I had a problem with shadow, it's the only friend that I've ever had.

My mind was filled with these thoughts as I sat in front of the only window of my room watching the sun melt away behind the clouds and the sky filled with hues of pink, orange, yellow and red.

"Your grace, it's time." Turning around I saw a maid standing at the door; hands folded and head lowered; waiting for me.

I stood up from my place, nodding and went over to the table where I would be dressed up for a person I've never met, The Shadow.

As the people of the kingdom would finally return to their homes to rest, I would be waiting in the dark with my life's future being decided.

All the princesses of the Algora land's empires were raised with their talents and etiquettes fine tuned for the day of the Decision.

The decision being the Shadow choosing his bride.

Not much was known about the Shadow as his life was kept behind closed doors with darkness surrounding him, hiding all about him in itself.

"A Shadow is born whenever there's a birth of a baby boy in the Algora land in every 20 years. He is kept in a closed chamber with no news about him being known to any person living or dead and he is only revealed after his marriage." These were the words of my mother, the ones which I had listened 10 years ago.

My ears were now unknown to the sound of my family.

The sole person whose voice I knew was of the maid who was now curling my hair and my godmother Rowena.

She was the person who had tutored me for the 10 years of my life spent in this dark chamber called room, illuminated by the soft glow of candles.

The maid had now finished tying up the laces of my maroon gown which had a floral pattern on its skirt while the pearls runnings around the collar forming a necklace.

The shadow was my friend.

It was the one who had stayed with me for the entirety of my life.

Although it was unable to talk but I found the best listener in it.

It felt nice to be able to share your thoughts and worries with someone. Even if that was just your shadow.

"It's done." The maid announced clipping a flower to my hair.

I glanced at the person staring back at me with forest green eyes. The almond eyes outlined with kohl with the long eyelashes surrounding it.

My face glowing in the candlelight was devoid of any emotions as I wasn't allowed to.

I looked a bit up and saw my jet black hair adorning a tiara of sapphires and diamonds, the proof of I being the Princess of the Eloena kingdom; daughter of King Edmund and Queen Iris; Princess Bridget.

Glancing up again after examining my bracelets on my tanned hands, I saw Rowena staring back at me. I met her eyes in the mirror.

She had now started walking towards me.

I stood up and turned around to face her.

She was an old, wise woman as I'd liked to describe her. With her silver locks tied up in a tight bun on the top of her head.

"Looks like you're finally ready for today." Her slow but firm voice reached my ears.

She was standing with her hands clasped behind her back the same way as it had been since all these years.

"Without a doubt." I replied, "It's all possible because of your efforts and guidance. It's the result of your hard work Rowena."

"So you know what you're supposed to do?"

"Yes."

She now extended her hands and placed them on my shoulders.

Clasping them firmly she spoke, "This is your chance Bridget, the only one to escape this chamber which provides you nothing but darkness. This is your chance to get your parents back. To make them proud."

"Remember, you have been raised for this day. The sacrifices which you've made will all be worth it. You have to make them worthy. Let the name and glory of Eloena kingdom be there because of you."

"I promise you Rowena; I'll not be a disappointment to you nor to my parents and my people. I'll not let the name and glory of Eloena go in vain." There was nothing but complete determination in my voice.

"I believe in you." Stepping back she spoke again, "Come, it's time."

Taking a final breath, I started following her; I'll finally be exiting this room and hopefully meeting my parents.

Taking the first step out of my room I stood there confused as to where should I place my foot next.

There were corridors which seemed to be running from infinity to infinity.

Having overcome the initial surprise, I quickly followed Rowena, not wanting to be left behind in this sea of curtains, pillars and carpets.

I was right about the corridors.

They're running from infinity to infinity. There seemed to be no end to any of them and yet Rowena had not stopped walking.

My legs were now starting to get aches and my breath was quickening.

It was the most that I've ever walked in all these times.

I wanted to tell her to slow down but I bit back and kept waking. I did not want to be a disappointment.

Suddenly she stopped causing me to quickly halt my feet to avoid bumping into her.

Catching up my breath I was grateful for the moment of rest.

Upon seeing past her, I saw a large door with golden and red covers. There were two guards on either side of it standing with holding what seemed to be spears.

Noticing Rowena they both bowed and went to open the large door.

She continued her steps with me once again following her; my mini break having came to an end.

Reaching closer to the door the guards  bowed once again.

It took me a second to realise that this time it was for me. I quickly nodded at them and then hurried behind.

Crossing the door I came to notice that this was the chamber where I'll be meeting the Shadow.

Glancing around I saw that it too had multiple pillars surrounded with curtains in the colours of wine red and maroon spotting the pattern of lions and flowers.

Lifting my head up I was struck with awe at the high dome which had a painted glass with moonlight entering the room through it.

I then realised that there were no candles lighted up and the room's illuminating source was the moonlight itself.

"Come, sit here." Rowena spoke again pointing towards a chair which was placed at our half of the room.

I walked over and sat at the chair the hugeness of the room now intimidating me.

"Remember why you're here and what you're supposed to do. Today's the day for which we've waited for so long. All the best."

"I will."

Nodding she walked towards the door and giving me a final look was now out of the room.

I gulped and looked around once more.

My hands were starting to sweat and the silence along with the darkness was now causing my heartbeat to speed up in anticipation.

This was the day of Decision.

~☆~✧~✧~☆~
And it's finally done! Bridget is finally getting out of the chamber. Do you think it'll be the last time for her?

Thank you so much for checking this out <333
I hope you enjoy it. :)