A Royal's Tale [COMPLETED]

Bonus - Escaping Into The Night

Wilder

Wilder crept down the hall, his footsteps soundless as he stole among the shadows. He feared the urgent beating of his heart would betray him. The occupants of the palace laid locked in sleep while guards made leisurely rounds. Wilder moved undetected to one room along the passage. Gently, he switched the handle and slipped inside.

On the bed lay a lone figure, completely still.

But Wilder wasn't foolish enough to believe the tranquility of the sight.

Wilder crossed the distance, moonlight from the window lighting his way.

Before he could so much as make a move toward the figure, a blade sliced through air towards him.

Wilder snatched Alwyn's wrist before her dagger could make contact.

"Alwyn," he said. "It's me."

Alwyn sat up, her blonde hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I only saw a dark silhouette."

"I should have made my presence known at the door. It is my mistake."

Wilder released her wrist and she lowered her blade.

"What do you need?" she asked, combing her fingers through her hair.

For a moment, Wilder didn't answer, simply took in the sight of her with sleep still present in her eyes, mane of wild hair, and moonlight creating shadows across her face.

"Come with me?" he asked.

He saw as Alwyn took in his attire and the pack slung over one shoulder. Without question, she reached down and grabbed her boots. Despite the times spent in the palace, Alwyn remained a sailor to her bone: sleeping fully dressed with her boots at hand.

Alwyn reached for the strip of leather on the table beside her bed to tie of her hair, but Wilder rested his hand on hers. She looked at him. He softly ran his hands through her hair and she tossed the leather strip aside.

When she stood, Wilder held out his hand and she laced her fingers with his. Together, they slipped out of the palace through the curtained archway.

The day's heat still hung heavy in the air, the breeze only serving to stir it about. The scent of sand and the fresh fruit on the trees infused the night. The full moon bathed the West Isles in a golden hue.

In the stables, Wilder readied a horse and swung himself into the saddle. He stretched his hand down to Alwyn and she grasped his forearm. He hoisted her up behind him and nudged the horse's side, Alwyn wrapping her arms around him.

As they broke from the palace grounds, Alwyn laid her head against Wilder's back and he smiled at the comfort of her.

They rode in silence, the night wind rustling the trees, the faint cooing of a bird, the distance rush of the ocean playing a midnight melody for them.

When Wilder stopped the horse, Alwyn lifted her head and peered around. He knew what she'd see: an unassuming wall of boulders surrounded by a plain circle of jungle. Still, she didn't question why he brought her here.

Wilder almost laughed. The girl he'd first met over a year ago would have made some sort of comment but this Alwyn, the Alwyn he now knew, had spent a year traveling with, knew him. Trusted him.

She slid from the horse and Wilder loosened the horse's bridle, giving him free rein to graze. Again, Wilder took possession of Alwyn's hand and led her towards the wall of rock.