CARLISLE.

　　If I had my way, I'd have sneaked out of the kingdom. It was the dangers that seemingly lurked outside the walls and the fear of being caught. Yet, I knew somehow that my days in the pack were numbered. I knew he kept me captive here in his kingdom for a purpose which I can't point out.

　　I thought about killing myself. I felt the only solution I had was to just take my life so it'll be easier for everyone; my mate and father included. I began to think of the many ways I could get myself killed but after a moment, I remembered the saying; "When there is life, there is hope." Perhaps, I was simply a coward.

　　I think it is high time I look for a way to escape from this kingdom like a burden. I stood up from the bed I was lying on with my hand on my chin. I smiled as an idea popped into my head. Thinking of how to escape, there is only one alternative I can think of right now is the routes and every corner of this kingdom. How do I know the routes and corners of this kingdom? Lola isn't an alternative because she seems to be very secretive, she doesn't want to tell me anything and I don't think she would be able to know more about the routes and corners especially of the security and how tight it is. She might want to know the reason for my questions.

　　The only alternative I could think of is the guards because the last time I had come out with Lola, I noticed that there were two guards by the entrance of the house. They always stayed there and were not allowed to leave for any reason except that, which was inevitable; hunger. They were also able to leave when the Majesty Jake though needed them but there was an issue; he never requested for both of them at the same time. They weren't so much of a problem though, as I could get past them easily with very few questions if any. I could be thought to be sent on an errand or to want to go out to get some food. They were also very careful in their treatment of me.

　　I think it is the time I take action because time wait for no man. I walked out of my room after getting dressed. The maids passing by were surprised that I Left my room because I was always locking myself up in my room. I walked past them passing through the hallways which Lola took me to, ignoring the maids surprised looks. I wasn't putting something so nice tho.

　　Getting to their guard base, I walked past them and told them that I was looking to tour the area. They were because Lola had taken me for a tour some days ago. I told them that she didn't atek me to some certain place which I knew they would. They became a bit suspicious and called for another guard to take me on a tour which was exactly what I had planned. I didn't know my way around the area so I needed someone who could guide me as I tried to search out the various borders and the guards who were assigned to each duty post.

　　He took me around the kingdom and showed me many beautiful things and spots that I had never seen. I was fascinated by a lot of things in the pack; the trees, the tall grasses, the flowers that grew uniformly and blossomed to perfection. I smelled their sweet scent and got tempted to lie down in the fields to sleep. There was a lot hidden from us who were always inside the kingdom.

　　I asked him about the kingdoms that we shared borders with and he began to narrate the history of each kingdom and how they came to settle in their various locations. He told me about the packs that shared boundaries with this kingdom; the ones that were allies and the ones that were foes. He talked about the hostility and the unending competition between the kingdoms. He knew so much about everything and everyone and I admired him for that.

　　"So could you take me to these borders so I can see for myself?" I asked. He looked at me as though he suspected something. Then he consented and we started moving. I only wanted to see those borders and how they were guarded. I didn't want to take chances or be caught unawares on my way out. It was too much of a risk to take.

　　He took me to the different boundaries, taking some time to greet the other guards there who barely acted as though they noticed me. The ones who did simply gave me a disdainful stare and went on with their talk. I didn't bother at all, since I knew that I only had a few days left to spend with everyone.

　　"Does Majesty Jake know that she's here?" One of them asked.

　　"Jake?" I asked myself in a very low tone so that no one would hear. I was surprised because I had never heard any of them calling Jake by his name. I only shook my head with a sigh.

　　I noticed that there were only about three guards at each border and a patrol of wolves that walked around, just in case of any trouble. The escape was tougher than I had thought, still, with that number of guards guarding the entire area, there was hope.

　　"Do these guards always stay here from morning till late at night?" I asked the guard who was with me.

　　"No, they don't," he replied. "We all work in shifts. At night, there'll be replacements for the guards here. We also take some time off to eat some food late at night. Not so long though, as we can't trust the safety of the kingdom if we leave for anything longer than 30 minutes."

　　"May I ask when you leave for dinner? Perhaps, I could prepare a nice dish for the guards here to win them over." I asked, my heart racing so fast at the thought that he may decipher what was going on.

　　"Guards always love food. We love food a lot so you may have some success with that. We usually have dinner by 11 pm and return to our posts in exactly 30 minutes. You may want to come along with some other maids. These lands aren't so safe for women at night and seeing that you're human and you may not be able to identify your assailant, you may not be exempted." He doesn't know that I'm an elf even though half an elf and a half guardian of my mother region.

　　He showed me all the other borders and afterwards, took me back to the house. "Thank you so much," I said to him as he turned around and left. I didn't have time to waste. I had to leave that very night.

　　By 10 pm, I rose from the bed and saw that the maids were all asleep. Well, I wasn't surprised, seeing that I added a sleeping substance to their meals to make them sleep. I packed up some of my clothes and quickly left the room. I got close to the door of the house and saw that both guards were still there, sitted on both sides of the door and facing my direction. I didn't know what to do next.