Natasha’s POV

“Bow to your new king!” The arrogance in Zev got even more pronounced as he ordered the second time, sitting on my father’s seat.

The throne room was a big hall filled with elders and chiefs, their heads touching the ground. They paid respect to the arrogant man who sat on a stolen throne. But my father and I refused to bow. We stood, head up with courage, only that the chains bound to my father’s neck didn’t let him raise his head as high as mine.

“This weakling thinks he still has a chance to be some King again.” He mocked him “Come on, take your shot. Make it your best shot!”

“How dare you?” I yelled from where I stood. Anger had eaten me up so much that I would have done anything to bring Zev down.

“Oh, the little princess finally found her voice,” he smiled and walked towards me like I was a harmless puppy. “It’s so nice to finally hear your pretty voice. Might I hear you speak again, me lady, for your voice is more suitable than the victory songs.” He laughed with his mouth wide open and his guards joined in, as well.

He got closer to me and pushed his face even nearer to mine.

“Tears don’t suit you, little princess. You should smile often at least for your King and husband.” His tone was calm as he wiped my tears.

I spat on his face.

“You might have gotten the throne, but you will never have me.” My tone was firm and I meant every word I said.

“As long as I am alive, you will never have my daughter!” my father yelled.

“And we can fix that, can’t we boys?” Zev whipped his face and walked towards my father.

“Give us a command, Lord.” one of the guards voiced, stern-faced.

“So, maybe we should just kill you or not. Although I think I will need you more alive than dead.” he rubbed his palms and fingers against themselves. “Take him to the palace prison and lock him up there. Make sure he is in the deepest part of the dungeon. You will only give him two meals every day.” he said.

“No!!” I yelled repeatedly and cried bitterly as they took my father away. I screamed and attempted to go after him, but the guards held me back.

“So, where were we?” Zev curtsied, coming closer to me. “Oh yeah, I remember. I was making you an offer.” He said. “Be my queen. Rule side by side with me, and you will still have your royal position.”

“I swear by my late mother, I will return to this palace and avenge all the wrong that has been done to me and my family. I will bring you, Zev, down. I swear,” I yelled out, my voice trembling with both rage and desperation. “I will sever his head and hand it on a stick at the entrance of this gate to make sure everyone learns not to toil with me or my family ever again!”

The guards bristled at my outburst, their teeth baring and their hands inching closer to the weapons hanging at their sides. Zev leaned forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously as a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Seize her,” he said softly, his words dripping with menace.

Panic surged through me as the guards closed in. I would not let them take me. Not today. Drawing strength from sheer willpower, I darted sideways, dodging the first guard’s grasp. Another lunged, and I twisted sharply, wrenching my arm free from his grip.

“Stop her!” Zev barked, his tone rising with frustration.

But I was already running. My heart could easily fall out with the speed I sprinted through the open hall and out into the palace courtyard. The world around me blurred, the sound of shouting guards chasing me through the gates.

Freedom was just steps away.

The streets outside the palace were bustling. Market vendors called out their prices, and townsfolk haggled over goods. I shoved my way into the crowd, my breath ragged as I ducked under hanging fabric and behind stalls. The guards were relentless, none planning to stop chasing. I could hear their shouts growing closer.

My foot caught on a loose stone, and I stumbled, crashing into a merchant’s cart. A stack of cloth tumbled over, drawing even more attention to me.

“There! She’s over there!”

The voices of my pursuers sent fresh adrenaline through me. I pushed off the cart and sprinted toward the market’s edge, only to collide hard with someone rounding the corner. The impact sent me sprawling into a pen filled with squealing pigs.

“Are you alright?” a voice asked, cutting through my haze of panic.

I looked up, my muddy cloak falling off my shoulders, and locked eyes with a man. He was tall, with dark hair that framed a face etched with sharp, regal features. His expression shifted from concern to surprise as he took in my disheveled state.

“You look like you need help,” he said, extending a hand.

I hesitated, torn between accepting his help and fleeing. The guards’ voices were growing louder. The man followed my gaze and seemed to understand the situation instantly.

“Raul!” someone shouted from behind him. A burly man dressed in black with a massive battle axe on his back was approaching fast. His eyes widened as he looked at me. “Isn’t that the royal princess?”

Princess. The word hung in the air, and I saw recognition flash across Raul’s face.

I bolted.

“Stop!” Raul’s voice boomed, but I didn’t obey. I couldn’t. My feet carried me out of the market and into the woods beyond, the shouts of the guards and this mysterious man fading behind me.

Branches whipped against my face as I ran deeper into the forest. My legs burned, but I didn’t dare slow down. Then, without warning, I felt something hook around my ankle. I stumbled and fell, tumbling into a bush. Before I could scramble to my feet, Raul was beside me.

“Enough!” he growled, his hand clamping over my mouth.

My eyes widened, and I struggled against his grip, but he was too strong. His dark eyes bore into mine, filled with equal parts of frustration and amusement.

“Who are you?” he demanded, his voice a low whisper. “Tell me, or I’ll take you captive. Why are you running from those men? And how do they know you?”

I shook my head, refusing to answer. I wasn’t about to trust this stranger, even if he seemed different from the others. His grip loosened slightly, allowing me to breathe, but his gaze didn’t shift.

“I can smell her,” a voice called out nearby. “She’s close!”

Raul stiffened, his attention snapping to the direction of the voice. The sound of heavy footsteps and snapping twigs told me the guards were near.

“There was a man with her. Act cautiously and if he gets in the way, bring me his head.” another voice commanded.

I felt a lump rise in my throat. My heart pounded as I glanced at Raul. He was studying me, weighing his options.

“Not here,” I whispered, hoping I could trust him.

He hesitated, clearly torn. The fear in his eyes was evident, but so was his curiosity. Finally, he extended his hand toward me.

“Come with me,” he said firmly. “I know a place.”