In the kingdom of Clovendale, Princess Isadora is suffocated by the weight of royal expectations and a future sealed by an arranged marriage. Desperate for freedom, she regularly escapes to a nearby village, this is where she meets Gabriel-a commone...
Marble, tiled floors stretched beneath my feet, while cobblestone walls rose high, reaching toward the ceiling like a beanstalk. Each wall was decorated with grand windows that let in golden sunlight, brightening the intricate patterns in the stone. A chandelier hung overhead, its crystals sparkling like stars, but even with the sun pouring in, this palace felt cold.
The weight of the tower of lore rested heavily on my head. I wore a smile as a mask to hide my frustration. "Straighten your back!" Countess Elowen yelled. "Smile more brightly!" Her voice echoed off the walls. "Come on, Princess Isadora, you can do better than that."
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"How many more hours of this?" I muttered, my patience running thin.
"I HATE being in the Royal Study..." I think to myself. I've been walking with these books on my head for so long that the classical music playing in the back, felt stuck in my head. My golden hair was styled and braided, heavy like the crown I was supposed to wear. The beautiful gown I wore, with its lace and shimmering fabric, was stunning but suffocating—a reminder of the royal expectations that weighed me down.
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" I shouted, my heels clattering as I walked away from Countess Elowen.
"Princess Isadora!" she huffed, her cheeks flushed. I couldn't help but giggle; I could almost see the smoke coming from her ears.
"Countess Elowen, as much as I've enjoyed your company, I should go. You should be alright without seeing me for a few minutes right?." I smirk. I stepped toward the window; only someone foolish would try to sneak out of a heavily guarded castle through the front.
"Take another step toward that window and I'll tell the guards! Come back here!" Countess Elowen stomped her feet, but I was determined. I slipped her an emerald ring from my finger. "Is this enough to keep quiet?" I whispered, a playful look in my eyes.
After a moment, Countess Elowen nodded, her desire for riches winning over her duty to the crown.
I quickly moved to the window.
There were many windows to choose from, but this one was my escape, my way to freedom.
I grasped the sturdy vines clinging to the palace walls, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The cool stone felt exciting beneath my fingers, sending shivers up my spine. As I climbed down, the weight of my responsibilities began to fade, replaced by the thrill of breaking free. The cold breeze splashed against my fair skin, sending ripples of excitement through me. The sun warmed the parts of me that my dress couldn't cover, making me feel alive.
Finally, I was free.
When I reached the ground, I took a moment to soak it all in—the vibrant flowers swaying in the breeze, the sounds of laughter from the village beyond the castle walls, and the feeling of freedom. With each step away from the palace, my spirit soared higher, unburdened and alive.
Today, I would be just Isadora, a girl exploring the world beyond royal duties. I embraced the thrill of the unknown with an open heart. I've always sneaked out of the palace every chance I got. Little did I know,this time would be different...
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