Grimm Fantasies: Cinder Princess

Sworn

Ashley

   Ashley had hooked her leg around a low hanging branch and was just about to hoist herself higher when suddenly she wasn't alone in the woods.

   "What are you doing?" The voice came from behind her, the suddenness of it all started her; causing her to loss her grip and hit the hard earth beneath her. It hurt but she hadn't been very high in the tree to begin with so her breath was just stolen away for a few moments.

   After she caught her breath and scrambled to her feet she came face to face with a pretty boy, an oddly dressed pretty boy. The word that came to mind to describe what he wore was armor. It looked like it was made from metal but it had a green hue and Ashley couldn't figure out what type it was. His pitch black hair was windswept back while his deep vibrant green eyes shone in the darkness.

   Ashley stared at him in awe, something about him set her on edge. He seemed to radiate power and authority; it almost reminded Ashley of her father. But this boy was different his presence didn't demand attention like her father, there was nothing forceful about it; almost as if it was just a fact of nature.

   "I-I...uh..." Ashley sputtered out uncertainly and moved to back up against the tree. The pretty boy suddenly shot forward and yanked her away from the tree. Ashley gasped in shock, his touch felt electric and she found herself letting him drag her away from the large trunk of the sprawling tree. The tugged her away and quickly let go, almost as if he's been burned. He looked down at his hand curiously.

   "Don't," He warned "Don't touch it." Ashley nodded mutely and looked down to where he'd touched her arm, she still felt the electricity running through her, and she couldn't explain it. Her head was swimming and she felt light headed. The boy spoke again his voice was smooth and sweet, like honey. Ashley felt like her own voice was caught in her throat. The boy looked at her and frowned deeply. Ashley stared up at him; he was almost an entire head taller than her and closer up Ashley noticed the light spread of freckles across his checks and the bridge of his nose.

   Ashley stared at him long enough to realize that he'd asked her a question that she hadn't caught. "Huh...?" Ashley asked and the boy rolled his eyes in annoyance.

   "Where did you come from?" He asked again as he crossed his arms over his chest. The armor he wore seemed to glow slightly in the dim light.

   "I uh..." Ashley glanced around then shook her head. "I can't remember." The boy's eyes narrowed, for some reason Ashley didn't think it was because he didn't believe her but she couldn't place what other reason he'd be looking at her like that for. "What?" Ashley asked, managing to take a step back and away from the pretty boy. She then noticed he had a sword at his side, the sheath was of complex design with golden swirling patterns along the black material it was made of. It almost looked like writing but Ashley couldn't figure out what language it could be.

   "Yeah, well where ever you came from you need to go back," He said sternly, "And don't come back." He warned in a more dangerous tone. Ashley hesitated, moving further away from him. He didn't stop her nor seem to have any intention of doing so as he stood with his arms crossed and in a relaxed posture.

   "I have a right to be here," Ashley argued, "My father owns these lands." As she spoke the boy's frown only grew more thoughtful.

   "...Your father?" His voice sounded skeptical and uncertain. Ashley nodded quickly.

   "Yes my father, Eric Tremaine. He owns most of these lands, there are still a few farms that are resilient and refuse to sell but it's only a few acres." Ashley explained. The boy stared long and hard at her before finally letting out an irritated sigh and looked away, towards the tree. He looked at it thoughtfully for a moment before looking back to Ashley.