𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴

The Myth of Mythgrave (part 1)

"Good morning, my love," Ferox whispered as my eyes flickered open, "and what a beautiful morning it is, to be sharing it with you."

I raised my head from his chest and smiled through the pain of missing Wymond.

"What've you got planned for today?" I asked, trying to form a plan in my head.

"I thought we would spend some time together for a few days." He said as he stroked my hair. "Let us not worry or think about anyone other than ourselves."

"Oh!" I said, trying to sound delighted. Shit, now what. "How exciting!"

"I thought that we would ride together to somewhere that I think you will love."

***

Imogen, who was Mother's lady in waiting was now my lady in waiting. I couldn't see how I was going to get away without Ferox asking too many questions, so I came up with an idea.

"Imogen, could you please give this to Lena?" I said as she was fussing with my hair - I never worry about hair and corsets when I ride usually!

I handed her a scrunched piece of parchment and she promised that she would get it too her as soon as she possibly could.

***

"Lena." Imogen said from the bedroom doorway.

Lena turned and realized she was holding a note.

"Is that from Hilda?" She asked and when Imogen nodded, she had never moved so fast and she took the paper from her. "How is she?"

"She seems happy." Then there was a pause. "But I do not know if it is real happiness for I have seen her grow up and I have seen real happiness before - she just doesn't look comfortable."

"Oh! Well, I'm sure she is just trying to settle." Lena said, turning her back on Imogen.

After the lady in waiting left, Lena quickly slammed the door shut and flicked open the paper.

My Dearest Sister, Lena.

I am hating this charade.
I need help but I know I cannot have it yet.

Ferox is taking me out riding today.

Yesterday, Wymond told me to meet him in our usual place - the lake.
But I cannot make it.
I am asking you to do this one task for me: meet Wymond and explain everything, please.
I am also asking you to leave the boundary of the castle alone for the first time. Take the risk. Here is how to get there:
Head west and through the castle boundary on the other side of the woods.
Then, ride north.
After some time, you will see a lake, Wymond should be there waiting and expecting to see me.

I thank you for doing this for me. I will be more free in a few days time so I will be able to see you and we can ride together, alone.

I realize now that I need to tell you something that I found out 14 days ago. I apologize for not telling you sooner but I am telling you now, I hope that is enough?
Before the Ball, Father took me aside and told me that his health is not the best. He said the words 'I am dying.' I don't know how long he will live for but that is a reason for why he wanted my marriage to happen so fast. I don't know why he has told no one else but you need to know.

For now though, remember that I love you. No matter what happens, I will always be your big sister.

With all my love and luck,
Hilda.

Lena stood and stared at the paper for some time, letting it sink into her. Then she could see why her sister leaves the castle in such a rush at least once a week: she needs to get away, that is why, it is not because she is a rebel and likes the exhilarating feeling of risk taking, but it is because she can not cope with the secrets that fly around and the lies she is told.

With that, Lena folded the paper up again and changed into her riding leathers. Picking up the letter, she ran from her room and out to the stables. She threw the tack on Dream, her bay coloured horse, and left without anyone noticing.

***

Wymond was sat by the waters edge. For some reason, he did not think Hilda would be able to get away. Somewhere deep inside him was worried that she would fall in love with Ferox and he was about to be pushed away.

When a bay horse came over the brow of the hill, he knew that Hilda would not come.

He stood as her sister came closer. Then he heard someone behind him. Turning, a black horse came to a stop a sort distance away.

"Kamden." Wymond said before turning back to Lena. "Lena?"

"I am sorry. Hilda is sorry." She said as she slipped of her horse. "She sent a message this morning and I came straight away."

Lena handed Wymond some paper.

"Is she alright?" He asked.

"Just read the letter." She said and turned to Kamden.

"My Lady." He said, bowing.

"Please, don't call me that." She said.

Wymond unfolded the paper and read the letter.