The morning dew settled cooly against the stone floors, my toes feeling alive as I take my first step out from the warm embrace of my bed. My head pounded from the lack of sleep as I was too paranoid about the intruder and the dream, the unsettling words ringing through my ears. Sighing softy, I run a hand through my hair and stand and walk over to the window and open it up, the icy morning breeze brushing my now pink cheeks. It feels so nice on my warm skin, releasing the ache of the nightmare my body holds.

Why did I dream that? And who was in my room? It didn't feel like my sisters, and their intent, wasn't murderous? Why? What is the end goal?

"Milady?" Elle's soft voice calls from the closed door, the knock came before her entrance, a small warm smile on her face as she brings in a tray of freshly picked fruit. I guess I'll be having breakfast here this morning.

"No family breakfast?" I enquire, walking further into the room.

"The King and Queen have a meeting with the Council Elders this morning and your sisters have left for shopping." Elle places the tray onto the dining table, pouring me some cranberry juice. I take a seat and thank her, eyeing her tired frame. Did she not sleep well either?

"You okay Elle?" I ask, concerned. Taking her hand softly, I lead her to the other chair, sitting her down. "Here rest. Eat with me, there is far too much fruit for me." Elle shakes her head, furiously before giving in.

"What is it you wish to do today, Milady? Today is your last free day before going to the academy." Ah yes, Windhollow Academy. I will start in 4 days. However, the next 3 days I will be sent to the seamstress, Elle and I will be picking up books for classes and my sisters will be drilling in some lessons before I go.

Watch for those five hidden in Boysen...

"Elle, have you heard of the word Boysen before?" I ask, curious. As I'm taking a bite of whisper berry, Elle ponders before smiling over at me, her eyes twinkling.

"There once was a family called Boysen but other than that, no idea. Why Milady?"

"Just curious." I say, shrugging. Elle dismisses the topic and we begin the morning routine. I suggest something comfortable for today as I will head to the library for some studying. Elle does not join me as she has other things to prepare before my trip to the Academy, so I have the whole library to myself. As I'm walking down the marbled hallway towards the library, no one disturbs my walk, ignoring my presence or too busy to acknowledge the youngest princess. Or the fact that I'm the estranged daughter who does not look like the rest of the Light Realm. My differences are seen as a bother to a lot of people however out of fear by the King, people do not complain.

The palace library is known for is magnificence. Tall shelves, glass ceiling, magic books and spells, history etched into the stone of the walls. Paintings of past rulers. The golden steel of the railings, white marbled staircases that someone's move on their own. And the best thing about it, the librarian is a small magical fairy who has a vast knowledge on everything.

I enjoy spending my time here but as of late, my free time has shortened and cannot be spent here. The guards acknowledge my presence, unlocking the seal on the door to keep unwanted intruders out.

Neveah, the librarian is flittering around the bookshelves, huffing and puffing with frustration, the books being lined into the shelves with her magic.

"Hi Neveah," I call, gaining her attention. "How are you?" Her blue eyes widen, and the previous frustrated fairy is gone out the window.

"Princess. What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for some information on Boysen." I say, my skirts brushing my heels as I walk further in, my hands barley touching the books as my fingers skim the covers.

Neveah hums in understanding and is quick to point me in the direction. "Upstairs, east section, shelf 734, far right, top shelf."

"Thank you." I walk past and up the beautiful stairs, the golden railing curved to hold my hand as I use it to steady my balance. The library was quiet except for the click of my heels and Neveah's humming and the flittering sound of magic books finding their places upon the shelves.

Remembering her directions, I find where I'm looking, but unsure as to where to start. Well, damn it. I have all day. Taking each book that looks interesting, I move over to the lounge area and take a seat. The first book I picked had a beautiful hard cover of leather with green vines engraved into the corners. The authors name written in Elven. No title, however.

My fingers skim to open and the words come alive in my mind as whirling words are written delicately on the page.

Boysen is derived from the old French word "bois" which means wood.

"Wood as in a tree?" I ask aloud, reading further. French is an old human language that died thousand years ago, but I can gather and understand that it means wood. But what I don't understand is why it has to do with my dream? The breeze is scolding with knives and poison. Watch for those five hidden in Boysen

Those five hidden in the wood? Could it mean that I need to watch out for those that come from the wood? Or the forest?

"Hm..."

Gregory Boysen and his family protected the Dark Forest before the royal family was born. The Boysen family disappeared a century after the first Kings coronation, the only thing left behind was a silver knife which is displayed in the Palaces Museum. The knife is said to believe to be connected to five others which have been taken by their owners, the Boysen family. There is no known knowledge of the whereabouts of the family and the knives.

"There are five more knives that are connected to the one on the Palace Museum? And the ones to have them would be the Boysen family, so that means that there are five people to hold onto them. But again, why would I need to watch for them? Are they bad people... yes, they are Dark Elves... so they hate me."

Sighing deeply, I fall back against the cushions, eyes moving up towards the glass ceiling. The sky bright blue and perfect white floating up above, no care in the world. It must be a warning of some kind then. That's all that makes sense. But why a warning? What could anyone want from me?

"Milady?" Elle calls, her steps soft as she walks towards me. The smell of tea filling my senses. I smile at Elle, grateful that she is here, my mind able to take a break from the confusion and mind tingling knowledge.

"Have you searched what you wanted?" She asks, sitting beside me, pouring the warm tea into a cup and carefully handing it to me. I thank her quietly, taking small sip, enjoying the flavours that dance on my tongue.

"Yes, I think so. However, it has leaded me to a dead end. But no matter, I'm sure it'll come to me when I need it." There is no point thinking too hard on something that doesn't make sense and has no more clues.

"Um... so there is a reason why I'm here however." I look over at Elle and frown. Her eyes are slanted, her gaze gloomy.

"What is it?" I ask.

"The King wishes to speak to you this evening in his study. It is about the Academy." Okay so it's not that bad. "I also, cannot go with you."

"What? Why?" Elle smiles softly, eyes now avoiding me.

"I am not of Royal blood; I am not allowed to step into there unless I have special abilities. I am just a regular human after all." It's like I almost forgot. Elle, how my father saved her from slavery and took her in. Once she was old enough, she was taught to serve me. But humans aren't allowed into the Academy unless they bore magic. And unfortunately, Elle does not.

"I'm sorry Elle. Maybe I can pull some strings." Elle shakes her head, placing a hand on mine.

"No its okay. I'm needed here, to serve your family and keep your room fresh for when you come back for the break. Plus, this will be good for you, to make some friends of your own. On your own." I blush, pulling away from her warm, tender touch.

"Well, I think I must prepare to see my father then." Clearing my throat, I brush my skirts and began to descend the stairs. Elle not far behind my tail. I say a quick goodbye to Neveah and leave the library, everything mumbling and tumbling around my head.

The steps towards the office my father practically lives in, didn't last long. Letting my knuckles brush the wood on the door, I let myself in. My small curtsy as a sign of respect towards the king. His icy blue eyes and white hair reflected in the sun behind him.

"Hello father." I greet, my eyes settling over the mess upon his desk, papers scattered.

He raises his eyes to meet mine and a smile approached his face.

"Aerin! My darling daughter!" His voice was lively, and eyes wide with pride as he watches me. I take a seat in the leather bound chair, folding my hands in my lap as I waited for him to speak. "Are you excited to go to school?" He asks, his voice dropping, tone taking a serious one.

I look him in the eyes, my heart racing as to whether to speak out or lie.

"The truth my dear." He replies for me.

A small smile appears on my lips, as I knew he could hear my thoughts loud and clear.

"I'm quiet nervous father. As you are aware... many disapprove of my existence in the Light Realm and I wouldn't want to cause any trouble while at the Academy."

My father let out a thoughtful hum, his hands and fingers now working to tidy the files on his desk, eyes now moved to be busy. This indicates avoidance and unable to accept reality... or he is a very busy King.

"Nothing will happen my dear, you are my daughter, Princess of the Light Realm. Show them who you are, you are smart and strong."

I nod, keeping the words "you don't understand" coming out of my mouth.

"Well, I called you here as I wanted to talk to you about the Academy. I want you to apply for student council and become president, just like your sisters." Ah, so that's what this is about. He wants me to keep up the picture-perfect leaders of this Kingdom. I place a smile on my lips, and nod my head.

"As already planned, father." A lie.

"Good. Perfect, your dismissed." With a wave of his hand, I was whisked out the door and into the hallway, my mind racing, heart pounding with nerves.

"I need a nap."