After that day, I went to the healer's chambers every day for two weeks. At first, once the effect of the potion wore off, the pain in my hands became unbearable. It felt as if my skin were burning all over again. Over time, the pain eased, and my skin began to heal. When I rubbed my fingers and examined them, I could see the faint but deep scars etched into my flesh. They wouldn't fade. Just like me, they didn't belong here.
Each night during those two weeks, I lay awake thinking. How much longer could I endure this? The palace's stone walls were closing in on me. Every moment felt heavier with the knowledge that I was under stricter surveillance than usual. I kept my distance from my father. My mother hadn't spoken to me again, nor had she come to see me. And Leoric—he never missed a chance to shoot his disgusting sneers at me with those mocking eyes. My only way out was clear: I had to leave this cage. And I had to do it soon.
I barely slept at night, spending countless hours planning my escape. The palace was well-guarded, but I had no other choice. I carefully mapped the shortest routes, the quietest corridors that wouldn't betray my footsteps. I couldn't steal a horse—the stable boy would notice and report me to the guards immediately. I had to vanish fast once I got out. The forest was my best chance. I would throw myself into the trees, hide until morning, and pray to the gods no one would find me. In short, I had to disappear into the shadows. The gods must have heard me—because today, the opportunity of a lifetime landed at my feet. My family would be leaving the palace to attend a feast in the neighboring kingdom of Valmor. My father, once gone, would think of nothing but drink and flattery. My mother would dance in her favorite melodies with all her cold grace, boasting about her precious son to the noblewomen. The palace was in chaos as servants scurried about. Clothes tailored for the occasion were wrapped in fine covers, food was packed in boxes and loaded into the carriage. The guards were lined up front and back, awaiting the royal departure.
As they descended the palace steps, I watched from the tall windows near the gate. At one point, my mother looked straight at the window—as if she felt my presence. Panic surged in my chest. But after that brief moment, she quietly stepped into the carriage. I exhaled deeply as the wheels began to turn and dust rose behind them.
I hurried back to my room and stood at the window, looking up at the sky. The moon had hidden behind the clouds—as if it had painted the heavens black to aid my escape. Just as I had hoped. Thank you, gods. For once, you're truly on my side.
I turned away and reached under my bed, pulling out the cloak I had hidden. I wore black tonight—because only black could help me blend into the shadows. I slipped on my leather gloves, the thick and comfortable dark tunic that allowed free movement, and shoved the small dagger I had stolen from the healer's chambers into my inner pocket. Once I pulled the hood over my head, I was ready.
I opened the door slowly, listening. Silence. No footsteps. I moved swiftly but carefully. This place had never been home to me, and it never would be. If anyone ever heard that a princess had fled the palace, it would be a disgrace to them—but to me, it was salvation. My one chance at hope.
My breaths were so shallow I could hardly hear them. Most of the palace guards had left with the royal entourage, which worked in my favor. When I reached the back gate that led to the garden, no one had taken post yet. I turned one last time. With a cold knot in my chest, I pushed the rusted hinges open.
And just like that, I stepped into the darkness—for freedom.
The air was freezing, but I couldn't feel it through the rush of adrenaline. I pulled my hood back up; the wind scratched my cheeks like blades. Inside me, though, there was nothing but stillness. I should've felt joy—this was my freedom. But fear crept in like a fog that didn't belong. Could I erase the cruel marks of the past with each step? Not that easily. They wouldn't just vanish.
I forced the thoughts away and focused on the now. The ground was soft—it had rained earlier. I inhaled the scent of damp earth, hoping it would calm my nerves. Carefully, I avoided the mud, determined to leave no trace behind.
Pushing myself forward, I reached the forest with ragged breaths. I paused for a moment and looked up at the interlocking branches above. The night here was pitch black, like a vortex drawing you in. But at least this place asked nothing of me—no prophecies, no thrones, no cursed lineage. Here, I was no princess, no heir, no sister, no unwanted child.
For the first time… I was just me.
After walking a distance that felt long enough, I searched for a safe and dry place to rest. My eyes landed on a small hollow covered in ivy, the stones around it blanketed in moss. It was secluded. Dark enough. I stepped down into it, my body aching. I dropped to my knees, pulled my cloak over my face, and curled into myself. The cold crept in—but something else stirred deeper within. I knew I wouldn't sleep. My mind refused to quiet down. This darkness was unsettling, my senses fully alert. Even a falling leaf echoed like thunder in this stillness.
At some point, my eyelids gave in. I must've dozed off. I didn't know how long I slept, but dawn must have broken—pale yellow light seeped into my eyes. When I opened them fully, I saw tree branches stretching to the sky, bathed in mist and light. The trunks were draped in moss, standing like ancient guardians.
I stood up. My muscles ached, but worse was the hunger curling like a serpent in my stomach.
"Of course," I muttered to myself, sarcastically. "You didn't bring anything. Perfect. You left your brain back at the palace too, Vaelis."
I clenched my fists. My jaw. Then slowly released them.
"The road is long. No whining."
I walked deeper into the forest, pushing aside tall grasses that reached my knees. As the light grew stronger, the cold began to fade—but something else took its place.
Uncertainty. And the helplessness that came with it.