A/N: Just a reminder that this story contains dark themes, and is not for everyone. Please do not read if scenes of abuse will disturb your mental health. 

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The trail to the meeting point was long and bumpy. It was a jostling trip through the wasteland that was the Southern Kingdom. There was nothing by miles of flat scorched earth, red rocks, and decay. While I had reviled in the warmth this morning, I had grown to hate it by midday. My lips became chapped, and thirst consumed almost every thought. The wood panels beneath me stuck to the thin fabric of my dress, and left splinters in my palms when I went to steady myself. 

Amber's great escape plan was simple. Tonight when the majority of the party was sleeping she would sneak off. I kept waiting for her to elaborate, but that was it. She was going to improvise from there. She claimed that if she planned everything out she would lose her nerve, or something would go horribly wrong. 

Amber quietly begged, "Come with me," for the hundredth time. I thought about it, I really did. A few years ago I would have died to have a chance like we might to escape. Yet, now when I dug deep there was no fight left in me. 

"Look at me. I wouldn't last more than an hour in the wilderness. I feel like I am a blink away from death, and I have been for awhile. I honestly would just slow you down," I paused, "Amber, they'll kill you if they catch you. I've seen them kill for a lot less."

Amber sighed, and then leaned closer to me. She looked into my eyes, and I could tell she was searching for some sort of confirmation that I was a good confidant. I couldn't imagine what she was holding back when she already told me that she is going to try and escape. 

Whatever she saw in my dull blue eyes seemed to please her. She whispered, "That's the thing, Maya. They won't kill me." 

My eyebrows furrowed, and a laugh almost escaped my lips. At my bewilderment, Amber grabbed both my hands to ensure that she had my serious attention. 

"As a woman, I'm sure you know that we have certain assets to attain information if we desire. Let's just say that I have been using those assets the last few months that I have been here. I learned from Max, one of the guards that is on the bottom, that the King has been having dreams of a woman with blinding white hair. My hair was the color of wheat, but I had Max sneak me some lemon. I've been putting lemon juice on my hair, and soaking it in the light of my window. I knew looking like this figure could lead to some sort of opportunity, and I was right," she finished proudly. 

I gawked at her for longer than I cared to admit. This was the most fierce, and resourceful woman I had ever met. Something within me stirred. The fire that had long been out within me now had an ember. 

I thought about what Amber said for a long time. I remembered the King asking me why I had been haunting his dreams. I thought he was having one of his episodes of madness which always presented itself in the most peculiar ways. I overheard a servant once say that King Leon was able to predict the 90 year war, and that's why he won. It was hard to believe that he fought in that war when he didn't look a day over 30.  If it were true that King Leon had some sort of visionary powers, then these dreams could really be why the King has seemed so disturbed as of late. 

In my current state of weakness, if I went with Amber I would likely die. Yet, if I stayed, I would likely die as well. Now that I know why the King ordered just Amber and I to come out of all of his slaves I was even more apprehensive. I didn't want to be sacrificed to the moon goddess or something because a vampire had a bad dream. 

"I can't imagine why you would want to risk catching the attention of the King. If I could turn my hair brown I would. This doesn't seem like it is going to end well for us," I whispered after a long moment of silence. 

Amber snorted and replied, "As opposed to what? Getting the blood drained from my body because I stood too close to him one day? Because he was bored of seeing me? Everything has risks. It's about what you're willing to do for a shot at survival."

"Okay," I stated. 

"Okay, what?" She asked. 

"You're right. I'll come with you," I said firmly, although on the inside I was already a nervous wreck. 

Amber smiled. 

~~~

We finally rolled to a stop when the sun was just above the horizon. The sky transitioned from blue to orange, and night would be upon us soon. We had gone from desert to a more woodsy area. The forests wasn't dense, but the trees provided nice coverage for such a large group. The smell of horse manure, and sweat filled the area. After the brown tents were put up, and fires made the guards finally remembered us. 

Four of them came to release us from our cage. I was a little surprised to see them. I wouldn't have put it past them to leave us in here the whole time to stew in our own filth. 

They grabbed our arms and heaved us both out of the barred wagon. We were pulled over to a tree on the outskirts of camp where chains waited for us. The guards shackled our ankles to a thick chain that wrapped around the sturdy tree. 

A human servant brought us water, and some leftover stew and it was the best meal I had in weeks. I had to force myself to take small bites, and not inhale it like I was wanting to. If only they knew they were fueling us for our escape. 

My heart raced as the camp finally settled. Another hour, and the only sounds were horses neighing, insects chirping, and fires crackling. I made note of the rotation of the guards. One would pass by us to patrol the perimeter every 7 minutes. 

The cool night air was a sweet relief after the sweltering ride here. There was no light of the moon this night. I eventually was only able to make out a couple of feet in front of me, and the soft glow of dying flames in the distance. 

The sound of footsteps faded, and then Amber grabbed my arm and nodded at me. It was time. She took a pin from her hair and started working on the lock on her ankle. I took a couple deep breaths to keep the panic that was rising within me from bubbling over. I don't remember ever feeling this alive. 

After a full three minutes of her struggling and cursing under her breath there was a clicking noise. She gave me a triumphant look before starting on mine. A bead of sweat fell from my brow as I watched her work. The clock was ticking.