The fluttering light of candles was casting shadows over the walls of your bedchamber. You sat on your bed, wide awake, waiting. You already changed your nightgown for comfortable horseriding gear. It was a warm summer night, and the beautiful full moon was casting a silver glow over the castle gardens. You couldn’t wait to get out there. But you had to wait for the castle guards to switch shifts. That was your chance, a short window of not being watched like a bird in a golden cage.

They changed their routine after the last time you sneaked out at night, and it took you a while to learn the new shifts. But for a few nights now, there was a clear pattern. And the guards should be switching right about… now.

You heard footsteps in the hallway in front of your chamber. You scrambled out of bed, and walked over to the door, pressing your ear against the wood. You waited for the moment when it got quiet, and then you bolted towards the window.

You pushed the window open, and quickly climbed through, carefully placing your feet on the stone ledge outside. You shimmied your way towards the sloping roof of one of the castle towers. Sliding down, you reached the part of the castle wall that was enveloped with growing ivy. From there, you only need to climb down, and - freedom.

You hopped down onto the grass, and ran through the gardens towards the horse stables. You were already so excited imagining grabbing your favourite horse and riding into the night, feeling the fresh, crisp air on your face, basking in the moonlight.

But before you even managed to reach the stables, suddenly a large figure stepped out from the shadows. He grabbed you by the waist, and effortlessly threw you over his shoulder. You yelped, startled, but of course - you instantly recognized him. König - the knight of your personal royal guard.

How was that possible that he always knew how and where to find you? He was impossible to outsmart. But that didn’t mean that you weren’t trying. And he was clearly already fed up with your shenanigans.

“Right… let’s take your royal ass back to the castle.” König said, his voice gruff and exasperated as he began carrying you back through the gardens.

“Let me go!” You whined, kicking your feet and pounding your fists against his broad back. But he was unbothered, carrying you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“Don’t squirm so much or you will drop your pretty little crown, your highness.” he huffed.