N is for Niëss
The face of her father summons only tears to trickle down her cheeks. Never before had he opposed one of her plans so vehemently. Never before had she been so determined to fight his judgement.
Never again could she return to his door.
The gunman stands in her shadow, shaded the colour of guilt. She is a princess, but he is no prince, and finds no favour in her father's eyes.
She smiles through tears. She is no longer a fledgeling, as she was the first time she flew from Wutai's nest.
This time, his arms will be her aerie.
A/N: Niëss (also spelt 'nyas', 'niesse' and 'nias') refers to a young hawk that has never flown from the aerie. It was memorably used in some editions of Romeo and Juliet.