Happily Ever After

Chapter 1

(Y/N) - Your name
(Y/L/N) - Your last name
(Y/M/N) - Your mother's name
(Y/F/N) - Your father's name

~•~

(Y/N) POV

'Clip-clop, clip-clop'. I could hear the sound of trotting horses and soft chatter as I patiently sat inside the carriage with my lovely parents. I poked my head outside the window, feeling the cool, gentle breeze caress my face. Ash and aspen trees stood proud and tall as their leaves danced with the wind. Shrubs and bushes sprouted from the ground here and there, providing shelter for the small creatures of the forest. 

My eyes looked up to see the clear night sky. Gazing upon the crescent moon and twinkling stars that illuminated the heavens, my mouth fell open in awe. I reached out my hand, pretending to catch these glowi-

"(Y/N), don't poke your head out the window for too long!" Father said, interrupting my thoughts. "Someone might come and cut it off. You could lose your head!" Father warned.

I swiftly turned my head towards Father and asked, "Really?"

"Yes. If you do not go back to your seat now, then it might be too late! Oh no, he is going to get you!" He then made terrifying ghostly noises to scare me off, making me hurry back to my seat.

"Oh (Y/F/N), please do not scare our little girl like that." Mother shook her head. "You're sounding like my mother, you know." She giggled, probably remembering the good old days when Grandmother was still alive. "Don't worry, no one is going to cut off your precious head," Mother said as she stroked my hair. "However, your father is right. Poking your head out of a moving carriage is dangerous."

"I understand, Mother." I nodded my head. "I'll try not to do it again."

After a while, the carriage slowly came to a stop. The coachman climbed down from his seat and knocked on the door. "Sorry for the interruption, Sir and Madams. I would like to inform you that I have spotted a village up ahead."

"That's great news, Mr. Robinson! Please take us to the village and find good accommodation," Father ordered.

"Yes, Sir." Mr. Robinson replied and bowed his head. He swiftly went back to his seat up front, taking hold of the reigns. Soon the carriage was back in motion, heading towards the village.

Minutes passed, and we finally arrived. Hooray! Mr. Robinson was quick to find us a nice place to spend the night. Inns in the countryside can never compare to the hotels in the capital, but at least this one is decent enough. I'm not a picky person, to be honest. Mother and Father did not raise a spoiled brat. Having a clean bed, a warm bath, and delicious food is good enough for me.

We booked three rooms — one for me, one for my parents, and one for Mr. Robinson. Too bad mine was on the ground floor. I wanted a balcony, and the top floors always have the best view! Oh well, I can just go to my parents' room in the morning.

Before I went to bed, Mother helped me change into my nightclothes. It was already midnight, so the bath could wait until morning. Mother and tucked me into the sea of soft blankets and kissed me on the forehead. "Good night, (Y/N). I love you," she whispered, closing the door behind her.

"Good night, Mother. I love you too."

I closed my eyes, attempting to get a good night's rest. Tossing and turning, I tried to find a comfortable position. Ugh! Why can't sleep? My body wants to rest right now, but my mind is wide awake. Oh brain of mine, why now?

I jumped out of bed in frustration, dragging my feet towards the window. Peeking behind the baby blue curtains, the lovely sight of a simple, quiet village greeted me. The scenery is calm, peaceful, almost relaxing, I should say. The sweet melody of chirping crickets, croaking frogs, and hooting owls was beginning to lull me to sle-

What was that? My ears perked up upon hearing the sound of rustling bushes. I did not mind it at first, trying to focus back on the night-time noises. The sound of pattering footsteps soon followed, capturing my attention once more. Now, this... this I cannot ignore.

My eyes darted from left to right, seeking to find the source of these mysterious sounds. Suddenly, I saw two figures running on the streets. They seem to be... — I squinted my eyes to take a closer look... — children. Wait, what? Children?! It's past midnight! Why are these young people running around the streets at this hour? Where are their parents? A thousand questions flooded my mind as curiosity began to fill up my head.

Well, I am still awake and I do not feel tired at all right now. Should I follow them or...? 

No, (Y/N), Mother and Father might be worried if I sneak out! 

Yes, they would be worried, but only if they found out, right? They do not have to find out. No, they won't find out. 

Just follow the children. Go! 

I'm just going to sneak back in when my curiosity is satisfied. Easy peasy! Besides, this is just a small village. I won't get lost. I can find my way back to the inn. How hard can it be?