I took a deep breath. I knew I wasn't exactly ready to do this. Or maybe I was. However, now is now, and I've got my mind set. Carefully, I tossed the rope down from the window, scanning the ground to see if any of the guards could have seen me. I took one last glance back into my room.
There were pictures of us, her and I. My big sister who had abandoned me. I was doing this for her. Well, rather for me, because I had to know why she would leave without me. Ashe was never the sort to just run away, especially from her duty to serve Dalmasca.
Something caught my eye, and for a moment, I didn't want to leave. I slowly crept over to the bed where Lilith, my pet Giza rabbit that my sister had gotten me on my twelfth birthday, slept soundly in the deep silence. It was so quiet I could her her gentle breathing. I wanted to lean down and kiss her soft fur, but I knew she'd cause a fuss and attract the guard standing outside my door if I woke her.
"Goodnight love." I whispered softly, once more gaining the courage to leave. I just had to. She wouldn't understand. So, I took slow steps back to the window, looking down. With yet another heavy sigh, I remembered why I was running away. Actually, let's not call it running away. Rather, we'll call it seeking the truth. Carefully, I stepped out of the window, grabbing the rope and making my way down. My hands were shaking. Oh Anastasia, your so timid. Why couldn't I be like Ashe? A strong princess is what I wanted to be, not a damsel in distress.
It took a good while, and a lot of courage, but I had finally managed to reach the bottom. I again looked around, still shaking. This is the most insane..Well, the first, stunt I had ever pulled in my life, and if I got caught, it would have all been for nothing. Pulling the hood of my hand-made cloak over my head, -It had to be made by hand of low-quality fabric. I didn't want anyone to suspect me or my royal blood.- I skittishly bolted for the garden. I'd find a way out of the palace grounds there.
"Who goes there?" Shouted a voice from behind me. Damn, I thought to myself. I turned to see a guard, Emilio to be exact. Only, he didn't recognize me.
"Hault, in the name of the Dalmascan royal family!" He shouted. I couldn't let him go on like this, he'd get me surrounded for sure. I grit my teeth, and muttered under my breath.
"I'm so sorry for doing this, Emilio. Forgive me." I whispered, though my voice stuttered slightly. I lifted my arms towards him and spoke quietly a spell of black magicks, and before he could make another sound, he was frozen solid. Quickly, I bolted off for my escape once more before I could hesitate about my decision and unfreeze Emilio.
I don't know where you are or why you left, but I will find you, Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca. I won't rest until I've returned you home, and proven that I can be the strong princess of Dalmascan blood that you are.