Running into something solid, the wind knocked out of me and the fear inside my chest rose. I looked at the shadowy figure
that stood in front of me, only making out the sparkle in its eyes as the moonlight danced against them.
“If you wish for me to save you, all you have to do is ask, princess.”
His voice was gravelly and seductive as he held his hand out for me. Dare I take it? The howls continued to become louder
as the wolves made their approach. I was their defenceless prey, and they were going to have me if I didn’t get away.
“Who are you?” My voice broke as I spoke, fear looming under my skin while tears threatened to break free.
“I am your saviour. The one you have been begging for ever since you were a little girl.”
I had no idea I had been begging to be rescued by anyone. Yes, I found my life a little mundane and slightly boring, but that
was mostly because I wasn’t allowed to do much of anything. Princesses didn’t get much freedom.
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“You can’t.”
Well, that wasn’t promising, but I truly felt as if I had no choice other than to accept his help. I had no idea where I was,
how I got here, or what was chasing me, but I knew the terror was real. And it wasn’t going anywhere. Instead of taking his
hand however, I pushed myself up and stood in front of him.
“Can I at least see your face?”
“In due time. For now, I will leave you and when the time is right, I will come for you.”
My heart no longer beat loudly in my chest as my breathing calmed. His voice washed over me like liquid gold and then all
of a sudden, I woke up.
“PRINCESS! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”
Kathlyn leaned over me, her hands on my shoulders, worry lines were across her brows and her face looked flustered and
red. She was worried, and I had no idea why.
“What—what’s the matter?” I asked as she let go.
“You were screaming! We all thought…”She trailed off, looking towards the end of my bed.
Talia and my lady’s maids all stood there studying at me, confused. Had I screamed out during my dream? Perhaps I had
woken everyone up. Which wasn’t good, as I was sure the healer would be sent for in the morning, and I would be poked and
prodded, and my health might get called into question. I had to think fast.
“My apologies, everyone, I was having a horrible nightmare. I didn’t mean to wake or frighten any of you. Please go back
to bed, I am fine.”
“Kathlyn, I will stay with my sister for the rest of the night. I believe she will need some company.”
“Of course, your highness. I will fetch some more blankets for the bed.”