Evening came. The royal family decided to sleep in one of the king's hunting carbines near the castle under construction. The entire family sat in the large room covered with furs and trophies. The three brothers were enjoying a game of chess. The little ones were already tucked away in the upstairs chambers. Zora was reading a book illuminated by the candlelight. The older princess, who had been sitting nearby nudged the queen and tilted her head towards the young woman. The queen rolled her eyes. With a sigh, she turned to Zora. "What are you reading about?" she asked, acting cheerful.
A little startled, the young princess replied, "Oh, I am reading some old myths and legends."
The queen stepped forward and checked the title. She scoffed. "My dear, that's a book for children."
The young woman bowed her head, embarrassed. "I wanted to learn about the creatures of this kingdom. That's all," she stutters.
"Take a look around you," her companion exclaimed, raising her arms to the walls. There were many mounted deer heads and stuffed bears surrounding them. Not to mention animal hives covering the cold stone floors. "All you need to know about this place, is displayed in plain sight," she added proud.
"Forgive me. I meant magical creatures," she added timid.
The queen let out a loud laugh. "You must been jesting! Such things died out centuries ago!"
Zora gulped not sure what to say. A hand touched her cheek gently brushing it. She looked up and smiled. Aidan had come to her rescue.
He winked at his princess and said, "I'd hate to interrupt this trilling conversation. However, it is getting late. I'm ready to go to bed. Would you care to join me, Nora?"
"Oh course," she said immediately and returned the book to the shelf. Once the newlyweds closed the doors, the senior princess turned to the queen and shook her head disapprovingly.
"What!... I tried! I really did," Olivia pouted. She turned towards the two brothers. "You all saw it, did you not?"
They did not reply, too preoccupied with their game.
In the bed chambers, the prince was standing near a heavy wooden wardrobe, undressing himself. Zora was sitting near a dressing table, combing her long hair. She clutched the strains tight as the comb moved strenuously through it.
"Ouch!" she yelled.
"What's wrong?" the prince rushed towards her in his rustic undershirt.
"I plucked out my own hair," she said, staring into her hand filled with a small blond ball cold.
Aidan sighed and put his hands on her shoulders. "You are too tense. Is something wrong?" he asked, massaging her.
The princess arched her head, enjoying the pressure of his palms. "I'm sorry, my love. I truly try to fit into the family. But for some reason, I do not feel completely welcome here."
"Just give them time. I'm sure that, once you warm up their hearts, they will adore you. Just like I do."
Zora chuckled. "You always know what to say. To be honest, it was not what I imagined the first time I saw you?" she teased.
"I see... And what did you imagine?" he said with a raised eyebrow.
Zora pondered moving her pouty lips. "Are you sure you want to know?" she whispered.
"My dear, I am all ears," he said, sitting close to her on the ottoman.
Giggly, Zora said, "I thought you were this big-headed man who thinks of nothing but beer and fights."
The prince blinked. His silence made her nervous.
"And what do you think of me now?" he finally spoke.
Zora blushed, turning her head. "I cannot say it." Moving even closer, prince Aidan pointed to his ear, "Then whisper it."
Completely red, she rubbed her face and squeaked. Turning, the young princess cupped his ear and murmured something which made him grin.
"In that case," he stated, lifting her up and taking her to bed. "I will have to work tirelessly on maintaining such a flattering reputation," he smiled as she giggled from delight.
Much later, as all lay sound asleep, a sudden noise alarmed the entire cabin. The loud bangs of stones and rocks falling from great heights interrupted the soundless night. Everyone quickly jumped out of bed.
"What is happening for the love of God?!" the startled king shouted. "Guards!"
Two guards in full metal armor immediately stormed into the room. "Yes, my Lord!," they exclaimed in unison.
A furious female shriek echoed in the distance accompanied by the sound of a wall being torn apart.
"What could it be in this damned time of night?" the king yelled.
"My Lord, a maiden came from the forest," one of the guards said. "She is at the construction area. She climbed a tower and is destroying it, brick by brick!"
"Has a crow picked your head and flown off with your sanity?" Olivia spoke out mad. "A mere maiden can't tear down wall. It must be the-"
"The Guardian of the Forest," Zora whispered.
Everyone got dressed in the blink of an eye and rode out toward the castle. The tower, which just that morning stood sturdily, was now swinging left and right covered in weed which has been squeezing it like a python. Among the noise, an occasional female scream pierced their ears.
When they came close enough, they saw a female figure, with long green hair made of long stretches of vines. Her entire body was green. Her short dress was made of harsh tree bark. She mumbled something, angrily rubbing her eyes. As she stood near the foot of the tower, her hair crept up the wall, like some sort of horrifying tentacles. She slammed her fist against the wall, making the vines squeeze tighter. It really was the forest guardian.
"Who dares destroy my castle?" the king bellowed, red with anger.
The creature turned her face towards him and frowned. "Who dares disturb my peace?" she responded in equal volume.
"I am the ruler of this land and everything on it! That means you are my subject. I order you to tell me who are you? Speak!" roared the king.
Taking a few steps forward, the creature was close enough for the others to distinguish the features of her green and stern face. "I am the protector of all living things of these lands. I have lived here for centuries. I only abide by the rules of nature. Hence, I have no interest for human laws and mortal kings," the uninvited guest declared.
The queen responded, "Then why, in Heaven's name, are you demolishing our new home?"
The long-haired creature, rubbed her eyes in frustration. "For many months, my sleep has been affected by the noise coming from here. It was not enough that you frightened the animals and disturbed my slumber. You also had to shoot arrows at me!" She extended the arm in which she held two arrows.
"Are these not yours?" she yelled as she held them above her head. Zora recognized them and squeaked, hiding behind her husband. Aidan's eyes widened in terror.
"No one was shooting at you, at least not intentionally," Aidan said loudly. "Those arrows flew at you by mistake."
The creature glared at the group. "Whatever the case may be, they woke me up," she yelled. "And now, since I can't sleep, might as well do something with my time."