RAE'S POV
As they raced through the castle, Rae's heart pounded in her chest. She could hear the guards closing in, their shouts and footsteps echoing through the corridors. "Where are we going?" she asked Cyrus, her voice audible over the din. "A secret passage," he replied, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. "It'll lead us to the stables. We can escape on horseback."
Rae nodded, her hands mind racing with the plan. They turned a corner, and Cyrus pushed open an hidden door. They slipped through the narrow opening, finding themselves in a dark, musty passageway. As they ran, the passageway began to slope downward, leading them deeper in the castles depths. Rae's heart raced with excitement and fear. She could hear the guards searching for them above, their shouts growing fainter each step.
Finally, they reached the end of the passageway, finding themselves in a small stable. Cyrus led her to a beautiful white horse, its coat gleaming in the dim light. "This is Starlight," he said, helping her onto the horse's back. She'll get us out of here safely." Rae nodded, her hands tightening on the reins. Prince Cyrus mounted a nearby horse, and together they galloped out of the stable, into the night.
As they rode, Rae felt a sense of freedom she'd never known before. She was escaping the castle, escaping the king's wrath. But she knew it wouldn't be easy. Izzy and the queen would stop at nothing to capture her, to silence her forever. Prince Cyrus seemed to sense her unease. "Don't worry Rae," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "We'll be safe soon. We have a plan."
Rae nodded, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. She could see the outline of the trees in the distance, the faint glow of the moon rising overhead. As they rode, the silence between them grew thicker. Rae couldn't help but wonder what Cyrus's motives were. Why had he risked his future to save her? What did he hope to gain from it? Suddenly, Cyrus spoke up, his voice breaking the silence. "Rae, I know you don't trust me, but I swear to you, I'm not doing this for personal gain. I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do."
Rae turned to him, her eyes searching his face. She saw sincerity there, a deep conviction that gave her peace. "why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Cyrus hesitated, his eyes flicking away "Because I know what it's like to be trapped," he said finally. "To be forced into a life you don't want. I won't let that happen to you, Rae, not if I can help it." Rae's heart swelled with emotion. No one had ever shown her such kindness.
As they rode on, Rae felt a sense of hope rising within her. Maybe, just maybe, she had found an ally in Cyrus. Maybe together, they could bring down the king and his tyranny. But as they approached the trees, Rae heard a faint rustling in the underbrush. She turned to Cyrus, her eyes wide with fear.
"What was that?" she whispered. Prince Cyrus's face hardened. "Guards," he muttered. "We have to keep moving." And with that, they spurred their horses on, racing into the night as the guards close in behind them.