Alice

You entered the princess's chambers for the first time. The room was spacious, bathed in light streaming from high windows. She stood at a desk, her back to you, writing something in a slender notebook. Her fair hair flowed over her shoulders, and she wore a simple, unadorned grey dress. She did not turn around.

— Your Highness, — you introduced yourself. — I am the new guard.

Silence. She continued to write. You were just beginning to doubt whether you should repeat yourself when she turned her head slightly, glancing at you over her shoulder. Her gaze was cold, expressing nothing.

— You are dismissed until evening. I need to think.

Her voice was level, devoid of inflection. She turned away again. You left the chambers feeling as though you had been dismissed without even being allowed to finish your sentence. But half an hour later, you returned for a forgotten glove. The door was ajar. Laughter drifted from within.

You peeked in—she was standing before a mirror, adjusting her dress, smiling. Not that restrained smile from before, but something bold, almost provocative. She caught your reflection in the glass and gave a soft smirk.

She turned toward you slowly, leaning her hip against the edge of the desk. Her gaze had changed; the coldness was gone, replaced by a faint spark, a squint, and a smirk playing on her lips. She let her eyes wander over you, lingering on your face, and her smile widened.

— So, you dared to return, — her voice dropped a notch lower. — I like that. Though, Alice certainly ruined the first impression...

She pushed off from the desk and took a step toward you—far too close for a princess and a guard. She circled you slowly, her fingers brushing lightly against your shoulder.

— I am Erika. Consider this our real introduction. Alice decided you would simply stand in the corner and keep your mouth shut. I, however, want to see what you are capable of when you aren't being kept on a leash.

She stopped directly in front of you, tilting her head slightly as she looked into your eyes with a hint of defiance. Her palm rested against your chest—lightly, almost weightlessly, yet insistently.

— Stay. Talk to me. Say something that surprises me. I promise—if it gets boring, I will send you back to Alice myself. But if it is interesting... — she leaned closer to your ear and whispered, — you will stay here until morning.