Chapter 26 - "I can not go with you."

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Wrapped in her silk robe, Gigi paced before her bedroom door, waiting. The sun had gone from the sky, a silvery moon and a splattering of stars taking its place. The summer air was thick with the laughter of the ball happening downstairs. Past the noise, Gigi could hear the celebration of the city. She didn't know if it was her imagination or longing that made the sound seem louder than the previous night.

Spinning around, she walked in the opposite direction, her slippers pattering over the carpet. A knock came. She paused and moved to the door. On the other side was Davin. His eyebrows went up as he took in her appearance.

"I fear I must warn you that attending balls dressed as you are is not approved of," he said.

Gigi offered him a fleeting smile.

"I am afraid, Davin you must find someone else to escort tonight," she said. "I do not feel well and can not attend."

Davin paused, inspecting her face that showed no signs of illness. Nodding, he took a step back.

"Rest well, Lady," he said.

Before Gigi could shut the door, he spoke again.

"Do not let this world make you hide," he said.

She met his gaze and saw a look of silent encouragement.

"I will remember your words," she said. "Thank you."

Davin left as Gigi closed the door. She moved to the balcony and listened to the conflicting sounds of the night. A structured song rolled out in waves from the palace while notes were chased by instruments passed the wall. Letting out a sigh, Gigi hugged herself staring at the glowing city. The sight played with her heart and called to her. She was lost in her plans when another knock sounded.

Margo emerged from the bathroom and answered.

"Where is Genevieve?" Lady Brixton asked.

Gigi paled, worried that somehow her thoughts had been heard. Her grandmother strode into the room followed by her husband. Knowing she must face them, Gigi walked back inside.

"Genevieve," her grandfather said. "Lord Davin did not arrive with you and we wondered where you were."

"I am not feeling well and wished to rest for the night. I do not want to miss the last three days of the Festival."

Lady Brixton studied Gigi, taking in her colorless face.

"You do seem pale, dear. I hope it is nothing serious," she said.

Gigi shook her head. "I do not believe so. Rest is all I need."

Her grandparents scrutinized her. Unable to hold the weight of their looks, she dropped her gaze. With one final look, her grandmother shifted to Lord Brixton.

"We should be going," she said. "Genevieve, we will send the healer to you tomorrow. Rest well."

"I will," Gigi said.

After they were gone, she returned to the balcony. The night was warm and the scent of cooking food wafted from some below. Margo walked to her.

"Is there anything you wish from me, Lady?" she asked.

Turning, Gigi smiled at her. "There is. Do you have my clothes I arrived in?"

Margo looked hesitant. "I do not. They remained at Lord Brixton's Estate."

Frowning, Gigi thought, then her gaze slid to Margo.

"Do you own a skirt and shirt, something you wear out of the palace?"

Margo paused, not sure she liked where this was heading. When Gigi didn't withdraw her question, Margo nodded.

"I do, Lady," she admitted.

Gigi laid her hands on Margo's arms. "For tonight, may I borrow them?"

With a reluctant sigh, Margo gave another nod.

"Thank you. Please fetch them."

Margo bowed her head in acceptance and moved to the door. As Gigi was left alone, she smiled imagining the freedom that was before her.

*************

The night was heading into the late hour when Gigi stood before the mirror, dressed in Margo's clothes. She spun, laughing at the feel of the light skirt and the softness of the homespun shirt. The fabric was dull in color, but to Gigi, there was nothing more beautiful. The noise from the ball had doubled, the amount of wine being the source.

"You can lead me through the servants' corridors, correct?" Gigi asked Margo's reflection.

"Do you think this wise, Lady?" she asked.

Clenching the skirt, Gigi faced her, eyes alight with mischief. The ache in her heart was submerged beneath a sense of excitement.

"Not in the slightest, but I will go." She reached out and gripped one of Margo's hands. "Do not worry, I will be fine and I will come back."

Margo did not seem appeased by this. A quick knock made both girls freeze. Gigi nudged Margo to answer it, taking cover behind the mirror. Straightening her dress, Margo pulled the door open. Gigi huddled close to the wooden frame. At the first words, her body tensed in shock.

"Pardon me, I came to inquire about Lady Genevieve," Thayer said.

Gigi peered around the mirror. "Your Highness?"

Thayer glanced over Margo to Gigi, his expression froze as it took in her loose black hair and simple cotton shirt. Unthinking, Gigi came out from her hiding spot. Thayer's eyebrows rose at the sight of her skirt and bare feet.

"What did you come here for, Your Highness?" she asked, as Margo made herself scarce.

Clearing his throat, Thayer regained his composure.

"I wanted to know how you were, Lady. I did not see you all night and was told you were...not feeling well."

His eyes traveled down her outfit before snapping back to her face.

A playful smile cut across Gigi's face. "I am feeling much better now, thank you for your concern."

He nodded, frowning. He took a step back but stopped and moved forward.

"Genevieve, where are you going?"

"I am going to the Full Moon Festival," she said, her expression determined.

The words blustered her, filling her with quiet confidence.

"What?"

She lifted her chin. "I believe you understood what I said."

Thayer bent forward. "You can not be serious, Genevieve. It is dangerous for you to go out alone."

She was struck by the ring of worry she heard in his voice.

"If you fear so greatly for my safety then come with me."

The comment caught Thayer by surprise and he had no response. Gigi held his gaze, challenging him.

"I can not go with you," he said, but not sounding convinced of this himself.

"Why not?" she asked, cocking her head. "I believe it is within your right as a Prince to join your subjects in their celebration."

Seeing his resistance, she continued. "You are there when they struggle, why not be there when they celebrate?"

Stumped, Thayer said nothing. Gigi watched, seeing her words take hold. With a shrug, she turned back to the room.

"Margo," she said.

The girl appeared, trying to not to look as if she had been listening the entire time. Gigi smiled, dismissing her eavesdropping.

"Please show me to the servants' corridors."

Margo walked to her and Gigi spun to face the conflicted Prince.

"Thank you for your worry, Your Highness," she said. "I hope you have a pleasant night."

She brushed past him, followed by an astonished Margo. They had barely taken two steps when Thayer's voice stopped them.

"You can not go alone," he said.

"Your Highness, I am going whether you think it wise or not. If you come you can secure my safety." A mischievous grin curled her lips. "And I will enjoy the company."

Thayer clenched his fists, his duty and desire battling. Gigi turned away and her eyes crinkled as she heard Thayer's footsteps behind her.

"This is unwise, I will stand out. I will need to take a guard."

Gigi's eyes flashed to his flexed jaw. "Do not worry, I have an idea."

His gaze cut to her, the expression weary. She laughed, the sound a balm to her bruised heart.

Minutes later, Gigi waited outside a servant's room, Margo beside her. There was no sound from inside and neither girl spoke. The door opened and Vic walked out followed by Thayer, dressed in plain brown trousers and a worn, black shirt. The sleeves were roughly rolled to hide the shortness and the top hung open revealing Thayer's collar bone. At the sight, a blush raced into Gigi's cheeks. Trying to hide it, she walked forward inspecting his attire with a forced critical eye.

"It will definitely help you blend in, but your hair is far too neat."

Thayer ran a hand through it successfully ruining it.

"That will do," she said.

He played with the edge of his sleeve as if trying to get comfortable in the unfamiliar clothes.

"He looks normal," Vic said, looking to Gigi. "You shouldn't face any problems with being recognized, no one is looking for a Prince in commoner's clothes."

"Thank you," she said. "You both have been such a help."

Margo beamed and Vic ducked his head.

"Follow me and I can get you both out, Your Highness," he said.

Still looking unsure, Thayer gave a nod. The group moved through the servants quarter's, Gigi and Thayer keeping their heads down to avoid notice. With each step, she felt her heart picking up speed, feeling the rush of freedom.

Their journey went undisturbed and Vic led them to a stone tunnel that held a single wooden door. Unlocking it, he pulled it open and the noise of the city rushed forward. Gigi soaked it in, her heart beating to the rhythm of the night. Thayer looked at her.

"Genevieve, we should not-"

She met his gaze. There was a glow in her face that stole away his words.

"For this one night might I ask something of you?" she said.

"What is it?"

"Call me Gigi. For now, I don't want to be a Lady. I want to be Eldin. I want to be me."

Her blue eyes were bright and he was held captivated by them.

"Yes...Gigi."

The sound of her name filled something in her she hadn't been aware she was missing. Grinning, she raced out into the city and Thayer took off after her.

**********************************************************************

Onward ho!

*dances around the room in giddy delight*

Finally! Some action is happening! They are RUNNING AWAY TOGETHER!!! AHHHHH!!! 🙈

Okay, so they're just going to the Full Moon celebration but still! we all know that is pretty much means they want to run away together! And I mean who wouldn't want to run away with Thayer, he was showing some collar bone! Oh my I think I'm going to faint, catch me!

What is racing through your mind right now?

Question: has this book gone at all the way you imagined it would?

If you were going to run away with one fictional character, who would it be?

Without a doubt mine would be Brigan from Fire cause I know he would be able to keep us alive and fight anyone who tried to hurt me. That man really does have my heart!

Weird this author's note is shorter than most, I wonder if I'm broken?? Hahaha that's a yes but we won't dwell on it!

Help me fill this sad little note, say something, tell a story, create dreams!

Also sorry this chapter was short I promise I'll make it up to you in the next! 😉

Find a man, Run Away, Disappear into the night! (Or you know in other words vote, comment, follow)



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