My legs ached, my heart raced like a wild animal, and my breath came in ragged gasps as I fled through the dense Vartishian woods, the castle's impossible silhouette fading behind me. I had fled my own wedding, leaving behind the castle and the king's expectations. Trees, like sentinels guarding ancient secrets, seemed to close in. I stumbled, my foot catching on a hidden root, and pain shot through my ankle like a sharp arrow.
As I fell, memories from three months back flooded my mind. I recalled the first time I saw the king, his piercing gaze and commanding presence leaving me breathless. Our initial encounter had been far from auspicious, with me tumbling at his horse's hooves in the market. Yet, fate had entwined our paths, leading me to this moment of rebellion.
I really wished I had stayed home on that fateful day.
I cursed in my head as every little detail replayed in my head like a tidal wave.
.....
"Gina! Gina! Come back here you little naughty girl". I said as I ran after Regina, our maid youngest yet mischievous little daughter.
She was my very own darling. She was like the younger sister I never got the chance to have.
Not like my parents had any other child aside from me.
I always prayed to have a younger one, be it a sister or a brother but my prayers never got answered.
But I got eight year old Gina as a replacement. I watched her grow and got to do everything I'd have done if I had a younger one with her. So I'd say that was how God choose to answer my prayers.
"If you want your hairpin, you'll have to catch me first." she replied and dashed out of the lounge.
What am I going to do about this girl?
I thought to myself and trailed behind her.
I happily ran after her, feeling carefree as always.
As I chased after Gina, I couldn't help but think about how much she meant to me, and how I'd do anything to keep her safe.
The mixed scent of fresh bread, vegetables, roasted meats and ripe fruits enveloped me as we approached the market.
The market had always been noisy, on a normal day you'd hear: clanging of pots and hammering on metals.
But today it was eerily quiet, the crowd parted like a sea but I didn't pay much attention to it.
All I wanted to do was get little Gina and head back home.
Just when I was about to get hold of Gina the worst happened. I stumbled upon a stone, the rough cobblestones scratching against my palm as I fell, making me clenched my teeth and drew in a sharp breath in pain.
The clopping sound of an horse caught my attention as I lifted my gaze to the scenery right before me, and my jaw couldn't help but drop.
The king's horse reared up, its eyes wild, and I froze, my heart in my throat. The soldiers surrounding us drew their swords, their faces stern.
I immediately stood on my feet realizing I had just fallen at the King's feet, obstructing his path. I had totally forgotten that today would be the day the King was meant to patrol the entire village of Vartish.
Gosh... How could I forget such an important day?
I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out of it.
At the moment, I had no idea of what to say. My brain went blank and I couldn't process anything at the moment.
"I… I'm sorry." I managed to say.
"Is that how you'd apologize to the King after falling at his feet in that manner? Go down on your knees or I'll be forced to slit your throat if you don't apologize properly!" One of the royal guards yelled at me. His voice daring that it sent a cold shiver down my spine.
My breath and entire body trembled in fear, my entire world began to spin and it felt like I could collapse in this single moment.
I could clearly hear murmuring from the crowd and I knew I was in grave trouble and I had to do exactly has he said to save my life.
I risked a glance at the King's face, his face seemed expressionless, but I really didn't want to get on his bad side.
I closed my eyes and tightened my fists trying to calm my nerves but it wasn't working.
"Stop." The King's calm yet authoritative voice cut through the silence, stopping me from going down on my knees.
Why did he ask me to stop?
Was he thinking of doing something else?
What's going to happen to me?
My heart raced a thousand beat in a second thinking of all the worst possible things that could happen to me right now.
Tears began to form in my eyes, as I began taking shaky sharp breaths, beads of sweat forming on my forehead and palm.
"Look up." He spoke again, this time his voice more commanding
I hesitated, my heart racing, before meeting his gaze. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt like a small animal caught in a trap. "Let's go," he said finally, turning to his soldiers.
With that single command, they held back their weapons and back off a bit. The king's gaze finally left mine and I knew I had to move out of the way as soon as possible. I couldn't afford getting on the King's bad side after getting spared.
With my trembling legs, I immediately walked over to the other side of the market. I was obviously too shaken by fear that I didn't notice the warm liquid that came running down my left toes. My body and breath trembled from fear.
What was that?
What just happened?
Why would the King...?
I was drawn out of my thoughts the very moment Gina ran up to me, I immediately squatted, and threw my arms around her. My fear lessening a bit.
Pulling away, " Why are you crying huh?" I asked as I wiped away her tears.
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault, I shouldn't have..."
"Shhh..." I silenced her, "It's not your fault ok..." I paused and smiled at her "Let's go home."
Nodding her head, I placed a kiss on her cheek as I moved my gaze to the King's progression as they slowly disappeared from our sight.
As we headed back I prayed never to encounter such an experience ever again, but little did I know life had more in store for me.
And now here I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I knew I had to keep running, no matter what lay ahead.