Escape

Chapter 15

Cassia's POV ---

I am sitting in a rocking chair by the fire place, with it's warm promising glow filling the room. I am petting Sophie gently, when the door to the cabin suddenly bursts open.

"My gosh! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I screech at Jeff before we both start laughing.

"Come with me," he says holding out his hand for me to take.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"It's a surprise. You can leave Sophie here," he tells me.

I give him a look of regret and sorrow, I don't like leaving her here alone. But the look in his eyes tells me he means it, and that she'll be fine. So, I bring her to her bed and lay her down, and let Jeff take me to where ever we're going.

It doesn't take me long to realize that we are going somewhere along the river, and suddenly, I see a table with a white table cloth, a plethora of food, and lanterns that give off just enough glow. It's beautiful. That's when I suddenly realize how beautiful this forest is. It's not deep, or dark, or scary. It's peaceful and amazing. All those stories are wrong.

Jeff kindly pulls out my chair for me, and I sit down. He hurries to the other side of the table and sits down.

"I don't know what to..." I begin but he cuts me off.

"You don't have to. Let me explain first," he says. I nod, telling him to proceed.

"Cassia, I was so lonely before. It was so dark for me all of the time, and I wondered what my life's purpose was going to be. Just living here in the forest on my own? Doesn't seem like much of a life. But then you came.... and suddenly I had a purpose. To take care of you, to help you, to guide you, and to love you. I've known it for a while now, I guess. I love you. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love your smile, your kindness, your smarts, your cunningness. You amaze me every day and I hope you shall continue to do so each and every day I spend with you. And I hope you spend each and every day of forever with me."

He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a diamond ring. It's old, that I can tell.

"It's my great-grandma's," he says smiling. "My mother gave it to me before I left. Something to hold on to, I guess."

"It's just a promise ring," he says hastily. "I just want you to promise that one day, when the time is right, you will marry me," he asks blushing.

I am speechless. "Of course," I say tears streaming down my face. They are tears of joy. He smiles that beautiful smile of his, and slides the ring on my finger.

"I promise to love you, forever," I say giddily.

"I promise to love you, forever," he repeats to me.

"Let's eat!" he says. I laugh at how much of a gentlemen he can be, and yet still be a pig.

"The food is the best meal he has ever cooked, by far. I can tell he made it with care. The night is perfect. I'm falling in love him, and he loves me. Now we can spend a long, long time together. With Sophie, of course! All three of us, a family.

Head Guard's POV ---

We have walked through thick underbrush, ugly branches, twisted mazes, and quick-sand. I officially hate this Forest. But I muddle through, in order to find The Princess. I am leading my group of 20 men, well, 21 including me, through the horrible Forrest. But light seems to dawn upon us and the Forest begins to clear a little, and I see a small Log Cabin. There is a big window, and through it a see a handsome young man, a little white dog, and...the Princess. I grin an evil, crooked smile. I have found the girl. The glory is all mine. I motion for The Guards to move in slowly, then attack, but only on my cue. Better watch out Little Princess, here I come.

Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading! Comment, Vote, Like! You are the best. BTW: IKR?!? Major Cliff-Hanger! You know you hate me! Oh well. I PROMISE to post another chapter tomorrow!

Loveeee,

-dance4ever12