Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Cassius disappeared after our talk. I was surprised that he has now allowed me to take tours around the castle but only if I’m accompanied by Lilana. So I agreed and now, we are taking strolls outside the castle.

“Can you take me where Rosamund is? I heard she’s in the forest to bury her rabbit. I want to see my daughter.” I couldn’t help but to smile at the word that just rolled out my lips. I have a daughter now.

Lilana seemed surprised for a second, “Of course, my lady.”

She led me to the maze garden. A few minutes later we arrived at the far exit of the maze. There lies a rusty gate which Lilana unlocked open.

“This way, my lady,” Lilana and I walked towards the forest. Only a very little ray of sun has penetrated into the woods but enough to keep the area visible. The dead branches of the trees were tangled, a few birds resting on the cold stems.

The sound of our footsteps pushing onto the fluffiest snow and the chirping of birds made the woods slightly more alive. It was when we heard strange noises that made us halt on our tracks.

“The princess is gone!”

“Find her! Now!” Someone yelled out of nowhere. It was followed by the sound of men running, marching to a certain direction.

Lilana and I looked at each other. Before she could even open her mouth, I sped up and strained my ears to find where the noises were coming from.

“My lady! You cannot go alone!” Lilana screamed while following me. Lilana was surprisingly agile; maybe it is because she’s young. She tried to match my speed but she couldn’t keep up. I was faster and thus, I lost her.

I ran to the direction where I heard the shouts but my legs wobbled as my foot hit a huge tree root. I stumbled and bumped onto a tree making me groan in annoyance. Freaking dead root!

“Oh,” I whispered to myself, staring at the body on the ground. Not only one but there are four of them lying unconscious on the snow. It wasn’t a root after all.

Then I saw a graveyard; there was also a small shovel next to a new grave which I assume is the one where Rose buried Mr. Bun Bun. So this is the one Cassius told me where Rose buried her poor rabbits.

A squeal escaped my lips when a strong grip pulled my cloak.

“Keep quiet, mother!” I heard a soft voice whisper in my ear.

My eyes widen at the pair of emeralds staring at me, “Rosamund?”

I scanned her appearance, “Are you alright? What happened?” I looked at the unconscious bodies on the ground and then glared at Rosamund.

Rosamund chuckled, “I just put them to sleep. No need to worry. So, do you want to go to the market?”

“You are such a troublemaker. If your father hears about this,”

She cut me off, “He won’t if you won’t tell him,” Then there was a brief silence.

I rolled my eyes and held back a smile. “Where’s the market?” I saw a spark of excitement in her eyes.

Rose wrapped her arm around mine, “Follow me!” She giggled, making me laugh as well. She’s so bright; no wonder she’s my child.

“Let’s speed up. The castle guards might catch up,” Rose muttered before dragging me to a certain direction with ease while I struggled to keep up to her incredible speed; she really is firm and powerful.

We sped up until we had reached the end of the forest. You can easily spot where the end of the forest is once you hear the endless noises from the townspeople and horses’ footsteps. Upon stepping out of the forest, we were welcomed by the bright and busy market of Syrr.

“What are we doing here again?” I spoke with my gaze fixated on every shop and stalls we walked past by. There are really much more stores here than in Emberton. Every item is pricey but in better quality nonetheless.

Rose pulled me into a pet store. There were birds and dogs, and also rabbits. An older lady smiled at us over the wooden counter. She has big curves and a pair of bright honey eyes; her short curls lie adorably above her shoulders.

A glint of joy graced her eyes upon glancing at Rose and when she saw me, she was surprised but she smiled at me anyway.

“Princess,” Her lips pressed into a line.

Rose rolled her eyes playfully, “Evelyn, please stop. It’s Rose!”

They hugged each other for a while. Rose looked so comfortable with her. When the older woman named Evelyn glanced at me, Rose smiled before pulling me by my hand.

“Evelyn, this is my mother.” Rose said, proudly.

Evelyn looked at me with a genuine smile, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn.” My gaze bore at her doe eyes.

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Royal Highness,” Evelyn bowed lowly, looking at my dirty sandals. Now, I feel my cheeks heating up. I’m not sure if it’s the sandals or the fact that she addressed me as Her Royal Highness. I am never going to get used to it. It’s somewhat terrifying and partly exhilarating.

Silence embraced the room, “Um, so are you buying something, Rose?” I turned to Rose as soon as Evelyn rose up from her bow.

Rosamund parted her blood red lips, “Ah, yes. Evelyn, I want another rabbit please.”

“Who died now?” Evelyn grimaced

Rose frowned, “Mr. Bun Bun,” She answered, shortly.

“Oh,” Evelyn didn’t mutter a word. Instead, she went into the rabbit section and disappeared from our sight.

“I don’t have coins with me, Rose.” I said to Rosamund who was busy checking cages of birds.

I heard her chuckle, “Don’t worry. Father is going to pay for it,” Rose replied with a knowing smile.

I blinked, “Of course,” Of course, he will.

We left the pet shop after getting Rose’s new rabbit named Damon.

“Why did you name him Damon?”

“Because Damon is a dumbass.” She scoffed

A bark of laughter erupted from my lips at her blunt response. “And why do you think that?” I smiled upon walking.

“For some reason, his deadpan face annoys the hell out of me.” She continues stroking Damon’s black fur.

We kept talking as we walked. I noticed that she always says whatever it is that’s in her mind no matter how inappropriate it is. She’s honest and simple-minded.

“Oh no, guards!” Rose whispered and suddenly dragged me to a dark alley. We hid there for a while until the castle guards walked past our alley.

“We should go home now,” I mumble in a low tone.

Rosamund screamed behind me. I turned to see her being dragged by some strangers deep into the darkest part of the alley. There were no lamp posts here. The alley was being towered by a tall building. It’s no surprise that most of the buildings here are all tall and old. That explains why some parts are being covered in shadows.

“Mother!” Rose managed to speak even when her mouth was covered with someone’s dirty hand. Her words were muffled.

Then a filthy hand covered my lips as well. A deep, rough voice spoke; I could hear his heavy breathing. His mouth reeked of cigar and it was disgusting.

“Come with us or she dies,” The man grunted in my ear.