• The Princess •

"Marie, promise me you'll be safe." The queen of Luanth hugged her daughter by the door. Rain poured outside and lightning flashed.

"Of course, Mom." I broke away and smiled at her. "I just... need to be away right now."

"I understand you want to grieve for the king." My mother wiped a tear away and passed my bags to a servant who took it outside to the wagon. Of course she addressed him as 'the king'. He wasn't my father, unlike everyone assumed.

"You're lucky that my brother has a nice house in the country for you to stay at." She continued.

"Yes." I stiffly agreed. I had to be away from the castle. I had to get it of the prison of aged stone carrying so many secrets. It wasn't to grief for the king's passing at all. I barely knew him. He was like a stranger to me, but it was the only story that didn't require a lengthy explanation... not like I haven't tried talking to mother about it. I smiled and hugged her again. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I seriously doubt that." She sighed sadly as I turned outside to the carriage.