The trees danced along with the soft winds as the birds chirped a beautiful melody. I couldn’t help but feel a calm sense of joy. This was my only get away from the harsh reality I lived.

I stood up from my seat by the flower bed and walked over to the fence, I was never allowed to cross it alone; It was too dangerous he said, I’m too small and weak he said. If I ever went beyond this garden again he said he’d kill me before the outside world does. That’s what kept me in because I knew well that he wouldn’t hesitate to end my life.

A sigh escaped my lips as I peered over the fence, the kids played skip rope and tag, I watched the dogs play fetch with their owners and an elderly couple walked hand in hand... They all looked so happy and I earnestly craved it.

His voice brought me back to my senses as he called out my name. “Clare, what are you doing?”

My body tenses as I avert my attention to him. “Just looking..”

“Don’t try nothin’ funny, alright?”

“I won’t..” I mumble.

He takes a step towards me, caressing my hair with his calloused fingers. “You know how much it’ll hurt me if you just ran off and left. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want what happened last time to happen again, hm?”

A lump formed in my throat as the memory replayed in my mind. “…no.”

“Good.” I watch as he lets out a small sigh. “Clare I know I don’t always show it but I love you, and I wouldn’t know what to do without you. You love me too right?”

I nod but I was still unsure. Actions spoke louder than words and even his words were cruel and harsh majority of the time. I searched his deep eyes for any sign of honesty but he was just so hard to read. Instead I peered back at the flowers then to the gate- I just wanted to be free. From him, from this ‘home’..from this hell.

Yet my love for him blinded me to all the harsh realities of my life. I knew he only loved me to stroke his own ego, he loved me only because he could control me. But he was kind, gentle and caring with me at times…i still felt loved…

…Did I want to leave this all behind..?

My mind fought with itself..i hated these conflicting feelings…i hated that i felt unhappy yet content with the way he treated me, though maybe it’s because it’s all I’ve ever known.

My train of thought was cut off when he went back inside the house. Now was my only chance. But what should I do..?

Finally making up my mind, I bite my nails anxiously as I peer down at the latch on the fence. Mustering up as much courage as I could, I open the gate with my shaky hand. My heart raced in my chest as my bare feet touched the cold concrete. I took one step, then another until I eventually ran. A few kids gave me weird stares for not wearing shoes, but I didn’t care since I was free!

Atleast that’s what I thought.

My eyelids fluttered shut as my lips tingled, enjoying the warm sensation . He pulled away, and the touch of his soft lips lingered against mine. I longed to kiss him again though I knew that this was the last time.

We couldn't stay together any longer. Our love was forbidden. Simply because he was a noble and I was a mere commoner. He was to be married tomorrow. The thought pained me endlessly, but what could I do? I basically didn't exist, my only purpose was to clean after the royals and I hated it. It wasn't fair, why couldn't we just be together? I loved him and he loved me...

But I knew that no matter how hard I tried I would never be accepted. I knew that I would be frowned upon and would cause nothing but dismay to the kingdom if we were to marry. A knot formed in my stomach and my eyes burned. I looked down shamefully as tears threatened to fall, wanting nothing more than to vanish. My fists clenched against my tattered dress as I was about to speak, though he beat me to it. “Don’t be sad.. I hate to see you cry, I know we can’t do much but I promise I’ll find a way.. I always do.” His gentle tone eased my emotions. His fingers gently lifted my chin,making me face him “I hope you know that no matter what, I’ll always love you Persephone.” His expression softened as he stared into my eyes lovingly. The look alone made me crumble beneath his touch. I couldn’t help but finally let my self go.

I sobbed into his arms as he whispered sweet nothings into my ear. Distant voices sounded throughout the alley, all of them being directed to the prince. It was time for him to go and we both knew that.

I gently caressed his cheeks and tiptoed. Our faces just inches apart. I peered into his eyes and frowned slightly.

The voices came closer and I knew that I had only one shot before we got caught. I kissed him. It was so warm. It felt like I was being held in a loving embrace; tears trickled down my cheeks but I payed no mind to them, the only thing that occupied my mind was him.

I pulled away once I heard the voices getting louder. My lip quivered. To my surprise he was crying too. I’ve never seen him so vulnerable before. The sight shattered my heart as I felt guilty, why couldn’t I just be a bit more wealthy or of higher class?

“You should go.” “But I can’t just leave you here, let me at least walk you home.” I shook my head and smiled bitterly “No, just go…please.” He looked at me as I slowly pulled away. “We can make this work..maybe I could convince my parents to let us marry-“ I sighed and glanced behind him, the guards where getting closer by the second. “Just go… I have to be somewhere else,so please just go.” his brows furrowed “what do you mean?” “ ….my mother thought it’s best we never see each other again..so we’re leaving..“ he looked at me, a hurt expression rested on his face. “…when?” “Tonight.” There was a silence between us, neither comfortable or uncomfortable, just a silence.

I started to walk away, not wanting to get caught by the guards. I turned towards him for the final time “I’ll always love you Hades.”

He reached for me but by then it was too late. I was gone.