They rode hard for hours, the city gates disappearing into the darkness behind them. The trees loomed above, casting long shadows on the ground. Sofia felt a thrill of excitement mixed with fear. They were free, but they were also alone, with no protection and no clear destination. Leila rode beside her, her eyes scanning the forest.
"Which way, Princess?" she asked, her voice low.
Sofia hesitated, unsure. She had never been this far from the palace before.
She pulled on the reins, bringing her horse to a stop. The forest was eerily quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves. "We need to find shelter," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can't stay here." Leila nodded, her eyes fixed on the trees. "I think I saw a stream back there," she said, pointing. "Maybe we can follow it, find a place to hide." Sofia nodded, a plan forming. They turned their horses, following the gentle slope of the land. The trees grew thicker, the branches tangling above them. Sofia felt a sense of unease growing. They were being watched, she was sure of it.
The trees seemed to close in around them, the shadows deepening. Sofia's heart pounded in her chest. She had never felt so small, so vulnerable.
Leila's voice was a whisper. "Princess, look." Sofia followed her gaze, her eyes widening. A figure stood in the clearing, tall and imposing. A man, dressed in leather and fur, a sword at his side. His eyes gleamed in the fading light, and Sofia felt a jolt of fear. Who was he? Friend or foe?
Leila's hand was on her arm, her voice urgent. "Princess, we should go." But Sofia hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. The man didn't move, didn't speak. He simply watched them, his eyes piercing. Sofia felt a shiver run down her spine. She was about to turn her horse when the man spoke, his voice low and rough. "Welcome, Princess. I've been waiting for you."