Castielle never truly understood the meaning of relativity when it came to time—that is to say, she did not understand until it made itself apparent to her in such a stressful way.
It began with little things that she began to pack away, making sure that Hannah or any other soldier did not become suspicious of her behavior, completely oblivious to the fact that she was packing things away for her escape (but Castielle believed she was a great thespian if she was to say so herself.) She kept a knapsack hidden under her bed for when she decided to pack away one or two things at a time, but time seemed to be against her. Although it felt like time was making as much haste as a garden snail, that is to say none at all, it was only a day prior to the ball.
For the most part, Castielle had all of her clothes and cloaks packed. She had to sneak around to steal trousers and tunics from Gabriel's old room knowing that she couldn't just walk around in dresses without raising suspicion. She thanked her lucky stars that she had spare boots for whenever she went riding that were suitable for long-term wear.
Castielle kept up the act, of course. Seemingly complacent about the upcoming ball, but in all honesty, her insides were tight and in knots. Every day she went through the same rituals: lessons with Tessa, the scholar, on how to be a proper princess, the history of the kingdoms and their lineages. They focused mainly on Caelum's foundation and the kingdom's rise in power. She still underwent her Dynamics teachings and although Caelum is supposedly one for equality, sadly others were not the same way. Because of that, it was Castielle's duty as a Princess of Caelum to learn the ways of other kingdom's and their cultures. She was not one for jokes, but even she could see the irony of the situation.
Every day for the two weeks, Castielle dined with Michael and Metatron, sitting silently as the two discussed politics. Mostly they talked about the upcoming integration of the two packs, flaunting it in front of Castielle's face, only leading to her feeling sick to her stomach.
It was about a week before that Michael announced to her that she was to have guards companying her at all times, only adding more to her annoyance.
"But Michael is this truly necessary?" Castielle huffed. She watched her brother fork a piece of chicken to his mouth with such finesse. Chewing through his food, he swallowed before giving his sister a pointed look.
"You need to be presentable for when the Winchester's arrive, Ella. I cannot have you doing anything that risks the chance of you being unable to meet their expectations."
"I am not a yak that can just be traded off, Brother… Regardless, two soldiers at my side at all times? That seems highly unnecessary," she muttered as she pushed food around on her plate. Michael must not have trust her enough to just wander around on her own without bodyguards-slash-guard dogs attached to her hip. The main problem was that it was going to make it that much harder to escape.
Castielle was rummaging through her drawers, checking off all the items she had needed in her bag in her head. She had plenty of clothes and a spare set on the side for when she had to change. She made sure to pack what portable jewelry she had in order to trade them if necessary. Along with some socks, there was a spare water skin that could be packed away.
There was still the plan that Castielle needed to conjure in order to escape, so with the accompanying escort of Josiah and Uriel, she lead them to the tiny, lone cottage just outside the green house. Knocking on the door, an elderly man with dark skin and whitening hair opened the door. He had a very kind look about him, and Castielle felt as if he had such a burden to carry; so much that he had that much more to care for.
"Your Grace," he let out in shock."What do I owe the pleasure," he bowed?
Opening the door wider, he openly invited her in as she told the guards to wait by the door. Stepping in out of the biting cold, her eyes scanned the room in curiousity.
"Joshua… that is your name, am I correct" Castielle asked, not unkindly?
"Why yes, it is. How may I be of service today?" He turned to walk through an open frame, leading into a different room displayed with lines of herbs and bottles. Pots were boiling over open flames and strange smells were bombarding her senses.
"I remember seeing you. In the greenhouse when I was but a babe. You helped me overcome my fear of bees," Castielle chuckled as her eyes shined bright at the memory. Joshua could only smile in response, teeth flashing white in contrast with his complexion.
"You were quite afraid of them, Princess." Nodding, Castielle walked around what she assumed was the apothecary judging by sight and smell.
"They are my favorite, you know? Bees, such graceful and hardworking soldiers… It's admirable to ones who haven't worked a day in their life." Castielle shyly smiled at the gardener.
"But, that is not why I am here today, now is it?" Joshua looked at the Princess, a warm smile on his face. Well, Castielle had seen that it was warm, but she couldn't help but feel that it was a bit sad, too.
"I guess that it is safe to say that it is no secret of what is happening tomorrow," Castielle chuckled humourlessly?
"The Royal Ball... Yes, it is quite the talk of the Kingdom and servants alike, m' Lady." His voice resonated with wisdom far beyond his already aged years, bringing a soothing calm over her nerves; his voice smooth and raspy and so kind.
Castielle could only nod solemnly, the corners of her mouth tilting slightly downwards.
"You see, Joshua… I am quite nervous about it to be quite honest; and Hannah said that you were in charge of the apothecary." Joshua nodded at the unspoken question. "I was wondering if you had a draught to help me sleep… Preferably something that will help me sleep quickly?"
Joshua silently turned around, rummaging through a shelf completely disarrayed with different vials. Castielle could hear Joshua muttering to himself, humming in concentration.
"Ah… a sedative for the frantic nerves" he intoned. The sounds of vials clinking went unregistered as Castielle's anticipation inclined. She watched as Joshua turned with a small, glass ampoule filled with a clear, purple liquid.
Joshua looked between the object in his hand and the princess as he slowly put his hand out. Right as Castielle reached to grab the container, he pulled his hand back. Fear ran up her spine; fear of being caught in her act.
"Made by the essence of Lavender and Deadly Nightshade, m' Lady. It can be very dangerous, if more than appropriate is given at a time…" Frowning, Joshua looked Castielle straight in the eyes. "I know what it is you are about to do, Princess" he whispered. "I should advise against it, but… you are your own person. You deserve to fight for your own rights and your life… Which is why I am willing to help you."
Castielle felt like a fish, her mouth opening and closing slowly.
"Please, Joshua. You cannot tell Michael," she quietly cried out. He shook his head from side to side.
"No, Princess. I would not do that. Not to you. I will not betray your trust." He let out his hand again, Castielle automatically reaching out with hers. He gently placed the nightcap in her palm, encapsulating her small hand with the two of his own. Bringing them up to his mouth he breathed out, eyes closed as if he were in pain.
"I pray to Oiad that you will be safe, Princess." He brushed his lips over her knuckles and gently placed them at her side.
"Thank you, Joshua" she cried softly, a stray tear gliding down her cheek. "I will not forget about this." Pocketing the vial in her pocket, she gave Joshua one last look before turning to leave.
"Good luck, Castielle" he quietly called out to her quickly retreating back.
It wasn't until she got back to her room that Castielle relaxed. The whole time she felt as if someone just knew what she was up to as she kept brushing her hand against the object currently in her jacket. She had everything as far as she knew and everything was set. She was going to escape tonight. All she had to do now was wait.
Dinner had passed without any mishaps, her Uncle and Michael trying to pass off their excitement for the Ball the next night as a normal subject. Little did they know that Castielle was leaving it all behind; little did they know that they were in for a surprise.
It was come time for bed and Castielle had her bag out on her bed. She had her night gown on, her boyish clothes ready underneath. Throughout the week she had managed to collect a cloth full of hardtack and rations from the servant's quarters. She had a pouch full of gold and jewelry hidden away and was currently holding onto a dagger, eyeing the etchings in its triple-edged blade.
Crowley, King of Perdition, had given it to her for her 10th birthday. He had told her it was for her protection, made from the rarest of metals found deepest in the caves and caverns of their mines. It was simple in concept and design, the whole weapon just over a foot long. The handle rounded to half a foot, just long enough for Castielle to grip comfortably as the blade made up a hand and palm's length. The whole shone pure silver without any mark or sign of tarnish and each side of the blade had an Ancient tongue etched into the metal.
"Hellspeak, darling. It's what my father spoke, and his father, and his father's father before him… blahblahblahblahblah, insert boring remark here… Regardless, it's a protection spell. I expect you to keep it safe, Pet."
The knock on her door wasn't enough warning for Castielle to scramble and grab her things, pushing them under her bed haphazardly. Hannah came in with a worried expression as she looked at her disheveled state.
"Princess… are you alright?" Castielle smiled sheepishly and nodded.
"Yes, thank you Hannah. Did you need something?" Castielle watched Hannah's eyes trail over her face and down, down, down until it stopped at the edge of her feet.
"What are you going to do," Hannah's eyes shot up in suspicion? Castielle readjusted herself, standing up with her back straight, making her seem more authoritative than she know she is.
"I am leaving, Hannah. Escaping. I cannot just… sit here… and watch while I am pawned off at my Uncle's disposal," she hissed. Hannah's face flickered from confusion, to understanding, to pride but eventually it stuck at disappointment.
"You can't, Castielle" Hannah whispered, using the Princess's name for the first time causing surprise. "I cannot just… let you walk out of here; a direct disobedience? You would have me perjure to the crown and to Oiad?" Castielle was unfazed at this moment. Hannah was and will always be a soldier first, obeying every command given to her to the best of her ability without question.
"Please, Hannah…" Castielle stepped forward and grabbed at her friend's hand. "You won't just be letting me go. Help me escape," looking pleadingly at Hannah. The Alpha looked conflicted but remained silent. Gritting her teeth, Castielle furrowed her eyebrows stressfully. "You swore fealty—"
"I swore to protect you," Hannah hissed, pulling her hand away.
"Hannah… you are both my caretaker and my best friend whether you see it or not. Trust me when I say this… This? This is protecting me." Castielle implored at Hannah's turned back. The Omega could hear the Alpha take in a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her chest and her ears.
"What will you have me do" Hannah asked between clenched teeth. She turned to face her charge and her love. Maybe this was Oiad giving her a chance to redeem herself and to finally let go of her feelings. The Alpha's heart pulsed and ached at the Princess's large smile, a small one that can barely be formed reciprocated without much happiness.
The Princess pulled out the vial given to her by Joshua earlier that day and handed it over to her warden. "This is Belladonna. Pour some in the guard's wine glass and bring it to them… Tell them that it's a reward from Michael for their hard work."
Hannah nodded silently, turning to leave but stopped by a hand in the crook of her elbow. "Thank you, Hannah." Without a word, Hannah rushed out of the room, leaving a flustered royal behind.
Hannah went and did as she was asked of, finding two nice goblets of wine in the kitchens and pouring both the libation and the sedative in not forgetting to mix them. She also packed a cheese cloth full of breads and dried meats just in case the Princess needed then. Making one last step, the Alpha went to her room and stuffed a few bars of soap from her collection into her pocket. The soaps were special scent blockers given to her by Joshua. They helped dull not only her senses, but the senses of others around her, allowing her to serve and protect the Princess without Alpha-like qualities and obstacles. If the Princess is going to escape, she would surely need them, especially as an Omega who will eventually have heats. Making sure she had everything, Hannah walked out and headed back to the Princess's chambers.
Josiah and Uriel were standing outside the door with annoyed expressions on their face. Not only was it late, the moon at its highest place in the sky, and they have yet to have any real rest for the past week. They both turned and looked at Hannah suspiciously for coming back a second time at that hour.
"Hannah… what are you doing here this late" Uriel questioned? Looking between the two soldiers, Hannah rolled her lips together and presented the tray with the goblets of wine on top. The soldiers eyed the cups when Hannah spoke out, startlingly loud.
"Rewards for your hard work," she pressed her lips together at their incredulous looks. "This is from Prince Michael, for your diligence and an apology of sorts for your restlessness." The two glanced at one another before grabbing for a cup.
"What about the food," Josiah eyed at the wrapped cloth on the tray? Hannah frowned at his scrutiny before bringing the tray closer to her side.
"A midnight snack for the Princess." He frowned, but nodded and took her words with a grain of salt before clinking cups with Uriel and taking a large drink from the goblet. Their eyes went wide at the taste, Hannah smirking as she verified their unspoken question. "Yes, it's from His Highness's personal supply." It was somewhat true, but Hannah knew it was the Belladonna in the drink that gave it such a sweet aroma. The wine was not even the best of wine but the two men practically inhaled the nightcap as if they were dying from thirst.
Although they drank fast, it was however still too slow for her. Hannah's heart was still racing in fear of getting caught, but once the cups were drain and collected, the Alpha knocked on the Princess's door and crept in, making sure that the door revealed nothing to the outside.
Castielle looked up, smiling wide at the Alpha before her. The time that Hannah had been gone, Castielle went and checked to make sure that she had everything packed. It was more of a surprise when Hannah handed her more items to be placed in her bag. Shoving the items haphazardly into the sack, Castielle wrapped a cloak around her shoulders; dark blue in colour like her eyes. It was made from beautiful silk that is both warm and light in weight, flowing freely past her legs and onto the floor. It would help with the Omega's escape. With one hand, Castielle pulled up her hood and with the other she grabbed at Hannah's hand.
"Come with me," the Princess suggested only to be responded with a shake of her head and a sorrowful smile.
"I would only hold you back, Princess. It's better if you go alone." Nodding, Castielle squeezed the hand in her own tight knowing this was probably the last time she would get the hold her friend and advisor.
"Thank you, Hannah. Really." Hannah turned her eyes down, the Princess leaning down and looked up to catch her caretaker's eyes. Eyes locked, Castielle smiled brightly.
"You really are the best friend that anyone could have asked for, and I thank Oiad every day that He blessed me with your friendship and loyalty." Hannah ducked her head even more to hide the blush and tears from her eyes. The sound of snores interrupted their moment, cuing Castielle's escape.
"Time for us to go, Princess," Hannah responded with vigor. She ran around an grabbed the bulging bag on top of the bed and shoved it into the arms of the Princess. Hannah pulled the sovereign out, making sure the coast was clear before dragging her along, making sure to duck in and out of view of both servants and soldiers walking about.
Eventually, the two made it safely to the stables. Castielle thanked her lucky stars that the stable boys were absent and off to bed. Still, Hannah walked around and checked every corner before meeting the princess at her personal horse.
"Shh… shhshhshh, Meg. Everything is alright; it's just me, okay?" Castielle shushed at her horse and patted at the nose of her black mare, trying her best to calm the beast down and lessen the noise. Hannah aided in quickening the pace by helping the Princess with preparing Meg's saddle, fast, diligent and quietly. She grabbed the Princess's pack and slung it over Meg, making sure it was secured.
"Good girl," Castielle cooed. She hastily fed Meg an apple as a treat before grabbing another drawstring bag and filling it with barley and oats for the trip. Tying the bag to the saddle, Castielle turned to look at her caretaker one last time.
Hannah bowed in respect for the Princess, as she should, but Castielle was having none of that. "Thank you, Hannah. Again, I owe you my life." Hannah shook her head profusely.
"No, m' Lady, you owe me nothing. Just stay safe." Castielle could feel tears prickling at her eyes, so then she reached up and placed her hand against Hannah's cheek, love and gratitude freely flowing through their connection. The Omega stood on her toes and kissed the Alpha on the corner of her mouth gently, Hannah closing her eyes with a heavy heart.
At the loss of contact, the Alpha opened her eyes to see the Princess gazing into her eyes. A noise jostled them out of their moment, forcing Hannah to look away and around to make sure there were no intruders. Quickly looking back, the Alpha picked the Princess up by her waist and hoisted her up onto the saddle. "Make haste, Castielle." Castielle turned in her spot and looked at Hannah in panic.
"Wait—"
"Keep riding and don't look back," Hannah interrupted. Castielle gripped tightly at the reins, trying to speak.
"But—"
"I love you." Castielle opened her eyes wide in shock and stared down at her servant, her best friend… her Alpha.
"Hannah…" the Alpha smiled and smacked the horse's rump with determination. Meg reared back and whinnied triumphantly, riding off and picking up speed out of the stables, taking the Princess with her. The Princess looked back as she braced herself on her mare, tears in her eyes; Hannah lifted up a hand in salute whispering to herself.
"Ride safe, Princess. May Oiad be with you always." In the darkness of the stables, Hannah felt her heart sink, and it was then did she finally allow herself to shed her tears while watching the love of her life becoming smaller and smaller as she rode out into the dark and into the distance.
Castielle rode with all of her strength, the wind whipping at her face, freezing the tears that tracked along her face. Guilt weighed heavily in her heart with a sense of abandonment towards her friend. How could she not when the Alpha declared her love in their last moments together? She should have tried harder to bring Hannah along.
The Omega cried and cried, hunched over and gripping tight on the reins as she rode through the kingdom, thanking Oiad that the gates were still open. Meg ripped through the arch and passed the drawbridge gate with ease, not stopping until she reached the edge of the hills that border the edge of the Kingdom.
Castielle looked behind her to see the land covered in darkness, the moon as her only source of light and she wiped away her tears as she bid her life farewell.
"I'm sorry, Michael. Goodbye," and at the sound of an alarm ringing through the realm, Castielle quickly turned around and clicked her heels together, riding off into the woods and into the night.