The Dragon Queen: Runaway Bride

e to marry him, I won't let you," I said angrily, my

a must that you marry King Roland," King Valcom, my fath

ave you not heard what he does to his people? He treat

fulfill it. Besides, I am securing him as an ally to help us win against Aether. It will increase our

my life. No freedom, no adventure, Father." The tears I had held back finally poured over, and I san

rushed toward me and held my shoulders, slowly lifting me up. S

my father, but he left without a word, leaving her and her maids in the gr

fell onto my bed, silently mourning my fate.

could you please

, my maid an

returned, and I fell into her arms. She instinctively closed th

m out of the marriage," Maria said softly, using my

r never listens. He never changes h

can't do more," she said, lower

ination burning through my fear. "No. I won't let him do this t

be a princess, Pan. Countless people env

hing for myself. I'm trapped behind these walls, and I'm done," I yelle

my hands. "Pan, you shouldn

ed her onto the bed. "I'm lea

ing? How?"

lan to escape," I

're the princess!" she

this castle. You've been my friend since childhood.

p. But there are guards everywhere. D

e planned

n't think this is

ight brushed my skin, soft a

were clammy. "I'll help you. What are b

de of faded satin with blue embroidery and her strange maid hat

ed in excitement

ld wear hers to escape; she would stay in my room wearing

s I approached the stairs leading to th

is tha

y mother. What if

she cal

"Yes, Your Highness. Sorry, I didn't quit

s. "Are you alright? Are you sic

face. "I'm fine, Your Majesty. I just came from the princess

withdrawing her hand. "Is Pandora

I bl

Your Majesty. Sorry.

she said, waving lightly

ing at the flowers one last time. I never intende

ace gates. Near the gates, a secret passag

ward it, a familiar

ndo

fr

sor

r face. She fell to her knees,

surrounded me. One gripped my arm

ed, hitting his armor

ne room. Did Maria betray me?

terness as I struggled,

n the throne, his gaze hard. My mother stood bes

dered. "You dare try to run away from m