Chapter 28 - No escape

The palace was full of shouts and laughter, becoming louder as we neared it. Women in beautiful dresses, men in suits, all of them in their social groups paying to mind to the children who ran about.

"Mallory", Edmund stared through a window that gave view to the heart of the banquet. I glanced at it and caught sight of what had made him stop.

That same silver hair, those same amethyst eyes. The expression on his face however was almost frightening. Bags were visible. And from what anyone can see was that all the man wanted was to leave.

I frowned at the sight of him, grabbing Edmunds hand protectively.

"Don't worry", I squeezed the quivering hand, "you're my knight now so if I say so then he can't take you anywhere".

Edmund looked down at me with a sad smile, "unfortunately, I'll have to reject that princess. It might be best you don't interfere with what might happen. It's not your business after all", he walked ahead, leaving me in stunned silence.

Not my business?...

Why did that sound so cold?

When I finally recovered I walked inside. Basically blinded by the skirts that were just about everywhere. I was getting pushed this way and that way and it wasn't until a hand pulled me out of the crowd that I finally managed to catch my breath.

I looked towards my saviour with a grateful expression and jumped back in fright. Beautiful blue eyes looked at me like I was such an unfortunate little thing, the familiar wispy blonde hair was now held tightly in a beautiful bun.

"My, what is the little princess doing here without an escort?" She said in that familiar tone that was borderline condescending, she tilted her head and leaned towards me with that plastered smile, "It seems they must have forgotten about you. How unfortunate".

I flinched at the eyes that sneered behind her smile and recovered from my shock.

"Empress", I curtsied, "an honour to see you".

"Polite as ever I see".

She opened her hand fan and then snapped it shut, drawing it under my chin and lifting my face so it was fully visible to her.

She observed me for a long minute before she grinned in satisfaction.

I could guess her train of thoughts.

"You really look out of place here", was all she said before she turned away and left.

I frowned.

She was right.

I looked at the noble children. None of them looked anything close to how plain I must look.

I looked around, hoping to spot a familiar face. I did. But it wasn't who I hoped.

Mother glared at me from her position. Her lips mouthing words and I immediately read them. They were barely visible but so obvious I looked down at my feet in shame.

'Leave. Leave before you disgrace this family'.

It hurt. I was surrounded by so many people and couldn't have felt lonelier.

Was this what Mallory felt on a daily basis?

Suddenly, it seemed like a bad idea to even be here. Just as I had entered I found myself running out. Hoping to get far away from this place, but I bumped into someone in my haste.

"Hey careful!" The larger person steadied me.

"I'm sorry".

I was planning on leaving, but they grabbed my shoulders and prevented me.

"Hey you could at least thank me!" They complained.

No I need to leave! Before I-

It was too late. Warm liquid fell from my face.

"W-why are you crying? I didn't hurt you did I?" They asked in worry.

"N-No", I wiped away the tears and met the person with a glare. "Leave me alone!" And then I regretted my words.

I stared at a tall man. His face shadowed by black armour that covered him from head to toe. He looked dangerous.

"What a rude child", the man said, staring sternly at me. "What's your name? I would like to speak to your parents about this".

I messed up. Damn what do I do now? Run?

The man still had his hand clasped on my shoulder so that was impossible.

Cry?

Don't think that would help.

Scream?

Might draw too much attention.

Amid my silence the man became impatient.

"Well? Spit it out". He impatiently demanded.

"It's not like you'll know who I am anyway", I scowled and decided to just tell him, "my names Mallory, Mallory Blackburn! Now If that's all I'm leaving!"

I hated this place. I'm never coming back here.

Sorry dad! But we can see each other some other time.

"Hey wait!" The man called after me.

I ignored him and closed in on the exit.

"P-Princess!" He called so loudly that everyone within the area seemed to became quiet.

"Princess? Did she finally arrive?" I heard a woman say.

"Really? That princess? Where is she?" Another started.

I blinked in surprise.

He knew who I was?

I turned back towards the man who had neared me, he pulled his helmet off to reveal a familiar scarred face. A smile on his lips as he knelt towards me.

"This knight begs the princess for forgiveness", he said.

Oh shit...

Now everyone was watching....