The Lady Knight

Chapter 5

"P-princess?"

"That's right."

Donte quickly stood up. He gave a nervous smile. "Why, you have to be joking. What would a princess be doing so far away from home?"

"I'm a runaway."

"If you truly are who you say you are....why did you leave?"

"I don't want to live in a place that forbids me to be what I want to be. Running away was my best choice."

The old

The old woman walked towards her. She set a cup of steaming hot tea in front of Katherine.

"Orange mint." The 14 year old mumbled.

"With honey."

She took a sip and smiled. "Delicious."

"Anyways, I'm Donte. And that's my Ma. You can just call her Nona or MoMo."

"Nona preferably dear."

"Alright. Nona. Where should I sleep?"

"We have a guest room in the back. Donte will make sure you're comfortable. I would do it myself but I'm not as young as I used to bed." Nona gave a small smile and walked into her room, closing the door.

"I don't know what I would do without her." Donte blurted out. "She is the only one I have left. Id be so lonely....."

Katherine smiled. "When people realize how lonely it is being alone, they will become kinder."
•
"Are you sure that you're not hungry?" Nona asked, following Katherine outside.

"Yeah I'm she. Thanks for letting me stay the night." She reached in her pocket and placed a red ruby in the hands of Nona.

Her old eyes widened. "R-ruby...."

"Nona!!" Donte came running out of the front. "Is she gone?"

"Not yet."

He walked up to the two. "Well, it was nice having a princess staying with us!" He gave a cheeky grin.

Katherine chuckled. "Well, I'll be off now." She climbed on Shadow.

"I hope you two have a great life. I highly doubt we'll meet again."

Nona was tearing up. "Maybe someday..."

"I hope your dream comes true!" Donte added.

Katherine gave a small nod. She kicked Shadows side and disappeared behind the trees.
•
The next few days was grueling. Snow had postponed the trip for about two days, but after, they were finally back on the trail.

"I kinda miss Nona and Donte now. They were good people." Katherine muttered as she steered Shadow through a town. She had recently purchased a new cloak. It was dark red and warmer than her other one.

It was the middle of winter so the days were still cool and the nights were freezing.

Sometimes Katherine wished she was back at home, snuggled up on her bed. Then she remembered the torture and bitterness her "mother" and "sisters" gave her. There was no turning back now.
•
"How many?"

"40 please."

Katherine handed the merchant 10 golden coins, in exchange for 40 more arrows. She had used up all of them for hunting during the harsh snow.

"Thank you."

"Please come again!" He yelled after her.
•
"There isn't a stable free?"

"No."

"Not even for 1 night?"

"I'm sorry Miss. All of the stables are filled up."

Katherine sighed. "Well, thanks anyways."

She hopped back on Shadow and gently kicked his side, which sent him trotting. She was now getting used to his incredible speed and was able to control him batter than she had before.

"We're going to have to sleep under the stars tonight." She explained to him. "I purchased an apple today, so I'll feed you when we get there."
•
The next morning wasn't snowy, but I was windy and cold. The heavy snow had not yet melted and the air wasn't getting any warmer. Winter still had another 2 months to go. By now, Katherine and Shadow were far from the castle. They were almost out of the kingdoms borders.

Katherine dug into her bag and pulled out a map she had brought with her.

"We need to head north. Up there." She pointed to the horizon as she talked to Shadow.

"Towards the mountains. That way, if "Mother" comes looking for us, she'll never find us."

Shadow neighed and shook his head. He rose to his feet and looked over at Katherine.

"Someone's excited."

Shadow neighed again.

Katherine climbed on his back and looked north towards the mountains, which would take probably another four months.

So they set off in search for a new life, with new discoveries.