My eyes are darting around my stall; I hold my breath, trying to figure out where the sound came from. A gentle touch of a warm slender hand rests on my forearm.


    A whisper, “Sorry Taylan, I didn’t mean to startle you.”


    I sit up, “Shaylo, how did you get in here?”


    “I’ve been working on the screws with a modified twig and managed to loosen the ones in the corner. I slid a couple of the boards out to crawl in, see?” She points to a corner of the wall that we share.


    I gasp, feeling partly excited at the idea of leaving and partly because I will need to pick sides, “Oh Shaylo that is great, do you think you could do that to one of the stall doors?”


    She hesitates, looking at the door in my space, studying it, “Well, yes I can, but the only problem is that it takes time to unscrew using a twig, by the time I manage, it could mean wasted hours.”


    “Good point.” I pause for a second and ask, “Well you managed the soap, what about getting real tools?”


    She shrugs, “I already thought about that, we have access, but not that much. I thought about trying to hold onto a knife or something from the kitchen, but unfortunately, I have yet to have the opportunity and the strength of going head-to-head with Sitrus. It is not an option; he is too strong for me especially with him being rested while I am constantly worn down with work. If I were to succeed it would be a run, and there is only so much running you can do which is pointless if you don’t have a good head start.” I sigh, feeling like the idea of freedom just deflated right before me.


    She sits on the cot beside me and nudges me with her elbow, “So I guess I was right, did you please him?”


    I roll my eyes though she doesn’t notice because of the darkness, “Yes I think he was happy.”


    Sounding satisfied she answers, “Stay on his good side and continue to make him want you. Did you notice anything useful that we can use?”


    I ponder aloud, “I saw the grounds with him, but saw nothing new that I needed to make a mental note of, wait a second, yes actually, when we returned, I noticed that he keeps the key to my stall in his pant pocket.”


    Shaylo keeps her voice to a whisper, but I can feel her excitement with this news, “Excellent, that’s our freedom right there. We have access to each other and now we have access to your key. It won’t be hard for you to slip into his pocket and take it, right?”


    I answer, “Yes, I think I can manage that, but when we came back the lock was shut. He needed the key to open it.”


    She shrugs, “We just must break him of the habit of locking it when you are not in the stall, and we can trick him into thinking it’s locked. In the morning when he lets us out, we will just set the locks to make them appear that they are locked that way he won’t need to reach for his keys.”


    “I think that’s a stretch.” I say.


    “Well, it doesn’t hurt to try.” Shaylo suggests.


    “Sure, I’ll give it a go.” I answer.


    “Good, well the only part that is left is putting distance between us and them; I still need to plan something out. Until I say so, if he calls on you don’t go after the key until I say, got it?”


    I respond, “Yes I understand.”


    “Tomorrow morning, we will see if our attention to the locks work, anyway, it’s late and we both should rest, good night.”


    “Night Shaylo” She gets up, crawls through the opening, back to her stall, and puts the boards back in place leaving the screws loose. I roll over onto my side and curl up under my sheet, closing my eyes. Sleep comes immediately, but so does the dawn.


    It feels as though I have only been asleep for a few minutes, but it has been a couple of hours. It is the same routine as the day before, caring for the horses and cleaning their stalls. When Sitrus was not looking Shaylo and I succeed in flipping the locks to make them appear as though they were shut, and to my surprise, it worked. He glanced at them just before leaving the barn but did not proceed in checking.


    Shaylo asks while sweeping, “You have been really quiet all morning, or is it shyness I suspect, how was he?”


    I follow her with my own broom and blush, “I’m not being shy, it’s just that this is all messed up, and to answer your question he was kind and caring.”


    “Oh, come on Taylan out with the details.” She urges.


    I shrug, “He took me to the beach, everything happened in the water, in the moonlight.”


    She gushes, “I had a feeling he was a romantic.”


    I smile, “It really was nice. When I was with him, I forgot about this reality for a bit, I felt like myself again and not a prisoner.”


    Shaylo stops for a second and looks over to me, “Just keep him happy, don''t you worry about how you feel, and we may possibly succeed, and Taylan don’t kid yourself. You are his prisoner.”


    “Yes Shaylo.” I roll my eyes and then go back to work.


    The morning is slow, there is nothing different except for our conversations, we are learning more about one another, “Shaylo what do you think will eventually happen to us if we end up never escaping?”


    “I think that they will just continue to use us for labor and whatever else they can think of.”


    “If we try to escape and they end up catching us then what do you think will happen?” I ask.


    She sighs, “I’m not sure that they would treat us the same. I think they would give you a chance, Sitrus has feelings for you and Newlyn favors Sitrus but for me well, I think that they would kill me.”


    I ask, “How sure do you feel about that?”


    “Well for starters I have separated Mother and Daughter for many years, Newlyn and Rosaleen hate me for that and the second reason is I am a liability to their plans.”


    I hesitate, “What do you mean by plans?” Secretly, I know, and I just want to hear it from Shaylo.


    “They are keeping me because they don''t want me to go back to King Wolfrim and inform him that Rosaleen knows everything.”


    I consider what I am about to say, “Are they correct with their suspicions, would you actually go back and tell Wolfrim?”


    She looks around and then back at me and in a deep voice and reveals, “Yes without a doubt.”


    “Why wouldn''t you just run somewhere far away from these families, this mess and start a new life without all of the drama?”


    The emotions start flowing in her and I am not sure why, but she is upset about this. She looks at me in a way that her eyes pierce into my own. Her cheeks flush. She walks over to me at a steady purposeful pace and stops. We are face-to-face and eye-to-eye. I return her gaze only mine must be of confusion and with a single, swift motion; she slaps me hard across the face. It stings; I try to sooth it by putting my own hand to my cheek.


    “You are such a stupid girl!” Shaylo is trembling with anger and has nowhere to go so she just retreats to her stall. I decide not to even try to sooth her, there is no point right now, I need to give her space, and continue with the chores alone for the rest of the day.


    The only thing that makes sense for the reason she is upset is I think she believes that Shrago is still alive. Shaylo must think that if she gets to the king first, that it could be an opportunity to get her husband back before something happens to him. The only thing wrong with that is it is too late for Shrago. There is no mistake that her husband was a monster. My neck is pretty well healed after Shrago attacked me, but even with me knowing firsthand who Shrago was, I still feel sorry for seeing Shaylo so upset. Everyone is loved by someone. Even the monsters are loved.


    I am going to keep Shrago’s death a secret from her, for now anyway. I think that even if I told her the truth that she would not back down, she would still try to escape and run back, so really what is the point? I rather remain on her good side.


    I work on all the chores for the rest of the morning and then meet Sit for lunch in the servants’ kitchen.


    I receive a cold greeting from Sit, “You’re late.”


    I hate the tone he is giving me; it drives me bonkers, this entire act, “Yes” I reply, “and I am sure that you already know why besides, you don’t need to act this way it’s only me and you here.”


    He nods, “I don’t, but it is still no excuse to be late.” He has lunch already put together for both of us. I join him at the table.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    “So, you are going to be on your own for the afternoon?” He is chewing a mouthful of food and reaches for his glass to sip his cool beverage.


    “Yes, I guess? Isn''t she your prisoner? Why are you letting her get away with not doing anything?”


    He looks at me with an intimidating stare, “That is none of your business.”


    I decide not to add to this discussion. I don’t see the point for the act that Sit is putting on. Instead, I remain silent, I am not going to pick fights and give him a piece of my mind for the way that he is talking to me, and he knows that I have checked out. If he wants to be like this for no reason, go ahead, I won’t forget this.


    He changes topic, “Have you ever ridden a horse?”


    “No,” Wow just like that, he is changing the subject, or more ignoring the tension.


    “You are going to learn after lunch. I will teach you.”


    “Why?” I ask.


    “Because you live with them, may as well learn to use them.” We finish and head out to the fields where the animals had been let out to graze. Sitrus quickly runs ahead to a side door of the barn, grabs some leather straps, and runs back over to meet me. He makes sure to keep me far away from the stables, my guess that the reason is to keep out of sight of Shaylo.


    “So how do you know Shaylo is actually locked up in her stall?” For all we know she could have decided to do her own thing instead of sulk.


    “I know this because Newlyn actually paid her a visit today.”


    “Oh wow, it must have been a big deal?”


    “Yes, it becomes a big deal when you stop taking orders.”


    Sit picks the tall black horse, the same one he used to chase me, leading him. “Despite his size this one is very gentle and cares for his riders, you are going to learn with him today.” I gently touch the animal’s velvet muzzle.


    “So, first things first, your equipment, you put this into his mouth and slip the leather straps over his head like this.” He equips the horse’s bridle and then places the reins so that they are resting on the top of the animal’s neck. “You check to make sure that it’s not too tight, or too loose with your fingers, like this.” He shows me different points of the bridle and sticks a finger between the straps that are on the horse’s head to show me how much space there should be. “Now I''ll give you a leg up.” Immediately he picks me up and sits me on the horse’s back.


    I look down at him, “No saddle?”


    “There is no need, this is just a lesson and you’re not going anywhere with him.” He has a point. A conversation I had with Shaylo immediately comes to mind; despite Shaylo being upset, right now I still consider her opinions. She warned me not to make a run for it unless I was sure that I would get away and right now, I don''t think I could get far. I still don''t know how to ride. If I take off after learning, who is to say that Sit wouldn''t just jump onto another horse in the field and follow? He clips a long rope to the horse’s bridle and then asks, “How do you feel?”


    “I feel a little nervous about slipping off.”


    “We will take it one step at a time. I need you to relax all the muscles in your body, let your legs relax so that they extend on either side. You’re not going to touch the reins just yet; instead, I want you to just let your arms rest to either side.” I follow his instruction. He asks “ready?” I nod and he chirps at the horse. We start moving in a circle. Sit is standing in the center, holding the rope that is attached to the bridle of the dark horse. My immediate reaction without realizing is I clench my calf muscles and hold my breath.


    “Breathe!” He shouts at me, “Relax your body, you are tensing up.” I do what I am told even though my natural reaction is to hold onto this horse with every muscle. “I know that you want to hold onto him, but when this horse changes to a trot, or gallop you will fall right off. Relax, keep repeating that to yourself and breathe!” Sitrus has the horse walk for a bit and then he guides the horse to change direction. We walk, stop, and walk for a bit longer until Sit is satisfied that I look comfortable. He then warns me of the change in pace and brings the horse to a trot. This is hard, I feel like I am bouncing all over the place, he shouts at me some more. “Relax, your legs are tightening up, breathe!” I quickly react and instantly feel a bit more balanced. My butt is still thumping on the horse’s back, but it''s not as harsh as it was when I was tensing up. Sit quietly works with keeping the horse at a steady pace for me to get used to the movement, before long he has the horse moving at a cantor. Cantor is much easier than trot because the horse takes the movement of a rocking motion. Eventually he brings the horse to a stop. “Very good, you’re a fast learner.” I smile.


    “Okay so next is steering the beast. You use these reins to help steer. Gently pull right to go right and left to go left. You pull gently with both sides to bring him to a stop or slow him. Your legs are used for steering also. As you are pulling for the direction, you wish to go in, apply pressure in your leg to direct him in that direction. So, if you want to go right you pull on the right rein and keep you right leg snug and straight to support him in the turn and you take your left and move it slightly behind to encourage him to bend his body in the turn. You are going to do that to go left also. To urge him into a walk give him a gentle nudge with your legs. Do the same with trot. When you go into a canter sink your body into your seat keep contact with your reins, then one leg steady and straight and the other leg behind pick a direction, and you are going to go and apply the same rules of steering to urge him to a canter. Do you understand?”


    “I think so.” I reply.


    “Okay let''s start with walk.” I go through the motions. Sit is walking alongside the horse, providing me tips and instruction, then to trot and canter. I appreciate the fact that Sitrus lets me get used to the horse before learning how to steer him. I feel in control, and it feels natural. I can sense the horse’s muscles as he anticipates my instruction, it is like I know what he is thinking, and he knows what I am thinking. When Sit is satisfied that I have mastered the basics, he puts a bridle on a second horse in the field and joins me on horseback.


    “Let’s take a walk.” Sitrus insists; we head up the grassy field to the tree line, not too far off from where I tried to escape. We enter a trail into the forest and walk side by side along the path for a bit.


    “What happened today?” He asks me.


    “I, well, I sort of hinted to her to remove herself from the situation that surrounds this family.”


    He looks at me confused, “You’re encouraging her to run away?”


    “No Sitrus, she already wants to run away, I didn''t need to plant that seed. It was the direction that she was running in.” I gather myself; my hands are shaking, and I am hoping that he doesn’t see how much this topic bothers me because I am still undecided on whose side I will take. “If she manages to escape her plan is to run back to the Palace to warn King Wolfrim that Rosaleen knows the truth. She thinks that if she warns him, he will put a stop to Rosaleen and that he will help get Shrago back.”


    He looks at me surprised even though we had planned my cover before I was introduced to her, “She doesn’t know that Shrago is dead?”


    “No, I had thought about telling her, then thought it was best to keep it secret, it would only complicate matters and besides, I should try to maintain my cover.” I take a breath and continue, “So really what is the point, and right now my relationship with her is more good than bad.”


    He nods, “Good point.” In a muffled voice he asks, “Do you know how she plans to escape?”


    I look at him and I can tell that he knows something is up and I am cautious with my answer, “Sit if I knew her plan, I think she would already be gone. I don''t think she even knows how to escape?”


    “Have you two talked about it?”


    “Yes” I reply, wishing that I lied to him.


    “Well then you surely know pieces of her plan.” He wants me to spill the details, and I am not about to reveal my hand.


    “We don''t talk about it like that. It''s more of a what if this, what if that conversation like what if you were free where would you go sort of thing. Shaylo wants to escape and all she said was she was still in the process of thinking.” I look at him for his acceptance to the information that I have shared. His eyes are dark as night and his emotions seem to be running strong.


    “I don''t believe you.”


    “You don''t have to.” I am not going to try to convince him because I don''t want to get caught in a lie and besides Newlyn is with Shaylo right now so who knows what sort of information is being shared.


    He is clearly annoyed and rides his horse ahead of mine so that we all come to a stop “Get off!” He growls, I obey. He dismounts and ties both the horses to a couple of young trees. Their trunks are as thick as fence posts. He walks over to me. I don’t know why I feel this because he has never hurt me, but I have the feeling that he will. I brace myself for the pain. I close my eyes and cringe, but instead he grabs me firmly and kisses me passionately. I slowly open my eyes in shock, not really looking at anything. I like this.


    He pulls back and whispers to me, “You drive me nuts.”


    I say nothing and instead let him do as he wishes. It is no lie that I like him, but on the other hand, strategically, I need to keep him happy and remember to put myself first. I know where he keeps the key to my stall. I also need him to feel that he is in control and at the same time keep Shaylo happy with appearing to be on her side. I go through the motions without a word, just off the trail on the forest floor we share this time together, and I forget the web that I am caught up in again.


    Sitrus says with a sigh, “We need to go back.” I just wrap my arms around him and say nothing wishing that this moment does not end. I don''t think he wants to head back either.


    “Let''s get out of here now and leave this life behind.” I suggest as I feel his muscles starting to stir.


    “Taylan you need to think, if you leave then what happens to Ashlea, or your entire family for that matter? Besides this is my home, my life, I can''t leave. I hope that you won''t think about escaping, or helping Shaylo?”


    “No, I won''t.”


    “I still don''t believe you.” He asserts himself. “I hope that you would stay here for me and for the sake of your family.”


    I don''t argue and change the direction of this conversation, “Will you tell Newlyn everything that I shared with you?”


    He laughs, “That my dear is none of your concern. Come on we should head back.”


    We walk our horses all the way back to the stable. It is the end of the day and Sitrus is first into the barn, followed by me. I peek into Shaylo''s stall, but she is not there. My desire to know kicks in. Sit senses it. He says, “Don''t ask.” Surprised, I keep quiet. He is starting to know me well. I guess Shaylo must still be with Newlyn. We go back and retrieve the rest of the horses in the field. Sit keeps me company in helping with all the evening chores.


    I can’t put it to rest and blurt out, “I know that Shaylo is with Newlyn, I just want to know is she coming back? Will I need to continue this charade?”


    Just as I ask Sitrus, Newlyn enters the stable accompanied by Shaylo. She is bound and looks ruffed up; she shoves Shaylo into her stall and gives me an angered look, “You caused this!” I don''t understand I didn''t do anything. I didn''t force anyone to inflict harm on Shaylo, and I didn''t mean for Shaylo to become upset. I certainly didn''t tell Shaylo not do chores yet somehow this is my fault? Izavelle was right when she warned me that things are not always, what it seems. I don''t think that Newlyn is acting, she seems genuinely angry with me.


    Without me having to answer her wrath, Newlyn storms out of the barn. I look back to Sit for some sort of answer. He just points for me to go into my stall, and he locks the door and exits. It is just Shaylo and me now. I approach the wall that divides us, “What happened?”


    She looks at me “This happened,” gesturing at the bruises all over her body.


    I don''t understand, “Newlyn did that?” She nods to confirm my suspicions.


    “She found out that I wasn''t doing chores.” Shaylo does not go into detail. I decide not to ask. This is the first time that I sense her feeling of defeat, and I am sure that the details will eventually come out in time.


    We are well into the evening. I am hungry and fortunately, took the lesson of the soap stash from Shaylo and applied her thievery lesson by looting some food from the lunch table earlier today, removing a small bread bun from my pocket, I eat to stop my hunger pains. Despite the situation that she is in, I go against my instinct to offer any of it to Shaylo. I know that it is not fair, but I am hungry, and besides, she never offered me her soap when it was clear to her that I was trying to clean myself.


    I finish off the bun while keeping out of Shaylo’s sight, its hard crust and soft center does the trick with putting my hunger at ease. I retire back to my cot and close my eyes. I am not asleep when the barn door opens; I sit up on the bed, expecting to see Sitrus bringing some food, but this time its Newlyn.