Chapter 40: Stanger In The Woods

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Man, how long have I been running for? I am pretty far away from the imperial palace. Okay, let's rest for a minute. Wow… okay… the whole imperial grounds lights are on. Wow, that's bright. Even the imperial tower lights are all on. Oh, I can see the guards now. That… is a lot of guards. Okay… I need to start running again before I am spotted. Good thing my hood is black.

After a good run, I was in the middle of the woods. No spot of the imperial lights, good. So I am pretty far in the woods. But where exactly is my tower? I can hardly see a thing. Damn, I had a candle and a match in my bag. Well, this is stupid of me. Yup. I did not plan this accordingly.

After walking a little further into the woods, I saw a faint light a bit more into the woods. I began to run towards it in hopes of salvation.

Huh? That's strange. A campfire in the middle of the woods? Someone obviously made it. But who?

"Ah… is… is anyone out there? He..hello? I mean no harm... I'm just lost." I said in a trembling voice.

A large black wolf appeared in front of me with heterochromia eye color. I fell back as a response to fear.

Holy shit, I am going to die. I am going to fucking die.

The large black wolf slowly walked towards me while it growled.

I closed my eyes shut and began to cry.

"Please, I beg of you. I do not have food on me. Please, do not hurt me. I am sorry. I...I promise that I will not taste that good. I am only a little girl. I don't know why I am talking to you as if you can understand me but please. Spare me." I said as I kept my eyes shut.

As I continued having my eyes closed, I did not hear anything but the wood crackling from the campfire.

Did the dog leave? Okay, on the count of three, I will open my eyes. 1...2...3…

As soon as I opened my eyes, the dog was right in front of me.

I screamed as loud as I could. The dog got in front of me and began to lick my face.

I stopped screaming, and my body froze from the shock.

"O..oh… you… you are a friendly one. Thank god. I thought you were gonna eat me up. How ironic. A little girl with a hood on, in the middle of the woods with a wolf." I laughed.

I used my hood to wipe the dog saliva off my face.

"I'm sorry I do not have any food on me. I am lost. I have no idea where I am going. This is hopeless. Running away was a stupid idea. Now I am talking to a dog. No offense."

The wolf tilted its head and walked away.

"Wait! Where are you going? Don't leave me. Ugh. Who made this fire!?" I yelled in frustration.

"I did, stupid. Now leave. Your yelling is going to catch unwanted attention." A young boy's voice said from behind. I covered my mouth and let a soft yelp out of response.

"You are too noisy, you know that? It's annoying. 'Runaway,' my ass. Crying and causing a scene. I ran away too, you know. You don't see me crying and peeing my pants, now do you?" said the young boy in an irritated tone.

"E...excuse me, but… who are you? What are you doing on imperial grounds? Are you a guard's son?" I said as I approached the young boy closer.

"Hey, you have the same eye color as the dog that just left!" I said in confusion as I got closer.

"Back off, freak! Why are you so close?! Gross. Also, you… you stink! Go away already!" replied the boy in defense.

I tilted my head and began to smell myself. I gave out a confused look.

"I do not smell. I smell like lavender and brown sugar, thank you very much. Also, you should not speak to me like that. I am… well, not anymore, but I used to be the princess of Giodivonia!" I said as I crossed my arms.

"Pft, yeah, right. The princess of Giodivonia? Who are you? Some maids or butlers kid? Maybe you are a guard's kid. Some imposter you are. You make a shitty princess if you really are one. Hey, 'Princess,' why are you here and not in your large, comfy bed with maids by your side, hm?" he questioned in a mocking tone.

This kid is really testing my patience. I thought that the trashman was rude. At least he has proper etiquette and is the emperor of this enormous land. He has the right to be an asshole. But you? Who are you to talk down to? A princess of all things!

"How old are you? You act like a baby." I questioned in an irritated manner.

"Older than you, obviously shorty! How old are you? Five? Six?" He mocked.

"I am five years old, thank you very much! And Yeah! I am short because I am young! So what?! You… you… toddler!" I yelled.

"Pft! For your information, kid, I am seven years old. So not only am I older and taller, I don't stink like you! Go take a bath! You smell like vomit and rotting deer meat!" argued the boy.

"Why are you such a jerk? I told you! I smell like lilac and brown sugar! At least I don't live in the woods like you!" I yelled as I stomped my foot.

"Let's search over here! I think I heard a voice!" yelled a distant voice.

"Thanks a lot, human trash. Now I have to find a new spot to sleep now. What a waste." Said the boy as he quickly got his bag.

"W...Wait! Please take me with you! I have my earrings and bracelet. It is worth a lot of money! I will give it to you if you let me go with you!" I cried as I tugged on his arm.

"Ugh! Fine! But you better keep up!" responded the boy as he grabbed my hand and began to run deeper into the woods.