Monsoon, {h.s}

004.

 I had given Anya many reasons as to why I would not leave my chambers. She insisted I apologize, both to my father and the King, but I refused. 

I lied, telling her I was tired and needed to retire for the day to soak it all in. Luckily, she agreed and left me to myself. With a soft sigh, I took out my favorite book and wrote a small letter to my sisters.

My dear sisters,

Maeve, I'm sure you'll be a great Queen. I hope you follow in our mother's footsteps and who knows, maybe fall in love with the Prince. Please take care of our sisters. Anita, I hope you keep that fiery spirit I often see when you are passionate about something.  My lovely Eleanor, I do not care what anyone has said or will say about you. You are our sister. Regardless of who your mother is, our father is the same. Our blood runs in your veins. I hope someday you find what you are looking for. I love you all. And I cannot express how sad I am to leave you three behind. But if I do not, I'm afraid I'll die of a broken heart. It's happening, we're running as far as the ocean will take us.

May Soteria and Eutychia guide you in life,

Cordelia.

- - - - -

I quickly changed into my riding slacks, dark green blouse and my brown riding boots. It wasn't easy, but somehow I managed to dodge every single one of the guards on post. I hurried down the path that led to the pier then cut down under the large dock, the water splashing up against the rocks and my boots. I began to feel the water seep into my boots, but I stayed put. Pacing, back and forth, I felt a smile tug as feet approached me. But it wasn't Sam.

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For weeks after my failed escape, I was locked in a insufferable tower. Anya was only there to deliver my meals and books at my request. I was taken to bathe and change like an animal, guarded with my Sam and his men. It was often a bittersweet moment when it was just the two of us. No one knew Sam was the one I was running away with. No one had suspected my captain of the guards. My father had no victory in naming the man I was running away with. Yet, we refused to spend too much time lingering in each other's arms.

I had only seen Harry once. After being chastised by King Styles and my father, I was taken to the tower. On my way there, he had given me a small smile as if he was disappointed in me. Instead of feeling sympathetic, however, I stuck my nose in the air and walked haughtily to my new resting quarters. No one was allowed to visit. Not even my father wanted to see my face after disgracing our family.

Alikos was waiting for me there and shook his head, his face pulled into a frown.

"I know, please, just leave me."

With a bow, Alikos left the room. The lock was bolted into place and I sat in the middle of the wooden floor, weeping.

Three weeks later, I was sitting at my desk, reading a poem by our dear poet laureate, Daniel, when Alikos rushed through the door. I jumped up and ran to him, throwing my arms around his frail neck.

"Oh Alikos, my dear friend. Please tell me father has let me out of this retched prison cell," I cried into his shoulder, receiving a small pat on my head.

"Hush now, princess. You are indeed free-"

"Thank you! Oh thank you, Zeus!"

"Just for today, I am afraid," Alikos gently disentangled me, making me gawk at him.

"Just for today? But I do not understand... Why would my father-"

"For today, you are free. I did not say the King is responsible for this, princess."