Okay just to note, this story isn't set on earth, it's in a world I made up so it's not the same as today's world. It'd also kinda behind our time as they don't have computers or anything like that. Just so you know.
--
William delicately wrote along the paper, completely entranced in doing so. As he paused for thought he quickly dipped the pen in some ink for a moment before continuing to sketch words onto the parchment.
"Master Will?"
William broke out of his trance and turning his head met the gaze of a young woman at the door dressed in a maid's outfit.
"Yes Trudy?"
She smiled weakly, "Your parents wish to see you in the lounge."
William nodded, "I'll be there in a moment."
Trudy smiled again before closing the door.
William looked back to the paper he had been writing on and sighed, folding it up he placed it in a drawer of his desk and stood up from his chair. After leaving the room he walked down a hallway and came to a grand staircase where below he could see a few maids passing from room to room.
Gently stepping down he then made his way down a corridor, as he passed two maids speaking to one another he heard a sentence or two of their conversation.
"...and I was really scared."
"I know. Right now I'm petrified to go out after dark!"
"They're all killed in the same way, how many is it these past months?"
"I'm not sure, maybe 3?"
"I heard someone say..."
Their voices trailed off as he entered a door and closed it behind him, looking around the room he found two figures sat on a red velvet sofa. In front of it was a fireplace currently lit so their faces reflected the flames.
Around the room were three maids stood waiting for orders and they gently bowed to him.
He sent them a smile before making his way so he was stood in between the fireplace and sofa.
"Mother. Father." he said nodding his head towards each of them.
The two figures glanced up at him.
"Ah, Will you're here at last." the man said with a friendly smile, his eyes sparkled with delight.
"Come, sit." the woman said shuffling up and making space between her and the man.
Will nodded and did so; as soon as he sat between them his mother placed an arm around his shoulder. Some of her wispy blonde hair tickled his skin but he remained silent about that.
"You asked for me?" he said.
His father nodded, "As you know you're now eighteen since your birthday a few months back and we were wondering when you'll be choosing a wife."
Will paused for a moment, quite taken back before replying, "I intend to do soon."
His mother smiled warmly, "We have many lovely girls lined up waiting to meet you, don't keep them waiting too long."
William nodded, "I know."
"Very well, we were just checking if you're still alright with the idea." his father stated, "You can go now."
William stood up before walking off said, "I'll be going to bed now."
"Good night." his mother said.
William walked back the way he had come until he was once again in his room, checking the grandfather clock that was at one side of the room he noted it was nearly eleven.
Going over to the desk he brought out the sheet of paper he had been currently writing on, placing it on the desk he then bent down and peered under his bed.
Bringing out some clothing he quickly changed out of the suit he was currently in and into some worn looking jeans and a plain t-shirt. Going over to his bed he placed the pillows under the duvet so it looked as if a body was lying in them, happy with his work he grabbed the paper from the desk and shoved it into his jean pocket. Now ready he blew out the candle on his desk and made his way over to the window at the end of his room.
Opening it up he pulled himself up so he was standing in the window, looking down he was glad to see the thrown away mattresses still there. With one leap he was out of the window and sprawled out on the mattress below, luckily his window wasn't that high and a reasonable distance to jump from.
Quickly standing up he made his way along the courtyard that was part of his home, William was the son of the King's advisor so his family were quite wealthy and lived in luxury. The only problem with this was that they made enough for his family to hire guards, because of this it proved more difficult to sneak out at night.
Clinging to the shadows as much as possible he quickly darted along the grass and found himself in front of one of the high walls that surrounded his mansion. Checking to see nobody was watching he then took a few steps back so he had a good run up.
Speeding up to the fence he pushed his feet against the grass and leapt up, raising his arms he just managed to catch the top of the wall with both hands. Gripping on tightly he breathed in and out trying to keep himself calm before he used his strength to hoist himself up and over the wall.
Landing with a soft 'thump' he found himself on a street and hidden behind some bushes, further down he could see several guards standing outside the gate entrance. Remaining silent William quickly ran in the opposite direction, because he was well fed and trained he was able to do these tasks with ease. Most other people in the city would have found it impossible to leap over that wall.
When he had ran down a few streets he slowed down to a pace and gently walked along the abandoned streets. Hidden underneath his jeans was a small knife just in case he came into trouble.
As time ticked back he soon heard the city clock tower bell striking signalling the beginning of another hour in the city.
As the bell continued to strike William turned into an alley to see a figure standing in the centre with their back to him. They were dressed in a black cloak with a hood covering their head.
Walking up to them, Will raised his right hand and tapped them on the shoulder.
The figure flinched and swivelled around so they were turning them, from under the hood a young girl's face could be seen. As her eyes rested on him they widened with delight and she smiled.
"Will!" she cried.
Will smiled back at her, "Hi Alice."
The girl leapt forward throwing her arms around him and embracing him, Will responded by placing his arms around her back and hugging her back.
For a moment they stayed like that, completely oblivious to their surroundings until Alice finally pulled away however she remained in his grasp.
"I began thinking you wouldn't come." she said in a soft voice.
William smiled and raising one hand he caressed her cheek, "You should know I'd never miss seeing you."
She smiled and raising both her hands removed the hood from her face, her hair was a honey colour and fell down to her shoulders.
"I did doubt meeting here." Will stated, "It's not safe to be out on the streets so late, I was worried about you."
"I can handle myself." Alice stated.
"So what is it you wanted to meet here for?" Will asked, "As much as I'd like to, I can't stay long as my parents may find me missing."
Alice nodded, "I understand, I'll be quick."
Both of them sat down on the ground on either side of the alley wall so they were facing one another.
"Will next month I will be reaching my seventeenth birthday, my parents have already been pestering me about finding a husband." she stated, her face was solemn and she looked down at the ground as she spoke, "They have said that by my birthday I must be engaged or they will find a husband for me."
Will nodded, "My parents have also been asking me tonight about marriage."
Alice looked up and met his eyes, "Are we going to finally tell them about us?"
Will smiled and took one of her hands in both of his, leaning forward slightly he replied, "I'll do anything if it's what you want."
Alice stared at him for a moment before she smiled, "Thank you." she whispered.
Will leaned in closing the distance between them until his lips were on her's, it was only a brief kiss and a second later he had pulled away.
"We'll get through this." he reassured her.
Alice sighed, "I know and I believe you. It's just..." she paused for a moment as if thinking before continuing, "It's just when we tell our families, they will clearly be against it. Although I know my parents wouldn't force me to do anything I was completely against I still doubt that they'll accept you." she glanced up at him so both there eyes were locked on to one another, "We're from different sides Will, can you and me really make it?"
Will sighed and pulled her into his arms, she was slightly surprised but a moment later laid her head against his chest. Will began stroking her hair with one of his hands as he spoke, "Of course we will." he stroked her hair a few more times before adding, "And nobody can stop us."
--
"Are you sure you can get home safely?" Will asked as they stood at the end of the alley, "I can walk you home."
Alice shook her head, "No you might get spotted, if they only see me I can make up an excuse that doesn't involve you."
"In that case..." he dug into his pocket and brought out the sheet of paper he had written earlier that night, offering it to her she took it in both her hands and unfolded it with a curious expression.
"It states where we can meet next and when." Will stated just as soon as she began reading.
She looked up at him, "This is during the time when our parents will be at the king's banquet."
Will nodded, "I know."
Alice glanced at the sheet again before folding it back up, turning her head she kissed him gently on the cheek before she placed the hood over her head and walking out onto the street, Will watched as she walked away hoping she would turn at any moment and come back. He didn't want to part yet...
His hopes were destroyed though as she disappeared along a corner, sighing he decided he better get back aswell.
Strolling out onto the street he made his way back along the twining streets lost in thought. He and Alice had secretly been together for nearly a year now, meeting up on as many occasions as they could. Both their fathers worked for the king however they competed against one another for the king's favour and were well known enemies. This was why he and Alice kept their relationship a secret... until now.
Feeling the temperature drop as he walked back he hugged himself tightly and cursed himself for not bringing out a jacket to put over his short sleeved shirt.
As he reached the end of the street he suddenly heard footsteps behind him, unlike his they were quicker and softer. For every one step he took, two steps could be heard behind him as if something smaller was following him.
He almost made a grab for the knife under his jeans but quickly reminded himself that it could just be some random person out for a walk.
Although, who walked out in the dead of night? Besides couples meeting up secretly that is.
Gathering his courage he suddenly stopped walking and turned around, when his eyes did rest upon the figure following him they widened in surprise.
The figure stopped in surprise a few feet behind him, obviously not expecting him to be have halted.
What surprised Will was that it was young girl, no older than Alice; however she was quite smaller than Alice and slimmer.
After getting over the shock he managed to ask, "Who are you?"
The girl looked up at him to reveal her face; her face was slim but had a child-like quality to it.
Her eyes burned into his for a moment and Will was momentarily lost in her emerald eyes until she suddenly smiled breaking his hypnotised state.
"That is something I am not inclined to say as of yet." she said in a gently voice.
Will was puzzled by this, "Well... can I help you?"
She continued to smile, "No. But I can help you." she replied.
Will was lost in confusion, not sure what to say he merely said, "Eh?"
"I have something you want." she said.
"And... what is that?" Will asked, too curious to walk away.
She leaned her head in closer to his, Will felt his heart beating dramatically. Soon her face was within a distance so close he could just reach it with his hand.
"Freedom." she stated.