The King's Bride (Book 1 of Midnight Cinderella)

Chapter 13 : The Escape

<Ianne Lumina>

After our trip to the library, Liz told me she'd be in her room, as she needed to write a letter to her father about her trip to Stein. She told me she forced her way out of the country to get here, and I could not help but laugh. 

I decided to spend the rest of my day inside my chambers, as I also do not want to see the king for now. 

The air was cool as it blew through my large windows. The Wysterian palace stood tall, and I could not help but miss my home. I could almost imagine the warm food that my mother would prepare, the soft laughters of Erik when he made a mistake in one of my quizzes - it felt like so long ago. 

A knock sounded on my door. "Come in," I said. 

The door creaked open, and a young man peered his head inside. It was Nico. "Morning, my lady!" he said, and waved out a small envelope. "For you." 

I frowned, and walked towards the door, holding the envelope in my hand. "What's this?" I asked him. 

"An invitation for the play of Stars Across the Sea by Hans Hugo," Nico said. I opened the letter in  my hand, noting the intricate vine-like designs imprinted on its borders. 

Indeed, the letter told of the time and place where the musical play would be held. "It says here, 'the Crystal Note Opera House,'" I said. "Where is that?"

Nico glanced at the paper. "It's past the river, maybe a fifteen to twenty minute ride from the castle," he said. 

I sighed, and gave him a thank you. He soon left, and I tumbled back down to my bed. The king is is courting me, but I haven't even seen him actually come try and visit me. It felt like he was doing it half-heartedly. 

If this was how courtship works, then I'm not sure I want it. 

I rolled over the bed, sinking into the fluffy pillows I haven't had the luxury to have back home. Yes, the food is nice, all the facilities and the like - I've such good people around me. Gina, Nico, and I'm even thankful that Liz is here. 

Suddenly, I heard a faint whistle outside my window. 

My eyes widened. 

"What are you doing here?!" I half-yelled in toned down voice at the knight perched on my balcony. 

He wore a mischievous grin on his face. Unlike the usual days, he was wearing none of his heavy armors, but instead, just a plain shirt and pants. I noted he still wore a sword by his side, though. 

Nevertheless, it did not lessen the amount of shock I have right now. 

"Surprise," he grinned. 

I stormed towards him and slapped him on the arm. "Ow!" 

"What the hell  are you doing here?!" I repeated, and slapped him again. He scooted away from me, laughing with his devilish smile. "You're supposed to protect Liz!" 

Alyn paused, and looked at me with confusion. "What, I'm on my day-off," he told me and I gaped at him in surprise. Knights have days-off?

The knight raised his eyebrow at me, possibly knowing what's going on in my mind. "What, don't you think knights have days-off?" he said with disbelief. "I'm the captain of the Royal Wysterian Guard, do you realize how stressful my job is?"

I rolled my eyes. "Cheeky bastard."

He laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling with laughter. "So? Care to join me in a rendezvous?" he asked.

I leaned back, crossing my arms over my chest. "To where?" 

The knight shrugged. "Anywhere," he said.