I wake up slowly. I hear the cock of the rooster. I feel the sun peeking through the curtains to pull my eyelid off. The wind catching my curtains. I let out a breath as I stretch my arms out. I pull myself from the clutches of my blanket. I move my hair back. Today I will go to her palace, but it's more than three days ride. It will take two weeks at most. I'm not ready for such a long journey. However, if I must. I pull a little charm out. I blow a magic kiss to the charm. A peacock paper origami fold. It hits and sings a chime. The charm moves and stretches its wings out.

"We're almost out of here." I say. 

I flick my hand and the curtains peel back. I know I shouldn't use magic, but it's so hard to pull back from it. It's a part of me. It is me. I move my hand over the water, and it warms. I see steam rising from it. I pull myself into it. The white peacock charm flies over to me. I place my hand out. It flies onto it. I poke its head feathers. I untie my own hair. I let it fall, and I let it dip deeper into my tub.

"This is going to be a long day." I sigh. 

It nods at me.

"I'm glad you agree." I smile to it. 

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