1 Meeting the devil

"Father please don't say that"Annabelle said with a teary voice. "Don't try to convince me cause my decision stays and nothing can change my mind. The King said in a stern voice and slammed the door as he walked out.

Annabelle was devastated and it felt like everything was collapsing around her. "Why is father doing this?" "If mother were to be here, she would have stood by my side". I thought as I knelt down feeling helpless and uneasy, I just broke down into tears.

The next morning, princess Anabelle's favourite maid and friend, Gloria came to prepare a bath for her. When Annabelle heard the sound of the door creaking slightly open, she slowly rose from the bed sitting upright and it could clearly be seen that she had cried herself to sleep because her eyes were baggy.

"What wrong my lady?" Gloria asked out of distress and worriedness.

"Help me Gloria ". "My father wants to marry me off to someone I don't know or even love". "Gloria, you know that marriage is based on trust and most importantly love". "So Gloria, how can I marry someone I don't love and someone I don't also trust". "My lady, you know the King is bent on not changing his mind". Gloria said. "I am not asking you to try and convince my father but rather, help me escape". Gloria was shocked at first but then looking at the desperateness and willingness in her eyes, it scared her so she decided to help.

Later that night, "My lady, please take this road to the right then straight ahead. It's safe there". Gloria directed. "Thank you Gloria ". Annabelle thanked her. "Don't worry my lady, just go before you get caught". Gloria said as she watched the princess go. As Annabelle headed towards the main gate,"Hey, what are you doing there?" A guard shouted. Annabelle was so frightened that she froze in place but she decided she will not have herself get taken back. So as the footsteps of the guard became more clear,she grabbed a stone and hit the guard in the eye. As the excruciating sound of the guard screaming in pain echoed, it drawed the attention of some other guards nearby. Just as she thought her chances of escaping were high , a hand grabbed unto her and suddenly only darkness and pain could be felt at that point.