01 — Silent Woods

Chapter 1

           I let out a harsh breath as I hide in between the gigantic roots. The air filled my lungs again, but I almost thought that the air I was breathing in was made of knives and blades. And although my throat is dry and my legs and arms shake against the coldness of December night air, I took a breath after a breath.

           When I knew I gathered enough energy to run again, I peeked above the roots ensuring I make no sounds. The forest is tranquil, dark, and cold. The trees are as high as the towers in the palace, and their leaves are more extensive than my head. Minutes have passed, and I haven’t detected any movements except the flapping birds above the trees.

           I got tired of watching the surroundings, so I decided to sit on the pile of leaves. Then I noticed that my legs have several scratches extending to my thighs. The moment I saw them, the pain came to my senses like a wildfire. I felt pain everywhere in my body and the tiredness due to several hours of running started to creep in. I closed my eyes, hoping that the body pain would fade once I open my eyes, just like how my mother always taught me.

           But as I open my eyes, it landed on the hem of my silky nightdress. It was soaked in mud and is torn, maybe due to some twigs, knives, or swords of the people chasing me. I really don’t know and hoping not to know. I tried not to cry.

           I pulled the coat made for the palace servers closer because it was not hugging me enough, not warm enough. I hugged my knees and noticed the cuts in my arms; it is now staining the coat. And a second later, I burst into the heaviest tears I ever shed.

           Last week, I was promised to a middle-aged prince of La Terra. I heard that he was once married. And a year later, her wife was banished from their land without money, honor, or even a name. Before their marriage, the prince was said to have multiple cases of abuse against women, mostly were their palace servers. So I cannot comprehend why father and mother would like me to marry that man. No, he shall not be called one; he is a monster.

           I hugged myself tighter as I try to remember what I saw just a few hours ago. I sobbed harder but immediately covered my mouth because the people who were chasing me might still be around. I bit my lips until I tasted blood. My mother killed my ill and old father. Claiming that the throne is hers and my heart will be her first meal as the queen.

           My eyes were dotted by leaves against a now shining sun. I did not notice that I fell asleep last night, or maybe it was already dawn then. I am coughing, but I started to walk. I am relieved that I was not caught while I was asleep. The flashback of the words of my mother crossed my mind again. I started running, hoping that the hole in my stomach would stop eating me alive.

           La Desierto. Hide. Those were the last words of Olis, my best friend, nanny, and second mother. She sacrificed herself in our way to escape. I shook my head, trying not to feel all the heartbreaks in one punch. But who am I kidding? The pain strangles my neck and inflicts a million sting on my heart. I run faster.

           The first rays of the morning sun hit my face when I stopped running. From where I am standing, I can now see Civita, the nearest city to La Desierto.

           I always wanted to see the world outside the high walls of the palace. See the sunrise as I sip a coffee on a top of a hill. But both coffee and going outside of the walls were off-limits. I dryly chuckled as I realized that no one would say ‘no’ to me this time. I wiped a traitor tear from my cheek harshly. Who would say that I am now free but am also known as the murderer of my own father, theft of the holy embers, and a shameful princess who eloped with a knight who brought no glory to the land.

           I walked towards the entrance of Civita, filled with the smell of newly baked pastries. I put the hood of the coat on my head. From now on, I will hide. I hold the holy embers inside the coat’s pocket along with a bag of cuerzo.

           "I would like to buy one of these," I said as I pointed to a loaf of bread that has a lot of butter and cheese above it. Hopefully, this bread would last the whole day.  

           The woman behind the loaves of bread scanned me and raised her eyebrows before speaking, “Two cuerzos," she said while shaking her head and in an insulting tone.

           I paid her immediately because I am uncomfortable with her stares. I know I am far from looking like a princess, and she won't recognize me, but I always hated the attention.

           I stopped in front of a tavern. I am now famished, and my mind won't work. I have to make a plan. The door sign of the tavern says it is still closed. I chose to sit in a chair beside it. My first bite felt like the most delicious food I have ever eaten. I can not remember the last time I have eaten. I lost my appetite last week due to the announcement of marriage that shouldn’t be announced in the first place.

           I felt a sharp and cold thing on the side of my tummy on my third bite. “Give me all your money…and that bread of yours,” someone said in a low voice. He continued, “It is still early in the morning. We don’t want a noisy neighborhood, don’t we?”

           I freeze on my seat, dropping the bread on the ground. My heart raced, and its beats filled my ear. The man behind me mumbled more words, but I can't clearly hear. "I will g-give you everything," I whispered. He chuckled, and that must be the most terrible sound I have ever heard. I felt his breath on my neck as he rummaged my pockets. I heard him say jackpot as he freed the bag of cuerzo from my pocket.

           My heartbeat doubled when he continued searching my pocket. I looked around to seek help, but this side of the tavern is far from people. It didn't feel like this a while ago. “Please…not those," I begged when I thought he found the embers. He remained silent and still. “You…..who are you?,” he asked and pressed the knife against my side harder. I felt a sting from it. I didn't answer; my lips and knees are trembling.

           After all the running I did, I will die in this dim alley after all? Oh, what a waste. I just closed my eyes and accepted my fate. I am exhausted already. Maybe rest is not a wrong choice after all. At least I knew that I fought for my life enough. At least I will be together with my father, I can finally hug him and tell him how really quiet the Silent Woods is.

           But I almost jumped due to a loud thud. The man behind me fell on his feet. He is now lying on the ground, not even moving. I came back to my senses and scanned where the embers are. I saw them in his hand; he was holding them tightly. I snatched the embers from him and immediately brought them back into my pockets. I am about to run again when someone talked on my back again.

           “Hmmm. A red wavy hair, check. Almond eyes that look like she is begging every time, check. And definitely in trouble, check. Yes, you are definitely the client,” the tall man said. My mind was still in a whirlwind when he one-handed scooped my waist and put me on his shoulder before I can even see him.

           I immediately panicked when I realized what is happening. I tried to free myself from him, but his arm gripped my waist tighter. "Hey! Bring me down! What are you doing?!" I yelled in his ear, but he continued walking like I am just a sack of oat. Lifeless and voiceless.

           He entered the tavern and climbed a rusty staircase. I feel frustrated; why am I so weak? I can't even protect myself. The man smelled a mixture of beer and tobacco. I do not want to be judgmental, but I think he will definitely do something terrible to me.  

           “I said let me down!” I commanded mimicking the tone of the chief knight in the palace. The next thing I know was my butt kissed the piles of sacks. I cursed him as I feel the impact of my fall. “What? You asked to be let down,” he said arrogantly.

           “Kael! You should be more careful with the princess! You are so dumb and disrespectful,” said another voice from the corner of a room. My eyes widened, both because they know my identity and as the woman looks like Olis, but this one is younger.

           She bowed before me and kicked the man, Kael, signaling him to also bow to me. “We pardon our first meeting and behavior, princess," she said politely. She stood straight and smiled before continued talking, "You might be still in shock for everything that has happened. I am Olga, niece of Olis. I just received a letter from her last night. I only read it a while ago due to some…misfortunes,” she said and took glances towards Kael who is now sitting on the corner while eating…. my bread!

           I wanted to get my bread from him, but I am now more interested in Olga. She went towards a bed. It squeaked as she picked up an envelope and some pillows. She gave the envelope to me and put the pillows above the sacks. She signaled me to sit there, which I gladly did, given with all the body pain I have. Kael groaned, but Olga just shoots some daggers in his direction. I was shocked by how fast Olga did that. Kael managed to dodged all the blades and continued eating like it was nothing. Like his head had a chance to be a real-life dart board.

           “That guy is Kael, but don’t mind him. Treat him as the air, invisible,” she said. "I am also clueless about what is happening, so I advise that you should just read that letter. Kael and I will prepare your food,” Olga said before bowing and dragged Kael out of the room. I frowned as I heard his name, reminds of a biblical traitor or whatever.

           I waited until the room fell silent and I am alone again. I examined the red envelope; the seal is already broken. But I recognized that it was the seal of our kingdom. It has a growling lion in the middle while sword and shield were in the background. And they were surrounded by vines and has several flowers in them, those are roses. The seal is bathe with gold, but the roses were precisely colored as red, almost similar with the color of blood.

           I stopped every hideous thought I have by getting the paper inside. The scent of Olis attacked my nose; this letter is definitely written by her. A tear escaped my eyes. I have so many questions for her, but above all of those is longing. I am afraid of whatever I will learn from this letter. And I will never be ready for another heartbreak. But I have to know the reason behind everything. What happened to my mother. She who adored my father so much. She is soft-spoken and takes care of everyone around her. She used to bring me comfort and warmth, but I remember how she stabbed my father multiple times every time I close my eyes. Her eyes were full of anger and hatred. And the words she said and how she laughed…..I don’t want to remember. I took a deep breath before I started to read.

Olga,

           I know it's been a while, maybe already three or five years, since my last letter to you. And this might be the last one if fate will not be in my favor. It must be shameful to ask you for a favor this time. I know I have so many lacking as your aunt, but I do not have much time left. Princess Nesrin Titania will be hunted by the palace knights; she needs to be safe. She will be accused of many crimes she did not do, well some of those were true, but she was forced. Believe me, she is the purest thing in this world. Her mother was possessed by spirits who have so much grudge to their family since the kingdom's foundation. The princess was also possessed, but she was strong. An heiress to the crown, indeed. Now, I want you to wait for her every night at the Silent Woods. You might not still believe my gift. Olga, this might be just my vision, but I have dreamed of this for almost a year already. I do not know when this event will happen. I’m begging you to hide and keep her safe. Tell her that her fate is in her hands. But I will advise her to stay hidden even though it will take her forever as long as she’s safe. The kingdom doesn’t need to be saved. She may be visioned as the ru-

The letter was smudged in the end. I saw the date of the letter, it was already a month ago. Olis was not just my server; she was also a great sorceress of the palace. She has the most accurate and detailed visions among the five kingdoms. But she's already gone.

I folded the letter and hugged it. She is right; I have to hide. Selflessness will only bring me trouble. I am no heroine, just a powerless girl who has the blood of the founders. I looked up to myself before because of my status. But without the fancy gowns and shoes, without my father’s influence and the knights of the palace, I can't even help myself. I can't fight; I can only run and close my eyes.