Dragons dipped and dove overhead as I began my journey. They were searching for me, I knew. My father sent his military to hunt me down. Again.

But I would not get caught this time. Hiking my bag to a more comfortable position on my shoulder, I held my skirt as I walked. The mist rolled in, creating an eerie scene before me. I didn’t there there was any danger, despite how wildly my heart thumped in my chest. As long as I stayed near the trees and out of sight from the threat overhead, I would be safe.

I’d traveled these roads once before, and the countless hours of research I’d poured into escaping the castle told me that this was the safest option. Away from the cities and towns of people who wanted my head, and away from the woodland creatures that wanted my blood for their rituals.

What I didn’t count on, was _other travelers_.

He was simply walking in the other direction. Emerging from the mist with a large horse in tow, the man did nothing, said nothing, as we passed each other. But I saw the recognition in his eyes, the wheels in his brain turning as he realized who I was. The princess of Orin, stumbling down this smooth path, away from the dragons in search of her.

He did a double take, stopping short. The horse stopped with him. I knew I was made.

Bunching my skirts tighter, I walked faster. Maybe he would be so concerned about his wares that he would not try to follow me. I didn’t dare look over my shoulder, continuing on my journey. I was simply out for a walk.

If he thought to say something, he didn’t. Maybe he would go to the gates and tell the guards, but by then I would be long gone. Moments that felt like hours had passed, but in reality the silence only lasted several seconds. I heard the clomp of the horse start moving again, its huffs getting quieter as we walked away from each other.

That was close.