Watching the leaves dance in the wind above the wall, I found myself thinking about the world outside—and whether I could one day go everywhere, just like the characters in the books who get rescued by a prince.
Though, to be honest, he'd probably be disappointed to find out I'm not much of a princess.
But no. Deep down, I know I can only rely on myself if I ever want to explore the brighter side of the world.
"Come on, Gaïa, let's go. The maids are all gone we shouldn't waste this chance."
Since I'd been locked up here for 17 years, I had plenty of time to explore every single corner of my prison.
It didn't take long to find a small hole that led outside.
Sure, I never rebelled openly, but I never promised I'd sit around like an obedient little child either.
I crawled out with Gaïa and emerged into the forest that led to a nearby village.
Every time I see all this open space and feel the calm around me, I get emotional.
I start thinking how this world could have been beautiful—if people like my father hadn't ruined it.
On the way to town, I changed the color of my eyes to a warm shade of brown, using a little trick I can instinctively do with my magic.