Fate of deception

Chapter 1 - Umaizah's POV

Around this time ten months ago, I snuck out of the palace whilst everyone was in their slumber. I needed a break from being in the palace seven days a week. Father never lets me out for more than 15 minutes to watch over me. My mother didn't have a say in any of the orders from my father though. I needed a plan to escape, but I didn't have one. I just wanted to be out and alone for once.

Is that too much to ask for? Yes.

Not wasting any more time, I took the chance to quietly sneak out from the window. Luckily, my room wasn't that far up from the ground. It made my landing easier since I only had my slippers on. My original shoes were in a room down the corridor. I didn't want to risk getting caught by the guards though.

There was a forest I could get to which led to a village surrounded with not many people. (From what I've heard at least.)

Without hesitation, I ran to the gates and quickly climbed over - not taking a chance to even look back. My 5'4 self struggled to get my legs working quick. Being a few seconds out, I picked up a guard's voice shouting my name repeatedly.

Already?

I ignored it in addition to me being close to the woods.

I had second thoughts about leaving but I knew it was too late to return back. I left everything in my room, only having my nightwear on which had a pocket on each side of my hip. I think I left some crystal shards in them.

I'm screwed if I don't find a place to stay as soon as possible. I caught the sound of the royal horses from afar, reaching my ears. Hurriedly, I hid behind a bush. Thankfully, it was thick and big enough to cover me from being seen.

Minutes went by letting the silence grow. I glanced around to make sure no one was near. I headed back in the direction I was heading to earlier, with no knowledge of where the village was.

I'm finally free.

I followed a path leading straight ahead, hoping it would direct me to the village I was looking for. I walked carefully as paranoia controlled over me. There were many thorns in the grass. Fear rose up in me. I could perceive the Shadowmancers.

Shadowmancers usually appeared at night in each forest. They could linger around you possibly trying to hurt you into getting out of their habitats. It's rather rare dying from them nevertheless. I'm just hoping I don't run into one.

I tried calming myself down. Taking in deep breaths, steadily I sat down on a nearby log. I should've come prepared. I left without anything to keep me going.

Gosh I've never felt so stupid.

Look at me! Only being in a nightdress, with only thin slippers on, along with my tiara sitting on my head. Someone would definitely try to rob me due to the lack of protection I have. Just then my stomach rumbled. I'm certainly going to starve for a good while.

I was in the middle of the Serendrian Forest, nowhere near the palace, as I couldn't see its flag from this view.

I felt tired.

I really needed to rest if I wanted enough energy to explore more the next day. I just don't know where to sleep.

There were many insects all around me. I'm not even sure if there are wild animals. I sighed. My only choice was to sleep on this log beside a tree.

Gradually, I made my way to the log, leaning my right shoulder on the tree and lifting my legs to my chin to place them on my knees. With that, I shut my eyes drifting to dreamland. One side of me hoped that father found me. The other hoped for my freedom, away from father's control at last.

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I noticed the sun was just starting to rise. I wondered how long I slept as I didnt keep track of time. I could make out a faint noise coming from behind me. However, it couldn't be heard to be too close.

Cautiously, I let my feet touch the ground as I adjusted myself. I quietly got up and looked ahead of me first. Nothing could be seen. I then checked my right, then the left side. Again, nothing. Turning behind me I could see a figure.

It looked like a guy?