👑 The Prince's Heart ❤

☆A Night of Freedom☆

(Evelyn's POV)

The moment I left the castle, my heart raced with a mix of exhilaration and dread. I dashed through the moonlit gardens, the cool night air hitting my face like a refreshing wave. I had to get away. My stepfamily would never understand. They wouldn't accept the freedom I craved, the life I dreamed of.

As I fled, my gown flowed behind me like a crimson banner, its fabric catching the moonlight with each hurried step. I could still hear the distant music of the ball fading behind me, but it was the countdown of midnight that echoed in my mind, a reminder of my precarious situation. If I didn't hurry, my stepmother would discover my absence, and I would face her wrath.

As I approached the castle staircase, I navigated the steps quickly, focused solely on the exit. My heart raced, driven by the fear of being caught. But in my haste, I brushed against the railing, feeling the necklace Matthias had given me slip from my neck. I paused for a moment, turning back, but I knew I couldn't risk staying any longer. I needed to escape, to breathe.

So I ran.

I burst through the castle gates and into the night, the cool breeze welcoming me as I made my way toward the village. With every step, I felt the weight of my stepfamily's oppression begin to lift. The excitement of freedom surged within me, filling the void that had lingered in my heart for so long.

As I approached our cottage, the first drops of rain began to fall, splattering against the ground and soaking the earth. I paused, looking up at the sky, and laughed—a bright, joyous sound that echoed in the empty street. "What a night for a dance," I whispered to myself.

Without thinking, I twirled around, letting the raindrops kiss my skin, my laughter ringing out into the quiet night. I felt wild, untamed. I danced in the rain, spinning and twirling, allowing the rhythm of the storm to wash away my worries. This was my moment, my escape.

But just as I began to lose myself in the exhilaration, the sound of a carriage rattling on the cobblestone road cut through my bliss. My heart dropped. The unmistakable sound of my stepfamily's arrival sent a jolt of panic through me. They were back earlier than I'd expected.

I hurried toward the cottage, my heart racing as I scrambled inside. My mind raced, searching for a place to hide. I quickly threw open the door, scanning the room for any hiding spot. The cottage was small and cramped, and my heart pounded as I frantically gathered the items scattered about—anything that would reveal I hadn't been home.

I shoved the few belongings I had into a corner, pushing them under a worn-out blanket and some old clothes. It was a meager attempt at camouflage, but I had to try. With only seconds to spare, I slipped into the narrow space between the wall and the small wooden bed, hoping it would be enough.

The door creaked open, and I held my breath, praying my heart wouldn't betray me by beating so loudly. The sound of my stepmother's voice filled the air, sharp and commanding.

"Where is that girl?" she barked, her tone laced with annoyance. "She should have been locked in the basement!"

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing my heart to calm. I could hear the sound of footsteps as my stepmother and stepsister Clara entered the cottage, their voices filling the small space.

"Maybe she's asleep?" Clara suggested, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. I could picture her rolling her eyes. "Or maybe she's too busy being a lazy servant to notice we're back?"

"I don't care what she's doing," my stepmother snapped. "She needs to remember her place. I'll deal with her later."

A shiver ran down my spine at her words. I felt the anger bubbling up within me, but I bit my lip, fighting against the urge to react. I had escaped for now; I couldn't let their cruelty drag me back down.

"Let's just hope she learns her lesson," Clara said, her voice dripping with disdain. "She can't just run off whenever she feels like it."

I listened as they moved about the cottage, their voices blending into a distant hum. They searched for me, rattling the furniture and calling my name, but I stayed still, every muscle in my body tense with anticipation.

After what felt like an eternity, their voices finally grew quieter. The sound of footsteps faded, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I remained hidden for a while longer, making sure they were truly gone.

Once I was certain, I slipped out from my hiding place, shaking off the rainwater from my hair and gown. I felt a renewed sense of determination. I might have to endure their cruelty for now, but I wouldn't let it define me. I had tasted freedom, however briefly, and I craved more.

With a soft smile on my face, I recalled the necklace that had slipped from my neck. It was a reminder of that night, of the dance, of the Crown Prince whose gaze had sparked something in me.

I needed to find that necklace. It was a piece of me that connected to a night I would never forget.

But first, I had to be cautious. I would bide my time, wait for the right moment, and when it came, I would seize my chance to chase after the life I longed for—one filled with love, laughter, and freedom.

(949 Words)