The Underworld

Chapter 5

I'd never been out of the North Kingdom before, so I was overwhelmed. The grass was covered in frost and snowflakes. The mountains and valleys were stretched right in front of me. The blue of the rivers glistened in front of me. Wildlife ran through the trees and birds sang in the lush green treetops. For what felt like a long time I just stared in wonder and awe at my surroundings. I, Morgan was no longer a part of the North Kingdom.

I continued walking, this time towards the mountains. I would be able to find shelter there for the night. It was near a water source, which was handy. From now on, I would have to think long term. Maybe I may be able to get a citizenship in the East or the West Kingdom.

So I walked for the rest of the night until I found a small-sized cave in the mountains. And for that moment, I allowed myself to shut my eyes and catch some much-needed sleep after a hard day.

In the morning, I felt refreshed after a long sleep. I sat up and stretched. Riverbirds tweeted as they flew around the rocky cave. I stepped out of the cave and yawned. What a beautiful day. I look down at the floor and felt a stabbing pang of guilt for escaping, I could've stayed and fought for innocence rather than escaping and making things worse. You are an idiot, Morgan. I think to myself. I turn around briskly which flicks my hair at the same time. Now I have had a crazy last few days but this was mega crazy!

The princess was dressed in a yellow sunflower dress. She wore no crown, nor did she wear any shoes. Her dress was decorated in silver laces and her dark brown hair fell down to her shoulders. I was standing straight with my mouth open waiting for her to speak. Instead, she sat down on a large rock and gestured for me to sit next to her.

I could not explain what happened next. I turned around to run and sprinted out of the cave. This must be a trap. I hiked further up the mountain through a green canopy of trees and came to a clearing. I had escaped the cave, but the princess was standing right in front of me with her hazel eyes locked on mine. How?

"Don't try and run away, Morgan," She said sweetly, "We need to talk."

"Why are you here," I spat at her. The last thing I need is royal sympathy.

"Morgan, I know it will be hard for you to hear this"

"I've already heard enough, about you and your prince. Why should I listen to you!" I was angry, but I didn't care. She was trying to get me to go back for a trial, I was sure.

A look of hurt came across her face but it was quickly turned into stone as she fought for the argument.

"Don't make judgements on things you don't understand! I can explain..." the princess started.

"Like how the King burned up in a wall of flames, huh, can you explain that!" I'd never felt so mad. She was trying to get me to go back. I can't go back. I walked away at a fast pace, but she caught up with me.

"Morgan, listen!"

"No, I've had enough."

"Please, come on, you're better than this."

"You, just want me to go back for the trial in which I'll get either banished, slumped or executed!"

As we argued, I had no idea of what lurked in the shrub behind me. The shrub rustled and I wasn't even slightly aware of the monster watching the tall lean male outcast arguing with the royal princess.