The walls were decorated in carvings, having a purpose of keeping things out; it did a very bad job. I got in and ran along the gardens filled with vibrant colours. Flowers were dotted everywhere like something from fairy tales.
Countless guards were stationed around, patrolling and watching. I watched them haunches down for a moment behind a bush, they stood not moving, concentrated on their job.
I ventured around, trying to find a way in. Nearly bumping into a patrol guard which would have been an unfortunate end to my exploration.
Chattering caught my attention from a few women in stylish dresses, fancier than I've ever seen before. I crept closer to hear what they were saying. They spoke in hushes and laughs, occasionally tensing the air.
"Everyone has been excited for the ball coming up, what a grand occasion." A fruitful lady in pink said with a bright smile.
"Yes, of course. Such a pity it has such a sad reason to it." Another lady said with a hushed voice.
"We must thank the ones which keep our empire safe. Hope for another victory."
I was filled with curiosity, even battling with my tail to hold still. The delicasies laid out on the tables smelled delicious, the cakes; a sweet sharp taste. Distracted, I failed to notice the presence behind me. Only did I realise when a sharp blade came for my neck with a clean swing.
I dodged just in time for it to miss my head and cut the air. I was shocked. Acting on reflexes I jumped away to swing around, baring my teeth to what swung the sword. A tall man stood, a coat slung over his shoulders and fancy trinkets dotted his uniform.
My body flared in anger, my instincts taking over as I went his neck with the intent to kill. Sense hit me in in the last moment, realising this was probably a grand figure and closed my mouth and retracted my claws in time to merely slam into him. A piercing pain striking my body.
He had predicted my movements, positioning his sword to slice my leg. The pain overwhelmed me, limping to back away, my blood staining the green grass.
Guards had already begun surrounding the area, quite problematic. I had to come up with something to say fast.
"I was merely lost and frightened, please ignore my behaviour and let me go," I reasoned, coming up with the most common bs I could muster.
Already risen he spoke with a husky voice, "You've threatened a royal, I cannot ignore that. Who is your owner and what are you doing here?"
Here we go again... "I do not have an owner and did not realise you were a royal."
"You're talking to the prince, lie again and you'll die." He pointed his sword at me, an intimidating aura arose from him, ultimately ruining my train of thoughts and edging me to the brink of laughter.
"I stand by what I said, I don't an owner and greetings to the prince, I'll be off then." A chuckle escaped my mouth at the end which immediately stopped when he issued an order for my capture.
This was not the optimal situation.