The Princess: Stranded

3

The sun was about to set, and I was extremely hungry. The chill breeze wasn't helping my condition, and my wound stung painfully. Although my throat felt a little better, I knew starting a fire was crucial at this moment. Thankfully, I had some survival training, but being thrust into a life-or-death situation was another matter entirely.

I made my way back to the beach, gathering the materials needed to start a fire: a piece of wood and a stick. Limping to the ground, I recalled the lessons I had learned and began to apply them. My arms burned from the vigorous rubbing, and sweat beaded on my forehead, but I pushed through, drawing on every ounce of strength I had left.

My efforts were rewarded when the scent of smoke filled my nostrils. I blew softly, coaxing the ember to life. The wood began to catch fire, and a sense of triumph washed over me.

"I did it," I murmured, grinning victoriously. I carefully added more wood and bark to the growing flames, ensuring they wouldn't die down. As if the sun took pity on me, it disappeared into the horizon just as the fire began to warm me.

With the fire warming me up, it was still not enough to chase away the chill. My arms wrapped around me tightly as I shivered. It had been about twenty-four hours since I had last eaten, though the water helped slightly with the hunger pangs. Tomorrow, I was set to open this piece of crap luggage. 

Now that water was accessible, I could only hope it contained a medical kit. 

My thigh throbbed painfully, and I felt feverish. I dropped to the ground, trembling and in immense pain. Clutching my leg, I wondered if this was how my life would end. After all the effort to stay alive, this would be it. I should have just let myself drown at sea.

The bushes rustled, and I fought to stay awake. Was it a wild animal? So, I'd die with it eating me. How ironic. I closed my eyes as the rustling sound came nearer. This was it.

"Your Highness!" A familiar voice rang in my ear, but I lacked the strength to respond. I felt them kneel beside me and unzip a bag. They laid me down on my back, and I felt a sting on my leg—it must have been something to numb the pain, because gradually, I began to feel better. 

Opening my eyes, I saw a face I knew well: dark brown hair framing her features, and despite the dim light, her concerned brown eyes never left mine. Relief flooded over me, and I sighed, closing my eyes once more.

The scent of cooked fish stirred me awake later. Nestled in a pile of clothes that had kept me warm through the night, I felt considerably better than I had after yesterday's ordeal. As I sat up, Dominique's back was turned to me, absorbed in preparing our meal.

"What time is it?" I asked in a hoarse voice, startling her as she jumped slightly. I suppressed a laugh at her reaction. "I apologize for startling you. It wasn't my intention."

She turned towards me, her expression a mix of relief and something unreadable.

"It's around two in the afternoon."

Wow, I had slept that long, huh? "How did you catch the fish?" I inquired, my mouth watering at the smell. It was hardly ladylike to salivate like this, but in our circumstances, who cared?