---
"Ara run!!!!!!!!!"
My legs start moving faster and faster as I sprint. The horse is still chasing me, but I can't stop. Tears stream down my face—I can't let these people take me. I'm an orphan. I have no one but Amy. Amy has been my only guardian since the day everyone left me in this world.
"Stop!"
The horse gallops ahead and halts directly in front of me. I stop too, panting heavily. A hooded man sits on the horse, pointing a sword straight at my face. I don't want to die yet. Please, someone save me. I whisper silent prayers.
"Swush!"
With that sound, a sharp, heavy pain shoots through my head. My vision begins to blur, and then—"thud"—my body hits the ground.
---
"Splash!"
The icy shock of water splashing on me jolts me awake. God knows how long I've been unconscious. My eyes sting as water drips down my face and body.
"You're awake. Good," says a middle-aged woman as she sets a tray of food beside me.
"Please… where am I? Just let me go, I beg you," I cry, tears breaking free again.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. The Crown Prince would kill me if I did." She exhales deeply. "Just eat, young miss. Obey their instructions if you want to live. I'll come get you when the king summons you."
With that, she turns and leaves, locking the door behind her.
I break down in tears. What did I ever do to deserve such cruelty? My clothes are dirty and torn, some ripped completely. My skin and face are covered in dust and water. My hair is tangled and soaked, water dripping from the strands. My eyes are swollen—probably red by now.
Hours pass. I eat the food. I don't want to die of hunger too. My wounds are still fresh—bruises and scrapes from my desperate escape. But they caught me anyway.
I wonder how Aunt Amy is doing right now...
---
Dave's POV:
"Your Highness, the young girl we captured is awake."
Fools. They can't even capture someone without knocking her unconscious first. Typical.
As usual, my room is dark. I sit in the middle of it, facing the window, letting the moonlight cast its pale glow across my face. My back is to the guard. With a simple wave of my hand, I motion to dismiss him.
"Wait," I command firmly.
I hear him freeze in place.
"Y-Yes, Your Highness?" he stammers, fear lacing his voice.
"Bring the girl to me," I say with a slow smirk curling across my lips.
"O-okay... Your Highness," he replies, his voice trembling.
"Leave!!"
He doesn't need to be told twice. I hear the door close behind him.
Peasants.