Suddenly the earth give in under my feet and I slipped into a big muddy hole, scrapping my dress and arm in the process.
"What in the name of the hairy mother of a goose!" I curse as I find myself stuck in a pit hole of mud underneath the ground. "It's all because of you Philip!"
"Hello! Anybody there?!" I yell for help.
"Philip?!"
"Anyone?!"
A few seconds went by in silence and I heard my own heartbeat drumming in my ears. My body was turning cold and my feet were thrust into the hole. As I analyzed the hole, it doesn't seem natural but a human dug hole.
But… Why? Who would do it in the middle of the jungle?
Did I just become prey for someone?
A cold shiver ran down my spine and I retreat until my back hit the sand wall. The hole was big enough for me to fit in and still the height was enough that I wouldn't be able to climb up.
I shrunk to a corner and sit down while hugging my knees, doing my best to seem invisible and not create a sound to get noticed by anyone.
I tried to control my trembling body but it only intensified when I heard a wolf's howl from far away.
"Oooooowhhh!!!" The howling continued and I tighten my arms around my body as I tried to get over the fear that was gripping its claws around me.
"Oooowwwhh!"
"Philip! Wait till I get my hands back on you!" I whisper hiss and lower my head against my knees.
The cold was now getting to my bones, the howling of the wolf was adding to my miseries and I couldn't help but have second thoughts about my escape plan.
I try to squeeze back into the place but it neither helped with the cold nor with hiding me from the dark, heavy trees above me.
I miss you father… And I believe you are not dead but alive somewhere.
A tear trickles down my cheek as the last memories with him resurface in my mind.
"Cinderella?"
My head jerks up at the sound of the voice and I find those dreamy blue eyes staring back at me from above and at the edge of the hole.
"R-Rupert?" I say, pushing myself up and off of the ground while dusting my already dirtied dress.
"Here, hold my hand." Rupert leans down and extends his hand towards me.
I stare at his broad hand and couldn't help myself question his presence in the middle of the jungle at this hour of the day. Taking a few seconds, I finally give in and catch his hand only to be pulled up.
~~~
"If you don't mind me asking… What were you doing here at this hour Miss Cinderella?" Rupert was the first to break the silence as we sat quietly on the ground with our backs against one of the big tree trunks.
Turns out I wasn't the only one who questioned Rupert's presence but our thoughts were echoing in harmony.
"Uhh… I came out to search for my mouse pet. You know there could be snakes out here…" I say, avoiding his stare.
"You have a mouse? As a pet?"
"Yes… Please don't tell my mother. She isn't fond of seeing rats running around the house." I give a hesitant chuckle.
Though I don't care if you tell her once I leave tomorrow night. Heh.
By the way… Am I really leaving?
"Of course not. Your secret is safe with me." He says, putting his hand on his heart while passing me a charming smile.
He… Doesn't really have to be that nice.
I highly doubt if he would have nice thoughts about me when I leave.
"What about you? What are you doing here?" I turn the tables on him and squint my eyes.
"I was hunting for Jackals. I heard they Have harmed a few villagers working around the woods here… Then I thought about you. What if they did something to y-"
"Wait, so you made this hell of a hole?"
Rupert blinks his eyes at me.
"Ummm… Excuse my language, please. What I meant to say was perhaps did you happen to dig this hole?"
Rupert nods his head with somewhat pride reflecting through them.
"Ehmm… How thoughtful of you."
What a slimy piece of nut hole.
"Miss Cinderella…" Rupert hops closer to me and I scoot away, despite my effort to keep my personal space he kept on getting closer. "I stopped by your place in the morning to have some chat with you and I think… I can't wait any longer."
"W-what do you mean?"
"Let's get married tomorrow."
Over my dead body!
I stood up abruptly and he did the same beside me.
"I can't!"
"Why? Did I offend you in any way?"
Your existence offended me in every way!
"The ball!"
"What about the ball?"
I rack my brain for a reason. "I have to attend the ball holding in the castle tomorrow… We all will be heading there!"
"Cinderella… What if the prince chooses you as his bride?" He says, holding my hands and I somehow respectfully creep my way out of them.
"I am sure, he-"
"Of course, he wouldn't choose you. I am just being silly." He shook his head with an amused smile and a frown fell upon my forehead.
"Now why wouldn't he choose me?"
"Oh." Rupert suddenly became alert. "I just hear there will be people with status and power and the king is looking for someone as such to join hands with."
"Are you sure that's the only reason?" I raise an inquisitive brow with both my hands on my waist.
He didn't intend to say that I am not pretty enough to stand a chance to be with the prince?
Although I don't mind it but right now I felt like being challenged.
Rupert takes my hands in his and brings one closer to his lips. "If it was solely based on appearances then I wouldn't have let you attend the ball without a ring on your finger." He kissed on my hand and I almost yank it.
I slightly back away and take retreating steps "I am sorry Rupert."
"What for?" His brows creased with confusion.
"Just this and that." Turning around I dash back towards home.