The decaying air and the stifling atmosphere along with hammering of my heart against my chest made this forest unknown to me despite the familiar trees that once supplied me the comfort of a mother’s arms. Tonight, they were just dark tree trunks with their overhanging limbs blocking every turn I took.
Yet the eerie silence amid the wind had me turning around, no, they were no longer behind us, we had lost them in the forest. A sigh of relief left my trembling lips as I slowed Trixie down, “Its okay… we outran them.” I whispered. A stir from behind had me tightening the cloth around me, “You will be fine, I shan’t let you die. Just hold one for a little longer.”
A groan was the only thing I got in reply. Trixie threaded closer to an oak tree and stopped for me to get down from her back. I removed the cloth from around me and slid down the horse before helping the wounded General down. The cloth that had been wrapped around him was bloody, if I wanted him to survive then I will have to get him to bandaged up soon. The night was closing in, so I wouldn’t be able to ride for much longer when the winds will become harsher, and Trixie’s foot was already injured from an arrow. A cough from the General, brought my attention back to him, barely being able to see his face in the moonlight. I opened the water bag on Trixie’s saddle and found it empty. Sighing, I looked at a tired Trixie and the General, “I will try to find us some water, General.” I said pulling the hood over my head and getting up from the ground.
“Your highness...” He called, trying to help himself up. I know how hard it was for him to be in this situation, being the strongest soldier despite his age in the entire army, a man I have always looked up to from an incredibly early age. “Be careful.” He mumbled with a shiver. I could not leave them in the cold with nothing to keep them warm.
After looking around, I found a few dry branches and then lit a small fire in front of the tree that they were resting beside. “You will have to adjust with this now, too much light can lead them to us.” The General nodded as he moved closer to the fire. I removed the saddle off Trixie and ran my hand along her mane. “Just a little longer, okay?” She shook her head as if she understood and then stepped closer to the fire.
Pushing the strands of my hair behind my ear I found another branch, before tearing off a piece of cloth from my dress and laying it on the ground to get it slightly wet before wrapping it around the end of the branch and then lighting it from the fire I had made for them. “I will be back soon.” I muttered before walking off into the dark.
The flame from the torch lighted the path ever so slightly as I walked around the trees, my eyes searching for a hint of water in this dense forest while my ears waited patiently for the murmur of the water flowing. I walked towards the east, trying to remember the path I took every morning, I know there was a river somewhere over here but with everything happening around me I couldn’t remember whether I had to take a left or right.
Despite trying not to think about home, I couldn’t help but remember the blood, the cries that had awakened me in the morning. A small sound of trickling had me straining my ears and walking towards the sound until I reached the familiar stream of water. Kneeling beside the stream I removed the hood from my head and looked at my reflection in the water. The person looking back at me was not the girl I remember; she didn’t have dust all over her face and scars on her cheek.
Taking a handful of water in my hands I washed my face, the cold-water seeping into the scar and making me flinch. Once I washed my face, I took another handful and drank from the curves of my palm, greedily washing down the water through my throat until I felt a little satiated. Grabbing ahold of the water bag I filled it with water and closed the lid when I felt a drop on my shoulder, I touched my shoulder and shuddered when I saw the white snow pellet, which now increased in number as it fell on the ground.
I had to get back to them, the fire wouldn’t last long, and we need to find some shelter. After letting the water touch my face one last time I got up and turned in the direction I came from when I heard hooves on the ground. Rushing towards a tree, I hid behind its trunk as I watched two soldiers, stop near the water and get down from their horses. I thought the search was held off for tonight but looks like I was wrong. “He wants her back alive, and the general with her is going to make it hard for us to get to her.”
I watched as they let their horses drink up from the stream, when the other soldier nod before a strange fear covered his eyes. “What about the other soldier? Despite his ranks, I have heard that he will die before letting anything happen to the princess.” Who were they talking about? But before I could wonder more about this person, I noticed my error.
And it was not just me, the first soldier had seen it too. “Hey, look at the torch, it is still lit which means someone was here not long before.” As they started to look around, I got up from the crouched position from behind the tree and but caught my leg on the thornbush nearby, a small yelp left my lips before I could stop it making them look in my direction. “There she is. Stop right there!” he yelled but I had already started to sprint as fast as I could.
The snow was falling heavier than before filling the ground up with ice, making it harder for me to run. Without the torch I could not see where I was running towards but letting my gut speak for me, I ran blindly into the dark.
I had to divert them if I wanted to save the general, but my feet were getting tired, and I couldn't risk drinking from the water bag and finish it before I could reach them. Running had now turned into a pathetic walk before I fell into the snowy pillow as I drifted in and out of consciousness. The general and Trixie was alone… my legs were no longer moving, as my eyes began to close just when I felt something heavy fall on me.
“You are looking beautiful, Your Highness.”, Sera, the lady maid said as she tied the last lace of the corset and stepped back, I kept my book aside and glanced at the mirror that another servant placed before me.The blue eyes on my pale complexion sparkled as I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “You may be right today, Sera.” I said with a small chuckle and watched as the rest of the servant girls run around trying to finish getting me ready for breakfast. I opened the book of maps, again and sighed as my fingers traced the map of Valadora.Sera adjusted the crown on my head as she continued to complement me, her words went through me just like everybody else’s, it made no difference to what I felt. “Is something wrong, my lady?”I gave her a small smile. “Is my beauty the only thing that you see, Sera?” I asked her to stand up and sending everyone away expect for Sera who walked beside me to the dining room. I looked at her, waiting for her answer. “Please be honest, I don’t w
Sera walked in, with a tray full of fruits and placed it on the table. “I apologize for interrupting your rest, my Lady.” I waved her apology off from the bed as I pulled the comfort closer to me. “My lady, you will be having painting lessons right before noon.”“I don’t want to take the lessons today. You may let the master know.” I said closing my eyes, as a sign that the conversation was over and that I would like for her to leave now. After curtsying she left the chamber, and I got up from bed and straightened my dress before walking back to the wardrobe.Wearing my hood, I pulled at the back of the wardrobe causing it to slide back and showing a dimly lit path. One benefit of knowing and reading all the maps of Valadora and of the palace is that I know a secret way in and out of the palace whenever I need it. And I am lucky to have one right in my own chamber. I walked through the hallway until I reached the familiar stop.I opened the doors, which led into the darker parts of th
“Miss, you are in the restricted grounds of the forest.” The voice dripped like honey, yet it had a sharp edge to it. “Miss?”I pinched myself and stood straighter. “I am here on the princess’s order. She had requested for these flowers.” I said trying to keep my voice calm. I could not let anyone know that I go out into the woods on my own without the guards, Father will never let me out again.“Why does she need the flowers?” Why couldn’t this man just leave?Backing myself towards Trixie, I took the flowers and placed it in her saddle. “You aren’t supposed to question the princess’s intentions.” I said, getting back on my horse, while I heard him do the same.Even though I wasn’t facing the man, I could feel his intense stare on me. “Who are you?” He asked, his voice lacing with curiosity. “You are not just a maid in the palace, my lady.” My silence made the man continue, “A maid wouldn’t be wearing those boots and I have heard of the remarkable horse of the princess, on whom you
Once I had taken a bath, I started off in the direction of my brother’s room, Sera tagging behind me. “I must warn you, my lady…” I looked at the shy grin on her face. “I believe, his highness is having visitors.” I knew exactly what kind of visitors, she meant. The guards outside his chamber bowed at me and one of them opened the door to announce my presence when I stopped him. “But your highness…” Paying no attention to them I walked into the room and groaned at the sight of my shirtless brother on the bed with two maidens on either side feeding him fruits. Erwin looked up from the bed and smirked at me. “Hello, little sister.” He snapped his fingers, and the girls left his side as well as his chambers. Once they were out of earshot, I watched as my brother stand up and put his shirt back on before walking towards me. Prince Erwin, the second in the line for the throne, also the one considered to be the black sheep of the royal family. But I loved him more than anybody. “You coul
“Father didn’t tell you about the ball?” Emerson asked, his brows furrowed.I glared at him, “We look like people in the know, brother.”He pushed the strand of hair that fell on his forehead and gave us a cheeky smile. I knew then that whatever that he and father had planned was not going to be something that I will like. “The last few weeks, we got more than two proposals for you, hence father decided that it as time to find you the perfect husband. Hence the ball.”No... No, Father can’t do this, this is worse than selling me off. “The notice was out a week before, which is why I assumed you knew about all of this. And just so you know, the ball is tomorrow evening at the palace in Delington.” When he saw that I was still throwing daggers at him with my eyes, he paused before keeping his hand on my shoulder. “He isn’t going to let you marry just anyone, dear. Your choice is important.” Erwin scoffed beside me.“Then I have made my decision.” I said hastily, “I want to….” Before I c
The bodice of the blood red dress had handsewn beads that formed a belt around my waist as the rest of the dress flowed down with a small train at the back, yes, my father had made sure to get the perfect dress for the ball.And Sera had done the magic with her skills in making me look pretty for the evening. “Thank you, Sera, I look beautiful.” I wore my shoes, that were going to hurt me tonight, before I got up and looked at the mirror for the last time before leaving the chambers. “Is the chariot ready?”Sera nodded and we made our way to the entrance of the palace where the horsemen stood waiting for me, once I entered the chariot, Sera got in one behind me and we started off in the direction of Delington.Delington was the only place outside the palace grounds that the king allowed me to visit. It is where my mother’s home was. She used to stay there in the beginning period of their marriage until she had Emerson and they moved here permanently.It only took an hour to get there,
“Prince Charlie, if you don’t mind me asking...”“I agree the book is great and you do look wonderful this evening.” Okay that is not even what we were talking about. I looked at the place where the Lady was standing but she was no longer there, but the prince had his eyes locked on... Oh, wait a minute!He wasn’t staring at the Lady of Drentia, he was staring at one of the guards near the door. Is he interested in the guard then? But... “Your highness?”He looked at me, taking his eyes off the guard. “Do you have feelings for the guard? A man?” I realized I had offended the man when his eyes went wide and there was a look of shame in his eyes. “I apologize for my question, my Lord, I really don’t know to control my tongue and that is something I have to learn to con….”He chuckled slightly making me stop my ramble. “You can relax, I am not offended.” I stopped my ramble. He looked around to make sure no one was listening to us. “I have heard, you aren’t interested in getting married,
“What do you mean?” I asked pausing for a second.He smiled as he signaled for us to continue the dance as everyone was watching us. “You are not just the beautiful princess of this kingdom; you are the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen.” Is this flattery? “I know I don’t make sense but allow me to clear it for you.”I nodded for him to continue. “You are way smarter than your brothers and from what I have seen, you are more cunning than you think.” At least someone sees me for other than my beauty. “You will make a wonderful queen.”“Is that why you are here?” I asked curiously. We stepped away from the dance floor and the prince went to the counters to get me a lemonade. He was more interesting when compared to the rest of the men that I met tonight but something about him didn’t feel right. He isn’t being respectful but instead I feel like he is mocking me.The prince returned and handed me the drink. “To answer your query, I am here for you.”Okay now that was an unexpect