“One day a handsome stallion is going to come take me away from this awful place and then I won’t have to see you or mother or father ever again!”

“Oh Inès, you don’t mean that!

“Of course I do, Apolline!”

She blinked as the memory of her sister's voice, from nearly a year and a half ago, echoed through her mind. Her heart sank and it took her a moment to notice Björn had moved close. It was only by realizing the chill was no longer such a bother that she took note the stallion had drawn close. While she mostly wanted to step away, the longing in her that wanted contact and the piece of her unused to this island’s chill made her stay. Were she in a better state of mind she might have even leaned her weight toward him and taken advantage of his body warmth.

He assured her she didn’t need to apologize and Apolline found herself taking a small breath. She was relieved he wasn’t angry, but also rather confused. Shouldn’t she, a subject he’d brought to his kingdom, have introduced herself earlier? Why was he being so kind to her?

As the king began to lead her further into his home, Apolline began to feel guiltier and guiltier with each step she took. She looked around at the passing scenery and couldn’t appreciate it’s wild beauty, too trapped in her own thoughts to see beyond them. She began to rehearse what she would say as soon as they stopped.

Thank you for your kindness, King Björn. That, she decided as she looked at him as he led her through the pine forest, was how she would start. It was complimentary, kind, and true. But I’m afraid I haven’t been very honest with you. Her stomach rolled and she swallowed against the emotion that tightened in her throat.

They walked into the small clearing he’d led her to, where the pool sizzled and bubbled softly and plumes of semi-white steam rose from the surface. Apolline found herself stunned into silence. She’d never seen anything like this before. The humid warmth in the air was a comfort compared to the chill they’d just swam up on, and Apolline closed her eyelids momentarily to soak it in.

She opened them when Björn spoke, indicating she should go nearer to the pool to get warmer, and then they could carry on to food and… others? Apolline shot him a nervous look, then bowed her head and walked toward the edge of the pool. Her ears perked forward as she heard the soft sizzles and bubbles the water made. She opened her mouth, almost wanting to ask how the water was so warm, but remembered herself and pressed her lips back together again. She lifted her head up and glanced back at Björn. Tell him… Just like you practiced…

Her eyes fell back to the ground. “Maybe I shouldn’t…” she started, eyes darting to him and then away again “...meet the others.”

How many others? How many new eyes would look at her? Would they be as warm and welcoming as Björn the King was? Would she feel more and more guilt as she looked upon their faces, knowing she was cursed? Not warning them? Would that be the moment she finally broke and cried and told Björn to give her away to someone he wished death upon?

If only she was brave enough to do them all the favor and run away, or never have come here at all.

apolline
along with the sunshine
there's gotta be a little rain some time