Forbidden Fate

Chapter 16

 "Ivy, don't decide this because of me. Do it if you want to." "I made my decision. As long as you are ok with putting down rebellions I'll do whatever it takes." Zilla smiles, "You know I'm ok with it." I nod, "I'll pay off a maid to give you food and water. Stay safe." Zilla reaches up and holds my cheek. Suddenly she pulls me down and kisses me through the bars, "I love you." "I love you too." I don't want to but I leave Zilla and run upstairs. Avoiding guards, I sneak back into my room. I change and go straight to bed.

The next morning Kelly wakes me up again and leaves. I get up and choose the best dress for sneaking out. I have no black, and they're all ballgowns. So no matter what I'm kinda screwed in that department. Finally, I settle on a red tool ballgown because it's the darkest color I own and the lightness. The red is a deep carmine and the skirt has three visible ruffles going down the skirt. The top is a shoulder sweetheart neckline. I put it on. This is another one I like. I'm actually ok with the color and style. It's my gown of choice most days. I put it on and threw my hair up into a ponytail. I walk to my desk and find a letter. Confused, I open it.

Ivy,

You don't know who I am but I knew your mother. With your situation becoming more complicated and grim I figured I'd leave this with you. It's a key to the locked door at the top of the 1st tower. Your mom had a few things your father wanted locked away. Stay safe. I will hopefully see you soon.

Good Luck,

An Old Family Friend

In the envelope is an old-looking key. The gold is rusty and worn. I roll it over in my hand. An old family friend? Many people came over to the castle while my mom was alive. And how do they know about my situation? I push my questions aside and take the key with me to breakfast. I quickly eat and then make my way to the top of the 1st tower. I finish climbing the stairs and see the old wooden door. I try to open it but as expected it's locked. I take the key and put it into the lock. I try the door again and it opens. I cautiously walk into the room. There is a window straight across from me where you can see the countryside. The room is filled with nothing but dust and cobwebs. To my right, I see an old-looking trunk. I walk over and open it. Inside are weapons. On top is a beautiful black bow with carvings and red gems that glisten in the sunlight. A quiver is just below that made with black leather and a red gem on top. Next, I grab a sword that is as black as the night, adorned with blood-red gems. A matching scabbard is with it. Finally, there is a dagger that looks like a smaller version of the sword with a matching thigh holster.

These weapons. They're so pretty. I run my hand over the polished wood. How have these weapons lasted so long? They are still in pristine condition. I take one last look in the trunk and find a paper. I pick it up and read.

I, Queen Rosetta Tulip Godfrey, hereby give these weapons to my lovely daughter, Ivy Rose Godfrey. May these weapons lead your way to freedom.

I wipe away the tears I didn't realize were there. I load everything back up into the trunk and stand up. I look out the window trying to figure out how to get the trunk to my room or the stables. My balcony is just above the stables. I could easily jump down into some hay. I'll probably carry the weapons on me. But how do I get the trunk to my room? I look out the window and see my balcony down to the left. There are several roofs and balconies making a mini parkour path to my room. I make sure I can open the window, then turn around to get the weapons. Out of the corner of my eye, I see something I didn't see in my fixation on the trunk. A mannequin with a dress on it. The dress is a small a-line with a corset bodice. There is an attached hood and the dress itself is sleeveless. The whole thing is black leather and cloth. This would be so much better than this ballgown. I look outside again at the sun. Around this time of day, everyone is usually out of their rooms. I should be able to make it without being seen if I'm quick. I quickly take the dress, bow, sword, dagger, and accessories and put them in an old burlap bag I found in the corner. I tie it off and open the window. I take a deep breath. The 'path' is extremely narrow. One slip I'll fall and won't be able to save Zilla. I shake the thoughts away and jump out the window. I slide down the tower roof and jump onto the somewhat flat roof of the next section of the castle. I run across and drop down to the balcony. My balcony is now on the lower floor to the right. I toss the bag over and then jump myself. I barely make it but hey I made it. I check to make sure nothing broke. Everything's intact, good. I hide the bag in the back of my closet. Ok, I have weapons now. Now I just need food, water, and to pay off a maid. I nod to myself and walk downstairs to the kitchen.