The Queen

8. Away from the castle

It was incredibly hard to hold back her tears. Hurt—that was exactly what she felt the moment that door opened. Why? She couldn't explain. Her feet acted on their own, pulling her away from that horrible moment. She ran as fast as she could.

She heard Philip's voice calling her name, but she couldn't, for the life of her, face him. Her emotions had surfaced, raw and overwhelming. She would not let him see her so vulnerable. Samira ran without knowing where to go, and somehow, she ended up at the stables.

The wooden door creaked open, sending a blast of hay and dirt into her face. She looked around and saw what appeared to be twenty stalls, horses' hooves below and heads peeking above each door. A boy, no older than thirteen, stopped brushing a horse's mane and turned toward her, noticing her presence. He walked over.

"Your Highness, are you alright? Are you lost? Let me help you find your way back to the castle."

"No, I need a horse. Will you get one ready for me?"

"Sure, ma'am. I'll also fetch two guards to escort you."

"No. I'm going alone. Thank you."

"But—"

"I said alone," she interrupted.

"Of course, Your Grace. As you wish."

The chestnut horse was ready in no time. She mounted it herself.

"Your Highness, you shouldn't leave the castle grounds alone. It could be dangerous."

Samira looked down at the boy.

"Don't tell anyone I was here."

"But—"

"Am I clear?" she cut him off.

The boy lowered his head, intimidated. "Yes, ma'am."

She pressed her ankles into the horse's sides, and it began to gallop. She repeated the pressure, and it picked up speed.

The stable boy watched until the princess vanished in the distance. He was about to push the stable door closed when a voice startled him.

"Hey, you!"

He turned around and met the fury in Prince Philip's eyes.

"Y-yes, Y-your Grace. May I help you?"

"Where is she?"

"W-who, my lord?"

Philip strode toward him, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him off the ground.

"I have no time and even less patience. One of the guards saw her come this way. Tell me where she is—now."

"She ordered me not to say anything, my lord," the boy pleaded, hoping the prince would understand.

"And I'll order your execution if you don't tell me right now."

—

The massive stone castle looked small behind her. The trees whispered in the breeze, the wind brushing her face. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding. For the first time since leaving Kalon, she felt peace.

A snapping branch made her eyes fly open. The energy in the forest had shifted. It no longer felt safe. The horse sensed it too and became agitated. She tried to calm him, but the feeling of being watched was terrifying. She looked around—nothing. To the right—nothing.

"Look what we have here."

She turned to the left, following the voice. Three men, probably in their fifties, stood by the side of the road. Their faces were covered in unkempt facial hair, and their clothing was filthy.