A Leap Of Faith

Mirelah;

"I'll ride behind Mirelah to ensure her safety. "Darven speaks for the first time since they got here, and I turn to him. He flashes me a smile as the coachman of his carriage moves it out of line and positions it behind the empty one. The one that should have brought Kealith, but will instead be taking me to him. 

Our people are chatting and dancing in the background like this is some happy occasion, but it's not! Standing here, all I can feel is fear. Fear that is beginning to paralyse me. I've never left home before. And now I'm not just leaving, I'm planning to flee. To hide away from everyone and anyone who might know me. What if I fail? What if I'm not able to escape? 

"Let's get moving. The sun would begin to set soon. "King Damarion announces as he gets into his carriage, and Queen Velnara smiles warmly at me before getting in after him. I stare in silence as the Varkaine brothers get into their carriages, except for Darven who is still standing beside me.

Father suddenly steps in front of me, and I see his eyes now have red rims. He's holding back tears. He mustn't let them fall. Not with these many people around. A king must not cry. He must never! He is his people's strength, and weakness is not an option for him.

"My library would be lifeless without you… "He chuckles, but I hear pain in his voice. Pain that breaks me. It hurts to see him this way, but he could put an end to it if he wanted.

I wouldn't have to run away. I wouldn't have to break his heart, I wouldn't have to disgrace our home, I wouldn't have to become a fugitive... If he would just stop this... save me...

I reach out to caress his cheek. Feeling him one more time, cause I may not get to in months if I succeed. He leans into my touch before taking my small hand in his massive one and kissing my palm.

"Be strong. "He whispers to me, and I nod. Suddenly feeling guilty for how I plan to betray him. But he betrayed me first.

He steps away from me, and Darven steps closer.

"Shall we? "He questions as he holds out a hand to me, and I stare at his deep black eyes. I'm about to take his hand when I hear Meadow suddenly scream my name.

I turn around and find Meadow sprinting towards us. Her dress is scooped up in her hands, and her ears bobbing with each step as she runs. She's running so fast, I'm scared she might fall.

She finally gets in front of me, and it takes just one look at her face to see that she's been crying. I pout as I stare at her, and she throws herself into my arms. I have been struggling to keep it together, but how would I do that now that she's here like this?

"Please take me with you… "She cries with her long ears now pressed flat against her head, and my heart breaks as I pat her hair.

"Oh, Meadow… It's just a week. We'll be together shortly after... "I whisper with my heart heavy. We both know that's a lie. If I'm able to escape this mess, I'll have to stay in hiding for about a month or more. I don't know how she'll bear it, and it won't be easy for me, either, but… I have no other choice. 

She tightens her grip around me, and I chuckle bitterly as her sweet wildflower scent fills my nose. I hold on to her soft body, and as I shut my eyes, tears begin to escape me.

"Be safe, princess. "She whispers, and I nod. I'm going too miss her so much.

"I packed your favourite novels... "She says as she pulls away and hands me a bag. We both know she's packed necessities for my mission in it, but we have to disguise it to avoid suspicion.

"I'll read every one. "I croak, and I watch her button nose twitch as she fights sobs.

"Bunny… "Father's stern voice suddenly interrupts, and she reluctantly steps away from me. I sniffle and look away because if I keep staring at her in this state, I won't be able to stop myself from bawling.

Darven's once again extends his hand, and I look up at him with a tear sliding down my face.

"We should get going. It's a long trip ahead. "He says with a rather charming smile, and I wipe my tears with the back of my hands before taking his. He wraps his cold fingers around mine and helps me into the carriage.

I battle to hold it together as I wave goodbye to my family, but once we get off the palace grounds, I can no longer keep it together. I shut the window, and begin to cry as guilt and fear devour me.

*****

It's been hours. I've cried so hard, my face is hot, and my head hurts. My eyes seem to have gotten tired of producing tears because no matter how hard I try, they just won't fall anymore. 

I exhale in surrender as I sit up. I can't keep sulking. I need to get my plan in motion. We'll be at the border soon, and I need to be ready. I stare down at my dress and I know I won't be able to run in the chaotic contraption of fabrics and net. I need to get rid of the excesses so running would be easier for me. 

It's a pretty dress, but it's served its purpose. I grab the dress from the hem and begin to pull, but no matter how hard I try, it doesn't rip. I keep at it for minutes, and the result remains the same. The only thing taking any damage is my hands which are turning red and sore from all the tugging and pulling. Even my teeth aren't causing any damage to it.

"What is this made of!? Dragon scales!? "I mumble in annoyance as my palms begin to sting. I sigh in frustration, and just then, the carriage goes over a bump causing me to fall back in my chair. Something clinks as it falls to the carriage floor, and when I bend to find what fell, I see the hairpin Azra put in my hair. I pick it up, and time slows down as I remember my elder sister's threats.

Are other people thinking the same thing? Am I truly a culprit here? Do other people also believe that I should have fought harder if I didn't want this marriage? They shouldn't worry. I'll show them just how much I do not want this marriage. Once they hereof my disappearance, they'll understand. And Azra will finally get a chance to be with her dear Darven. 

I clutch the hairpin in my hand, and that's when I notice its pointy bottom. A smile lights my face as I inspect it. This is exactly what I need!

"By Nyzvara's grace! "I exclaim in relief at finally finding a solution.

"Thank you, Azra! "I add under my breath as I kiss the pin.

With one careful and aimed motion, I stab my dress with the hairpin, and sure enough it punctures it.

With one pull, I'm left with a gaping hole in my dress, and a smile of accomplishment gets plastered on my face. I begin to shred my dress. Getting rid of the trimmings and extra fabrics as quickly as I can. If the seamstress of this dress sees what I'm doing now, I'm pretty sure she'll curse me for days at the goddess's temple.

After a few seconds of dedicated destruction, my dress is finally at knee length. Nodding in approval, I grab the bag Meadow gave me, and I find water, fresh fruits, bread, and some carrots in it. I smile bitterly as I look at the bunch of healthy orange carrots. 

The easiest treat to use in bribing Meadow. I feel my heart begin to get heavy again, so I shut the bag. Now, is no time to be weak. I sigh and shove Azar's hairpin back into my hair before pulling my window open.

I am welcomed by the sight of the green forest and tall trees, and I fill my lungs with the fresh scent of Velmoria. I look up, and the sunlight is dancing through the branches of the tall trees.

It certainly would have been a beautiful day if I wasn't being hurled away to my doom.

I look ahead at the six black carriages in front of me, and the red designs that glisten under the sun, catch my attention. What's the possibility of it being blood? I look down at my carriage, and I run my fingers over the red, thick designs on mine. It doesn't smudge my fingers. I must be overthinking things again. They couldn't possibly use blood to decorate their carriages!

I look up once more, and that's when I see it. I remember it from the books I read. Just a little distance away. That's the hill with a cave that leads to the Valley of Echoes. If I miss this chance, the Varkeins will take me out of Velmoria's borders, and I know nowhere outside the kingdom.

I have to do this. And I must not fail.

I rush closer to the carriage's door and quietly open it. I stare as the ground pulls by quickly under the steady moving carriage and I take a deep breath.

"This is gonna hurt… "I mumble as I imagine the wounds I will get from this insane idea. But there's no other way. I have to get off this carriage, and I have to do it now.

I stare intently at the ground, listening to the pattern of the horse's hoof beats, as well as the speed the carriage is moving. I look through the window again and see that we're almost at the hill. It's now or never. 

Holding my breath, and shielding my face with my hands, I throw myself off the carriage, and pain shoots through my body as I scrape my knee and other parts of my body as I stumble to the side of the path, into the bushes.

The pain is brutal, but I force myself to sit up.

I smile when I see the carriages still marching on. They have not realise that I jumped. Good!

I'm still basking in my first win when I see Darven's carriages suddenly pull to a stop, and my smile drops. Darven's door suddenly swings open, and I forget how to breathe. 

"Oh no! "

I force myself to my feet and start running away from the path. I need to get to that hill.

"Mirelah! "I hear Darven yell from behind me, but I don't stop. I can't.

Whatever I do, I mustn't get caught. I would be in even bigger trouble than just the marriage if they caught me now. I can't let that happen. I need to get to the Valley of Echoes. 

Goddess Nyzvara, please. Please help me!