Donna quietly came into John's chamber. He was pacing around the room with a real concern written on his face.

"Brother..."

"Donna? I haven't heard you..."

"I was worried about you... Are you alright?"

"Am I alright? Does it need saying?! I am forced to marry a completely strange woman, just 'for the good of the Kingdom'. Why should it bother me?"

"You are a prince and you know this alliance would really help us... maybe this princess isn't so bad?"

"Donna, you know well most of these high - born ladies are self-centered, spoiled and terribly boring... they think only about new dresses or some stupid balls. I am quite sure this one is exactly the same."

"But you have no choice now..."

"I've never had a choice..."

Donna knew he was right. What a terrible tradition with all these arranged marriages. Probably, the same future waited her. As soon as, some 'profitable candidate' appears on the horizon.

"I know... People should get married because of love, not an obligation..."

"Donna... who would think of love now... Come on, we are still so young... there are so many books to read, places to see, adventures to live through..."

"I am afraid the only adventure before you, dear Brother is to rule Gallifrey..."

"Gallifrey and Torchwood after that union..."

"Yeah... You won't do anything stupid, will you?"

"How could I..."

"John , it's late you need some sleep. Tomorrow we'll ride to the forest and talk about it, okay? Maybe will find some good way out..."

"Sleep well, Sister."

Donna left his chamber, really unsure if he didn't plan something. She knew her own brother very well, as they were always close to each other. He was so impulsive sometimes... After she dossed down for a long time could't fall asleep, watching the dark sky full of stars. John was right, he didn't want this life. In fact she didn't want it either. So many times, as a little girl, dreamed of being an ordinary girl, not highborn princess. Then she could see a world, meet so many people. But Donna was a princess and had duties. She can't change it... At least her dreams were filled with wonders, could be whoever she wanted to be, nothing was forbidden there... Unfortunately, early in the morning, loud knocking broke her away from this wonderland...

"Your highness... your highness..."

"Come in."

"I am so sorry to interrupt you, your highness..."

"Is alright Clara... what happened?"

"It's Prince John..."

"What? What with John?"

"He is gone, my princess..."

Somehow, this news didn't even surprise her too much. Apparently, her brother decided to change his own fate...

"Clara, prepare my horse. And some lunch on the way. I don't know how long it can take..."

"My princess, is it safe? You should have a big escort..."

"It must be confidentially. If not... people could start talking and a real scandal would break out. When they find out the Price has escaped..."

"Please, your highness, take at least ten best knights, who will protect you on the way..."

"No. One man will be enough. And he's not a knight anymore. Send for Jack Harkness, surely he's drinking in some inn."

"This rioter?! My princess, are you sure?"

"He will be enough, trust me, Clara."

"Your highness... please, be careful. The Realm needs you..."

Donna was sure, with this man by her side, she will be safe. John trusted him utterly, so he had to be worth it. She didn't know Jack too well, however heard a lot about his scandalous lifestyle. But in one matter everyone agreed: there was no better swordsman in the whole Kingdom. And he had some big 'mysterious' debt to pay John, so certainly take care of his sister. Anyway, Donna needed to prepare herself to ride. Who knows what can happen on their way...

John was galloping on his favorite gray steed. With a wind in his hair, surrounded by endless greenery, inhaling a brisk smell of pine needles, realized, he hadn't felt so happy for a long long time. Freedom. Finally! Probably, sooner or later they will find him. He will be forced to this marriage one way or another. However, before that happens, could enjoy this time - his own little adventure... After a few hours of riding, decided to find some place for a layover. He found a small lea, fenced off with a dense wall of trees. Perfect.

"Stay here, Arthur. I'll bring some wood."

There's no need to tie his horse, who was very smart. If John told him to stay, could be sure he will obey. Prince delved into, between the trees. Finding a few branches shouldn't be difficult. Finally, they were in the forest.

Suddenly, heard barely audible swish. In the blink of an eye, somebody cling to his back. He felt strange coldness on his throat. A knife. Very sharp knife. Even through the thick layers of clothing, John could discern it was a woman, recognizing distinctive curves. She smelled prettily. Of conifer needles, some fresh flowers and wind.

"Don't you dare to even move, or you're dead."

She whispered into his ear. Her nice voice, strangely contrasted with these words.

"Now, speak who are you and what are doing on my glade?! Quickly!"

"I'm sorry but... could you please take THIS from my throat, first? Would be much easier. I won't hurt you, I promise."

"Yeah, and why would I trust you?"

"Because you still have an advantage over me. I am unarmed, my sword stayed with Arthur. You can check it yourself..."

"Arthur? Who the hell is Arthur?"

She was searching him through, what seemed much more enjoyable, than it should in his current position.

"Oh he's my horse. Very intelligent, I trained him myself."

"Who names a horse like that? Anyway... tell me who you are and what are you doing here..."

The woman loosened a grip, so John could finally see her. Dressed in a grey coat on her traveling clothes, she was lower than him with a long, wavy blonde hair. And really beautiful. There was no way in fail to notice this... For a moment, he just stared in silence. So very different from all these boring ladies, wearing ruffles or laces, constantly talking about the weather or their new gawns...

"Have you lost your tongue?"

"Oooh sorry. My name is John. I didn't know this place belongs to you... Who are you milady?"

"Milady?!"

She burst into laugh.

"You should have already noticed I am not any milady. And this place doesn't belong to me. I just wanted to stay here tonight. However, you ruined my plans, this place isn't safe to me anymore..."

"Are you in danger? I could be your escort..."

"I do not need any escort. Can take care of myself, haven't you noticed yet? What are you doing here?"

"I... I travel, and you? You still haven't told me who are you..."

"Are you always so stubborn?"

"Well, yeah..."

Hardly visible smile appeared on her face. She approached the horse gently stroking his neck. To John's surprise, usually distrustful palfrey welcomed her touch with a pleasure.

"You have a beautiful horse. Still can't understand why you called him like that.."

"Arthur is a very good name for a horse, right?"

"Well.. nooo? Whatever, if you must know I am looking for somebody."

"And your name is...?"

"You won't let go, will you?"

"Nope."

"Here, I am known as Bad Wolf."

"A Bad Wolf? Sounds dangerous."

He joked.

"Not without a reason."

"Anyway, surely you need some company and help on the way..."

"I've told you, don't need any company. But..."

She looked at him with a slight smile, adding:

"... I need your horse. Sorry, John. I'm running out of time..."

And before, he could even blink, she jumped on Arthur's back, who like just waiting for her, neighted happily and burst into gallop.

"WAIT! You cannot just... You didn't even tell me your real name..."

But he was already losing their sight, as they vanished in the dark forest. John had to find them. He wanted his horse back. And this woman 'Bad Wolf'... so pretty and so dangerous. A true misery... The misery, he really needed to solve...