Meanwhile, in the palace of the Northern Kingdom there was an argument.
“No, Liana, I won’t let you leave this castle.” King Midas forbids his daughter.
“But, Father, I want to help fulfill the prophecy,” Liana pleads with the King.
“It’s too dangerous my daughter. Evil lurks in every corner of this world; it would be too dangerous for you. Remember, Liana, you are the queen-in-waiting; the rightful heiress to the throne. What will happen to our people if you die? Huh?” Midas asked.
“What’s your reason father? The real reason, I think its time I get to hear some truth around here.” Liana exclaimed with much contempt in her voice.
“I,” the King bowed his head and murmured, barely audible for Liana to hear, “I…I don’t… I don’t want to lose your mother twice,” he looked up and Liana saw her father crying. “Stefan, accompany the princess to her room,” ordered the King to her personal guard, “Yes, Your Majesty,”
Liana obeyed without question but there’s still a burning desire for her to go out. “Come along, M’Lady,” Stefan addressed Liana most respectfully, “Of course,” replied Liana. Time for plan B.
Once in her room, Princess Liana started packing immediately, “Stefan, get me a runner,” she commanded and he obeyed.
“Tell, him it is time, he will understand.” She told the runner and he was off.
She brought with her a small pack which contained everything she was bringing with her on her journey. A few clothes, a bracelet from her grand-mama and a sapphire necklace she wore around her neck which was given to her by her Mother the night she died. She asked for some food from the kitchen to be put in the saddle of her horse. She changed her garments to that of a commoner so that she might not be recognized so easily. She took off her oh-so-lovely tiara and replaced it with a simple, golden circlet, which just sat perfectly upon her brow. Just in case I may need to reveal myself. She took one of her hooded cloaks and wore it around her with a broach of a lovely rose securing it unto place. Everything is ready.
She waited anxiously, then, “You can’t do this, Liana! Are you out of your mind?” called Joseph as he came banging through the door.
“Go ahead, try and stop me!” she retorted.
“By the gods, I won’t let you face your doom out there!” the Prince said fretfully, “It’s too dangerous, especially for a princess,” he added.
“Can you even hear yourself talking?” asked Liana, “You’ve been to the human world more often than anyone else. You practically laugh in the face of danger and yet you are a Prince!” she exclaimed sarcastically.
“Therein lies the difference. I am a Prince, you are a Princess,” he replied
“So now you discriminate based on gender? Don’t you ever think that I’m weak like any other girl in this Kingdom! I am much tougher than you think, Joseph, and if you are assuming that mere words of a boy can stop me, then you are sadly mistaken!” she explained with pride.
He went to her, fixed her outfit and said, “It’s too dangerous for you to travel alone,” he said and the Princess frowned for his insistence, “that’s why I’m coming with you,” he added smiling and putting her hood over her head. He could just barely see her smile and the glint of success in her eyes amidst the shadow of the hood.
“We must hurry before the gate closes, it shall be easy if we ride along with the other people wanting to get out and in before nightfall,” said Liana enthusiastically. “It would be too soon, your father has tightened security because of fear that you might do just that; two days is all I ask of you, at least that will be when your father may lift the strict security. He must be ascertained that you will not be leaving first before we set out.” Joseph explained.
“Two days?” asked Liana disappointedly.
“Yes, just two, we leave two days from today at five in the afternoon, just before the gate closes.”
“Alright,” she gave in, “but be here at thirty-past-four, just in case.”
“I shall look forward to it,” said Joseph and kissed the Princess’ hand.
Two days later, after much anticipation, Liana waited for Joseph and when he came, together, they went to the stables and fetched Liana’s majestic steed themselves and rode out. The gate was flooded with people and just as Joseph had expected, King Midas did tighten security though now it was lifted slightly.
Then something incredibly wrong happened. As they were by the gate, Liana’s handkerchief fell down and a young boy picked it up and handed it to her; but due to her carelessness, her hood was caught in the reins and revealed her face. Unfortunately, the boy recognized her. Oh no! This is not going the way as I planned. “Oh! You’re Majesty, what are you doing here?” Almost everybody around heard the boy and looked at who he is talking to and sure enough the princess really is there. Joseph was startled and looked at Liana, worry etched upon his face. “Joseph, what should we do?” she asked under her breath and just then the alarm sounded. “RIDE!” shouted Joseph above the commotion and they hurried to the gates. Stunned as they were, the guards did not expect the princess to escape and they couldn’t do anything because they were already out. Liana looked back.
“Joseph! Look! They’re after us, father sent his horse men to come after us. Oh! This is a disaster!”
“My love, we cannot turn back now or we’re dead meat. We’ve only got one option, to continue with our plans.” Said Joseph, “Let’s head for the woods,”
He added and changed course.
