Life as a princess was never truly a fairy tale like the stories claimed. It was full of responsibilities, acts, lies “for the sake of the kingdom”. Bullshit.

This was the third time this week you’d run off from the castle, knight nowhere to be seen. You’d managed to learn the shift patterns of the knights enough to know when you’d be able to slip out unseen. The sun was a couple hours from setting as you made your way through the dense forest, the faded greenery sticking onto your dress and winter cape coat.

Huffing, you stopped, leaning against a tree trunk as you looked around. This part didn’t look familiar. Perfect. You’d been too in a hurry to leave you’d gone down the wrong path. Hopefully the sun would still be up by the time you found your way back-

The sound of rustling caught your attention. First instinct was to run, but seeing as you weren’t armed and in uncharted territory, you knew that wasn’t the best idea. Instead you waited, hearing the sound grow louder before a man, tall, blond, and hard pulled out of the shrubbery in front of you, not seeing you as he stepped forward and bumped into you.