CHAPTER 2

Sera walked in, with a tray full of fruits and placed it on the table. “I apologize for interrupting your rest, my Lady.” I waved her apology off from the bed as I pulled the comfort closer to me. “My lady, you will be having painting lessons right before noon.”

“I don’t want to take the lessons today. You may let the master know.” I said closing my eyes, as a sign that the conversation was over and that I would like for her to leave now. After curtsying she left the chamber, and I got up from bed and straightened my dress before walking back to the wardrobe.

Wearing my hood, I pulled at the back of the wardrobe causing it to slide back and showing a dimly lit path. One benefit of knowing and reading all the maps of Valadora and of the palace is that I know a secret way in and out of the palace whenever I need it. And I am lucky to have one right in my own chamber. I walked through the hallway until I reached the familiar stop.

I opened the doors, which led into the darker parts of the kitchen where the scullery maids worked, and sweepers kept their tools. I looked for one maid, and when I spotted her, I let out a small whistle, a vice of mine that people don’t know about.

Recognizing the whistle, Gwen turned around placing the dirty dish near the wash. She hurried towards me, and I pulled her aside into the corridor. “I need one your dresses, Gwen.”

Her eyebrows furrowed and her luscious lips had a scowl, “this is not your usual time. It will be risky, I can lose my place in the kitchen, Erza.” She said my name in a whisper, still afraid that someone would hear her calling me by my name and put her away for disrespecting the princess. But I wanted my friend to call me by my name. I knew that there were risks when I came here, but right now I needed a way of release before I burst.

“Gwen, I need to go.” She shook her head, making me angrier. “This is an order from the princess, Gwen, not a request.” I said using a sterner voice.

She nodded and walked to her sack before taking out her pinafore and passing it to me. “I apologize for my concern, Your Highness.” She whispered before going back to do her dishes. I quickly changed into her clothes and hid mine in her sack along with the money I brought for her.

Holding my hood closer to my chest, I walked out of the kitchen and into the open grounds. I closed the doors behind me and wore the hood before walking across the gardens and into the stable. After petting some of the horses, I went into the back where my Trixie stood, her white mane shining in the sun. “Hi darling. Shall we go for a run?”

I could see her happiness when she saw me, and it only increased as I released her and fixed her saddle before taking her through the back where the grooms couldn’t see me. I climbed on top of her and gave her a small stroke that meant that I was ready as she galloped through the gardens skillfully past all the guards until we reached the gate. “Where you off to, miss?” the guard at the gate asked trying to peek at my face but I pulled the hood closer.

“The princess has given me an errand; she will be upset if I don’t reach back in time.”  As it wasn’t the first time, the guards knew better than to make me upset, so they opened the gates and let me through. “Trixie, run and you know the way.”

Kissing her head, I let her ride into the forests and away from the palace, Father had built the palace in the middle of a forest so that anyone from outside had to cross the forest before being able to visit the palace and there were guards hidden at certain points so that they shall warn the king when there is an attack.

Letting the hood down, I let the cool breeze wave through my hair as we rode around the trees. Father can only stop me from getting into the town and knowing about whatever happens in the court, but he can't stop me from enjoying nature at its wildest. Winter was coming which meant that the sky had lesser sunshine and the winds would become cooler. This might be the last ride in the heat before winter I realized as we came near the river. “Trixie, stop.” She stopped beside the river, and I slid down before letting Trixie enjoy a drink, while I washed my face and looked at my reflection, there was a genuine smile on my face. “I am sorry that we couldn’t get out for many days, Trixie.” I said before climbing back on her and we continued riding at a slower pace for a while before Trixie picked up her pace again.

Laughing I held onto her as she enjoyed galloping through the forest until we came into a clearing that had wildflowers growing in the center. Pulling Trixie to a stop, I walked to the center enjoying the tickling of the leaves under my legs. Bending down I picked a few of the flowers for my garden at the palace and then placed it into the pockets of my dress before standing up and bringing the hood closer when I heard the clicking of boots not far from where I stood.

My back straightened and I did not dare turn when I heard the click stop. “Miss? What are you doing out here, on your own?” A sharp voice asked sending an unfamiliar feeling down my spine. My heart started to beat faster than it should, as I prayed for the man to leave.