The Fake Princess

4. The secret rendezvous

A week had passed and I was excited. That was the day I wrote to Azriel to meet me. I wasn't sure if he ever got my message or if he was going to come. But, I packed a small bag that I could fit into my coat. I packed cookies that I knew he would like.

I also brought a book, a book that could help him read some more. I knew he could read, but I wasn't sure to what extent. If he could read the basics or more. So, I was going to give him the books I finished reading. I also grabbed some silver spoons that he could sell.

I also went to Ambrose's room. I had to leave soon, but I knew that Azriel wouldn't have good clothes. Azriel had a lot of clothes, he didn't need all of it. I ended up packing a bigger bag of an old coat, shoes and pants that he never wore.

When it was close to noon, I snuck out. I made sure to be bundled up. I knew I would be in trouble if I were caught, so I stuck to the shadows like I used to.

I told Azriel to meet me in the forest where the rose garden is near and where the forest meets it. By there I never saw any guards. I explored there many times and came across a secret meadow deep in the woods. Well, it was covered in snow but the trees were fun to climb on.

I walked backwards, using my fan that Lady Sarabia gifted me to cover my tracks. There was snow on the ground and I had to be quiet. No one could no where I was going. I already faced two days of no food for not doing well on as assessment, I can't face that again. I didn't leave a track, so when I reached the forest, I ran.

I was used to running in the cold, the sharp air in my lungs as I breathed. I steadied my breath, but after a month of no exercise I was out of breath quickly.

I had to pause by a tree. I looked behind me and saw that I was near the rose garden. Good, I should wait here for him. I found a comfy looking tree and sat down.

I don't know how long I waited for. I do remember I waited a long time. My fingers turned from red to blue. I couldn't move my toes. At first I refused to leave, but I think an hour passed. I accepted he wasn't coming.

I stood up and dusted off my coat. I looked around the forest for one more time and then my eyes stopped.

A shadowy figure walked this way, red eyes glowing. I broke into a smile and ran. I didn't care of my tracks, if I was caught or the future punishment I would receive.

"Azriel!" I jumped and crashed into his body. He tried to hold me, but fell down onto the snow. I sat on him, his red hat flew off and his long black hair scattered around him. His cheeks were rosy and his skin was pale.

He had new clothes that didn't look so battered. He sported shiny buttons on his coat and this winter his coat was thick. He had a scarf, a rare piece of item he never had before.

I smiled down at him, my light pink hair falling from its braid and touching his chest. It rose up and down quickly and I drank him up. He looked better, not so skinny. He didn't look dirty, maybe he cleaned up to meet me today.

"Selena," He whispered and I choked back a sob. I missed my name, missed how people called for the real me.

He sat up, wrapped his arms around me and I copied him. I held him close, legs still over his and our arms were shaking. Well, I was crying and so my body shook. I think I shook him.

"Shh," He whispered. "Don't cry. I'm here, always here."

"I thought you weren't going to come." I confessed my fear. I shifted my head so it laid on his covered neck. I knew I was getting it wet but I didn't care. He rubbed my back, how he used to when I was scared or sick.

"I'll always come for you."

I sat up, wiping tears away so that we could look at each other. He wiped my tears for me, touching my cheeks softly before pinching them.