ALIVIA’S SAFE HAVEN

**Alivia POV**

The horse and carriage raced through the night, the only sound being the creaking of the wagon and the pounding of the horse’s hooves against the dirt road. The air was heavy with anticipation, and butterflies twirled in my belly with the thought of getting to my destination.

Bertha sat beside me quietly, her eyes focused on the road ahead. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, noticing the perspiration beaded on her forehead. I could tell she was as nervous as I was, and for a moment I felt sorry for her. She did not deserve to get mixed up in this mess.

As if sensing my gaze, Bertha turned towards me. Her eyes were wide and filled with a mixture of fear and determination. “This is it,” she said, as the carriage finally halted. The air was still and silent except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. The light of the full moon was the only thing illuminating the area. The soft crunch of dirt as I stepped out of the carriage. After days, I finally felt Lara’s excitement and I smiled at the reminder that I was not alone in this peaceful place.

I gazed around in awe, taking in the sight of towering trees that cast a long shadow over a wooden cabin, obscuring it from view of anyone passing by. The cabin’s wooden door beckoned us to get closer. The windows of the cabin were illuminated with a golden light and I could see a faint silhouette of someone standing in the doorway. As I took a few steps closer, I noticed a small pond that glinted in the moonlight, surrounded by blooming wildflowers. I could feel my heart calm down as a sense of peace descended upon me. I knew that I had reached my destination, and I was finally safe.

As Bertha, the carriage driver, and I stepped onto the doorstep, I knocked on the door. Before I could take my hand away, I heard a click and the door opened. Standing before me was a man dressed in a dark suit that framed his gaunt frame. His wiry grey hair was combed back neatly, and his eyes were tired, but they held a sense of dignity. His eyes widened with surprise when he noticed all three of us standing on his doorstep.

“Hi, how may I help you?” he asked sceptically.

Feeling a sudden trust towards the man before me despite our unfamiliarity, I opened my cloak and removed my hood, revealing my dark hair that cascaded down to my waist. My sudden transformation from a young man into a woman made Bertha gasp in shock. I spoke up. “Hello, I am Alivia Black. My father, King Michel, gave me a message to come here if ever I am in trouble,” I said with a smile.

Bertha and the carriage driver stared at me, their eyes wide with disbelief. Bertha gasped and spoke in a trembling voice, her hands clasped together in a gesture of prayer.

“Y-you are the princess? King Michel’s daughter?” My lips curved into a gentle smile as I gave a slight nod of affirmation. As recognition dawned on their faces, their expressions softened into an awed reverence.

The man at the door stood still for a moment, his eyes taking in my figure with a stunned expression. “Oh, Alivia dear! You have grown so much since I last saw you. It’s me Marcus.” He said with a warm smile, his voice shaking slightly.

I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. Marcus had been my father’s right-hand man in the past, and we had spent so much time together when I was younger. Overcome with emotion, I embraced him tightly and murmured, “I’m so happy to see you, Marcus.”

I paused to wipe away the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes before looking up at him again. He smiled warmly and returned the hug before stepping aside and opening.

The door wider and stepped aside, gesturing us in with a welcoming wave of his arm. The light from the interior created a soft glow that illuminated the warm colours of the room.

Marcus turned to face us, his voice suddenly turning serious.

“This is your home for as long as you need. You are safe here.” He said with a reassuring nod. I felt a wave of relief wash over me and I smiled gratefully at Marcus.

Bertha and the carriage driver were still standing outside, and Marcus extended an invitation to them as well. “Come in, rest. You are both welcome here.”

We all entered the cabin, and I looked around. We all entered the cabin, and I looked around, taking in the sight of the cosy interior. The walls lined with art and bookshelves filled with books and a fire was burning in the fireplace. The room felt warm and inviting, and I could already feel my worries fading away.

Marcus led us to a round table by the fireplace and offered us food and drinks. We all sat down, Marcus smiled, his eyes shining with memories as he told us stories of the past.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had visitors like this,” he said, his voice soft and nostalgic. “King Michel sent me here many years ago to safekeep some of his most valuable documents and artifacts. He knew that the kingdom was going through a difficult time, and he wanted to make sure that his treasures were protected. And I have kept them safe ever since.”

He paused to take a sip of his drink, then continued. “This cabin was a place of refuge for King Michel when he needed a break from the pressures of ruling the kingdom. He would come here to escape, to think, and to create. He was not only a king, but also an artist and adventurer who had a deep appreciation for the world beyond the castle.”

I smiled, feeling a new connection to my father, and understanding the importance of following one’s passions. “Thank you for keeping this place safe, Marcus,” I said sincerely. “It means a lot to me.”

Marcus nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. After our meal, Bertha and the carriage driver go to their rooms to rest.

As I sat at the table with Marcus, I noticed some paintings and sketches on the shelves along the wall. I stood up and walked over to them, drawn by their beauty. As I took a closer look, I realized that they were my father’s works. My heart swelled with pride and a deep appreciation for his artistic talent.

“Marcus,” I said, turning to face him, “these paintings, they were all done by my father, weren’t they?”

Marcus nodded with a smile, “Yes, Alivia. Your father was a talented artist. He would always carry a sketchbook with him during his travels, capturing the beauty and wonder of the world around him.”

I was in awe as I flipped through the pages of the sketchbook, marvelling at my father’s skill and mindfulness. The paintings were breath-taking, full of vibrant colours and intricate details. I was amazed at how talented my father was, and I felt a newfound respect for him. “I never knew just how much he loved to travel and create art,”

“Oh yes, your father believed that life was meant to be lived, not just ruled, and he encouraged others to follow their passions as well.”,” Marcus replied, a hint of fondness in his voice.

Marcus then brought out old letters and journals that my father had written during his travels. “Here look at these” he says placing the stack of journals on the table.

I looked through the letters and journals in front of me, filled with my father’s thoughts and experiences. “It’s amazing to see how much he was able to accomplish and how much he was able to learn from his travels,” I said.

Marcus nodded. “Your father was a wise and curious man. He was always searching for something more, always pushing himself to grow and learn. And I think that is what made him such a great king. He was able to bring his experiences and knowledge back to his kingdom and use it to make a positive impact.”

As we sat by the fireplace, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to my father and his love for adventure and art. I turned to Marcus and, with a sense of determination in my voice, I declared, “Marcus, I have made a decision. I have been accepted into an art school, and I want to pursue my passion for art just like my father did.”

Marcus’ eyes lit up with surprise and a smile spread across his face. “That is wonderful news, Alivia! Your father would be so proud of you.”

“I just feel like I have to continue his legacy and explore the world through my own eyes and art,” I explained, feeling more confident by the minute.

Marcus nodded thoughtfully and added, “Your father always believed in following one’s passions and exploring the world. It’s so important to live a life true to yourself and your desires, that’s what will make you a great Queen someday.”

I felt a sense of comfort and support from Marcus, and I knew that this was the right decision. My father’s legacy and love for adventure would live on through me, and I would make sure to honour it in the best way possible.

“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, feeling grateful for his encouragement and understanding. “I will make sure to continue my father’s legacy and make him proud.”
As I stood, a piece of paper fluttered from the book and landed on the floor. I bent down to pick it up, recognizing it as something my father had worked on in the courtyard. My eyes filled with tears as I traced my fingers across its captivating details.

Memories of the night my stepmother burned my sketchbooks came flooding back, my heart ached, and I felt my body begin to shake as a flood of tears ran down my face.

“What’s wrong, Alivia?” Marcus asked, his face creased with concern.
I turned to him, unable to curb my overflowing emotions, and began to explain the cruel, controlling things my stepmother had done. My voice cracked as I spoke, weighed down by the strong emotion bubbling up inside me. “My stepmother has been trying to control every aspect of my life. She burned all my sketchbooks and tried to stop me from pursuing my dreams of becoming an artist like my father. She even tried to force me into a marriage with a horrible man. It is like she wants to erase any trace of my father and his influence on my life. I cannot go back, Marcus... I ...I just can’t”

Marcus listened intently, his grey eyes filled with concern and understanding. He did not say anything at first; instead, he reached out and gently rested his hand on my shoulder as I spoke. His touch and understanding were like a soothing balm on my wounded soul.

“Alivia,” he said when I had finished speaking, “that’s terrible. She had no right to take away your passion and your memories. But don’t worry,” he continued with a warm smile. “We will make sure she does not stop you from pursuing your dreams. You’re talented, and I know you can do it with the right support.”

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as Marcus spoke, and I was grateful to have someone who truly cared about me and wanted the best for me. His encouragement gave me courage. With Marcus by my side, I felt ready to take on anything life threw at me.

“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, wrapping him in a tight hug.