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⊰ chapter four ⊱
The doors open to Dara's chambers and Jeon leads a man in deep blue vests. Dara was in a white shirt, the same high-waisted pants on her first day here but different colors. She had a corset on and fastened her belts with a badge of daggers. Her hair into a tight low-bun as she proceeds to look at the man who was dragged in.
As much as Jungkook expected the woman in her nightgowns, he ignored it as he closed the door behind him and pushed the man ahead. The man's eyes quivered, "Why am I dressed like consorts? Have I done something in the dungeons?"
Jeon sighed.
Dara had ordered a prisoner inside her chambers for the night.
"What is his crime?" Dara asked, walking towards the men.
The soldier's lips twitched before he dragged the man closer to Dara and informed, "He used to serve His Majesty. A month ago, he had abused a few maids who cleaned His Majesty's chambers while the King was away for campaigns at Veezir. Prince Theon took the matter in his hands and prisoned him. The King does not know, the Prince did not want to worry him with such dirt."
Dara smiled at the prisoner, "You picked the perfect man for today's exploit."
The back doors flung open and the three walked down the lengthy stairs. Jeon and the prisoner had hopped on one horse while Dara was trapped between picking one for her. The stables were dark, the three silent when Dara spoke, "Tell me, which one of them is the best rider?"
Jeon looked past the low dimmed stable, keeping his voice quiet. His eyes caught one, "The white one. It is a gift from Merchant Raeghul. Came last week for you. Would you like to try it?"
She nodded and grabbed the horse before hopping on it. Jeon questioned from where the Princess mastered such a swift grip on a horse, not flinching once. Usually, Princess Adona was a tough person to teach riding. Dara seemed like a natural rider as they rode out of the Kingdom through the night. The gallop ended as the two riders with their prisoner slowed down before what seemed like long trees, with hideous leaves that touched the grounds from feet above. Jeon looked at Dara, "Princess, I say we return. The Bound Forest is no place for you."
Dara slid out her compass from her pockets, settling with her horse. She flicked it open, the light of the compass beamed out. The entrance that was covered with the dark leaves of the high trees made a way...and bowed down. Dara smiled, making the compass face the entrance.
The hearts dropped to the grounds when the volume of the bone-breaking sound came piercing into the ears of the adventurers. Dara listened carefully to voices that screamed and mourned. She whispered, "The other end...is it the East Realm beyond the Bound Forest, Jeon?"
But the prisoner replied, "No."
The two looked at the one who replied. The man gulped, "It's the entrance to The Curve. The Holy Curve."
