Flight of the runaway princess

“But Father, I don’t like him. You can’t just force me to marry him, I won’t let you,” I said angrily, my chest tight and my throat raw from holding back tears. “It is your duty as the princess of this kingdom. It is a must that you marry King Roland,” King Valcom, my father, shouted, slamming his hand on the arm of his throne. “I do not love him. He is cruel and vicious, Father. Have you not heard what he does to his people? He treats them like they’re not human. He treats them like….” “Enough, Pandora!” my father’s voice boomed, cutting me off. “Like I said, it is your duty and you must fulfill it. Besides, I am securing him as an ally to help us win against Aether. It will increase our chances of victory. As the princess of Adengard, you must marry him!” His tone left no room for argument. “I never asked to be a princess. I didn’t want to be born one. I’ve been trapped in this castle all my life. No freedom, no adventure, Father.” The tears I had held back finally poured over, and I sank to my knees, hands covering my face. My enormous gown spread around me as I sobbed uncontrollably. My mother, Queen Liora, who had remained silent the entire time, rushed toward me and held my shoulders, slowly lifting me up. She gestured to the guards near the window to escort me to my room. They came, moving slowly, while I still cried. My mother turned to speak to my father, but he left without a word, leaving her and her maids in the grand throne room with its candle chandeliers, red curtains, and royal chairs. Finally inside my room, I locked the door and fell onto my bed, silently mourning my fate. A few moments later, there was a soft knock. “Your Highness, could you please open the door?” It was Maria, my maid and best friend. I wiped my tears and slowly stood, but when I saw her, my sobs returned, and I fell into her arms. She instinctively closed the door and gently placed me on the bed before sitting beside me. “It’s okay, Pan. I’m sure your mother could talk him out of the marriage,” Maria said softly, using my pet name, the one she always called me in private. “How, Maria? How? You know my father never listens. He never changes his mind!” I murmured, voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Pan. It hurts that I can’t do more,” she said, lowering her head as she held my hands. Something inside me snapped. I wiped my tears and stood, determination burning through my fear. “No. I won’t let him do this to me. I never wanted to be a princess. I just want to be normal.” “Please don’t say that. You’re lucky to be a princess, Pan. Countless people envy you,” Maria replied, standing as well. “I don’t know what to do. I’m confused. I’ve never been able to do anything for myself. I’m trapped behind these walls, and I’m done,” I yelled, grabbing a vase and throwing it across the room. It shattered loudly. Maria rushed to me, checking my hands. “Pan, you shouldn’t hurt yourself. Stay calm.” I shook her hand off and pulled her onto the bed. “I’m leaving this place,” I whispered. “What? Leaving? How?” she gasped. “Shhh. Quiet! I plan to escape,” I whispered again. “That’s impossible. You’re the princess!” she said, panic in her voice. I held her hands tightly. “Maria, I’ve never enjoyed this castle. You’ve been my friend since childhood. I need your support now.” I stared at her, pleading. She sighed heavily. “Okay… I’ll help. But there are guards everywhere. Do you understand what you’re risking?” “I do. I’ve planned everything.” “Pan… I still don’t think this is wise,” she murmured. I walked to the window. Sunlight brushed my skin, soft and warm. “Are you in or out?” Sweat dripped from her brow. Her palms were clammy. “I’ll help you. What are best friends for?” She hugged me tightly. Night came, and I moved quickly. I put on Maria’s maid dress made of faded satin with blue embroidery and her strange maid hat. I stepped quietly into the hall. The guards didn’t notice me. “Yes,” I whispered in excitement as I passed them. Earlier, I explained the plan. We’d switch clothes. I would wear hers to escape; she would stay in my room wearing my gown. She was probably trembling in my bed right now. I hurried through the main hall. Just as I approached the stairs leading to the palace garden, a voice stopped me cold. “Maria, is that you?” My heart froze. My mother. What if she recognized me? “Maria?” she called again. I cleared my throat, keeping my head down. “Yes, Your Highness. Sorry, I didn’t quite hear you,” I said, forcing Maria’s voice. She paused, suspicion in her eyes. “Are you alright? Are you sick?” she asked, reaching toward me. I stepped back, keeping my head low. The hat hid most of my face. “I’m fine, Your Majesty. I just came from the princess’s room. You know it’s inappropriate to touch a maid. Sorry.” “Oh… yes, of course,” she said, withdrawing her hand. “Is Pandora awake? I’d like to speak with her.” “No!” I blurted. “I… I mean… no, Your Majesty. Sorry.” I corrected quickly. “Very well. You may go,” she said, waving lightly as she continued her walk. I bowed and hurried to the garden. I paused, looking at the flowers one last time. I never intended to return. The garden was my only place of peace. I plucked a lily and headed toward the palace gates. Near the gates, a secret passage awaited, known only to the royal family. Just as I stepped toward it, a familiar voice called my name. “Pandora.” I froze. “I’m sorry.” It was Maria. Tears streaked her face. She fell to her knees, still clutching my gown, begging. Before I could react, armed guards surrounded me. One gripped my arm firmly, lifting me off the ground. “Let me go!” I screamed, hitting his armor, but he didn’t react. He carried me toward the throne room. Did Maria betray me? Had she revealed everything? My chest burned with bitterness as I struggled, but the guard marched on. When we entered the throne room, my father sat on the throne, his gaze hard. My mother stood beside him, hands trembling, foot tapping nervously. “How dare you, Pandora?” my father thundered. “You dare try to run away from me. And you will pay for this insolence.”