Chapter 8 The Disguise Of Freedom

• AURETTE EVIGHEDEN ROOSEVELT
• My hair danced with the wind that whipped across my face as the hooves of the horse I was riding pounded against the ground beneath us. The trees I passed by blurred in my vision like ghosts, and in those moments, I felt a flicker of doubt—unsure whether I had truly escaped the palace or merely wandered into memories waiting for me in the thick forest of Madera.
• I bit my lower lip to focus on the path ahead. I needed to stay strong and temporarily forget my trauma. As long as I was still inside this forest, I was not yet safe. Perhaps by now, people were already searching for me in the palace.
• I hope Wanda is safe…
• But how did I get to this point? The events that happened earlier flashed once more in my mind—the people who helped me escape from my long imprisonment in a golden cage.
• ༺ Flashback ༻
• When I finally got away from the crowd, I breathed a sigh of relief. Instead of heading toward the restroom, I went to a place rarely visited by the nobles in our kingdom.
• The maid’s quarters. No one was there since all the servants were busy with the gathering.
• “My room is at the very end of the hallway, Your Highness. I’ve prepared clothes and a cloak there for you.”
• That was Wanda’s instruction to me earlier before I presented myself to the guests.
• According to Prince Maedric’s plan, I needed to wear a servant’s uniform so I wouldn’t attract attention, especially from the royal guards stationed at every corner of the palace.
• When I reached the end of the hallway, I first looked around to make sure no one had seen me. Once I was certain there were no people or suspicious presences, I entered Wanda’s room.
• Upon entering, I was greeted by a humble and cramped space, yet it was tidy and clean. It wasn’t even half the size of my bathroom. In one corner stood a wooden double-deck bed. The lower bunk had a thin mattress and a small pillow. On top of it lay the neatly folded uniform Wanda mentioned.
• I picked it up and looked around again, searching for a bathroom, but saw no other door.
• All I saw was an aged wooden cabinet, clearly worn down by time. It had scratches and faded spots but was still being used. Atop it were stacked washbasins and small plastic tubs. Beside the cabinet was a small table with a lamp and a cracked mirror that still seemed in use.
• I didn’t expect Wanda’s sleeping quarters to be like this. There was nothing wrong with her room, but it would’ve been better if it were made more comfortable—especially since servants need proper rest after long days of work.
• I changed into Wanda’s uniform, which consisted of a long-sleeved black dress with a high white collar. I topped it with a white apron that had ruffles on the shoulder straps. After dressing, I tied my hair into a bun so I could wear the lace headpiece or maid’s cap, hiding the distinct color of my hair to avoid drawing attention.
• I also wore the white face cover our servants used. They only wore this when there were gatherings in our palace. It covered the lower half of my face, revealing only my eyes.
• I thought my wardrobe issue was settled, but seeing my discarded gown threw my mind into a mess.
• “So where do I hide this?” I asked myself.
• I couldn’t just leave it there, or Wanda would be in danger if it were found in her room.
• Ugh, what should I do?
• I bit my lower lip and opened the door, hoping to find a trash bin nearby to dispose of it. It wasn’t that big, so it wouldn’t be difficult to carry.
• When I opened the door, I nearly fainted at the sight of a woman in front of me—her back turned—wearing the same clothes I had on. She must’ve heard the door open, so she turned to face me.
• My eyes widened upon seeing who it was. It’s her!
• “Are you finished, Your Highness? I’ll take care of your gown,” she said formally, her hand extended.
• She was the same woman who took my reply letter for Prince Maedric earlier! The woman with ash-colored eyes!
• I handed it to her and smiled. “Thank you very much!”
• “Head to the western wing of the palace, Your Highness. Prince Cosux is waiting for you there. I’ll go ahead.”
• After saying that, she placed my gown into the trash bin she was carrying and walked away down the hallway as if she hadn’t done anything suspicious.
• I brushed it off from my mind. I waited five minutes before I also left the maid’s quarters.
• It wasn’t easy getting to the lesser-used part of the palace. Many royal guards were stationed at every corner—far more than I usually saw.
• Whenever I came across a royal guard, I would quickly turn and pretend to be doing something. There was even a time when one of them called out to me and asked me to make him coffee. I simply agreed and said I’d return in ten minutes.
• “Why are there so many royal guards here?” I whispered to myself as I walked through the brightly lit hallway toward the western wing of the palace.
• “What are you doing here, young lady? Don’t you know you’re not allowed in this area?”
• I froze at the spot where I stood when I heard that familiar voice. It was like being splashed with cold water, and my breathing nearly stopped. Behind me, the voice brushed my ears—low and calm.
• “No…” I whispered.
• I didn’t turn or reply. Of all people to see me like this, why did it have to be him? The one who knew me so well!
• “What are you doing, Aurette?” he asked coldly.
• I closed my eyes tightly. I’m sorry, Sevesan…
• I didn’t look back and continued walking. This time, I walked faster, but I could feel him following me.
• “Aurette!” he called and suddenly grabbed my hands to make me face him. “What the hell are you doing?!” he asked sternly.
• I looked him straight in the eyes. “You don’t understand, Sevesan,” I said calmly.
• “I really don’t understand, Aurette! I had no idea about this gathering. I didn't know you—yourself—were involved in it. I thought… I thought this was just an alliance between two kingdoms! I thought you wanted this, so what are you doing?!”
• I could feel his frustration. I also smelled the scent of alcohol coming from his mouth.
• “Who told you I wanted this?! I don't fucking want this, Sevesan! And if you’re trying to stop me from escaping—sorry, but I’ll forget that we’re friends,” I said seriously and was about to leave again when he pulled my wrist once more.
• “Who told you that I’ll stop you? Heck, I’ll fucking help you, Aurette. We’ve been friends for a long time. I know how pure your heart is. I know you so well, and I know how much this situation is hurting you. But what hurts me the most is that you didn’t even think to ask me for help. Didn’t you consider that I’d help you?”
• His voice gradually softened as he said this.
• I averted my gaze. He’s right. I never thought he would help me. Even if he’s my friend, I knew how loyal he was to the Kingdom of Ruilux. I didn’t consider that he would choose our friendship over his duty.
• “I’m sorry…” I muttered.
• He took a deep breath and nodded. “I don't want you to think about anything else. Now, can you tell me what your plan is?”
• I nodded and told him Prince Maedric’s plan while we walked toward the western wing of the palace. Whenever we encountered royal guards, he would pretend to scold and yell at me—but afterwards, he’d apologize.
• When we finally got out of the palace, we headed straight for the old horse stables. This was where they locked up and left old horses to die, so aside from a few stable hands and caretakers, no one ever came here.
• “Are you sure about this, Aurette? Where will you go once you’ve left the palace?” Sevesan asked.
• “I’ll think about that later. What matters now is that I get out of the palace and go far away. If I have to go to another kingdom, then I will. I made a promise to myself—I’ll never come back here,” I said seriously.
• I heard Sevesan sigh deeply, as if contemplating what I had just said.
• “If that’s what you want, I’ll support you—but if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to let me know. And if you find a place to stay, tell me. Do you understand?”
• I nodded. “I will…”
• When we reached the dark part of the old stable, I saw three figures in the shadows. I squinted to see who they were.
• “I think it’s him…” I whispered.
• And I wasn’t wrong. Emerging from the shadows was Prince Maedric, walking toward us with the woman with ash-colored eyes. She was carrying a small bag.
• “Long time no see, Lord Marquess Sevesan Darkwolf…” Prince Maedric greeted him with a smile.
• Sevesan smiled back. “It’s been a while, Your Highness.”
• “Uhm… I’m sorry if I brought him here, Prince Maedric. He recognized me from my disguise,” I explained.
• “It’s fine. Get on the horse, Princess. You’re running out of time because you’re eight minutes late from the agreed time. Calla is holding the important belongings your personal servant prepared for you.” Calla—the woman with ash-colored eyes—handed me my things. “And here is the map of Madera Forest…” The prince handed me a rolled-up paper.
• “Wait, Madera? Aurette? I thought”—
• “I’m okay, Sevesan. I got this,” I assured him.
• ༺ End of flashback ༻