Running for her life

...she ran through the forest, trying to escape from her master. She ran into a tree with thorns, she pulled away from the tree, blood gushing out of her arm. She kept running.

After running for a while, she lost her way. She tried to navigate her way from the forest, but couldn't.

She had no choice than to stay in the forest.

She found a spot in the forest, warm and dry. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The silence was broken only by the rustling of leaves in the wind and the hooting of an owl.

Aria felt scared, but had no choice than to stay there, she tried to lay on her side, but her bruised arm made it difficult.

Sleeping was quite uncomfortable for her, she had to endure. She had hope and high expectations for her future.

She felt asleep, awoken by the feeling of sunlight filtering through the leaves, warming her face. The sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves slowly woke her.

The smell of damp earth and pine needles, the feeling of dew on her skin, and the sight of the trees towering above her.

She slowly made her way to the lake and washed herself, after feeling refreshed. She plucked some fruits, washed them and ate.

She began navigating her way, she walked for about an hour. Then heard the galloping of horses from a distance. The sound of the horses' hooves echoed through the forest, a rhythmic pounding that grew louder with each passing moment. The ground vibrated beneath her feet as the sound approached, the air thick with the smell of sweat and dust.

She thought it was Sir Frederick's men. She accepted her fate. But as the horses got closer, they stood in front of her. It was a totally different person. He seems like a prince. His features were sculpted by the gods, a perfect blend of strength and grace. His eyes, the color of a stormy sky, held a depth that hinted at both wisdom and passion. His smile, when it graced his lips, could melt the coldest heart. He was a prince who could command attention simply by entering a room, a man who seemed destined for greatness.

"Young lady, why are you wandering about in the forest. It is not quite safe.", he said smiling at her.

"I got lost here since yesterday, I was running away from my Master, he attempted to have sex with me", Aria responded with teary eyes.

The prince felt pity for her, saw her bruised arm and offered to take her home with him.

"If you don't mind, I can take you to my place", he offered.

"Thank you mister, thank you very much", she responded.

He got off his horse and carried her on the horse, climbing after her, as he and his men left the woods.