Winter DO NOT READ

Chapter Seven - Keteus

    I heaved the saddle onto my horse, letting out a low sigh. It's late at night, and I haven't even gotten a moment of sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see the face of the witch. Her glorious blue eyes seem to be looking into my soul, her golden hair binding me. Binding my thoughts to her. Ever since her escape, she's all I can think about.

    I stroked the horses thick mane, whispering short reassurances. Quite frankly, I haven't a clue why I'm doing so. Maybe I'm attempting to reassure myself. At the moment, I'm starting to question my sanity. If I'm not insane, why else am I thinking about this bloody witch so much?

    Footsteps rang through the air, coming in my direction. I tensed as listened to every step. They came closer and closer, the intruders breathing silent. The steps were light and quiet, hardly to be heard.

    The door creaked open, a dark figure sneaking in quickly. I hid myself behind a tall banister, attempting to catch a glance at the intruder. The cloaked stranger looked around. Did they see me?

    I hid in the darkness, slowly making my way towards the cloaked figure. The feminine shadow scurried across the stable. It took all of my self control not to let out a chuckle. Why, isn't she trying a little too hard?

      I snuck up behind the intruder, clearing my throat. They spun around to face me, the hood falling down.

     Her short red hair caressed her face, and millions of freckles were scattered over her nose. The cloaked woman was tall, likely coming up to my eyes. Her complexion was bold, guaranteed to stand out in a crowd. How she could ever move about undetected, I haven't a clue.

    "Who are you?" I questioned.

     She looked at me, her face growing pale. "Please don't turn me in to your queen."

    I gazed into her terrified eyes, sympathy washing over me. "You haven't done anything worthy of the queen's dungeon."

    She tilted her head slightly to the right. "You're much humbler than the last Royal Guard I've come to pass."

    "Oh? And who could that have been?"

    "He goes by the name Jak. Do you know him?" She uttered.

    My thoughts were cast to my greatest foe. He always went out of his way to make me miserable. Most of the scars cast upon my body were because of him. Every time I committed a disobedient act, he was there to report it to Her Majesty. He was always against the fact that I every now and then chose for myself.

    "Indeed." I grumbled.

    The woman took notice, a frown cast upon her face. "Is he normally so horrid?"

    "You've seen him at his worst, I suppose?" I asked her.

    She shook her slightly, a radiant grin surfacing. "With your reaction, I'm presuming he was in a nice mood."

    "Quite possibly." I agreed.

    The girl appeared uncomfortable, her foot taping quickly on the hard ground. Her eyes darted across the room, as if she was already planning her escape.

    "Now, could you tell me your name?" I asked softly.

     "Avira." The woman muttered, raising her chin.

     "Alright then, Avira. What are you doing here in the royal stables?" I asked, ignoring the irritation flashing in her eyes.

    "You're questioning me now?" She scowled.