The Hunt for the Rogue Princess

The palace was meant to be a cage, but Evangeline had no interest in staying locked inside.

The sun had barely begun to rise when she slipped out of her chambers, dressed in the simple tunic and trousers she had stolen from the servants' quarters weeks ago. Her boots were silent against the stone floor as she crept past the sleeping guards. The thrill of escape sent a rush of excitement through her veins.

She needed fresh air. Needed an adventure.

The market was always full of life, and she intended to see it for herself.

---

Meanwhile, in the Training Yard...

Lucian was already having a terrible morning.

First, his sparring partner had nearly broken his nose during training. Then, Tobias had spent the last half-hour laughing at his misfortune. And now, he had just received the worst news possible.

"The princess is gone."

Lucian blinked, turning slowly toward the flustered guard who had delivered the message.

"What do you mean gone?" he asked, voice dangerously calm.

"She… she snuck out."

Tobias let out a bark of laughter. "Gods, I love that woman."

Lucian ignored him, already storming toward the stables. "Did she leave alone?"

"No, my Lord. A stable boy said she took a horse."

"Of course she did," Lucian muttered. He mounted his own horse with ease. "Where was she last seen?"

"The market district, my Lord."

Lucian groaned. If she got herself killed, the King would have his head.

Tobias swung onto his horse beside him, grinning. "I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not."

"Oh, but I am."

Lucian didn't have the patience to argue. He spurred his horse forward, already dreading what awaited him.

---

The Market – A Place of Chaos

Eva had never seen anything like it.

Vendors shouted from their stalls, selling everything from ripe fruit to shining daggers. The scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the laughter of children and the calls of merchants.

She was free.

For a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy it—sampling candied almonds, watching a street performer juggle knives, even stealing a dance with an old woman selling herbs.

And then she heard a very familiar voice.

"Evangeline!"

She turned just in time to see Lucian dismounting his horse, eyes blazing with fury. Tobias was beside him, looking far too amused by the situation.

"Run," she whispered to herself before bolting into the crowd.

Lucian cursed, shoving past startled merchants. "Princess, stop!"

Eva only laughed, ducking through alleyways, weaving between people like a shadow.

Lucian was fast. But Eva was faster.

Tobias, who had made no effort to chase her, leaned against a fruit stall and watched with an entertained smirk. "I think she enjoys making your life miserable."

Lucian glared at him before sprinting after her.

---

Elsewhere, in the Castle...

Isolde was not having a relaxing morning.

Lord Cedric had spent the last hour lecturing her about responsibility, while Tobias had somehow convinced a servant to deliver a message that simply said, Lucian is losing his mind, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

She rubbed her temples. "I swear, Tobias exists purely to make trouble."

Cedric smirked over his cup of tea. "And yet, you adore him."

Isolde sighed. "Unfortunately."

Cedric chuckled, setting his tea down. "I must say, I admire his ability to irritate Lucian. It's an art form, really."

She laughed, shaking her head. "You're just as bad."

Before Cedric could respond, a servant entered, bowing quickly. "My Lord, my Lady—Sir Lucian and Lord Tobias are currently chasing the princess through the city."

Cedric blinked. "Of course they are."

Isolde sighed. "Why am I not surprised?"

Cedric smirked, standing. "Shall we place bets on who catches her first?"

Isolde grinned. "Lucian has the speed, but Eva has the cunning."

Cedric tilted his head. "I say Tobias helps her escape just to see Lucian suffer."

They shook hands.

---

Back in the Market – The Grand Finale

Lucian finally caught up to Eva in a narrow alleyway, pinning her against the wall with one arm.

She pouted. "You're no fun."

Lucian glared. "Do you have any idea how reckless this was?"

Eva grinned. "Completely."

Lucian sighed, stepping back. "You could've been kidnapped."

"But I wasn't."

Tobias arrived then, whistling as he took in the scene. "Did she win?"

Lucian shot him a murderous look.

Tobias grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

Eva beamed, throwing an arm around Tobias' shoulders. "I think we make an excellent team."

Lucian groaned. "You're both insufferable."

Eva only laughed, knowing full well she'd do it all again.