Autumn Leaves

Chapter 4

Tracing my steps back to my room was more complicated than sneaking out. On the way back, I remember hearing footsteps on the wood floor. I quickly hid behind a wrack of knight's armor, praying that I would not be seen.

Luckily, the mysterious person walked right past my hiding place, not stopping to check for any princess who may be hiding in the hall at night. I let out a breath I had not known I had been holding and quickly tiptoed back to my room.

The window was still open, making the whole place cooler than usual. I shivered as I glanced towards my coat. No, I did not need it. I had to learn to face the dangers of nature. Slowly and carefully, I climbed over the sill and sat on it, looking down at the drop. If I fell off, I would break my bones for sure. That would ruin all of my plans, so I had to find another way. Clusters of rich, green vines crawled up the cobblestone exterior of the castle. A risky idea popped into my head. Reaching forward, I grabbed the vines, giving them a tug. They held perfectly, so I tried a little more weight.

They still did not budge. Silently cheering at my success, I began my way down the side of the building.

The ground was so near, I could smell the dew on the grass. I jumped down the rest of the way, landing a little off balance.

As I straightened my posture, I checked the bow and quiver on my back. They were perfectly intact.

Never had I shot a bow before, but it never hurt to try. Aiming for a dark spot on a tree, I pulled the string back until the bowstring touched my lip. I had read about archery in one of my many books I kept hidden away, and remembered to keep three fingers on the string to hold the arrow. Then, I released and watched as the arrow flew forward.

It hit the tree, but not the spot I was aiming for. I sighed, rubbing my forehead. I would have to practice a whole lot more if I wanted to succeed in this secret mission.

I practiced all night, getting better with each shot. I still wasn't perfect, so I kept trying until my eyelids grew heavy.

I do not remember what happened next. I must've fallen asleep while kneeling to get my arrow unstuck, too tired to realize the consequences of sleeping outside, in the cold, without a coat.

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"Princess Esther!"

I woke up to someone screaming my name, shaking me vigorously.

I opened my tired eyes, blinking to clear my vision. "Who? Wha-?"

"Princess! Thank goodness!" It was Isaac. He hugged me tightly and only then did I realize how cold I felt. "Do not call me Princess." I croaked, lifting my hand to my forehead.

I pulled it away when I realized it was flaming hot.

To my surprise, Isaac didn't notice, because he chuckled at my previous remark. "Fine, Esther."

At least he didn't call me Princess.

My friend's face grew serious again. "What are you doing out here? I found you here, shivering, without a blanket or coat to keep you warm. I though you were dead!"

I blinked, processing the words he had just blurted out. "You will not be able to get rid of me that easily." I joked.

Isaac ignored my comment, instead, placing his palm on my forehead. He quickly jolted up, flicking his wrist as if my head had burned him.

"Esther! You're sick from staying out here! Come on now, let's go inside."

He held out his hand to help me up. I stood on my feet, immediately regretting it. My entire body hurt and white specks began to float in my vision. I wobble like a toddler learning to walk, so I braved myself against a tree.

"Ugh. I regret not wearing a coat."

My friend stood next to me, an idea seemed to pop into his head but he said nothing.

"I will try to get up there." I groaned, trying to walk like a normal human being. I winced with every step as my head pounded and my vision began to fade. I knew I would pass out sooner or later, but before I could fall, Isaac was at my side.

"Do not strain yourself." He gave me a sad smile and quickly picked me up. I was very surprised by this action, but I wasn't about to complain.

He walked swiftly into the castle, paying not attention to the odd looks we got on the way. When we arrived at my room, he set me down carefully on my bed.

"I will get you some tea, alright?" He said, heading toward the door. Before he could go, I remembered something.

"Isaac?"

He stopped in the doorframe, turning around to face me. "A-about yesterday-."

"I know, it was wrong of me to say that." He rubbed the back of his head. "I know very well that a princess could never be with someone like me."

I felt my breath hitch at his melancholy words. He worst part is I knew he was right. It was forbidden, but I hated my father. Why should I listen to his rules?

"Wait, don't leave." I pleaded. It was time to tell him my plan. "The reason I was out last night is because I was practicing. Learning how to survive in the real world. I need to leave this castle and my father. It is clear he doesn't want me anyway. So, will you help me, and most importantly, will you come with me when I go?"

My friend stared at me, wide eyed. He glanced out the window, most likely contemplating how far we would get before getting caught and killed. Finally, he answered. "I would love nothing more than to be with you, Princess."

I chuckled lightly. "I told you, don't call me-."

"I didn't mean it in terms of royalty this time." He smiled back as my face turned a dark shade of red. On that note, he turned around and left the room.

I couldn't believe that he had excepted my idea. I was beyond ecstatic to get away from this terrible life I lived. The only problem was... I was sick. Leaving in this state would be awful. I decided to wait until I was better to pull off the plan.

Soon enough, Isaac cam back with a steaming pot of tea. Just by the smell, I knew it was the delicious kind his mother made. He gently set it on the table, pouring a small bit into a teacup. "Thank you." I carefully took the cup, managing to lift it to my lips without spilling.

"This time, my mother put in some new herbs that will help you heal faster." Isaac stated.

After he mentioned it, I could taste something new in the tea. It soothes my pounding head and I sighed in relief.

"I knew it would make you feel better." My friend smiled genuinely as I relaxed a little. "Is there anything else I could do for you?"

"Well..." I thought for a minuet. "Could you sing something?" I asked, suddenly feeling a little shy. Isaac just nodded, clearing his voice as he sat on the bedside.

He began to sing a familiar melody that I hadn't heard for ages. A nostalgic feeling spread through me, almost bringing me to tears. His voice was mostly the same as I remembered, but now, after a couple of years, it had become deeper and stronger. He must've practiced when no one was around. Until that second, I had not realized how much I had missed the sing about autumn leaves.

"Isaac?" I spoke up when he had finished. "I know, I'm supposedly marry some random royal, but... can you be my prince?"

Isaac brushed a strand of hair from my face and he gently took my hand.

"Of course, Princess."