even bother to undress. I’m worn out so immediately fall asleep.

I awake to the noise of a bird chirping. I sit up and for  moment forget where I am, but it all comes back. I notice a birdcage where a very colorful bird is pecking at the side. I walk over and release it. I decide to take a shower so I open a door. It’s a dining room. Then another room, It’s a large closet. Finally I try the last room which is an elaborate bathroom. I walk over to the 5-faucet bathtub. I laugh and turn on the 5 faucets. Out of each one comes a colored bubbling water.

Once I’m done I wrap my body around a very soft towel. Why not explore the closet? So I walk out of the bathroom and into the closet. It is lined with beautiful gowns, robes, and simple clothes. At the end there are shelves full of shoes. I slip into baggy pants and a simple red shirt. Then I hear a soft knock at the door. I answer it to find a maid holding a tray.
“breakfast!” She walks into the dining room and I follow closely behind.
She sets out a steaming pile of pancakes covered in chocolate and strawberries. She also sets out a rice cake and another bottle of tea.
“Looks good. Thanks.” I smile at her and she walks away. What is wrong with this place. I devour the pancakes and nibble on the rice cakes before i consider drinking some tea.

I dip my finger in and taste it. I tastes safe so i pour myself a glass. Halfway into the cup of tea i start to feel tired. My eyelids start to flicker. I stumble toward my bed.
“Help.” I croak just before i collapse on the carpet.

When I awake it’s dark out. Was i poisoned? I sit up to hear the noise of hushed maids.
“The wrong teapot?” Hissed one.
“I’m sorry it was an accident”
“It doesn't matter if it was! Idabell could wake up anytime now.” Their footsteps soon fade down the hallway. Finally after a few minutes i sit up. She was trying to poison me! Anger fills me but soon is replaced with fear. What was she going to do? I try to think of someone to go to. The maids? No they are working for her. Then I remember the old woman in the audience. How will I find her though? If I ask naomi she will definitely think I’m up to something.

Then I remember the people. They are probably not working for Naomi. But if they are I’ll take the chance. I run into my closet and pull out a large cape with a hood. Now I need to figure out how to get out of here. The halls are infested with maids and the doors are probably guarded with guards. Then I remember My window. I push it open a little. How am I going to jump from 3 stories onto the ground safely? Then I notice a tree sitting right there  a few feet away from the window. Maybe I can make It I’ll have to take the chance.

The maids will be here soon.  I run to the bathroom and turn the shower on full blast. Noticing a flashlight on the counter , I grab it. I then sprint to the window. I put one leg over the edge and take a shuddering breath. I can’t do It, I can’t do it. I have to though. I take  a deep breath and lunge out the window. The few moments in the air was peaceful before i fell painfully into the upper tree branches. Not able to support the sudden impact the snap beneath me before i fall painfully on the grass. I sit up . Nothing broken...I stand limping away from the castle into the peaceful village. The night is cold even colder with a light snowfall on the ground. Small white snowflakes start drifting to the ground. At the first house i stop and knock. A short woman opens the door and stifles a scream.
“Queen Idabell?”
“Can I come in?”
“of course.” She opens the door wider and gestures for me to enter. I walk into the small warm house. The living room is simple but cozy. A bright fire warms the house.
“Do you know an old woman who doesn’t respect me.”
“No your highness.”
“Don’t lie.”
“Alright there is an old woman that lives at the top of a hill just North of the village.”
“Thanks.” I stand up and walk towards the door. “Bye.”
“Goodbye.”

I open the door to see the light snow has turned into large clumps falling to the ground. Trudging through the snow, I shiver. The winds have picked up and it’s almost impossible to see. I look to the North of the village, and barely make out a dark shape. Probably the hill. It seems like an hour before I arrive at the base. The woman didn’t tell me that the sides were almost cliffs. I survey it seeing if it is possible to climb. At least It’s better than being poisoned. So I start to climb.