Gasp

I ran and ran until my legs felt numb. I scampered and jumped over the fallen trees but my gown restricted my movement. It kept on hooking to twigs and branches as I try to make a quick escape. I was not even sure why or what I was running away from. All I know was to never stop. Even when I stumbled and injured myself, the pain meant nothing. Because I had the will to survive.

It had not been long but my breath turned raggedly as my lungs gasped for air. My speed slowed to a walk before it became a complete halt. The corseted gown I was wearing was not helping at all. Something was sucking up my oxygen and I felt suffocated. My hands were on my throat, mentally striving to pry open my trachea. My mouth opened wide to allow the much-needed air into my body. But it was to no avail.

In my final attempt, I unbuckled the straps of my corset with much difficulty. I could not care less what people would think of me if they found their Queen half-naked. To be a topless Queen is the least of my concern from that moment onwards. Because survival is always the highest priority in any life form.

There was no change in my breathing when the first hook loosened. I prayed it would work once all unhooked. I thought the fresh air would come gushing into my lungs once the last one unfastened. But boy oh boy was I wrong. Something or someone was without a doubt planned to torture me real slow. Because by right, I would drop dead already. Yet here I am, still suffering and gasping for air. It was as though the amount of oxygen given to me was too minute for me to notice but passable for me to still live.

Goodness me, just kill me already!!!

A moment ago I was napping in comfortable attire and now I'm in the middle of the deep dark forest with nonsense apparel? It would have made sense if there was a transition of some kind that would explain the whole situation but there was none.

However, answers to this riddle make no difference if I made the headline tomorrow morning as a dead person. I had to keep calm and hoped it would regulate my breathing rhythm. Of course, it was easier said than done. There I laid on the damp leafy ground, with my top exposed to nature around and arms spread apart, greeting come what may. Be it the predator goodness knows what I've been trying to avoid or embracing the arms of a grim reaper.

With much difficulty I could see the dark sky was filled with thick clouds, threatening to pour its heavy load. I bid the world goodbye as my breath slowed down to an alarming rate. As a farewell, I wanted a happy memory as I thought of every single one starting with Papa and the memory of the Kingdom of Taaffeite to Wystan and the Hawthorn Empire. Then I thought of Mama. Whether she would be there to receive me.

My eyes fluttered, with survival trying its ultimate best when I had given up hope. Not fully understanding what is going on and how my life is at its last.

Suddenly, there was a glow of golden colour emitting around me. The cold sensation was quickly flushed out by warm humanly touch against my body. Oxygen was slowly running through my veins and my eyes jolted open as I felt I could breathe again.

Despite the darkness of the night. Despite the grumbling of the thunderous sounds. Despite all that, I saw Wystan for a short while. I felt Wystan. I believe it was Wystan. He had seated me on his front with my head laying on his shoulder. My bare front met his muscular abs and my back was securely wrapped with his heavy cloak. I nuzzled on his neck and wrapped my arms tighter for comfort.

His tensed torso finally relaxed as his arms rubbed my back. However, I could feel its tenseness once again when darkness creeping in. Something about it was inviting me, the assuring feeling that I will feel peace forever.

"Stay with me, Farah." Wystan's word distracted me.

Where would I go, anyway? I was already at my happy place. A little more and I would have reached total euphoria.

"Farah, focus!" His deep voice sounded urgent.

I am focusing! Whatever he means by that.

In a distance, I could hear there was a faded lullaby playing, and it was very soothing that I was slowly allowing myself to be drawn into it.

"Please, Farah..."

He did it again. Time seemed to pause with every word he uttered. However, I don't get it. Why is Wystan begging? I'm here, with him. I'm just too drowsy to talk. That's all.

I felt his hand cupping my neck, keeping it in position. Never have I realised I was that vulnerable. His hand placed on my beating heart and another golden lights surround us. It woke me up momentarily to see his charming emerald looking very distraught and painful.

Oh, why are you in pain, my dear husband?

My body was begging for a rest and my eyes were satisfied with its closure.

"Farah, please don't do this to me." He whimpered as I kept on seeing fireworks of gold radiating around me. It was his palms that rested on my heart emitting those.

Oh, how annoying! Shut it off!! It's too bright!!

It was these three that kept me awake; his frantic sobs, his palms and those annoying golden fireworks.

Then something soft and moist landed on my lips. Its brushes were tender and sweet but urgent at the same time. As though it was pleading. And like a cracked wall, I finally broke free from the spell and came to reality.