Out of the tunnel like passageway, she could see some light and her eyes were quick to adjust to it as she stood there, stranded and confused on which path to take. Her thoughts of going back to her kingdom had long disappeared and all she wanted was to free herself from these invisible shackles and live her life, as her own person.
She did not know how much time she would have before someone realized that she had escaped and all she needed was to get a ship and run away from all these. Taking a turn to the left, she started running while holding the hem of her dress that was somehow hindering her quick movements.
Not long after, she could see some lanterns and fire torches not far from where she was and her pace reduced considerably as she tried to act normal to which she successfully did.
Getting into a small hotel, she went on to the counter in which a lady who was probably in her mind forties was busy counting money. "How can I help you?" The woman asked without raising her head to look at her. "I... is there any way possible for me to get a night carriage?"
"Night movements are not allowed here." She had finally looked up to face her. "So, you are new here." The woman remarked while looking up to face her. She was beautiful and somehow exotic with the way she was carrying herself. So careful as if she was afraid of offending anyone.
"I am." Her reply was a short one which hinted that she was not ready to be asked any more questions. "Are there any rooms to rent here?" Her eyes were hopeful. Maybe she would find a place to rest her head for the night and she would flee from this place first thing in the morning.
"I don't think that it would be wise for you to roam around so freely here. The place is safer during the day but at night.., I can't assure you of the same thing. I have a daughter who is the same age as you and I would not wish for anything bad to happen to her. You can spend a night at our house and then you can resume back to your journey."
"I wouldn't want to impose on you Mrs...'' In no time the guards would be looking all over for her and she did not want to endanger anyone due to her impulsive decisions. "My family would be happy to have you. You are like a daughter to me and what I would do for my daughter.., it is to guarantee her safety." Those words somehow tugged her heart. A mother's affection was something that she had always yearned for. Her mother had always been close yet too far to hold her. "Thank you Mrs.."
"It's Mrs Reed. And you are..?"
"My name is Lilith." She introduced herself. Her name somehow intrigued the woman and she did not fail to hide her curiosity. "Are you the princess who was engaged to the crown prince?"
"No. I think I just happen to share the same name as her." She replied. Not once did her eyes falter as she continued to look at Mrs Reed who was also good at maintaining an eye contact. "We should leave. I don't want my husband to come looking for me."
Mrs Reed's house was similar to the other ones built in the area. The house interior was just as simple as the exterior and princess Lilith followed a suit by taking a seat opposite to Mrs Reed who sat for a mere minute before heading to the kitchen.
"Mother. You are back." A girl appeared from one of the rooms and her eyes met with princess Lilith's. "I didn't know...." Before she even had a chance to finish her words, a man and a teenage boy came through the half open door and before they had a chance to close it, there was a knock on the door.
"Can I come in?"
It was a voice that she had registered well in her mind and she had the urge to run away but where was she supposed to go? Mrs Reed who had come out of the kitchen turned to look at Lilith who was internally pleading to her not to let that person in. "Come with me."
Getting up, she followed the woman who led her to one of the rooms and once she left, princess Lilith momentarily closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them.
By the time Mrs Reed had gotten to the living room their unwelcomed guest had already made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs. "Beautiful house for a beautiful family." Richard commented. With the room that was not properly lit, his features seemed to be more darker and the intimidative aura that he always carried with him was not left behind.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Mrs Reed could tell that he was no human and she didn't like the night creatures even a bit. "I want a lot of things actually. But right now I have a priority." He stated while passing a look to each one of them before his gaze settled on Mrs Reed.
"Stop acting damn, woman! You know who I am here for." His words hit a nerve on Mr Reed who had no idea of what was going on. "You can't just come to my house and speak rudely to my wife."
"I thought that you were smarter than that Christine." Saying that, Richard pushed himself up and in a reflexive speed, he was standing right behind Mrs Reed's daughter.