She stared out the 8 foot window. The sun was just rising and already people were milling about. They went about their day, filing in and out of their shops and homes. Children played in the mud with each other, waving sticks covered in moss and bugs at their mothers.

It was a beautiful day, overall.

“Mildred, please tell my husband that I shall be going to the gardens.”

“Of course, my lady. Do you require an escort?”

“No need. I shall be going alone.”

Mildred nodded and went to tell the king, and the roses on her body grew tighter.

Aurora walked through the barren halls. There was occasionally a servant or knight passing through. They all bowed and said the same plain sentences they always do: “Hello, your highness”, “Do you need anything, your highness”, and so on.

Aurora walked into the garden and a wave of relief washed over her. Some freedom at last.

Many trees grew in the garden, along with many native flowers. Almost similar to the forest she grew up in, though the garden was fare more controlled and had many more animals.

Aurora sat on the bench. There was a slight breeze that tossed her hair. It was refreshing. Nothing unnatural here. Only the forest that she grew up in.

Foot steps sounds out on the cobble stone walkway, interrupting everything.

Mildred appeared.

“His highness the king has decided to join you.”

The roses started to draw blood.