Forever Bound to the Night

Dinner With Danger

I sprang up from my seat, the wooden chair scraping loudly against the cold stone floor. The sudden movement echoed through the dining hall, but I didn't care. I had to escape.

The opulent room blurred around me as I hastened toward the door, my heart pounding in my chest like a blacksmith's hammer. Fear and adrenaline coursed through my veins, propelling me forward. Thankfully, no one attempted to stop me, and I was grateful for the silence that followed.

Somehow, my legs carried me through the winding corridors, guiding me back to the safety of my chambers. I didn't recall navigating the labyrinthine passageways, but suddenly I found myself bursting through my door, slamming it shut behind me. The sound echoed through the room, a stark reminder of my desperation.

I paced anxiously around the room, my chest heaving with each ragged breath. My feet seemed to move of their own accord, as if trying to outrun the horror that haunted me. A solitary tear escaped, rolling down my cheek as the haunting image of the cupbearer's lifeless body flashed in my mind.

Mary's urgent voice echoed outside, "My lady, wait! Please, Your Highness!" Her concern was palpable, even through the thick wooden door.

I spun around, my eyes scanning the room frantically, searching for solace. But there was none. The lavish furnishings seemed to mock me, reminders of the treacherous world I'd entered.

The door creaked open, and Mary stepped inside, her voice laced with concern. "My lady, are you alright?" Her worried expression deepened as she took in my distraught state.

I shook my head, my voice trembling. "I'm not fine, Mary. I really...I'm not. Do these people not value lives? And...and my food was poisoned, Mary." The words spilled out, and my breathing grew more erratic.

My chest constricted, and my breath came in sharp gasps. I felt myself slipping into the familiar darkness of a panic attack. My vision began to blur, and my head spun.

Mary immediately approached me, her arms gently wrapping around me. "It's okay, my princess. Calm down. Breathe, okay?" Her soothing voice guided me through the turmoil.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as Mary's calm demeanor anchored me. My breathing gradually slowed, and my heart rate returned to normal. Mary guided me to sit on the bed, her supportive presence a lifeline in the chaos.

As I sat, my thoughts unraveled. My panic attacks had begun after my mother's passing, when my father had imprisoned me in the dungeon for something I didn't do. The memories still lingered, haunting my dreams. Seeing the cupbearer's lifeless body had awakened the demons I thought I'd vanquished.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave: I couldn't stay here. One attempt on my life in less than five hours was already too much. I needed to escape this palace, this realm, before it was too late.

"We have to leave, Mary," I whispered, determination rising within me.

Mary's expression turned solemn as she shook her head vigorously. "No we can't, my princess. There's no way we can leave here."

"I was merely a breath away from death, Mary!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with emotion. "The cupbearer was instructed to taste my food, which can only mean one thing - they knew it was poisoned." I shook my head, incredulous. "And to think none of them lifted a finger to save him. It's as if they all expected it to happen."

I ruffled my hair, frustration and fear entwined in my gesture. My gaze locked onto Mary's, determination burning within.

"I won't sit idly, waiting for the Lycan king to claim me as his next victim, just like his previous brides," I declared. "We must escape this place."

Mary's expression turned solemn, her eyes filled with concern. "Leave to where, Princess?" she asked gently. "Would you rather return to your father and step-mother, only to endure torture and abuse once more?"

Her words hung in the air, silencing me. The thought of returning to my father's castle sent shivers down my spine. He'd kill me without hesitation. But staying here wasn't an option either. I felt trapped, caught between two treacherous worlds.

Heavens! Why did my life turn out this way?

Just then, a knock at the door broke the tension. Mary and I whipped our heads toward the sound.

"My princess, it's me," Isabel's soft voice drifted from outside.

Mary turned to me, seeking permission with a glance. I nodded, and she got up and walked to the door. She opened the door to reveal Isabel standing with a tray of food in her hands.

My heart sank at the sight of the tray, memories of the poisoned meal flooding back.

Isabel's gaze creased with worry. "No, no, my princess," she assured, hastening into the room. "This food hasn't been tampered with. His Majesty tasted it himself." She set the tray aside on the bed and sat beside me.

Mary stood behind, hands folded, watching cautiously.

Isabel's voice was laced with empathy. "I'm deeply sorry you experienced this on your first day. No one deserves such terror." Her words soothed my frazzled nerves.

Isabel's expression turned somber, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and understanding. "My princess, I know it's overwhelming, but unfortunately, this is...normal here." She paused, choosing her words carefully.

"The palace can be treacherous, especially for those in your position. His Majesty's previous brides...they didn't fare well." Isabel's voice dropped to a whisper.

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "So, the rumours are true. The king did kill his previous brides."

Isabel glanced around the room, ensuring we were alone. "Those were just rumours. Though, he hadn't said anything about it. Accidents, illnesses, and...other misfortunes. The two didn't survive their first year." She leaned in closer.

I gasped, horrified. "And no one did anything?"

Isabel's expression turned grim. "Fear and power, my princess." She paused, studying me.

"But you, Princess...you're different. You have something they didn't." Isabel's eyes sparkled with a hint of intrigue.

"What's that?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Hope," Isabel replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'll help you hold onto it, if you let me."

Mary shifted behind her, her eyes narrowing slightly. I sensed her unease, but Isabel's words resonated within me.

Isabel's gaze drifted to the tray on the bed, and she carefully lifted it, bringing it between us.

"This food is safe, I assure you," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. "I'll taste it if you'd like," she offered, her eyes locked on mine, her expression sincere.

But I hesitated, trust still a luxury I couldn't afford. The memory of the poisoned meal lingered, making my stomach twist with anxiety.

"Let me," I said, taking the spoon from her hand.