Skylar frowned as she remembered what she was returning to. An evening ball in a terrible dress that threatened to swallow her up, and a meeting with her betrothed. They had already met as children, attending the same balls and tournaments in Opulus back when King Iramund used to invite her family to such things. Now, the invitations rarely came.
The King had silently turned his back on Astros and her father.
House Everus, on the other hand, were doing well for themselves. They were deemed a House of mighty warriors, now led by Caspian, himself. His father had removed him society when he was old enough, keeping him on battlefields rather than in castles and ballrooms.
"Your father will be happy," Lucian pulled her from her thoughts. He sounded happy. "This union should not stop you from living your life. And in the mean time, we can think of something. There is still hope."
He was trying to reassure her, but he did not sound very convincing.
"I do not feel very hopeful, but I will take your word for it," Skylar sighed. "I have to wear such a disastrous dress to this evening's ball. If it wasn't for that—
She caught the smirk on Lucian's face from the corner of her eye.
"What's so funny?"
"Ah, it is nothing. I simply had the pleasure of seeing the dress you now mention. I couldn't keep my eyes off it, even when her Ladyship was addressing me. It was truly... a sight to behold," Lucian said, his amusement clear as day. "You will capture everyone's attention, my Lady."
"If you enjoy it so much, maybe you should wear it," Skylar snapped, walking faster. She heard Lucian laugh from behind her.
"Tempting as that is, I do not think I am worthy of such a dress. It is a beautiful dress that belongs on a beautiful woman."
Lucian caught up to her and stood before her again, stopping Skylar in her tracks. They hadn't walked that far, and were currently in between two different sections of the maze. "How about we make a deal, a small bout, the fastest to leave the Maze earns the favour of the loser?"
"I am already offering you the dress, Lucian. You do not have to challenge me for it."
"Again, tempting, but I would not do justice to the dress. You, on the other hand, my Lady—
"Oh, nonsense," Skylar interrupted, leaning in closer. "I'm sure Vera and all the other handmaidens can work their magic on even you. I think you'll look as beautiful as a warm summer's day." She grinned as Lucian looked away from her, and his fingers brushed his hair away from his face.
"I...disagree," Lucian said, still unable to look her in the eyes. "But if you win, I agree to do whatever it takes to help you leave the ball this evening, and any other ball, banquet, ceremony you wish to leave."
It was an unexpected favour. Narrowing her eyes, Skylar pondered Lucian's offer, carefully examining his expression. He looked willing to help her, and somewhat excited about it, too. But she couldn't help but question it.
"And what will you gain from it? What must I do if you win?"
Lucian thought a moment and then shrugged. "I am not sure yet. But when I do win, I will think on it and let you know. As for your reward, you can't leave too early, of course," Lucian added, "Just enough time to make a noticeable appearance and satisfy your parents, and then I will make your departure look as convincing as possible."
Skylar scoffed, amused by both Lucian's confidence and what the situation was turning into. But maybe that was what she needed. A momentary escape or distraction to keep her mind off her woeful fate.
"You are much too confident, Lord Sunborne." Skylar took a step forward, where two paths began to merge and then separate at the end. "Shall we meet at Lily's Bed?"
"I would prefer the western exit, but alright." Lucian stepped up beside her. The air changed. Skylar felt determined to win, her mind already on the race rather than what waited for her at the end.
"And as usual, no sabotaging or cheating?"
"That goes without saying, my Lady, but I understand why someone of your roguishness must ask such a thin--
Skylar didn't let Lucian finish. She pushed off and ran as fast as she could. Her arms moved by her side, and she could feel the cold stone under her feet and the wind snap against her ear. The path began to separate before her. Any moment now, Lucian would pass by; in fact, Skylar was hoping for it. He was much faster, and much more likely to win the race. The only times she had ever won was by sabotaging Lucian when they were younger. She used to tie the laces of his boots together, trick him into giving her a head start, and constantly barged and tripped him as they ran.
Just as Skylar expected, footsteps thundered towards her, and Lucian flew by, his speed causing her hair to flutter around her face. He made sure to give Skylar a smug grin before disappearing around the corner and turning right towards the exit.
Skylar turned left. The two paths would eventually bring them both to Lily's Bed, but Lucian would get there first if she took the usual way. There was no doubt in her mind, which was why Skylar decided to finally use the trick she'd had up her sleeve for several months.
Lucian was always busy, as both heir of House Sunborne and Ward to her father. And Skylar, after her lessons and her duties were done for the day, she had time to herself. There was no one to spend it with, so Skylar remained alone, exploring the same crevices in the castle, eating the same fruit from her garden and losing herself in the maze. She was not allowed to venture out of the castle like she used to, not after the news of her betrothal was revealed.
"It is both a matter of security and secrecy," her mother had informed her, with no room for any lenience. So, it was in her own company that Skylar thought of finding new places to hide and escape around the castle. She had been fairly successful, much to her surprise. She thought she knew every inch of the castle, but managed to find a barely visible staircase that led to the barracks, and a hidden alcove in the eastern courtyard by the stables. But it wasn't enough. The thrill faded quickly.
Skylar was then enlightened to create her own path through the maze; a new path that Lucian would not be able to memorise. In each pathway, she chose a section to hollow out so she could barge through and escape without much trouble. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would give her time to escape and lose any pursuers, namely, Lucian Sunborne. Her marriage to Lord Caspian had troubled her for many days and nights, that she unleashed her frustration and anger towards the hedge walls, tearing away and snipping at the branches with shears she had "borrowed" from the royal gardener. After a month, the maze had a secret network of hidden doorways in its walls, known only to Skylar.
And that was how she'd win; the race would be all but over soon. Skylar turned another corner. Every part of the hedge wall looked the same. She headed towards the middle, and on closer look, there was a section of the wall that was more sparse than the rest.
She barged through, shoulder first, diving into a portal of leaves and branches, before emerging out of the other end. She started again, sprinting and crashing through two more of her secret doorways. And soon enough, the exit was just ahead, and she could see Lily's Bed beckoning her forward, the petals perfuming the air.
There was no sign of Lucian.
She was ahead. She was going to win.
"Skylar?!"
It was Lucian. Lucian, who had stopped because he hadn't expected to see Skylar in front of him, who had fallen behind by a single path but could easily catch up. Skylar didn't waste another second, charging towards the flowerbeds they had named as children, screaming with both determination and delight, because this was the most fun she'd had in months.
"Wait! Skylar!"
Skylar did not dare turn around. She could hear Lucian storming towards her. He was as fast as lightning, his footsteps charging closer and closer. He was gaining on her. Skylar cursed him for being so fast and skilled at everything. She cursed him for always being able to find her, no matter how many times she hid herself away. And most of all, she cursed him for always being able to cheer her up.
With the speed she was going, Skylar would crash into the lilies, but she did not care. She did not want to stop. It wasn't entirely about winning anymore. It was about the adrenaline, the thrill of being free and ahead of what was coming after her. She did not have that kind of control outside of this moment with Lucian. She did not want it to end. She would fly forever if she could.
Lily's Bed was greeted with Skylar's trampling feet. Stems snapped and petals shook to the earthy ground. Skylar fell to her knees, victorious. Five seconds later, Lucian collapsed on the grass beside her.
"Ha! H-How?!"
Lucian was out of breath, barely able to speak, and Skylar was no better. She managed to pick herself out of the poor flowerbed, and lay on her back beside him. The two caught their breath together, the sound of leaves and flowers swaying in the wind, joining their chorus. Minutes passed by, a joint effort to stay in this moment for as long as they could.
And then amber eyes met green. Smiles brightened their faces.
"I win," said Skylar.