they give her gold.
they also give her shelter
from the unforgiving weather
and the winds of midsummer.

they let her rest in their greatest chamber.
as the storm rages, they force her to swallow poison and wine.
once the storm ends, the windows are open wide to let the sunlight inside.
they shower her with gold – again – and savory, sugar-laced kisses.

little do they know,
she loves stormy days.
night time is her time;
and she wants freedom just as much as they want her to be safe.
little do they know,
some birds don’t like being caged.
even in gold.

(inspired by a court of thorns and roses series)