Leaving the King's study, Genevieve found herself walking down the corridor with the guard who followed behind.
Her hands remained glued to the sides of her dress. The anxiety of knowing that meeting the king of Darkshire was inevitable, made her small heart pace once more.
She had wiped of all the traces of sadness and tears off her eyes. She knew she was going to have to look presentable when meeting the king.
As she walked through the corridors, Genevieve could see the eyes of the servants on her. Many of them looked at her with scorn and smirks on their faces, knowing she would be gone some.
However, some had sad looks on their faces, pitying the princess' gloomy fate. They wished to sympathize with her, but Genevieve knew they didn't have the courage to tell her.
But Genevieve soon recalled one person in her heart. Sarah.
If only she would see her one more time before her departure, she would be deeply grateful, however, she doubted she would see Sarah again.
She wanted to thank her for everything she had done for her. All her life, Sarah was the only person who had loved and cared for her. It was saddening to think she wouldn't see her again.
However, "Milady," the familiar voice echoed.
Genevieve quickly stopped, turning to see Sarah running after her. It seemed like the heavens had answered her prayer.
"Sarah," standing once more in front of her maid, she felt an outburst of emotion.
Genevieve threw herself on her, tightly hugging her without caring about what the guard or anyone thought.
"I-I can't believe y-you're here, Sarah," Genevieve stuttered joyfully.
Once more, tears tried to come out of her eyes, but she fought to suppress it.
"Me too, milady. I've been earnestly hoping to see you," Contrary to Genevieve's glee, Sarah held sadness in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Eve. It was all my fault. I couldn't protect you." She said, sobbing tearfully in Genevieve's embrace suddenly.
Sarah had thought she could endure Genevieve's marriage to the King of Darkshire. But immediately she left the royal Hall's door, she instantly broke down.
"No, Sarah. I-It wasn't y-your fault. You did everything you could do for me. It was father's choice to m-marry me off."
Sarah was but a maid. She could do not to prevent the disaster unfolding in Genevieve's life.
Genevieve gently wiped off the streaming tears from the woman's eyes. Sarah was a good woman. She knew anywhere her mother was, she would be proud of her.
"I-I still should have tried, Eve. I should have run away with you." Sarah sorrowfully disagreed with her.
Genevieve sadly smiled. "You did all you could. Running away could have only led you to your demise for defying the king."
"I love you, Eve." She hugged Genevieve tighter, placing a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you too, Sarah." She replied, filled with emotions.
"Don't forget me, Milady."
"I promise, I will never forget you."
Genevieve had earlier desired to plead with her father for Sarah to leave with her. But knowing what sort of king he was, she would only end up drawing the king's attention to Sarah. She didn't want anything happening to her poor maid.
She carefully held the woman's cheek, gazing into her teary eyes. "I'll come back for you and take you with me when everything is over."
However, Sarah doubted the king of Darkshire would be so generous in letting Genevieve out of his kingdom ever again. Nevertheless, she nodded.
"Milady, we must go now." The guard interrupted with an expressionless look on his face.
Genevieve fought hard to pull away from Sarah, but she succeeded nevertheless.
"Take care, Eve." Sarah tearfully eyes, turned into a warm smile. "I love you more."
Sarah placed her hand on Genevieve's head, blessing her in the Messiah's name.
She gave one last bow to Genevieve, before moving away so that the princess could proceed with her life.
Seeing her leave, a painful ache clenched her heart, yet she whispered with an assuring smile, "I will see you soon, Sarah."
Genevieve sighed, and she continued walking with the guard, until the completely stepped out of the castle.
Once they reached the castle ground, Genevieve felt stunned, seeing three Darkshian carriages packed at a corner of the castle's ground.
They were black, with strange gold intricate markings carved on them giving an appearance of mystery. She exhaled deeply, knowing she was going to ride in one of these.
The guard continued to lead her to the direction of the carriage and when they arrived there, he turned to look at her.
"The king of Darkshire demands that you sit in the second carriage awaiting his arrival," he said, and she obediently nodded.
Soon, the guard helped Genevieve into the carriage. However, he walked away, leaving the door open without shutting it like expected.
Looking nervously around the inside of the carriage, she bit her lips. The thought of the king arriving soon and entering into his carriage for their departure to Darkshire made her internally restless.
However, the last thing Genevieve expected was the familiar tall silver-masked figure, suddenly appearing right in front of her very own carriage, with a devilish smirk on his face.
"Eagerly waiting for me, Princess Genevieve?"