The prophecy of a blind heiress

The escape

As they touched down on the dewy grass, Hartson's grip on Princess Hazel's hand tightened. They exchanged a frantic glance, their hearts racing in unison.

The footsteps grew louder, the guards' torches casting flickering shadows on the garden walls. Hartson yanked Princess Hazel into a sprint, dashing across the lawn towards the forest.

But the guards were closing in. Hartson could hear their labored breathing, their armor clanking as they gained ground. Princess Hazel's hand trembled in his, her blind eyes wide with fear.

Suddenly, a torchlit figure emerged from the darkness, blocking their path. Hartson's heart sank as he recognized the cruel face of Lady Victoria's most ruthless guard, Captain Lucas.

"Well, well, well," Captain Lucas sneered, his sword glinting in the moonlight. "Look what we have here. The little princess and her brave rescuer."

Hartson's eyes locked onto Captain Lucas' , a fierce determination burning within him. He knew they had to get past the captain, or risk being dragged back to the dungeon.

With a fierce battle cry, Hartson launched himself at Captain Lucas, tackling him to the ground. Princess Hazel stumbled backward, her hands outstretched as if searching for something to cling to.

The sound of clashing steel and grunting men filled the air as Hartson fought to take down Captain Lucas. Princess Hazel's face twisted in a mixture of fear and desperation.

And then, just as Hartson managed to pin Captain Lucas to the ground, a loud whistle pierced the night air. The guards halted in their tracks, momentarily confused.

In that split second of hesitation, Hartson saw their chance. He yanked Princess Hazel towards the forest, and they plunged into the darkness, leaving Captain Lucas and the guards behind.

But as they stumbled through the dense underbrush, Hartson knew they weren't safe yet. Lady Victoria would stop at nothing to recapture her prize...

As they fled through the dense forest, Princess Hazel's slender legs tangled in the underbrush. She cried out in pain as she fell, her ankle twisting beneath her.

Hartson rushed to her side, his face etched with concern. "Hazel, oh no, are you alright?"

Princess Hazel's eyes welled up with tears as she clutched her ankle. "I...I think I twisted it," she whimpered.

Without hesitation, Hartson scooped her into his arms, cradling her like a child. Princess Hazel's face contorted in pain, and she buried her face in Hartson's chest.

As they stood there, the forest around them grew quiet, as if holding its breath. Hartson's heart pounded in his chest, his fingers brushing against Princess Hazel's slender neck.

In a moment of tender instinct, Hartson's lips brushed against Princess Hazel's forehead, his breath whispering against her skin. Princess Hazel's tears slowed, her body relaxing into his embrace.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of tender connection.