I can’t believe this! They locked me up AGAIN! Just after they read the letter, they thought it would be best if I sit this one out because they still think that it can somehow be a trap. They don’t want me to be a part of it because they thought it would be best if I never appear in front of King Ferius. Ever.
I have to admit that the first day that I was locked up, I screamed and cried myself to sleep in frustration. I even started picking on my nails because of the anxiety that it gave me.
Viex, on the other hand, was able to recover and it was his comforting and assuring words that my sister is well that helped me sleep that night. He and Custard took turns that night watching over me as I sleep.
Today is my third day of being locked up. But I still have no idea what their course of action is. The last I heard was that Sir Terrence would send out some scouts first and confirm about the map that I got from the letter.
Which was a very stupid idea! For all we know it was a one-time passage. What if they will get caught?
Viex was needed for this plan to succeed. In other words, I should be the one to go!
I watched the clock. It was almost time for them to bring me my breakfast. I know because I already heard the princes outside whispering to each other. They were being cautious because I almost got out yesterday when the maids delivered my breakfast. I snuck past them and bolted out. I would have gotten away if Nate wasn’t such a nosey vampire.
For lunch and dinner, I pulled the same trick for two days now. That was why the princes decided that they would be the ones to bring me my food instead.
‘Custard, Viex, get ready.’ I reminded them of the plan as we waited in front of the door.
“Do you think she’s waiting by the door again?” Nate whispered.
“She is. I can smell her scent and her familiars closeby.” Ren says.
“Stubborn woman.” Ace says. “You two, guard the door. Make sure that you close it when I enter. Do not open it until I say so.”
“It was nice meeting you, PRINCE Ace.” Nate said solemnly.
“Shut up, you retarded vampire. I’ll count up to 3 and then you open the door.”
‘You heard him, guys.’ I whispered to my familiars.
‘Yes, Master.’
‘Alright.’
The two of them hunched on the ground and readied themselves to attack.
I heard him starting to count slowly, and when he reached up to three, the door opened and Ace slipped inside. Custard and Viex jumped at him while I held the door open.
“MISS ME!?!?” I smiled at Ren and Nate even though I was struggling to keep it open. “LET ME OUT!” I screamed. Ren was trying to pry my hands off of the door while Nate tried to keep the door from opening even further.
“Let go of the door, Rose!” Ren says.
“No!” I bit his hands as he was trying to remove my hands. He yelped in pain.
I looked back to check the progress of my two accomplices. Viex was covering Ace’s eyes with his tails as he perched on his head while Custard grabbed one of Ace’s legs with his front paws and howled. ‘Stooooop! Please!’. He was getting dragged on the floor while Ace continued to walk towards my table to place our food.
‘Custard! Take it seriously.’
‘But, Master. If I ask nicely, maybe he will stop? And I don’t want to attack him. The food smells nice.’
Damn it, Custard!
I slammed my foot in front of the door and tried to squeeze myself through. My familiars have betrayed me. Now it was all up to me.
“She’s getting out! Ren, you hold the door while I push her. You’re such a simp, lover boy!” Nate growled while Ren glared at him. They exchanged places and now, Nate was the one who was pushing me back.
I frowned as I looked up at him. “Go back, Princess. Don’t make me do something that I’ll regret.”
“Then how about I do something that I won’t regret?” I asked and kneed him in between the legs. It has been a while since I did move that Nate didn’t even suspect it. “Custard, Viex, RUN!” I screamed just as I was finally out of the room.
I didn’t make it far enough when Ace grabbed the collar of my shirt and tossed me back into my room. I landed on my butt and glared at him. “Go back and eat! Geez, it’s like feeding a wild animal.” He says while he dragged Nate out of the way as Ren closed the door behind them. But just before the door closed, I thought I saw a hint of guilt in his eyes. But maybe it was just my imagination.
No worries. There’s still lunch and dinner. The three of us will be seeing again soon.
I drew my legs closer to my chest and sighed sadly. “How the hell am I suppose to save her when they’re locking me up in my room?” I wanted to cry but I no longer have any tears left to shed. I have been crying every night because of the stupid nightmares that one day, King Ferius would send me another package.
But this time, it won’t just be her hair.
The table started to rattle and Viex scolded Custard. ‘Be careful with that! Don’t drop it!’
‘Sorry. It’s kind of heavy to carry! Viex, help me!’
Now, what are they doing? I turned my head slightly towards them. I saw Viex standing on top of the table while pushing the tray towards Custard. Custard was standing on two of his legs as he tried to balance the tray with his front paws. Custard yelped and the tray almost fell to the floor. Luckily, Viex grabbed it with his two tails to stop it from falling and set it down gently on the ground.
‘Can’t you do anything by yourself?’
‘I can morph using my own magic.’ Custard says.
‘You can WHAT!?’ Viex’s jaw dropped as he stared at Custard, who was now puffing his chest out proudly. ‘You liar.’
‘No, I’m not!’
“What are you guys doing?” I asked.
Custard and Viex turned their head to me before exchanging a look. ‘We’re bringing you your food, Princess.’
‘You seem too upset to move from your spot.’
Custard and Viex started pushing the tray until it was beside me. I have to smile at their kind gesture. “Thanks. You guys eat up too. We need our strength because no matter what, we have to leave on this day. We have wasted enough time here.”
I handed Custard and Viex their share of the meal and we ate together. After that, I rummaged through my closet and started packing things that seemed useful. Of course, I always have my whip with me, but I need something more.
‘Is this what you’re looking for, master?’ Custard asked as he pulled a red hood out of the arrays of clothing.
“Yes. That’s it. Now, I need you two to find me clothes long enough that we can tie them up together.” I instructed them. They nodded and started rummaging through my closet and pulling basically everything out.
I have to secure them all together one by one. I don’t want them to untie when I try to climb down. Of course, I can just use my magic to morph them, but my aunt enchanted the room so I could not use magic strong enough to morph them.
Smart move, but that won’t stop me from leaving.
“Perfect!” I whispered as I looked at my handy work. Terrence would be proud if he sees me doing the knots that he taught me. But I don’t think that he will be happy if he finds out what I was using it for.
I opened my balcony door and snuck out. These people are too arrogant that they think that letting me out of the balcony would be safe because it’s on the third floor. That I would be out of my mind if I attempt to jump.
Too bad, I am already out of my mind.
I tied one end of the makeshift rope on one of the railings and couldn’t help but feel a sense of deja vu.
‘Master, is that safe?’ Custard asked worriedly.
‘It is…?’ I said. ‘But don’t worry. I’ll summon you guys when I reach the bottom so you won’t have to climb with me. I don’t think the barrier extends there. Just make sure that you guys bring my water bottle and hood with you.’
‘We’re not bringing the chalice?’
‘Nah. It’s going be a rescue and not surrendering this time.’
I hopped over the rails and started climbing down. My legs and hands were shaking because I am somehow having second thoughts on whether this is safe or not.
For Stella. Do it for Stella. I reminded myself as I kept on moving.
When I almost reached the bottom I paused. Not because the rope was short. But because Ace and Nate were in the middle of sparring when they noticed me clinging on the knotted cloths. I pretended not to see them as I tried hiding my face while the rope rotated with me along with it.
Ace and Nate lowered their swords as they addressed me with a disapproving look. “Rose.” I heard Nate say.
“Oh, good morning!” I greeted them. It was no use hiding now I guess. I smiled and took a long deep breath. “Beautiful morning right? I was just out here getting some fresh breath of air. The best air that mother nature can provide.” I inhaled and then exhaled. “Ahh. Well, sorry to bother you guys. I’ll just go back up then.” I started climbing all the way up. When I looked down, I saw Ace and Nate were eyeing me really closely to make sure that I do go back to my room.
Once I reached my balcony and untied the rope from the railing, I noticed something. “Where’s Ren and sir Terrence?” I asked them.
As an answer, my door suddenly burst open. Terrence was guarding my door while Ren ran and placed my food on the table. I gasped.
I forgot that it was time for lunch!
I started to go after him but I felt someone tugging on the rope. I looked down to see that Nate and Ace were pulling it.
“Let go! It’s mine!” I snapped at them. Then, looking at Ren, I said, “Stop right there!” I was now torn on the decision of running after Ren or pulling my rope back.
“Hurry up guys! We got her distracted!” Nate yelled from down below.
The pace that Ren took the old tray seemed as if he was running a marathon with Terrence as his coach. “Go, Rutledge! Put those muscles to work!”
“I got it! I got it!” Ren says as he ran back towards Terrence and the door while holding the tray.
“STOP!” I screamed and was momentarily distracted when the rope slipped through my fingers and dropped down to Ace and Nate. I cursed and headed for the door instead.
“Good job, Rutledge!” Terrence patted his shoulder and closed the door just as I lunged for them. I screamed and started pounding on it.
Damn it! Now, what am I suppose to do!? I missed my chance during lunch. And now I lost my rope.
I laid down on the ground while I kept hitting on the door without any strength. I was tired and I was running out of ideas.
Why am I such an incompetent human being?
‘Princess, we will get our chance to escape.’ Viex says. ‘I think I have a plan.’
I looked at Viex with dead and emotionless eyes. “Yeah? Let’s hear it.”
Viex looked at Custard. ‘Earlier, this guy just claimed that he can transform without the assistant of your magic. Maybe the barrier won’t affect him since it only applies when you use it externally. But if he can really morph all on his own then it would be internal magic.’
I blinked and immediately sat up. I looked at Custard. “Is that true? Can you really morph on your own?” I asked, and then I suddenly remembered the time when he almost attacked Camille without me supplying him with magic.
‘Uh huh. He’ll help.’
“He?” Viex and I wondered at the same time and even changed a look. “Who’s he?”
Custard hesitated. ‘Can we skip to that part?’ He suggested.
‘No.’ Viex says as he stalked him carefully. ‘Who is this he?’ Even though he was a bit shorter than Custard, Viex still intimidated him.
‘It’s...before I say anything I would just like to clarify that he is good now. And he says he is willing to help master because he finds her amusing.’
‘WHO’S HE DAMN IT!’ Viex snarled loud enough that Custard and I jumped back. See? Very intimidating for his small size.
‘It’s Malduk.’ Custard’s ears dropped down guiltily as he avoided our eyes. ‘The same spirit that possessed master before.’