•Y/N: Your Name

—————————————————
Your POV:

__________________________________

When the carriage stopped, the door opened for us with the announcement of our arrival. To my relief, his majesty finally let me leave his lap, though he quickly stole my hand to assist me out, holding it firmly as if to ensure I would not take off the moment my feet hit the ground. He had even squeezed it in warning, which caused me to let out a small noise in discomfort.

"Behave yourself, farm girl. Don't let me catch you sneaking off. You are not to stray from my side, am I understood?" Knowing it would be unwise to disregard the underlying threat in his voice, I nod my head, and we set off. Weston is kept securely on a leash held by an armored handler, who looks to be very strong, while behind us trails the king's guards with the exception of the two in front of us.

The crowd swiftly steps out of their path, gasping and awing at the fact the King made an appearance for his birthday celebration as they respectfully lowered their heads. In time, we come across the town square, where musicians play away at their fiddles, guitars, accordions, drums and flutes on a large stage. The surrounding storefronts and homes are all dressed in white, silk banners, don the flag of their kingdom and display a wide variety of purple flowers from lilacs to violet, tulips to lavenders, all accented by white bellflowers and baby's breath. Hung up on every door is a bundle of lavender wrapped in white ribbon tied into a bow. Even the stage and lampposts are all decorated accordingly with silk and flowers, who's fragrance pleasantly overpowered the square, mixing with the delicious aroma of pastries sold out of vendor's carts.

All the attendees are dressed to the nines in their best wear and jewelry, as it is a special occasion, dancing, singing and laughing. It was a such a familiar sight. My family had often brought me to the festival when I was younger, though I haven't been for a long while. I could feel a sense of nostalgia fog my mind from the music, the smells and even the warm, summer sun. It was nearly enough to bring me to tears... Even more so when I recalled who brought me here.

Almost immediately, my heart sank, and it took everything in me not to ruin the experience by looking over at him. I'm sure any of the folks here would be honored to attend the party with the King, but after all I've been through with him, how could I possibly be cheerful? Still, I held my head up high and forced a smile, as he had told me to do, not wanting to spoil his good mood. Though it might seem hard to believe, his majesty has many fans in the kingdom; in fact, many believe he's one of the best rulers of our time. He gets things done, I'll give him that, but his methods... I bet they'd all change their minds at the drop of a hat if they saw his true self, if they saw the way he had treated me and the rest of his servants.

The lot of them never had to deal with the King's wrath, so of course they welcomed all the good he had brought to the kingdom, not caring about all the bloodshed behind it. I find myself tightening my hold on his hand without thinking about it, probably delighting him, though I could care less. I felt like I was walking on eggshells. If only I could be as carefree as the rest of the crowd. As the townsfolk bowed their heads, they were regarded with a smile from the King, probably making their day while I could feel my sense of dread increase.

'How oblivious they all are.' I snap out of it when the band plays a new song, a very catchy one which would fill anyone with the urge to tap their toes; in fact, I had even caught myself walking in time to the beat and twitching my fingers a bit, which the King undoubtedly felt. While my attention was fixed on the band, his gaze turned to me. We came to a sudden stop, which left me confused, as he slipped away from my hand to stand before me. I give a suspicious look to him as he smiles and bows to me with an extended hand.

"May I have this dance?" he requests, leaving me absolutely flabbergasted as eyes fell upon us. Whispers filled the air, all covered by the loud music. I felt obligated to accept, though really, I'd rather not. I imagine he would not be too pleased if I declined. I give a reluctant nod and set a trembling hand onto his, which he lifts to his lips to kiss. The action made my gut wrench, and it only tightened when he placed a hand on my hip. He waves at the guards to stand aside and watch from afar as he guides me into the dancing crowd. I may have stepped on his feet by 'accident' a couple of times, but thankfully, he dismissed it after I gave a false apology afterwards, making him think I truly can't dance.

"Remind me to get you a dance instructor before the wedding," he mutters, causing my heart to sink. I did not want to be reminded that I'm to be wed to this monster. We spin around together in sync with the others, and as we did, I became very aware of the attention we were getting. Heads turned in our direction as the townsfolk tried to figure out who the King had chosen to dance with. I do my best to ignore them, though looking at him was no comfort either.

"Y/N?" Calls out a feminine voice in uncertainty, only being faintly heard over the music. It was enough for me to shift my gaze over as the King and I let go of each other to clap along to the song with the rest of the dancers. I lock eyes with an old friend of mine and nearly gasped as her blue eyes lit up at the sight of me. She grins excitedly while frantically waving her hand about, the curls in her auburn hair bouncing as she does so.

'Angora?' I would often see her on the days my father brought me into town, and her family owned my mother's favorite tea shop. We quickly became friends and would often play together while the grownups would talk. Really, I shouldn't be so surprised to see her here, but what dreadful timing. I would've been as excited as her had it not been for my dance partner. Due to not paying attention, I tripped over my feet, but thankfully, the King caught me in time before I could. His olive eyes narrow in suspicion as he looks over to where my attention had been, terrifying me.

"What were you looking at?" he asks quietly in a voice laced with anger. I gave pause, not sure how to answer him, but I certainly didn't wish to tell him the truth. I took too long apparently, for that fire in his eyes burned brighter as he lead me away someplace not so crowded. Once we're out of sight, he backs me into a wall, leaving no room to escape.

"Remember what I told you about minding yourself, darling. Don't tempt me. Now, I'll give you one last chance, so you best give an answer. What, or perhaps who, precisely was so interesting that you thought to to tear your gaze from me?" I gulp to steady myself, but it did little good. I had no time to think up a lie, so I had no choice but to speak the truth, well, part of it anyways.

"I- I don't know for s- sure, but I thought I saw one of my old friends, is all. I didn't get a good look, though, s- so I was probably wrong. I didn't mean to get distracted, honest." Oh, how I wish I didn't stutter so much, but it was too late to fix that now. All I can do is hope that he'll be willing to drop it. I attempt to look elsewhere to avoid his scrutinizing gaze only to be redirected to meet those green pools again by a hand on my chin.

"Your eyes are to stay on me and me alone. Become 'distracted' again, and you'll find you don't like the results." Seems he hardly believed my excuse, probably assuming I was looking for an escape instead, but I'm grateful I was given no punishment. I nod to show I understand, and he leans away from my face. The subject was dropped completely as he offered his arm to me, which I begrudgingly accept. We return to the stage area, but before we can find our way back to the dancers, I catch a glimpse of fiery locks disappearing into a nearby building. I found I could not simply stand by and ignore her presence. After a moment of contemplation, I look to his majesty.

"Would it be all right if I went to the restroom? I promise not to be long," I ask as we approach the very same shop. I had been there before, so I know there's one inside. Likely, that's where Angora went too. We stop walking as he considers the request with a look of suspicion, which I counter with pleading eyes. He breathes a deep sigh, shoulders slacking a bit.

"Be quick with it. You have six minutes. I'll be counting." I understand the reason behind the short time frame, so I did not argue. It would only make his suspicion grow. Truthfully, I'm not trying to escape. I just wanted to talk to someone familiar for once, perhaps even receive some comforting words.

I wasted no time, going straight into the shop in search of my childhood friend.

________________________________
Author's POV:
________________________________

Y/N only felt relief after closing the door to the shop's bathrooms, glad to have a moment away from her soon to be husband and to her delight, that wave of red she had seen really did belong to Angora who gasped upon seeing her.

"So, I wasn't seeing things! Y/N, it's been so long! How've you been?" She asks, embracing the maid into a joyful hug, giving the woman a good whiff of her perfume. It's a strong, flowery scent that reminded Y/N of the forest, of the trees and earth. Nearly, she burst into tears then and there as she held the redhead back, happy to hold someone in her arms who wasn't absolutely off their rocker. She could not bring herself to answer her questions, but she did manage a greeting.

"Angora, I've missed you so much. I'm so happy I could see you again." Her slightly taller friend pulls back with a wide smile on her pearl-pink lips.

"I must know how you managed to get a dance with the King! You lucky girl! My mother would've fainted if she had seen. You even had him smiling." Though her comment was in good spirits, she had unintentionally brought about a grim expression onto Y/N's face, causing her to look down to hide her tears. "Oh, Y/N what's wrong? Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?" The woman covers her mouth and builds up her courage to release the burden that is the truth from her chest.

"I... I don't have much time," she says quietly even though it seemed like it was only the two of them there. She didn't want anyone else to hear. Angora looks over her friend in concern as she finally met her gaze, which is full of fear and sorrow. "Angora, you wouldn't believe the hell I've been through. His majesty is holding me captive. My parents had debts to pay, so I offered to be his maid, and it was all a big mistake. He's gone mad! He's forcing me to marry him." The redhead was stunned for a moment in shock as she took in her words but tried to ease her.

"Come now, Y/N. Perhaps... Perhaps it won't be so bad? After all, he's rich and certainly handsome. You'll be very well off," she says in attempts at comforting, only knowing the basic details, though she was probably aware that since the King had set his gaze on her, Y/N would be unable to refuse his proposal. Even knowing this, she could not help but scoff.

"You say that, but do you want to know what he did prior to proposing to me?" Angora sat on the edge of her seat in suspense, curious to know, but felt this horrible sense of dread as Y/N broke into a sob. It seemed as though she was resisting the urge to collapse to the floor. She had always been a strong individual, even when they were children, so to see her in this state was highly upsetting. Meanwhile, outside, the King waited on his future bride, feeling impatient.

Nearly three minutes had gone by, and though he had promised her six, he found he could not stand out there a moment longer. For all he knew, this particular shop had a back door that Y/N had fled out of. He didn't trust her that well yet. It was still too early to assume that she wouldn't attempt something. Figuring he'd at least stand inside the establishment, he enters, followed by a couple guards, while the rest remain outside with Weston.

He spots the doors to the restrooms and stands guard near the women's side, gaining a few side looks, but he paid no mind to that. Noah would rather she be alone in there anyways, though it became clear that she wasn't, in fact, after hearing another's hushed voice behind the door. It seemed like she was chatting with someone in there, not even bothering to move away from the door. Focusing on his hearing, he listens in with narrowed eyes. "He killed my parents along with one of the friends I've made at the palace. He put their heads on spears for Christ's sake," she cries out, her words casting a shadow over the man's eyes. "He's a monster." His hands tighten into fists as his glare is aimed at the floor, his upper lip tempted to twitch into a snarl. He stood there, motionless, every instinct screaming at him to tear down that door. His guards tense up and move a step away for good measure, knowing that their King was moments away from snapping.

"Oh, my! Y/N... I'm so sorry! I hadn't the slightest idea. Oh, this is terrible." Angora felt sick to her stomach, dizzy even. Immediately, she pulled her sobbing friend into her arms and held her tight. "You have to run away. I'll help you in any way I can. I know you, and I knew your family. None of you deserve such a fate. You can stay in my home. I'll sneak you away, and you can be free of him. My family would be happy to help. I know they would."

"Angora," Y/N calls her name seriously, using a hand to gently push the woman back. "No, you can't do that for me. You don't comprehend the things he is capable of. He'd—"

"He's our kingdom's strongest ruler; he has the largest military; he'll be out for my head at a moment's notice. I don't care. That doesn't give him the right to terrorize someone he wishes to wed, especially when that someone is you." She holds both of Y/N's hands in a tender grip. "If what you say is true, what will stop him from killing you if he wishes it?"

"The same fate would fall on your family, Angora. Please, think rationally. I don't have my family anymore, so don't waste yours. It is the worst pain you'll ever harbor." She withdraws her hands. "I understand you want to help, but I promise you, such a plan would not work. It's better you say out of it."

"... What if we fled to the next country over, then? What'll he do, wage war over you?" she suggests lowly, causing Y/N to give a bitter laugh.

"I wouldn't put it past him. That's one of my many concerns." Hands are placed on her shoulders, causing her to look into Angora's blue eyes.

"I swear, I'll help you out of this mess. There must be some way out. There just has to be."

"Angora, stop, please."

"Enough! I'm helping you, and that's final. What kind of friend would I be if I let you suffer there? I've made up my mind."

'You fool.' Y/N shook her head and wiped her eyes dry. She draws the redhead into one final hug, not knowing if she'd ever get the chance to do so again. "I must go, now," she croaks. "I hope I'll get the chance to see you again. Don't do anything foolish in the meantime, all right?"

"Funny, I was just about to tell you to stay out of trouble myself," she says, forcing out a laugh. Upon hearing she was about to leave, Noah motions his guards to follow him out of the shop before the bathroom door could open. Once Y/N slips out, she composes herself and walks calmly outside, where the King waits. He gave no indication of having heard their conversation, only wore a blank expression as he looked her over before glancing to the redhead, who exited the building soon after her. He's sure not to let his gaze linger, but he was sure to take in every feature he could. He had not seen her in the shop, therefore...

"You've been crying," he notes, looking down into Y/N's puffy eyes. Quickly, she averts her gaze, but she could not hide from him.

"I just had something in my eyes," she states bitterly, causing his brows to slant downwards slightly. She knew he saw through her lie, so she quickly changed the subject, looking over at a pastry cart.

"Could we get something from there?" she asks while pointing at it. After a moment the corners of his lips turn upwards into a disturbing smile that put her on edge as he bent down, moved her hair away from her left ear and whispered into it in a chilling voice.

"You can have anything you desire, darling."