Damsel in Distress

On the Outside.

There it was.

The stables. I studied the building before entering it.  I cringed slightly at the smell but shook my head, I couldn't afford to be picky now. I looked back towards the castle for a moment as I waved at Murielle before she disappeared back inside.

There were several horses, each with a name carved on a sign above their stall. They were much larger than I expected. My picture books had not done them justice. Which one was to be my companion?

Glancing back, my eyes widened at Lucian sneaking from the castle. "The black mare is yours, Duncan," Lucian stated as he drew closer. He added in a whisper, "I ran after you as soon as the Guard-captain left the kitchen. I just couldn't let you go without a proper send-off."

"You'll spoil me with kindness, Lucian." My eyes locked with the horse that would be mine, and as I reached out to her, my breath caught in my throat. I had never ridden before, but I knew the textbook basics. My heart melted as she whinnied softly and lowered her muzzle to my hand. I looked above her to find no name. "What do we call her?" I asked, laughing as she nudged my shoulder.

"She doesn't have a name. I bought her the other day for you. She's yours now so it's only right you name her," he whispered with a soft smile. He reached to unlock the stall, and I could see the horse had a basic saddle and bridle. Nothing too fancy to stand out.

"What do you think of the name 'Luna'?" I asked.

"That's a right proper name, Duncan," my tutor replied.

"Yes, Luna," I decreed. As I reveled in the majestic sight of the horse, I continued to stroke her muzzle. With a happy whinny, she nudged my shoulder again, and I beamed at that and hugged her neck. I feared if I met Lucian's gaze, I might cry, and tough guardsmen didn't cry. "You'll carry me like the night wind, won't you, girl?"

I could see from the corner of my eye as Lucian shook his head at me, and I gave him a sheepish smile. He leaned forward and whispered, "If you want to get on the road, you should allow me to actually open the stall so we can get her out of there."

"Oh sorry, Lucian." I rubbed the back of my helm and stepped back from the door.

I chuckled and watched as he easily opened the door. Luna stepped forward and leaned down to nuzzle into my breastplate. I hitched a breath, laughing as I hugged the horse's neck before I nervously moved to her side. This was it. I would be--No, I was free.

"I'll miss you, little bird," Lucian stated as he helped me onto the saddle. He gripped my hand in his, a smile on his face. "Watching you spread your wings as you go to soar from your cage is the proudest moment of my life."

"I'll miss you, too," I whispered. Fresh tears escaped my eyes, but I snapped the reins, leaning in close as Luna bolted off at a gallop. I didn't look back this time at Lucian. But it was like leaving behind a father.

And he was. Out of all the men I knew in my life, Lucian had been the most caring, protective, and nurturing. He was the man who raised me. Not the king. The king may have been the reason I was born, but Lucian was the reason I felt alive. I would truly miss him, and I hoped maybe someday we would be reunited, not by this castle but by our bond.

I blinked rapidly as Luna slowed on the trail, and I turned my head for a moment to see the castle as it became a spot in the distance. Returning my attention to the path in front of me, I rubbed Luna's silky mane, as much to comfort her as to comfort myself. The sun was just starting to set as I saw the town ahead and inhaled. It was time.

It didn't take me much longer before I reached the entrance and I straightened my back as a guardsman approached. "Who are you?" he asked.

"New recruit from the castle, here to pick up books for the Princess' tutor," I said. I attempted to clamp back the fear from my voice.

The guard let out a full-bellied laugh as he patted my armored knee and spoke up again, "Ah... I remember those days, being an errand boy for anyone in the king's court. Alright, you best be along. I know Malcolm hates when his men shirk their duties."

"Thank you." I started to get Luna moving again but hesitated. "By the way, about how far to the bookstore?"

"Just past the blacksmith, but be careful to avoid going any farther. That side of town... Well, let's just say they'd pick ya apart and use you like a toothpick," he rumbled before he gave me a nod and walked back to his post.

I murmured my appreciation for his help, and once I was far enough away, I exhaled in relief. It was working so far. Now I knew the shadier part of town, as well. What luck.

Thankfully, all I had to discard was the armor. The tunic underneath I could keep. It didn't take me that long before I saw the perfect spot. Behind the bookstore ran a small creek. I could dump the armor in the creek, the current just strong enough to push it wherever it would. And no one would be the wiser.

I hastily gripped the reins and brought luna to a halt as I dropped from the saddle. I took off the helm and placed a kiss above her nose as I ran a hand down her neck and whispered, "I'll be back."

Looking around, checking to make sure no one was near, I lugged the armor to the water's edge. A quiet groan escaped at the sudden change of weight. I rolled my neck and stretched my spine with a sigh. As I gave the armor one last tug, the sharp metal sliced my palm."Goddamn!" I hissed as I reached down placing my hand in the cool water. The blood that dripped onto the breastplate and helmet gave me an idea. Wouldn't it seem more realistic if I left the bloodied armor untouched by the river?

I left it where it fell. Now to start my new life.

I hurriedly walked back to Luna, and after two attempts at climbing into the saddle, I finally managed. The sword Lucian had given me remained secured to my hip as I rode over to the blacksmith. I would stop to get a new set of armor. Then, I would be off to find my way to another town in the opposite direction of the castle.

"You'll get rest soon, Luna," I whispered, passing the bookstore. I inhaled the scents around me. On one side I could smell fresh bread and on the other, there was the distinct smell of coal dust and molten iron. There was my next stop. The Blacksmith's.