On The Other Side Of The Castle

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       Cathy scowled down at the piece of paper in her lap. She had been riding for more than an hour, and she didn't have anymore time. If she didn't find Mia's house soon then she would be caught, and her plan would fail. Cathy blew a strand of hair out of her eyes and glanced up. She soaked up the horizon, straining to find any source of civilization. Sighing deeply, she yanked the reigns back and turned Snowdrift around."Well, we are definitely lost." She muttered sighing again.

Prince Alexander hummed as he took a bath. He smiled to himself, remembering the maid that had barged into his room unintentionally. He half dried himself before wrapping a towel around himself and stepping out of the bathroom. He gave a girlish scream when he saw Delilah lazily reading a book, lounging on his bed."Took you long enough!" She retorted slapping the book down. Once his heart rate returned to normal, he glared at her and snapped,"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?!" She rolled her eyes and waved a hand dismissively."Get out!" He growled at her. She sighed and threw a pair of pants at him,"Get dressed, dad wants to talk with you." The prince headed back to the bathroom to change, muttering under his breath. Once he was gone, Delilah smiled and picked up the book again. Once the prince was dressed he emerged, a glare stuck on his face,"Why does dad want to see us?" Delilah snorted and said,"You, not me. And that's a good question. I have no idea, maybe it's with the disappearance of Cathy." She paused before staring at him suspiciously. He played dumb and frowned,"She's gone?!" Panic edged his voice, combined with concern. Delilah nodded and kept her gaze locked with his,"Yes. A few hours ago. Along with Snowdrift." The prince looked down and muttered,"I hope she's ok." Delilah stared at him a moment more before replying,"Maybe it's for the best. Anyway, I have to go. Make sure you talk to dad." She continued walking down the hallway, out of sight. The prince grinned mischievously in her direction and said,"Oh I will."

Cathy had finally given up trying to figure up where she was. She had already wasted half an hour trying to find any source of the village. She gave a sigh of exasperation and climbed off Snowdrift."We're lost. Aren't we?" She stupidly asked the horse. Snowdrift said nothing, like usual. Cathy glared up at the blue sky and kicked a pebble angrily. A deep chuckle from the forest erupted, making her dart behind Snowdrift."Its okay. I'm a friend." He stepped out of the forest, smirking. Cathy frowned at him and kept her distance. He was surprisingly handsome in a mischievous sort of way.   He had deep green eyes and blond wispy hair. His clothes looked expensive, although they were simple. A stark green cloak, and soft brown boots. Cathy narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms. He still kept a smile stuck on his face and walked closer."Lost?" He questioned smugly. She clenched her jaw and didn't respond. He raised an eyebrow and reached a hand up to stroke Snowdrift. But Cathy snapped,"Don't touch her!" He amusingly laughed, but dropped his hand. He ventured closer, she eyed him warily and took a step back. He cocked his head at her and murmured,"Don't be afraid, Cathy." When he said her name she flinched. He eyed her before coming closer and saying,"Yes. I know your name. In fact, I know all about you." She wavered a bit before asking,"How?" He smiled lightly and continued,"Nothing personal, I know everything about everyone here. That's why. I also know about you and the prince, and I must say, I was surprised you fell for his kind." She glared at him and snapped,"That's my business." He shrugged nonchalantly and came closer. Cathy let him, but kept her distance. He quirked his head at her, and studied her. She shifted uncomfortably and looked down. He gave her a warm smile, making her lift her head suspiciously. He grinned and stuck out his hand,"Where are my manners, I'm Jack. And of course, I know all about you, so don't bother with that." She ignored his hand and refused to shake it, instead she pushed past him and climbed on Snowdrift. He watched her slap the reigns and say,"Well, I hope you have a nice time, Mr. Jack. But I must be going now." Then Snowdrift began to trot away. He shrugged and looked away boredly and said calmly,"Your going the wrong way." Cathy stiffened and stared ahead, she hated it when he was right. Finally, she sighed and turned Snowdrift around. He gave her a rugged smile before giving Snowdrift a quick pat. Cathy gritted her teeth but said nothing. He stared up at her and said amused,"Your quite pretty. I see why the prince fancies you." Cathy wanted to feel angry, but all she could do was blush. He smirked when he saw her face heat up."Ah, struck a nerve have I?" She shook her head stubbornly, but she still blushed furiously."Just tell me which way to go." She growled. He smiled and looked out into the distance,"I'm afraid it will be no good. We have company coming." Cathy strained to see what he was talking about, but soon heard the rumble of horse hooves."The castle guards." He confirmed with a nod. She glanced down at him and scowled,"Well, since your so smart, what should I do?" He smiled, again. She was tired of him smiling, it made her feel grumpy."Come with me. I'll keep you hidden." She immediately shook her head, but the rumbling of hooves drew louder and the shouts of the guards made her sigh. She gave him a stern look and said,"How can I trust you won't murder me." He threw back his head a howled with laughter, making the guards venture closer. He grinned up at her and said,"I assure you I have no intention of murdering you, Cathy." She hesitated before saying,"Fine. I'll go." He smiled again before slinging off his cloak and thrusting it at her,"Here. Put this on." She gave him a strange look before doing as he said."Its camouflage." He explained. She shrugged it on and looked at him for more instructions. But he was busy turning Snowdrift around and tying her to a tree. Cathy frowned at him and asked,"Aren't we taking her?" He shook his head and glanced at her,"No, she'll make too much noise. Don't worry, they'll take her back to the castle when they see her." He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the forest."C'mon." Cathy snatched her hand back and glared at him."I can walk without you holding hands with me!"She snapped. He smirked at her and shook his head,"Your really something." He muttered, a sly grin on his face. She really wanted to slap it off his face, then have a grin of her own. But unfortunately, time was short and he already dragged her into the forest. She was about to say something, but he clamped his hand over her mouth and pushed her to the ground."Stay here. Don't move, or talk, or anything. I'll be back." He whispered in her ear, then was gone in a breath. Cathy did what he asked, but didn't like it. The ground was hard, and dirty, and smelled like animals. He was gone for a few minutes, but it felt like hours. She heard hushed voices talking, then footsteps, and lastly, horse's hooves, riding away. It was silent, until hands covered her eyes and a murmur in her ear,"Boo." Cathy screamed, but the hands quickly covered her mouth, muffling it. The hands let go, revealing Jack standing there, amused. She glared at him and snapped,"Don't scare me like that!" He chuckled and motioned farther in the forest."Come. They left, but will be searching the area. So you'll have to come with me." Cathy sighed and took the hand he offered. What other choice did she have? He led her in the woods, talking about random trees and plants. After a while, Cathy had grown to like him. He wasn't so bad. Her laughter echoed through the quiet forest, as he told her a joke.

          
        Hello everybody! Thank you so much for reading! Please comment and vote! Should I do another POV of the prince? Or continue with this one? I'll try to update soon!
          
                  -Author😊