Chapter 7- Lela's Decision
Disclaimer- See chapter 1.
"We are pleased to announce that on this evening, a husband has been chosen for the princess," Father began. "It has just been decided that in two years' time, Lela and Gavin of Bamarre will be wed."
My jaw dropped. I turned and fled the ballroom, fluffy tail trailing behind me. I had never been more mortified in my life. A betrothal?
My problem, though, was not with the engagement, or with Gavin. I had no doubt that, in time, he and I could forge a relationship that would last a lifetime, and that we would grow to be more than just friends.
What I did not like was having it sprung upon me, as if I had no say in the rest of my life. I at least could have been notified before the general public, especially with everything that was going on.
I went to my chambers, heading over to my desk, where a little glass terrarium sat. It was the home of my little dog, Tefaw, who was tiny enough for a walnut. I picked up the little fog, and he settled down in my palm. I carefully carried him over to the fairy rug, and sat cross-legged in the center of it, longing for the comfort of childhood to return to me.
My thoughts turned to the assassination attempts. A poisonous bouquet, an asp in my picnic basket, the comb, it was not even a possibility that all these situations were a coincidence. Pictured of failed endeavors crossed my mind. What if the assassin hurt Mother or someone else I was close to? They could be killed.
Suddenly I knew what I had to do. I peeked out of a crack in my door, hopeful that the coast would be clear. Unfortunately, a guard was posted outside. I glanced around the room, and saw my means of escape.
A stack of clean sheets was placed next to my bed. I carefully ripped them into several long strips and tied them securely together, end to end, creating a very long rope.
I threw it out of the window, after tying it securely to my bed post. I sat on the windowsill, giving the rope a few tight yanks. I heard footsteps outside my chamber and I thought that my plan was destined for failure. I held my breath, but whoever it was passed but without even slowing. I relaxed a little, but I knew that it would only be a matter of minutes before Mother would come to talk with me.
So I quickly continued on with my work. When I was sure that the rope would hold my weight, I packed a few of my belongings into an old carpetbag. Fresh underclothes, a clean dress, a couple of brooches which I could trade for money, and a comforting book of fairytales went in first. Then I put Tefaw in his walnut shell, and put that into my pocket. I stashed his tiny doghouse, a container of food, and a couple of his miniscule toys in a pouch, and tossed that into my bag as well.
Taking one last look at the chamber that I had spent my entire life in, I crawled up onto the window ledge and climbed over, maneuvering slowly down the wall. At the end of the rope, I realized that I still hung about ten feet above the ground. Seeing no other way to go about it, I closed my eyes and prepared to let go. But suddenly the knot on my bedpost gave out, and I fell to the ground.
I landed steadily on my feet, and looked up. There was nothing to see, so I shrugged, and balled the rope up, stashing it in my bag. Then I slowly and elusively made my way out of the palace gates.
But I didn't notice the eyes of another watching me.
……
I wandered the streets of Frell, using only the moonlight to guide me. When dawn approached, I pulled out the book of tales. It was a magical book, given to Mother by Mandy when she was sent to finishing school, and handed down to me when I was a young child. I hoped to find a map inside, but I did not. But that was alright, seeing as how I had no particular destination in mind.
I followed a road that looked as though it was heading out of town, and sure enough, I entered a wooded area.
On the second day of my journey, I was taken captive by a man atop a horse. He came from behind, out of no where. Without a word he reached down and hooked his arm around my waist. I struggled to loosen the man's grip, but also to hold on to my bag. Soon we entered the man's camp.
Gruff, mean looking men sat around a fire, toasting spits of meat. The man who had abducted me led me to a tent, and forced me to my knees in front of a large wooden pole. He tied my hands behind this stake, and I was left alone in the darkness, terrified that I had found the ones who wanted me to die.
The man returned with others, including one who was shrouded in black. I scrutinized me from inside his cloak.
"Untie her," he demanded gruffly. I felt the ropes that bound my hands slacken, and I rubbed my wrists carefully. "Leave us," the dark one spoke once more.
"Who are you?" I asked when we were alone.
"My name is Rapion Howltt, Little Princess." Immediately I recognized the name, as the man uncovered his face. Rapion Howltt had been a menace to my father's counselors for as long as I could remember. He and his band of outlaws rode the outskirts of our towns and villages, taking riches and livestock from wealthy men. "And I know who you are, as well," he continued. "Tell me, now, why the Crown Princess of Kyrria is out wandering the forest roads all by her onesies."
"I..." I began to deny my identity. Then I decided that it would be best to tell this villain the truth. "I ran away."
"Oh." Rapion seemed surprised, and his demeanor changed. "Princess, it would be my pleasure to protect you, and guide you safely through the forest."
"Why would you want to help me?" I asked, warily.
"Because your father would never forgive me if I did otherwise," Rapion said. "He is my brother."