𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒

39. 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

𝕿ime continued to tick on, but Rilynn was still wasting time. She hadn't been able to free herself from this stupid chair, and Audrey wasn't letting her go any time soon.

She was merely a pawn in Audrey's corner, only here to bid to Audrey's wish of being young forever.

Rilynn could barely wiggle her fingers through the ropes; they were tightened unbearably, and it was starting to feel uncomfortable on her wrists. Rilynn tried not to think about her wrists burning, just focusing on trying to escape this mess. It was still hard to wrap around her head that Audrey stole the scepter and went downright evil, turning her back on the kingdom she had the privilege to live in. She had the perfect life of a princess. What more could she need?

The door creaked, and a wood plank flashed over the small window of the pantry door; Rilynn froze on instinct. It wasn't like Rilynn could run away or hide, but if Audrey were to catch her trying to escape, who knows what she'd do to punish her? If anything, Audrey would hurt Jay more than Rilynn. She held her breath and stared at the door, readying herself to be used to Audrey's command.

"Psst! Rilynn," the princess furrowed her brows, puzzled, when Chad poked his head inside. The curly-haired prince's eyes found Rilynn's, full of fear and panic. He didn't know what he was expecting when he offered to be Audrey's henchman, but he wasn't a fan of dark magic.

"Chad?" Rilynn merely watched Chad, a little uneasy. She wasn't sure if she should trust him, but she also worried that Audrey had done something to him. He tiptoed into the room, glancing over his shoulder every five seconds like he feared Audrey would appear into thin air. "What are you doing in here? Where's Audrey?"

Timid and panicked, Chad kneels in front of Rilynn. "I don't know, but she's freaking me out. Whenever I suggest we do something other than curse everyone in Auradon, she just throws me back with that stick!" Chad anxiously played with the curl dangling over his forehead. "I wanna leave, but . . ."

Rilynn nodded understandably. "Right. Okay, untie me. Quick before Audrey comes back."

Rilynn felt Chad's fingers fiddle with the rope on her hands, struggling to untie the knot. It took him another minute until he eventually got it to loosen enough for Rilynn to slip out of her hands.

"Now what?"

"Now, we get out of here," She tiptoes to the door, peering out and finding the cottage empty. Audrey wasn't anywhere in sight.

Rilynn and Chad stepped out of the pantry and into the living room, rushing as they felt like someone was watching them. It was only a matter of time before Audrey showed up, and Rilynn hoped they'd both make it out of there. Rilynn pressed her shoulder against the wall beside a square window; she peered outside, scanning the woods to ensure the coast was clear. Not a person in sight.

"Do you know how long ago Audrey left?"

Chad shook his head, standing close to Rilynn fearfully. "No. She just yelled a bit and disappeared," he kept looking over his shoulder, expecting Audrey to appear suddenly. "Riley, we need to get out of here."

He was right, but Rilynn felt like something was wrong. She didn't know what it was, but there was no way Audrey would let them get away—-not this easily. It was weird. Why would Audrey leave, knowing there was a possibility of one or both of them getting away?

"I don't trust this, Chad," Rilynn moved away from the door, suddenly feeling hesitant. She eyed the door cautiously. "Audrey wouldn't let us get away this easily. I think she's just messing with us."

But Chad merely scoffed. "What are you talking about, Riley? Audrey left. I saw her leave," he grabbed her shoulders, shaking her lightly like he was trying to knock some senses into her. "This is our only chance to get outta here."