II

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Arc II Chapter 9

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Once again, Aurora and her dolls wandered through the empty halls of Ravensburg. The ancient castle throned above Freyburg and watched the city.

Once again, Aurora searched for her mother, but this time Aurora had a plan.

This time, little Aurora fetched a map to not get lost. Maps were useful and helped her to orient herself.

Aurora clenched her fists. This time, she would achieve her goal and find her mother.

Her endless studies tired her mind, so it was time for some distraction. Clarissa and her books overwhelmed poor little Aurora. The flood of paper suffocated her. Her head spun.

Her studies never ended. Nothing short of perfection was expected from her, and Clarissa drove her without compassion.

Grammar. Orthography. Calligraphy. Logic. Rhetoric. Philology.

History. Geography. Philosophy. Poetry. Theology. Mythology. Art. Law.

Arcadian. Alfreikian. Aquitanian. Novrhelian. Too many languages.

Clarissa, her tutors, they knew no mercy. They intended to kill, but Aurora escaped this hell, at least for the time being.

Motivated and determined, Aurora jumped up the stairs. Her dolls accompanied her.

Aurora neared her destination. Impatience propelled her. Ignoring her better judgement, Aurora ran across the floor. Her childish joy proved irresistible.

Friedrich prohibited her from running in the castle, but evil Friedrich wasn't present, so Aurora ignored her nagging retainer.

Friedrich said uneven stone floors were treacherous. You could easily trip, but he was wrong ...

“Awww.“ Aurora hit the floor. An evil stone made her feetsies slip.

...

...

...

“Ouchies.“ Aurora groaned and rubbed her poor butt. The fall hurt. Little Aurora slipped and landed hard.

But neither treacherous floors, nor evil stones, would stop her. This was nothing but a temporary setback.

Aurora recuperated and continued her journey. She arrived at the room, but the door was closed and the handle beyond her reach. High door handles ... Her nemesis.

Aurora knocked.

...

No reaction. The room remained silent.

Aurora knocked again.

...

No reaction.

Aurora knocked stronger. Her tiny fists gave their best.

...

...

...

Silence.

Still no reaction.

Aurora and her dolls pouted in frustration. Mama was probably sleeping. Felicia didn't hear her. Annoying. Terribly annoying.

The court physicians transferred Felicia to this portion of the castle. Her health deteriorated in recent weeks. Her illness struck once again and her condition worsened.

The physicians ordered strict rest. Felicia would require time to recover, and the northern tower proved ideal.

The tower was one of the less frequented portions of the castle, far removed from the prying eyes of the public and undesired guests.

Now she just had to access the room, but the door denied her. The lone wooden door blocked her path.

The cursed door stood between her and mama. The door was a worthy opponent, but it wouldn't resist her assault. Resistance was futile!

Aurora reached for the handle, but her attempts bore little fruit. Even standing on her tippy toes, the handle eluded her.

Aurora even set her dolls aside and stretched. They watched her struggle.

Her efforts failed. The handle was so close, yet so far. The handle was beyond her reach, and Aurora lowered her head. Depression struck.

Aurora pouted. The world was unfair. As usual, she was too short. If only she was taller.

But Aurora was strong and didn't give up. Her indomitable will burned like fire. Schwarz never give up. They only surrender.

Aurora clenched her fists. The door would fall no matter the cost! If it was the last she did!

Aurora charged and jumped. Her resolve carried her, and she succeeded.

Her hands grabbed the handle and pulled the winch lever. The door yielded and opened.

Aurora jumped in joy. Success! She did it! She did it! Brave little Aurora defeated the evil door!

Her victory restored her confidence and Aurora entered. The room was the definition of spartan. Furniture was sparse. A simple table and chairs decorated the room, flanked by unused bookshelves. Old rugs covered the blank stone walls. Fire crystals and candles illuminated the place.

A small fireplace warmed the room. The burning logs fended off the creeping cold.

Winter visited the land and the outside world had turned white. Snow and ice covered the castle and the chilling winds clashed against the walls, but Ravensburg withstood the elements.

Aurora shivered. She hated the cold. Winter froze her bones. Without her beloved blankets, Aurora risked turning into an ice cube.

But it didn't matter, Aurora found her beloved mother.

“Mama!“ Aurora charged.

Felicia set her book aside. Surprise was written all over her face. “Aurora ...“

Aurora jumped and ambushed Felicia with a tight hug.

Felicia smiled. Her daughter hugged her and judging by her tight grip, she didn't intend to release her soon.

Felicia patted her daughter. “Aurora, what are you doing here?“

Aurora tightened her hug. Mama wouldn't escape. Not anymore. “I missed you.“

“I understand.“ Felicia patted Aurora's head.

“I see you brought your dolls with you. Friedrich mentioned you appreciate them very much.“

Aurora nodded vigorously. “I love them. Aurora and Felicia are perfect. The best birthday present I ever received.“

“Aurora, Felicia, say hello to mama.“ Her dolls waved.

Felica giggled. Her daughter's playful antics amused her. “I am glad. I feared you wouldn't like them, but my fears were unfounded.“

Aurora pouted. “They are from mama. Of course, they are perfect.“

Felicia beamed and ruffled Aurora's hair. “You are such a wonderful daughter, but that's not the reason you visit me.“

“I know my little Aurora, don't I?“ Felicia pinched Aurora's cheeks.

Aurora blushed in embarrassment. Her cheeks were fluffy, but she hated being treated like a doll. “Mama, sthop thish!“

Felicia giggled. Her daughter was always so predictable.

Aurora lowered her eyes. “I want ...“

“I want ...“

“I want to ask if you might play dolls with me. The castle is quite lonely, so I was curious if you have time ...“

Felicia poked her nose. “Silly girl, why wouldn't I have time for my precious daughter.“

Aurora eyes sparkled with joy. Another hug was her answer. “Mama is the best.“

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Rain fell. Heavy clouds shrouded Freyburg in darkness. The rain soaked the ground. Winter passed and spring arrived, but spring brought little joy.

Spring brought sadness, and bitterness as pain stabbed her tender heart.

Aurora wore black and maintained her composure, but inside, her heart cried. Her soul shed tears.

Now alone and forever separated, Aurora doll accompanied her through these trying times, ever faithful, ever loyal.

Aurora stared at a grave, her grave.

The grave carried her name, Felicia Schwarz, née Pentaghast, Royal Princess of Arcadia, Duchess of Schwarzwalt.

The priest concluded the liturgy. Her soul passed, but when death paid his visit, even the holy scriptures remained silent. They offered no answer.

“We attend this funeral to mourn the death of Felicia Schwarz, beloved wife, beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace. May the Holy Elements guide her on her path.“

Tears rolled down Aurora's cheeks. Felicia was no more. Death had robbed her of her beloved mother.

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