Sofia's heart was racing as they packed up the camp, the stars twinkling above. They were really doing it - leaving the palace, leaving her old life behind. Leila's eyes met hers, a mix of excitement and nerves. Arin and Jafar led the way, their eyes scanning the darkness.
As they rode, Sofia's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She was a slave, a princess, a fugitive.
What did it all mean? Arin's words echoed in her mind - "Time for you to take control of your own destiny."
The night wore on, the stars moving slowly across the sky. Sofia's eyes grew heavy, her body swaying with the rhythm of the horse. And then, she saw it - the glimmer of water, the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
The coast. They had made it.
Arin stopped, his eyes scanning the beach. "We're here, Princess," he said, his voice low. Jafar nodded, his eyes fixed on the ship, anchored in the distance.
Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she saw the ship, its sails billowing in the wind. They were really doing it - leaving everything behind.
Leila's hand was on her arm, her voice barely above a whisper. "Princess, are you ready?"
Sofia took a deep breath, her eyes locked on the ship. "Yes," she said, her voice firm. "I'm ready."
As they rode towards the ship, Sofia felt a sense of freedom she had never known. She was in control, for the first time in her life.
But as they reached the shore, a figure emerged from the shadows, a sword at his side.
"Welcome, Princess," he said, his voice cold. "I've been waiting for you."