His Damsel

The decaying air and the stifling atmosphere along with hammering of my heart against my chest made this forest unknown to me despite the familiar trees that once supplied me the comfort of a mother’s arms. Tonight, they were just dark tree trunks with their overhanging limbs blocking every turn I took.Yet the eerie silence amid the wind had me turning around, no, they were no longer behind us, we had lost them in the forest. A sigh of relief left my trembling lips as I slowed Trixie down, “Its okay… we outran them.” I whispered. A stir from behind had me tightening the cloth around me, “You will be fine, I shan’t let you die. Just hold one for a little longer.”A groan was the only thing I got in reply. Trixie threaded closer to an oak tree and stopped for me to get down from her back. I removed the cloth from around me and slid down the horse before helping the wounded General down. The cloth that had been wrapped around him was bloody, if I wanted him to survive then I will have t

Sera walked in, with a tray full of fruits and placed it on the table. “I apologize for interrupting your rest, my Lady.” I waved her apology off from the bed as I pulled the comfort closer to me. “My lady, you will be having painting lessons right before noon.”“I don’t want to take the lessons today. You may let the master know.” I said closing my eyes, as a sign that the conversation was over and that I would like for her to leave now. After curtsying she left the chamber, and I got up from bed and straightened my dress before walking back to the wardrobe.Wearing my hood, I pulled at the back of the wardrobe causing it to slide back and showing a dimly lit path. One benefit of knowing and reading all the maps of Valadora and of the palace is that I know a secret way in and out of the palace whenever I need it. And I am lucky to have one right in my own chamber. I walked through the hallway until I reached the familiar stop.I opened the doors, which led into the darker parts of th

Once I had taken a bath, I started off in the direction of my brother’s room, Sera tagging behind me. “I must warn you, my lady…” I looked at the shy grin on her face. “I believe, his highness is having visitors.” I knew exactly what kind of visitors, she meant. The guards outside his chamber bowed at me and one of them opened the door to announce my presence when I stopped him. “But your highness…” Paying no attention to them I walked into the room and groaned at the sight of my shirtless brother on the bed with two maidens on either side feeding him fruits. Erwin looked up from the bed and smirked at me. “Hello, little sister.” He snapped his fingers, and the girls left his side as well as his chambers. Once they were out of earshot, I watched as my brother stand up and put his shirt back on before walking towards me. Prince Erwin, the second in the line for the throne, also the one considered to be the black sheep of the royal family. But I loved him more than anybody. “You coul

The bodice of the blood red dress had handsewn beads that formed a belt around my waist as the rest of the dress flowed down with a small train at the back, yes, my father had made sure to get the perfect dress for the ball.And Sera had done the magic with her skills in making me look pretty for the evening. “Thank you, Sera, I look beautiful.” I wore my shoes, that were going to hurt me tonight, before I got up and looked at the mirror for the last time before leaving the chambers. “Is the chariot ready?”Sera nodded and we made our way to the entrance of the palace where the horsemen stood waiting for me, once I entered the chariot, Sera got in one behind me and we started off in the direction of Delington.Delington was the only place outside the palace grounds that the king allowed me to visit. It is where my mother’s home was. She used to stay there in the beginning period of their marriage until she had Emerson and they moved here permanently.It only took an hour to get there,

“What do you mean?” I asked pausing for a second.He smiled as he signaled for us to continue the dance as everyone was watching us. “You are not just the beautiful princess of this kingdom; you are the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen.” Is this flattery? “I know I don’t make sense but allow me to clear it for you.”I nodded for him to continue. “You are way smarter than your brothers and from what I have seen, you are more cunning than you think.” At least someone sees me for other than my beauty. “You will make a wonderful queen.”“Is that why you are here?” I asked curiously. We stepped away from the dance floor and the prince went to the counters to get me a lemonade. He was more interesting when compared to the rest of the men that I met tonight but something about him didn’t feel right. He isn’t being respectful but instead I feel like he is mocking me.The prince returned and handed me the drink. “To answer your query, I am here for you.”Okay now that was an unexpect