I jumped down as far as I possibly could from the stone and cold walls of what is now my former castle. Venice was my home but not any longer, I was no longer welcome by whom was considered family. My dead father's sword in tow, I left never to return.

A sword only fit for a king. 

I set out on my journey to where ever I feel. The nearest village for jobs and board, and may serve a new purpose in my life. I haven't the slightest idea where I was walking, it was too dark for the eye can see. I wasn't on horseback unfortunately.

After what seemed like an eternity, I ended up in a village, everyone was presumed asleep it was silence. I collapsed on the ground anywhere, I was nor sick nor dead, fatigued.

I felt a slight nudge on my shoulder that opened my eyes. A man of golden hair was eyeing me.

"Pardon thine intrusion of your slumber madam. You slumber in an uncommon place for a maid such as yourself."

I sat up eyeing the man.

"Thou mind telling me this name?" I asked about the village.

"Thine village, Verona, tis where."

"Verona?"

I eyed my surroundings, it seemed I slept in the open center of Verona.

"State your name fair maid?"

"Eglantine of Venice."

"Eglantine, a newcomer, a visitor?"

"Traveler, tis better name. And you are?"

"Mercutio."

He took my hand and pecked with his lips. He pointed out my sword.

"Your sword tis remarkable."

"I thank you Mercutio, my deceased father's most precious."

"Fit for a king."

"Hmm? Well, he was a king."

He bowed.

"Fair princess-"

"A princess no longer."

He was back up, nigh was a man running to us.

"Mercutio, the prince requests your presence."

Mercutio turned to me.

"Pardon me Eglantine, I am requested."

"Go forth."

"Adieu."

I was alone but a moment when another man eyed me from a short distance. 

"Yonder a fair maid with a sword of man."

"Thine sir."

He walked to me. He had a devious look.

"Fair beautiful maiden shalt not have a sword."

"You underestimate thine swordsmanship?"

"Yes."

I unsheathed my sword.

"Ah, you duel me?"

"Tis what it takes."

"Leave the maiden be Tybalt!"

A younger man stood behind Tybalt.

"Brace yourself nigh."

I sheathed my sword carefully as Tybalt walked away from us. This other boy was handsome fair brown hair, blue eyes. 

"Are thy well madam?" He asked in the most gentle voice I ever heard.

"Yes sir. Tis was close to foolishness from a devious man."

"Tybalt, a Capulet, enemy."

"I wondered he was. State thy name young man?"

"Romeo Montague."

"Eglantine of Venice."

"Eglantine, such beauty inside a name."

He pecked my hand with his lips.

"Flattering Romeo, must thou be gracious?"

"A man shall tis tradition."

"Thine don't believe traditions, a former Venice royal."

"Royal?"

"Former I say."

"Why shalt not go back?"

"Banished myself, leave it at that."

He nodded.

"Thy know Mercutio, he woke me this morning."

"Mercutio, thine friend, relation by blood to the prince. Come, yonder a place to board."

I followed him to a church where I met Friar Laurence whom provided me with a room spared.