The Blood in Our Veins

Chapter Six - Escape

I rolled over in bed. I reached for the lamp on my nightstand, but my fingers met only air. My eyes snapped open. This wasn't my room. Then I remembered. I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and ran to the door. I pulled and shoved to no avail. Damn. Locked. I sat on the end of the bed in defeat. I laid back on my pillow when a splash of color caught my eye. I lifted the red envelope from the pillow and swiftly opened it.

I sincerely apologize for the events that took place last night. Queen Catriana can be quite... persuasive. I did not, nor do I wish to force you into anything you do not want to go through with. I cannot blame you for feeling such fury against me.  I look forward to our next meeting. There are many things we must discuss. Until then, know that I am more guilty than you could ever imagine. Yours always, Mason

If he wanted a to see me, I would do everything in my power to make sure he would never again have the pleasure. Tonight I would leave this mess behind. Tonight this would no longer be my life. I looked to the door. Running at it, I lept into the air. My extended foot slammed into it with tremendous force. The wood shattered and splinters of wood sprayed over the corridor. I bolted in the direction of my sleeping quarters. A guard yelled at me, and began to sprint in pursuit, but we both knew I was too fast.

The door flew open at my hand. I charged to my wardrobe and yanked it open. I pulled out a single white gown. Thick ribbons crossed over eachother and met at the sides. This peculiar pattern decorated, had I been wearing the dress, my upper back. The light, silky fabric seemed to flow  through my fingers like water as I folded it carefully and placed it in the bottom of my satchel. I grabbed my cloak and pulled it around my shoulders.

I tugged the hood over my head, just far enough to shadow my facial features. I lifted a necklace from my dresser and let it dangle from my fingers. The emerald leaf that hung from the thin silver chain spun, catching the light in a  peculiar way, as to make it seem to ripple in the 'wind'. I watched, mesmerized, for a moment before fastening it around my throat. I slung the bag over my shoulder in such a way that the strap crossed over my body.

I dragged myself over to the door to the hallway and quietly closed and locked it. I sighed sadly. I would probably never see Tristan again. He was half of me. My twin. The only one who I could trust completely. A single tear slid down my cheek. I swiftly brushed it away. No. No emotion. I had to do this. With false courage, I crossed the room. Pulling open the french doors to the outside, I hesitantly stepped into the darkness.

(UNLESS YOU WANT TO REREAD THE PROLOGUE, SKIP TO THE NEXT CHAPTER)

 I stood on my balcony in the black of night. The chilling October wind swirled around me, attempting to change my decision. It tried in vain, for my mind was made up. I climbed onto the rail. The drop I now faced seemed almost never ending. I surely wouldn't survive the fall. There was a sudden pounding on my door. Shouts emanated from the other side.

"They're coming." I thought. "Go! Quickly" The door shattered into millions of tiny splinters. I closed my eyes and jumped. Air rushed by my face. I landed with a thud and a cry of agony. Pain shot through my ankle and I found that it was bent at an odd angle. Despite this, I had welcomed the pain as a reminder that I was alive.

With a glance, I realized that my would-be husband stood high above me, shaking with obvious rage. For my benefit, I waved and ran as best I could through the gardens, over the gate, and into freedom. I laughed gleefully as I took in the fresh air, away from the stuffy palace I once called my home. The corruptions of the court were now no longer something i had to worry about.

I quickly made my way to the village and froze, horrified and scared. The statue of my father, King Aidan, had been torn down, lying as a heap of rubble in the square. Commoners with torches and axes sang happily and danced around it. I slowly inched toward the scene and pulled my black cloak more tightly around me. On closer inspection, I realized that these were not villagers, but soldiers. Their shouts were not merely exclamations, as I had previously thought. They were chants.

"Down with the bloodline!" They cried. "Lord Gallahein shall rule!" I then ran frantically away from the southerners. If they wanted my coldblooded uncle to be King, then thay would have to destroy the existing royal family. That included me. I bolted to the nearest house and beat on the door as hard as I could. A woman swiftly opened it.

"May I help you?" she asked, clearly agitated. "What could possibly want at this late hour?"

"Shelter. From them." i replied quickly, gesturing to the mess behind me. Her eyes widened and she moved aside. The room before me was small, but cozy. A small fire burned in the corner and two children were huddled togrther by it, fast asleep. A doorway led to another room, but it was too dark to see what lay beyond.

"Who are you to need protection from the southies?" the woman asked.

"Are you a supporter of the throne?" I demanded. Having this woman turn me in was the last thing I needed. In fact, it would probably be the last thing I got. The commoner nodded warily, narrowing her eyes. I removed my hood and straightened my spine.

"I am Princess Sindri Willow, future High Queen of Arkenon."

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Sorry it took so long for me to update! Writer's block sucks, those of you who write TOTALLY understand. Now do you guys understand the prologue? I hope so!! Just hit 203 readers 20 seconds ago, so I'm excited! Till next upload,

Writer out! PEACE!! :)