Within his skin

Anxious

I could tell Memwel was just a regular guard and that he was confused. I sighed.
" The emperor, my father wants me to get married to prince Andrew of Aderia. But I don't want that. Father has been blinded somehow. If I get married to prince Andrew, they'll take over Velander and overthrow my father, and who knows what they'll do with it or to the people" I explained.

He seamed to be getting what I was saying, so I continued
" I really don't want to be forced to marry prince Andrew. I would kill myself if I can't escape it. So please" I said and then stretched my tied up scarf, where I had written the Letter to Memwel.
" Please help me. You are the only one I want to trust. So please, please give this to Elias. I don't know how but please. He is the only one who can save me and this kingdom" I said.

Memwel straightened his back.
" Do you mean..... The general?" He asked and I nodded. He gulped visibly. He was scared to meet Elias.
" Listen. He would not harm you, I promise. I have just three days left. Find a way to leave the castle and get this to him. You should know where he is. Your absence might be noticed, so do not return. Remain with Elias so... I mean, general War, so that you'd be safe. Please. I will be forever grateful to you. Please help me" I pleaded.

He slowly took the scarf from my hand and met my eyes.
" You can trust me princess. And I apologise for the other day. Please forgive me" he said. I gave him a small smile.
" If you can get this to Elias, then you're forgiven. Do not let anyone else know about this. Not even Isidore" I sighed.

" When can you leave?" I asked. My heart was beating hard inside by chest.
" I'll try to leave tonight. But it may take up to two days to get to the general since he resides close to the borders of Velander. But I promise this to you princess. I will get this to the general even if it costs me my life" He assured me.

He looked like I could trust him but I was still very worried. It also bothered me that it would take two days to get to Elias and that meant, they'd take same amount of days to get here, but I tried to push the thought aside and remain positive.

I had written that I had only three days so Elias should be able to help me if he felt anything for me at all. I hoped he did.

" Princess. How do I make him believe that you sent me?" Memwel asked breaking me out of my thought. He looked really worried.
" He would smell my scarf. So don't worry" I said to him and he nodded.

This was my last hope. I was anxious, very anxious but I kept hoping that Elias would receive it. I prayed Memwel would not get caught on the way. Because that would mean my doom. I also hoped Memwel was trustworthy and he wouldn't just go give that to Father instead.

Memwel hid the scarf under his shirt before going back to his post and I returned to my room. I couldn't get my mind to stop worrying.

* * * *

      A day had passed. My mind was not settled; Memwel had actually left the castle the previous night. I paced back and forth in my room until a knock sounded on my door which stopped me. I looked at the door. My stomach turning in an unsettling manner.

" Princess?" It was Isidore's voice. I had been locking my door recently because I didn't want her just coming in whenever she liked anymore. She had asked me about it and I simply told her I just liked to lock it now.

I walked to the door and unlocked it. I pulled it open to reveal Isidore who stood with three other maidens behind her. They were carrying boxes, big boxes. I frowned as I scanned them.
" And what is this?" I asked, making sure the annoyance coated every word that left my mouth.

" Your father sent these" Isidore replied, gesturing towards the boxes with the maids. I hesitated. The boxes looked heavy and I wished I was wicked enough to make them hold the boxes forever. I walked away from the door and went to sit on my bed.

They all entered dropping the boxes on the floor.
" Get out" I ordered angrily and the three maids hurried out. I had always been nice to all the servants but I hated all of them now. I couldn't even look at Isidore the same way anymore.

" And what are inside the boxes?" I questioned in irritation.
" Your father asked me to bring them to you. In the boxes are different dresses made of the finest materials. Um.. Your father wants you to choose your wedding dress" she said.

I stared daggers at her.
" So you're in support of this?" I asked her. She sighed and for the first time I found her sigh so annoying, I wanted to remind her I was the princess and she had no right to sigh in front of me. But I didn't.

" Princess, I really want to see you happy but I'm just a maid here. And I think prince Andrew will be a fine husband for you" she told me. I sat up angrily.
" You're blind" I spat " All of you. You're all blind" I raised my voice.
" What did they offer you? Hu? What were you offered to try to convince me. You better return it cause I'm not going to be convinced" I said angrily but she kept her head down, maintaining her annoyingly calmness.

" Get out. At once" I spoke calmer, but my anger was still there. She turned around and walked out of the room. I eyed the boxes and then my door opened again and in came my so called father, the almighty blind emperor. Why wouldn't they all just leave me alone.

He didn't look happy. I stared at him and watched how he looked at the boxes before moving his eyes to me.

" I can see you're still being stubborn Odeth" he spoke. I looked away from him and sat back on my bed.
" All the preparations for your wedding is ready. You better choose your dress or someone else will do it for you" he said.
" But father..... " I tried thinking maybe I could try to change his mind again but ..

" Do not speak when I'm speaking" he cut me off. " Pack whatever you need. We are leaving for Aderia tomorrow morning" he said and my eyes widened in shock and confusion.

I stood up to protest but couldn't form a word. He turned to leave then stopped but didn't look at me.
" Also. Don't think I didn't notice the disappearance of one of the guards. I was informed of your little trick. But don't worry. He's in good custody. However, if you do not obey. He'll die slowly. He'll be tortured at every mistake you make" He threatened.

My eyes widened the more.
Memwel was caught? My heart dropped into my stomach at the realization and I staggered backward almost falling. I couldn't believe my last hope got shattered. Father then turned around to face me.

" I can't believe you put such an innocent guard into this. Now if you have any heart at all child. You would do as I've said" he lectured.
" Choose your dress and pack for tommorow" he instructed and walked out. I felt tears freely running down my cheeks. I fell to the floor seated.

This couldn't be how my life would turn out. But why had father become like this. There had to be a reason. He loved me. He used to love me a lot. Why had he suddenly become so evil? I cried even more

I had no other choice now than to give up. I couldn't fight anymore. Elias wasn't coming back and I probably should just accept it

Don't panick. Relax. I don't write tragedies.

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