The princess was panting heavily, urging her horse to its maximum speed through the dark forest, dodging thick trees and large rocks. The sound of the knights’ hooves was getting closer, and she knew that if she didn’t find a way out, she would face a harsh fate back at the palace. Her father had decided to punish her for defying him, and that’s why she had fled, no matter the cost.

She reached an old wooden bridge stretching over a raging river. She glanced at the bridge, swaying under the weight of her horse, but there was no time to think. Suddenly, the horse stumbled on one of the loose planks, throwing her off and following her as they both fell into the water.

She slipped into the cold water quickly, feeling the current pull her away. The water engulfed her, and she struggled to stay afloat, gasping for air, but the current kept dragging her under. Every time she tried to swim to the surface, the torrent would pull her back.

Just as she was about to lose consciousness, she felt a strong grip pulling her to safety. She opened her eyes with difficulty to find herself in the arms of a tall, handsome figure, with sharp features and intense eyes full of determination. She couldn’t quite make out who he was, but she could feel his strength as he effortlessly lifted her to the riverbank.

“You were lucky this time,” he said in a deep, commanding voice, wiping the water from her wet hair.