I grasped the cold chain that laid around my neck with shiny diamonds on all sides. My life was just a shadow's of someone else's, he hides me within his shadow so no one can see me. This kingdom was nothing like what I remembered at my old castle. If there is anything I can remember, it would be the sun beaming down onto my skin causing a burning like sensation. 

Here frigid cold winds blasted the outside of the castle walls. The sun is always covered up with white snowy fluffy clouds. You'd think I would get used to these temperatures and conditions because I grew up here but, it just doesn't feel right. 

The food in front of me steamed fresh from the oven. Everyone within this castle knows I'm not who the Kings says I am. Supposedly I was sent here to become his eldest son's wife to make peace with afar country but, the tone of my skin clearly matches the sun-kissed southerners. 

"My highness, are you going to eat?" A maid asked walking around the table with a tray of desserts. 

"Uhh... I'm not that hungry, thanks for asking." I smiled towards her. "You can save it for Sebastian." 

She nodded and walked away with the tray of fresh made slices of red velvet cake. 

Sebastian hunts, probably just to get away from me however when he does I get to eat alone. 

Most nights I don't eat alone so when I do I take it to my advantage and allow my fake smile to fade away. Whenever someone is around I put on a mask that hides all my pinned up emotions however when I eat alone it feels like I get to pull that mask off.

I let go of my necklace that laid around my neck and stood up out of my chair. My pale pink dress fell out all around me in puffy clumps.

The halls were dead quiet, maids moved around swiftly making it easy for me to slip outside.

The garden was a get away if I didn't want to be in the castle. The guards that are posted there always let me out because they knew I won't try to leave. 

Even if I tried I wouldn't know where I am. Sure I know I'm in the northern country which causes the cold temperatures but, I never was taught how to read or write. My sense of direction is horrid, the king made it impossible for me to escape without a helping hand which I don't have.

This kingdom has a lock on me that I can't unlock by myself. Sebastian always has an emotionless face when he looks at me, it isn't lust, anger, or depression. It's been years and I can't quite put my finger on it.

I looked at the frozen flowers and dead bushes. Of course nothing held color for at least a day but, being out here reminded me that I was alive, not some doll that was pretty to look at. 

"Princess!" Someone yelled from behind me however I chose to ignore their calls. 

"You're going to get a cold if you stay out here any longer." The guard said approaching me. 

"I'm fine, I just needed some air." I sighed turning my head to face the man.

"Well you got some." 

I nodded. "Yes I did."

Most the time I was on tight watch but, it's been easing up over the years. I heard when I was a baby guards would watch every exit to make sure someone wouldn't take me from them. 

Sometimes I wonder how they even got a hold of me. Did my mother not want me, was I kidnapped, or did my parents owe the king money but decided to give them me?

Once I entered the castle the guard walked away glancing back a few times to make sure I didn't slip back outside and I didn't. I have no interest to give myself a cold, that would just cause more troubles for me.

I ambled down the hall to see some maids cleaning rooms like in hotels. Each one asked how I was except one, she just glared at me with stone cold eyes.

"Stop walking around this castle like its a prison, over all the years you've been here and you haven't found a single secret room or information?" She wondered with anger. "I've been here for three days, three days!! And I've found out everything about you, the prince's bride who seems emotionless all the time." 

That hit me like a wall, is that why Sebastian doesn't show any emotion towards me? Because I don't show any either? 

"Ask around you clueless idiotic princess and you might just find someone to help you leave this damn castle." She started to raise her voice. "Also please excuse my rudeness towards you, my lady."

"What's your name?" I wondered. 

"Selene." 

"Well Selene, thanks for your commentary because I did just get some information." I smirked. 

A small grin started to tug on her lips. "I'll tell you something about your parents if, IF, you can slip me some cake." 

I nodded. "At this point I'll do a deal with the devil to feel the sun on my skin." 

"Well the stories are false then." She chuckled while mopping the tile bedroom floor. 

"What stories?" 

"Ohh princess you've got to know them, 'a marriage was the only way to solve the two countries' arguments'." She mocked. 

"I hate those stories, it makes me look like I'm the happiest girl on earth but, the truth is I'm trapped within the grasp of my enemy." 

She nodded with a smile. "So do you know where you were actually born?" 

I shook my head. "All these stories have clouded up the truth, all I know is these people couldn't have been friends with my original parents." 

"Well princess, we might want to keep our little conversation a secret or I'm dead." She told me. "Let's talk more when you have cake in your hands then I'll tell you something worth your while." 

"Nice to meet you, Selene." 

She nodded. "It's not everyday you get to talk to a princess." 

I think I finally have leverage in this castle, I won't be clueless anymore or emotionless. It will be like I've changed over night. No more masks, I'm going to actually fight this for once in all.