The Cold Northern Princess

chapter four

A Z U L A

CHAPTER FOUR:

| chasing happiness |

•••

Callix was right— and he was only nine! I shouldn't do anything I don't want to do. I should do things that make me happy.

So why on earth am I staying here, eating the poisoned food willingly, and enduring the hate and cold treatment of this miserable place? Why am I letting this people walk over me? Stepping on me?

When did I became such a doormat?

This needs to stop. Enough was enough— I can't go back to that room pretending everything is alright, because its not. I wasn't okay. I need to change. I need to be happy. So what if I was five years old? I was mentally twenty-three years old. I can take care of myself and I will.

Its time to take my shit in my own hands. No more playing along.

Rubbing my eyes, I looked at the five year old Callix and asked "...will you help me?"

He smiles again and nods.

I inhaled—

•••

It was an hour before midnight, and I was about to jump from the window when the door opened—

And revealed to be the stone-faced Miss Hilda.

I paled at the sight of her "t-this isn't what it looks like—"

She pulls me and sighs, looking at me with exasperation "you will not go out wearing that." She said as she gestured the bloodstained and dirty servant dress "wear this. Silly girl." And she threw clothes at me.

I stared at her, stunned.

She glares at me "well what are you waiting for you stupid girl? Hurry up!" She snaps.

I quickly stripped down and wore the clothes she gave me. A dark green tunic and brown trousers, ankle-length boots, and a black furred cloak. She snapped her fingers and my hair gained a life on its own, twirling itself into a tight-bun.

"Why–?"

Miss Hilda didn't answered me and continued to fuss over my clothes, before handing me a bag.

"Bread, frozen berries and other fruits, smoked jerky and water. You have a sleeping bag, and some few extra clothes for you. And the map, you know how to read the map right? Just as I've taught you. The bag is magical woven, and therefore, will be light to help to lessen your burden in your journey." She said, her eyes still stern and cold at me as she fussed "don't talk to strangers and stay away from them. You don't talk, get candy, and follow them. You find shelter before dark. You rest if you are tired. Do not be foolish and head to the West. Are we clear, Princess Azaleah?"