I’d thought about my deal with the man at the pond all night, so long and hard that it lulled me to sleep. I dreamt about freely walking the streets of Amerenth where not a single soul knew I was Elody Bequette, fiancé of Prince Errol Artieran. I woke up thinking about my deal, but also something else.

Errol. In fact not just him, the entire family, the entire castle. My parents. They all expected me to get married. Could I really be so selfish to run away just to travel the world? My mom was right, I could travel as the princess.

As Errol’s wife.

What I really needed was someone to talk to; to bounce my ideas off of, and hopefully someone who would encourage me to follow my dreams. I wished I had someone I could talk to. Errol would be the best person, if this didn’t actually affect him too. If I was marrying someone else, I knew wholeheartedly Errol would be at my side encouraging me to follow my dreams, to travel. Heck, he’d even offer to go with me.

I felt so consumed by my thoughts, the better part of the morning was a blur. I might have eaten my breakfast staring at my plate the entire time, though I must not have because surely one of the maids would have noticed and said something. I may have walked through every hall of the palace, I didn’t know, my feet simply guided the rest of me since my head was too busy deciding between myself and everyone else.

At one point I finally stopped walking, settling at a window to look out at the garden.

Maybe I could just tell Errol what I planned to do. He was my fiancé, but he was still my friend. Surely he’d understand. But then still, bringing this to him essentially meant me saying I valued traveling the world more than I valued us being together. Which was true on some level. I’d rather travel than be married and play princess, but I’d rather stay close to Errol than travel.

My thoughts were interrupted by rhythmic footsteps coming toward me in the hallway. I felt his presence before I looked at him.

King Imran strode down the hallway toward me, his attention focused on some letters in his hands. Of all the four kings, King Imran was undoubtedly the best. His appearance first off was the most inviting. Brown hazel hair stained like a piece of wood, kind pistachio eyes, a firm mouth that only produced respectful words. He stood over six feet tall, always dressed modestly in the middle of complete royalty and the average layperson. Today he wore brown trouser pants and a pewter colored tunic top. The only kingly jewelry he wore was his wedding ring and a copper colored necklace with the Artieran emblem on it.

He was so focused on reading the letters, his brow furrowed deeply, he almost passed without noticing me.

“Your majesty,” I spoke up when he was just a few feet past me, “could I ask you a question?”

The King looked up, startled, and looking almost surprised at where he was. When he realized who had spoken to him, the furrow of his brow relaxed. “Elody my dear, please call me Imran.”

I nodded. “You've traveled a lot. Do you think the world is worth seeing?”

“I do.” The King put all the letters in one hand, then tucked them into the pocket of his shirt. “I’ve seen some absolutely lovely places, my dear. Dare I say, nicer than the Vineyard. And the people, they’re just different from city to city. The mountains… Those people are absolutely lovely. Of course, with Daphne as their queen, how could they not be?” He chuckled to himself. “I really like Ketron island. Also ruled by the Charys.” He looked at me with elvish eyes. “They really cheated the rest of us out of some beautiful places.”

I laughed quietly at his comment. “Thank you.”

King Imran nodded and smiled. I liked the way King Imran smiled, He didn’t smile the same way my parents, or Errol, or anyone else in my life did. He didn’t smile like he expected something out of me.

I turned on my heel and walked down the hall, determination welling up inside of me. I’d just made my decision. If Errol really loved me, he would understand that I couldn't marry him, at least not right now.

I went straight to my room and pulled my brown duffle bag out from under my bed. Tossed as many shirts and pants inside as I could find, then dresses. On top I put two pairs of shoes, then zipped the bag shut. I looked over at the clock in my room. A half past twelve.

The noon hour was a very quiet time around the castle. The perfect time for me to steal through the hallways with my duffle. As swift as a mouse, I navigated the hallways and exited the castle. Making sure no one was behind me, I made my way to the pond. The way the tree’s roots grew, they buckled outward at the bottom, creating a space right underneath the tree. I shoved my duffle bag underneath, checked my surroundings one more time, then headed back for the palace. Now I only had to count down the hours until tonight when I’d leave for Amerenth.

#

For most of the day, I’d sat around the palace staring at any clock I could find as the minutes ticked closer to when I would slip away. I admit, it was probably the most boring and unproductive day of my life. But I didn’t care. My travels began after today.

Coming back to my room to change for dinner, I found a handwritten letter sitting on my nightstand. It was from the queen inviting me to dinner with the family. “Inviting,” like I could say no.

Looking at the clock I realized I was already running a little late. I quickly found an off-yellow dress, then redid the bun my hair sat in. Doing my best not to run down the hall to make it to the dining hall on time, I managed to not be the last person in the room.

I took my seat next across the table from Errol. Sometimes I wished he had siblings so it wouldn't be just the four of us at the table. Glancing around the table, I noticed an oddness in the seating. Usually King Imran sat at the head of the table, Errol and I across from each other, and Queen Merissa at the foot. Tonight the queen sat next to her son, and an empty chair was at the foot of the table.

I didn't have to wait long to know who the guest was.

Nobleman Claud Bishard walked in, his face set in a prideful scowl, which he quickly shaped up when the king and queen’s attention was on him. He bowed before sitting down. “Your majesties.” He sat and glanced at me. “Lady Bequette.”

I felt my lips twitching to form a scowl. I was just as much a majesty as the others, I was Errol’s fiancé.

“Glad you could join us, Claud,” King Imran said, his usual smile draped on his face.

At least one person here was. I knew for a fact that three out of the four people at this table disliked Claud Bishard with a passion. He was a pretentious pretender, getting in good with anyone he could. From the day Errol and I announced our engagement, he’d been snaking around the palace getting his foot in wherever possible. He was already the main wine provider for the wedding and somehow his daughter would be the flower girl.

The servants brought in our individual plates. Roasted duck sprinkled with rosemary with sides of potatoes drenched in white wine, and asparagus.

I looked to the King and Queen to begin eating.

The King clinked wine glasses with his wife before cutting into his duck. I was more than happy to cut into my own. A good dinner before I was off for the night. And no one at this table knew I’d be leaving.

“The two adolescents look just radiant,” Claud said. “It's the wedding effect.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but Errol beat me to the exasperated feeling. His way of dealing with it was a bit more creative than mine.

“The wedding effect,” he repeated to Claud. “From what philosophical book did you get that from?”

“Not a book, your majesty. Just a thing people say.”

“I've never heard it,” Errol said. “Could you explain?”

Claud’s face reddened from being put on the spot. It wasn't often someone asked him to expound upon one of his capricious compliments. “Well, I just mean, you're glowing because you're so happy to be married. You're really ready.” He tried to shift his attention to the king and queen. “Aren't we all ready for them to be married?” he asked with a nervous laugh.

Errol didn't even smirk. “Does the length of time Elody and I have been engaged bother you?” he asked, adding a wonderful eyebrow raise to complete his unamused expression. “Do you have better things to do with your wine? Does your daughter have a previous engagement? I find that surprising with her lack of eligible siblings.”

Point for Errol for the double use of the word engagement.

“No, of course not my prince,” Claud said, now scrambling for words. “I just meant… Well I just meant—”

“Why don't we jump into why we’re here,” Queen Merissa spoke up. She flashed a warning look at her son.

Errol ignored her and met eyes with me, his smile in his eyes.

I looked down at the food in front of me to keep my twitching lips from breaking into a smile. I liked Errol, there was a reason why we’d been friends for so long. I might have loved him, but the unfulfilled feeling gnawing away at me stood in the way of that emotion.

“Claud, I hear you’re planning on moving out of the Vineyard,” the queen said.

Claud nodded.

The queen displayed one of her most poisonously sweet faces I’d ever seen. “Why in the heavens would you want to do that?”

“The Vineyard is lovely, your majesties. There’s not a city I’d rather live in,” Claud replied.

“But you want to move to another city,” King Imran said.

“Not to another city,” Claud said. “I want to live right outside a quiet town, with neighbors farther than the eye can see.” He turned his full attention to the King. “Surely, you understand. You've said it yourself, if you weren't king you'd live someplace like that too.”

I saw the Queen’s eyed flicker at her husband.

The King wasn’t bothered by his wife’s disapproving gaze. In fact he smiled at Claud. “I'm not going to say the idea doesn't sound appealing. I'm just saying we’ll miss you in the Vineyard, Claud.”

I also saw Errol roll his eyes.

For a man who was so interested in Errol and my wedding, he talked an awful lot about himself. Halfway through dinner, I noticed Errol start a game with himself. He’d move a pea to the left of his plate every time Claud said the words wine or wedding until all the peas were on one side, then he’d start over on the right side. From what I could see, he had more than ten peas on his plate, and I counted him switching sides five times.

When it was obvious that dinner had ended, I excused myself, and stood up from the table, politely bowing my head to Claud.

Errol stood up too. “Elody, I’ll walk you to your room.”

“Actually son,” King Imran said, “Claud wanted to speak to you. To give you a few tips on your role as a man in a marriage.”

I had to keep myself from snickering. Claud was going to give Errol advice? Clearly he did not realize how much Errol disliked him.

Errol flashed me a desperate look as he sat back down.

“I’m sure Sir Bishard has a lot to teach you, Errol,” I said with the sweetest of smiles. I turned and left the dining room. Normally I probably would have thought up a lie to get Errol out of that—he surely would have done the same for me. But knowing Errol would be preoccupied with Claud for the majority of the night meant he wouldn't stumble upon my departure. I still felt a little guilty leaving him without a word, but I figured it was best for both of us.

I retired to my room to wait out the rest of the night until it was time to go. I sat on my bed reading through the journal I’d stopped keeping a year ago. A knock at my door made me look up.

Nurse Freda walked into the room, bringing fresh towels. “How was dinner?”

“Claud Bishard was there,” I replied.

Freda clicked her tongue. “What else does he want to provide for the wedding? The groom?”

I smirked, happy she disliked him as much as I did. “He said Errol and I are radiant because of the wedding effect.”

Freda rolled her eyes as she set the towels on top of my dresser. “You two have always been radiant.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, turning my eyes back to my journal. As Freda pattered around the room, I couldn’t help but peek over the top of the journal at her. In my twelve years spent in and around the palace, besides the prince, she was my closest friend. I didn’t think that in twelve years, I’d ever really stopped to appreciate her. And now I would possibly never see her again. Sadness andguilt surged inside of me, settling right at base of my throat, but clawing to be let out. I set my journal down and slid off the bed.

Freda noticed without stopping what she was doing. “Going somewhere, Elody?”

I didn’t answer her, and instead walked straight over to her with open arms.

She turned to face me a split second before I embraced her.

“You’re so wonderful,” I said.

She was surprised at first by my impromptu hug, then wrapped her arms around me. “You’re wonderful too, my dear.”

I ached to tell her of my departure, but I knew that even as close as we were, she would never keep something like that to herself. Clamping my mouth shut, I hugged her tighter.

After a few minutes, Freda gently pried me off of her, the warm smile still on her face. “You really are wonderful, dear. You’re a bright young woman. Errol is lucky to have found you.”

I didn’t reply. I didn’t have a reply. For someone so lucky to find me, he was unlucky that unbeknownst to him, I was about to walk out of his life.

Freda headed for the door. “Now try to get to bed early tonight. You have a fitting early in the morning for your wedding dress.” Freda blew me a kiss and left my room.

The emotions still swirled inside, and I had to strain my muscles to keep from sprinting after her. I got back into bed, glancing at the clock on the wall. I could get in a light nap before it was time to leave. My head sank into the pillow, and I laid there thinking about what Amerenth would be like. Soon my thoughts turned to dreams.

#

I woke with a start, worried I’d missed it. Looking at the clock, it read a quarter past ten. I was right on time. I jumped out of bed and quickly slid out of my dress. At first thought I considered leaving it in on the floor, then figured I could do one last thing for Freda. I smoothed it out and lay it at the edge of the bed. Next, I hopped into some light trousers and a breezy shirt. I figured they’d be better to travel in than a dress.

I had to do one last thing before I left. I went over to the mirror, peering at myself. As usual, my walnut colored hair was spun up and clipped behind my head. I took a deep breath, and pulled the clip out, releasing my hair. It fell past my shoulders and stopped a little past my armpits. I wouldn’t be a noble, and I wouldn’t be in the Vineyard, so no longer did I need to keep my hair in a fancy bun of some sort. I vowed from now on to always wear it down.

I’d made the trip from my room to the small pond many times before, and people hardly ever thought anything of it. Still, as I walked through the halls, every person I passed sent a wash of nerves through me. I felt like I had runaway written across my forehead, and I scolded myself for not waiting to take my hair down. Despite my worrying, no one batted an eye at me, and I made it to the pond. I found the man waiting beside a medium sized covered wagon just as he’d said he would be.

“I just have to get my bag,” I said to him.

He nodded, and I hurried over to the spot between the tree roots where I’d shoved my duffle.

When I came back over to him, I flashed him a smile. “Once again, thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“It's not a problem, really,” he said.

“I never asked for your name.”

“Dominick.”

I nodded and climbed into the back of the wagon.

He smiled at me before closing the wagon doors, and I heard the quiet thud of the outside lock dropping into place.

There weren’t any seats in his wagon, so I just propped myself against the side. Dominick wasted no time hitting the road, and soon the wagon was bouncing across the land. I soon began to realize that my nap had not sufficed, and how soothing traveling was. I dozed off a few times.

After about the fourth time waking up, I realized something was different. The wagon was slowing down, until it came to a complete stop. The wagon shifted as Dominick got off the front. I heard his boots crunch as he came around to the back. He unlocked the doors and opened them, peering in at me.

I began scooting toward the edge so I could get out. “Are we stopping already?”

Before I had a chance to take in the outside, Dominick jumped into the wagon, tackling me to the ground. I opened my mouth to scream in shock, but felt a cloth shoved inside instead. I struggled against his weight, but he held me down, then twisted me around to tie a thick rope around my wrists. He tied the other end of it to a circular hook inside the wagon. I did my best to kick my feet out toward his head but missed. He wrestled with my feet until my ankles were tied too. In the struggle, I’d managed to push cloth around in my mouth to a spot where I could spit it out.

“What is this? What are you doing?” I demanded.

Dominick sneered as he picked up the cloth. Grabbing the back of my head by my hair, he shoved the cloth back inside my mouth, then tied another cloth across my mouth. “I would think being a noble, you’d know better than to trust strangers. But that’s quite alright, it works out for me. I know a man who will pay a pretty penny for a noble to work in his brothel.”

My eyes widened, so big tears came to them and simply dropped out.

A brothel? He was going to sell me into slavery, and worse, prostitution!

Dominick shot me one final sneer before slamming the doors to the wagons shut and locking them.