I
t had been many months since she had last wandered the halls of a castle. Strangely, Messalina found that she did not miss it as much as she thought she would. Memories—unnecessary memories—assailed her thoughts at every turn, and the hollow clop, clop of her hooves on the polished marble floor echoed ominously through the vacant halls. Dawn’s ascent had yet to come, the sun still sound asleep as winter’s darkness dragged on; its presence had instilled a drowsiness, a reluctance to rise from a toasty bed, in even the mighty Oriens himself. The pale-pelted girl felt almost like a thief creeping through the shadows, the faint light emanating from the torches above her flickering as she warily walked ever further into the depths of the castle. This is not turning out to be one of my better ideas, she admitted to herself, tongue pressed lightly against the roof of her mouth as she considered retracing her steps and slipping out as swiftly as she had slipped in. Yet…
It was not as if she’d actually snuck into the castle. She was not fool enough for that. The guard at the gate had given her a drowsy nod and moved aside after she’d shown him the scrawled note the old sage had written. The castle’s library was open to all citizens of Delumine who sought to explore its wealth of knowledge, and having exhausted the sage’s own musty library (a fact that painfully reminded her how dull her everyday life was now) he’d suggested for her to visit the Court’s vast library one day if she wished. Her interest peaked, one day turned out to be the next day, and after promising her employer she’d collect some knowledge for him as well, he’d grumpily written her a note in the wee hours of the morning.
After reminding herself of the trouble she’d gone to, Messalina couldn’t turn back. Her braids lay heavy against her slender neck, further solidifying her resolve. The girl had primped and preened herself for hours the night before, and her flowing locks were plaited into an elaborate lace and dutch masterpiece. It was partially why she was here so early—she’d never been able to sleep well on the eve of an important day, and entering Delumine’s inner court meant possible encounters with nobles. Messalina would never be caught dead looking anything less than noble herself in their presence.
Now, if only she could locate the library… the layout of this grand, ivy-covered citadel was entirely different than Algernon’s, and the dimly lit corridors aided her little in her search. As she turned down another hall identical to the first, she flinched with a start as her cerulean eyes fell upon the unexpected sight of another. Winged and regal in his carriage, the mysterious figure looked to be absorbed in whatever he was doing. He seems like he belongs here, with the confidence in which he walks, she mused. Steps quickening, Messalina drew closer towards the golden stallion, his coat glowing entrancingly under the torchlight.
frozen hearts growing colder with time
Messa kind of ambushes poor Somnus x'D
