"in" the guard grunted, shoving me into the cart

it was easier to move through the night

those without homes werent crowding the streets 

instead bundled three or more in an alley

some drinking what little money they had away

i could see the palace from the small opening 

which if a little bigger could act as a window

guards camped in front, the sound of their music 

becoming louder and louder the closer we arrived

the flames from the campfires illuminating and casting the most daunting shadows

i'd already made up my mind then

to run that night

into the badlands

the space beyond the wall

the guard opened the crate

reaching out for me

there was too much noise

laughter and intense smells of meat clinging in the air

i retreated into the corner

no

all i'd known was darkness and closets

and small rooms 

no

i could die in my cell

i wish i'd died with jezel

"come on now," he barked, tugging me out

whistling and cackling erupted

as he trailed through the slowly parting crowd

his grip stayed tight on my wrist

as if he sensed my desire to fly

we'd reached the door

he knocked 

and slowly they opened 

groaning with weight

no

no

no