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Kelly sat on the balcony of her sisters chambers, which overlooked the gardens in the castle's courtyard. It was early morning, no one else was an the grounds, the view beautiful and clear as the untouched snow blanketed the ground, yet the light was dim, the sun still not directly on this side of the castle. The crows sat on the expertly trimmed hedges, on the fountain, and on the trees. They stared at her.
Staring back at them, she watched them preen and mutter to themselves. The iridescent black of their feathers in the white snow was beautiful. As they cawed, Kelly smiled to herself, enjoying being a part of their world. Her snow boots were not made to walk in the deep drifts that covered the ground. She would have to return to the castle before lunch and enjoy it fully.
"It is a beautiful morning," her sister, "the snow on the ground is perfect for skiing." Kelly agreed, enjoying the snow-covered mountain peak in the distance. It was barely visible above the forest but the view was better than endless drizzle.
Across the courtyard, she could hear the patter of her sisters footsteps as she walked the grounds. Moments later the princess placed a cup of tea in her sisters lap. She thanked her, but did not drink.
Instead she gazed down at the courtyard as the servants cleared the snow and salted the lane before the carriage entrance to the castle. It was quiet, and as she looked around her she could see the world was quiet too. It was like it was inside a bubble, the world on the outside was still asleep.
The sun was directly over the courtyard, not yet on her balcony. The snow was still crisp on the ground. The crows snapped at each other, low caws erupting from the forest as a wolf howled. Birds took to flight, leafless trees shook from the distance as a mouse scampered past. The air was quiet and still, the only sound in the courtyard the occasional waft of the wind.
All the while her sister sipped tea and glanced outside. She always looked up from her tea to see the state of the snow in the courtyard and the activity below. Her to-do list was in hand and they would be busy today. It was difficult to be there, with the world still sleeping and quiet.
Kelly, on the other hand, drank tea and drank in the view. She scoured the castle grounds for something to watch. She was mesmerized by the diversity of life that existed here, and she thought, 'No one else has this view'.
In the distance she spotted a horse and rider and she smiled to herself as she saw it, noting the unique snow covered shapes of the rider.
The sky began to lighten as the sun moved across the sky and she still stared at the small horse and rider, transfixed by it. The horse was as unique as the snow covered shape of the rider and they watched in silence.
To her right a crow caught a bug in the air and cawed, another flew in circles above them. The horse shifted and began to prance in a slow circle.
The snow was very cold on her feet, she felt the cold adversely as she shifted her weight trying to see the rider.
She watched as the rider began to move, disappearing quickly into the trees and mists beyond the courtyard. The horse stopped and the rider spoke, words lost in the silence.
Full light arrived and the once crisp snow was beginning to become wet. The royal family exited the castle as planned. The carriage members readied the horses and the royal family walked the grounds.
Her sister was busy as the palace staff handled the luggage and horses. Kelly followed behind them and watched the servant tend to the horses.
Inside she removed her boots and coat and placed them by the double doors of her spacious room. She glanced out the window, overlooking the city.
What a beautiful view, she thought. I have the best view in the castle.
She sat in the corner and noticed the snow on her pants as she stood.
Why did I sit in the snow? She wondered, not remembering sitting in the snow. She removed her gloves, watching the world outside, drying her hands on her pants as she stood.
She left her room and walked through the castle halls. For the first time in months, the castle was without servants and the halls empty. She walked in the palace, needing to vacuum.
The castle was clean and dust free, her family took great pride in keeping their castle clean.
As she stepped into the hall, she saw several castle guards sitting on benches along the walls. It was early, they looked tired and perked a bit as she walked by.
"Rose," one said, "King said you should know, he will be in later tonight."
"Keep an eye out and wave him if you see him, alright?" Kelly said.
"Yes, ma'am." The soldiers said in unison.
They were tall men, strong, strong men. They stood up and saluted.
"Thank you," Kelly said, "I better get started.
"Yes, ma'am." They said in unison again.
Kelly turned to face the elevator, "Wait," one of the men said, "You forgot your boots."
She smiled as she looked down, she was wearing her icy, wet boots.
"You're so silly." She said, laughing at herself as she walked by the guards.
Either she was silly, or the all the castle guards were asleep. Instead of protest they laughed and smiled.
"I love you, Kelly," one said.
"Me too," another said.
Half the castle guards now said, "Me too." I love you too. The other half laughed with them.
Once at the elevator Kelly pressed the button.
"Come on," she said.
It would be a few minutes before the elevator would arrive and as she waited she began to walk the castle mall. A mall of past memories, of family gatherings and events.
As the elevator doors opened she saw the car was empty but she let it in anyways. As they descended, the doors opened and she saw the observation room.
The doors opened, and the room was empty of people. She stepped in and turned, looking at the back of the elevator car. "Hello?" she called.
Again there was no response.
"Oh well," she said, I guess I am the only one here.
She walked to the front of the elevator car, and she pulled the handle.
"Hello?" she called again, "Is anyone here?"
No one responded.
She turned and walked out the doors, we here just a few moments ago, she thought as she walked back down the castle mall.
It was strange. The castle was completely empty of people.
She walked back to her room, looking for the mirror in her room. Reaching it, she faced the reflection and saw her icy boots.
"What in the world?" she said as she looked down.
The reflection didn't give her answer, just more questions.
Kelly wanted so much to talk to someone.
Where is everyone?
She needed someone to talk to.
"Can you send the elevator down again?" she asked the mirror.
She told it to send the elevator down again.
"Please send the elevator down again," she said as she entered her room.
The elevator didn't come. She waited patiently, tapping her foot.
Where is everyone? she wondered again and the thought was like a question it's self.
Finally the elevator came and the doors opened. The elevator was available.