The King's Blood Witch

2 - Sneak Out

Adonis had left by the time she had woken up, as usual. She didn't know how long she had been asleep, but the sun was already setting and made way to a lovely light blue, slowly turning into an inky black.

If she was honest with herself, Rosabelle was upset. She had asked him for one tiny thing - a reasonable request considering she didn't plan on leaving his side - and he had denied her.

Yes, she had asked a few times to leave palace grounds when she was younger, but he told her he was worried she would run off. But she wasn't eight anymore, she understood the risks.

There was a flash of annoyance in Rosabelle's chest at the thought of him still treating her like a child.

I actually had more freedom as a child, she thought, a bitter chuckle leaving her lips.

Was this how it would always be? Constantly locked in her tower, awaiting Adonis to give her the time of day. He gave her beautiful gifts of gold and whispered sweet nothings into her ear as a way to stop her from... what, rebelling?

Perhaps that's exactly what she needed to do.

Rosabelle stood up from the chaise in front of her bed, making her way to the window. She gripped the windowsill, leaning her body over slightly to take a glance at the ground below.

It was high, extremely so, but she was certain she could make rope from something in her room. And, if she were to fall, she could heal herself.

The only problem was getting back in.

Her thoughts were cut short when a maid knocked on her door, claiming Adonis was in the dining room for dinner. Rosabelle took one final glance at the ground below, forcing herself to stick with her plan before making her way to Adonis.

Rosabelle plastered on a smile as she saw him. He never sat before she arrived, instead he always stood near the doorway, waiting for her.

"My darling," he murmured softly against her skin as he brought her hand to his lips. He led her to her seat at the small table, pulling out her chair before going to his own.

"I thought you cleared the day for me," Rosabelle mused as she cut a small bite of meat from her plate.

"I apologise, darling," he began, pouring them each a glass of wine. "Something came up."

She simply nodded, taking a sip of the bitter red liquid as she ran through her plan in her mind. Getting out was easy, but she had no idea how she would get back in while remaining undetected.

You could just not come back.

Her heart stuttered, flinging itself into her throat. The idea was... tempting, to say the least.

She shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind; she only needed a night. A night to rebel, experience what the palace was keeping her from, and she would return.

"You still haven't told me what you want for your birthday, little one."

I have, you just said no.

But Rosabelle didn't say that, as much as wanted to. Instead, she put on a smile. "I'm happy with anything."

Adonis' eyes softened. He put down his fork before gently taking her hand in his grasp and stroking it with his thumb.

"How did I get so lucky?" He questioned, bringing her hand to his mouth and giving it a soft kiss. "Thank you for not being angry with me, darling."

Cold, sharp guilt stabbed Rosabelle's heart. He trusted her so much, loved her with all his heart, and she was about to stab him in the back.