Within his skin

Letter to Elias

I felt somewhat proud that she could feel my presence. She soon caught sight of me. Her eyes widened and she left the window.

A very heavy wind had started blowing immediately, like it was a bad omen and the sky rumbled.  I waited, I knew she was going to come out. I also knew I shouldn't meet her but I wanted to let her meet me, at least once. That's if she wanted to.

It immediately started raining heavily and the wind had become heavier and thunder stroke. This was definitely a bad omen. The princess ran out of the castle and she was running toward the woods where I was. I got worried that she'd fall or be blown into the air by the wind like a sheet of paper.

However, she looked determined but then, some palace guards and a few maidens chased after her. They caught up to her before she could get to me. She yelled and screamed at them but they didn't listen. I wanted to go stop them and take her from them but I stopped myself.

They were protecting her and I was still a cursed man. The cursed general considered to be a beast, heartless and wicked. I didn't deserve love. I didn't even deserve to feel such an emotion.

All I was made for was war, killing and destruction. Maybe now, I should focus on that and perhaps build that tittle to a greater height. I turned and walked away.

Odeth's Pov

     I've been so down lately. I felt depressed. I wanted to be angry at Elias but I couldn't, instead I was developing a certain type of grudge against my father. I ate little and refused talking to anyone. Most times I'm in my room. Isidore was the only one who talked to me.

I heard a knock on my door and I turned to face the door. It was father.
What do you want? Was at the tip of my tongue but I held it back. He was still the emperor.

" Odeth" he spoke. I stared at him blankly. We used to be so close and he used to be so loving.
" Let's talk" he said.
" I'm listening" I spoke, letting him know I didn't want to talk. I was only going to listen since I had no choice.

" You feel wronged right now but I promise you. You'll thank me later" He said in a matter of fact tune. I wanted to roll my eyes but again I didn't.
" You only have one more week left to bring a suitable man or you'll be marrying prince Andrew" he reminded. And at that, I frowned.

" How am I supposed to find a man when I'm locked up in the palace. Or perhaps, would you accept a guard as a suitable husband for me? Because I'd rather get married to one of the guards than get married to that godforsaken prince" I raised my voice letting him know how angry I was.

He was quiet for a while and I was now burning with anger. Just as I was about speaking again, he spoke.
" So... The rumors are true that you have fallen in love with that cursed man" father spat. His voice coated in total disdain.

I would have been worried that father found out I liked Elias, but at the moment I was more concerned about him insulting Elias.
" He's not cursed" I spat back defensively and he laughed in response as he strolled further into my room.

" Daughter. Everybody knows that he's cursed. Whether you try to deny it or not, he is cursed and I forbid you from marrying him. I will never approve" he said. I could now feel tears at the back of my eyes.

Actually I knew he was cursed but it wasn't his fault and I didn't really care. I remained quiet.

" One more week Odeth. You do know that I love you and I'm only doing this for your own good" he said before walking out of my room. Tears ran freely down my cheeks. I had to find a way out of this. I knew I could not run away because the castle had been thoroughly guarded recently. Father must have ordered the guards to have extra watchful eyes on me.

I was developing hate towards my own father, someone I used to love and admire.

.....

     Now, I had less than a week. During this time, Isidore had informed me that preparations for my marriage/wedding to prince Andrew was already going on. She told me she was sure that once the remaining three days were over, I would be getting married to prince Andrew immediately.

I wasn't happy with the news. I knew that had been father's plan all along. He knew I won't be able to bring any man since I would be locked up in the palace, and the one month he gave me was just to make it seem like he cared, but actually, it was just enough time for him to plan the wedding.

The wedding ceremony would be taking place exactly after one month. But I only had three days. I thought of talking to Andrew but that wasn't even an option. There was no way I could reach him and even if I did. I knew he wouldn't listen to me, besides I had already been rude to him and of course, his plan all along was to marry me and take the kingdom.

He wouldn't just throw all their years long plan away. I also knew I wouldn't be treated right if I married him. Then an idea popped up in my head.

I got up from my bed and sat at my dressing table. I took out a piece of white cloth, which was actually one of my small scarfs. I brought out the ink and a feather and then I began to write.

  Elias. I don't know if I'm asking too much, but I really need your help. My father is going to marry me off to prince Andrew in three days. I don't know when you'll receive this but I hope it won't be too late. Come quick. Please save me. I do not want to marry him. I don't want anyone else but you, Elias. Please. Take me with you. Let's run away please. Please save me. I love you. Elias.                         
                                                             
                               Princess Odeth.  

     I wrote, not thinking. I just wrote whatever came to my mind at that moment. I was desperate, but then there was still one problem. How could I get it to Elias. I didn't even know where he was. I folded the scarf and used a little white ribbon in tying it. I held it in my hand and walked out of my room.

I couldn't tell Isidore any of my plans. I didn't trust her completely , because she obeyed everything the emperor said. Yes she gave me information, but she did same to him. I walked down the hallway and down the stairs. I had to look for someone I could trust, but who?

I strolled around the castle looking at each and everyone of the servants as if I could tell if they were trustworthy just by looking at them. I was now at the bottom floor in the hall. I caught sight of the guard who had carried me into the palace from the storm days ago.

I knew I should not trust him but I wanted to try. He was standing with another guard. Taking in a deep breath, I lifted my chin and walked to them. They looked at me and quickly bowed their heads.

" Princess" the guard whom carried me addressed.
" Come with me" I said and started walking away. He followed me. I climbed up the stairs and he followed. I got to a random empty room and entered. He hesitated but entered anyway.

" Close the door" I ordered and he did before walking to me but still kept his head down. I was worried. Worried that I might be making a huge mistake by trying to trust him. This could ruin my plan completely or help me.

" Please help me" I said but my voice broke vulnerably. He snapped his head up to look at my face. I knew I had tears in my eyes threatening to fall. I sniffled trying to hold back the tears.
" What is your name?" I asked
" Memwel" he responded quickly.

I nodded.
" Okay. Memwel. I know you all already know what's going on in the palace" I said not wanting to beat around the bush and he nodded.
" Memwel... Can I trust you?" I asked seriously. He stared at me.

" With my life? And this kingdom?" I asked further and his eyes widened.

Y'all I don't know why I'm writing longer chapters these days. 

Anyway... Let the Action Begin.

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