Audacity

"Viola, I-" I saw the fear in his eyes. I bit my tongue to not make the situation any worse. I already dug my grave, even if it was a side effect of whatever was given to me. He put his head between his hands and let out a deep sigh.

"I-I couldn't stop myself," He spoke softly to me. My anger was boiling in my blood, I couldn't hold back completely everything I wanted to say.

"You bought me like property then drugged me because you couldn't stop yourself?" I couldn't help but raise my voice towards the end of my statement. He looked up at me with sad eyes, trying to find any sympathy from me for what he has done. I regained my cold tone, "Get out."

"Viola-" He pleaded with me. It was futile to think he could calm me.

"Get out of here!" I couldn't handle it right now. I couldn't handle HIM. I yelled even though I tried desperately not to as he scurried around me to the door. Before he left he looked at me again and nodded his head at me.

"Goodnight," He spoke so quietly I could barely hear. Afraid to upset me further he got out before I could respond, the best idea he has ever had.

As he shut the door behind him I let out a deep sob. I couldn't help it after the day, even if I was asleep for most of it. He dared tried to drug me only to come in like a knight in shining armor to calm me down. How dare he make himself the hero of his own story at the expense of others! The rage wouldn't leave so matter how many angry tears flowed from my eyes.

As I was crying I realized no one was coming for now. I think he told my ladies to leave me alone for now. Then, I realized he ran out of here so fast there is the smallest chance he forgot to lock my door in the heat of the moment. I went over to the door quiet as a mouse to turn the handle. Unbelievably it opened. I was so astounded it took me a moment to realize the implications of this.

After coming to, I turned around and searched the room for a bag of sorts. I ended up finding a small baggie used for gemstones and gathered all the jewelry around the room I could quickly find. I stuffed it into the bosom of my dress as I put on the most comfortable shoes I could find that was good for going long distances. I had no time to waste. I knew Leo would be coming soon but there was no telling would someone would come to check on me and lock the door back up.

I peered through the crack of the barely open door to check the hallway. There were still some maids and other servants around but soon they all retired to their chambers for the night. The coast seemed clear but I felt it was best to wait a few minutes. When I finally felt comfortable enough to go I checked my window one more time and saw no one was there.

I took a deep breath before taking the opportunity to walk out of my room. Almost there. No one was around as I crept through the hallways with haste but remained as silent as possible. The walls were so high it hurt to look up. I passed through portraits and portraits of previous Emperors and mistresses until I passed where mine was to be hung. I finally made it to the doors as I checked one more time before walking outside.

The night was tranquil with the sounds of crickets in the air. There was no time to enjoy it now though as I went around the building until I found my window and found a hiding spot nearby in the rose bushes. I sat and I waited, staring at the beautiful stars and moon that filled me with hope. Suddenly I heard someone creeping about. I peered through the vegetation and saw it was Leo coming to my window.

For once I was the first to call him. "Leo!" I said, desperately trying to hold back my excitement. He was shocked to see me out but quickly understood as I nodded my head. He came to me and embraced with right away, finally able to feel each other without a wall between us as I snuck in another kiss.

"Show me, where to go. Is it through the north side?" I asked, remembering how the Emperor explained all of the palaces were on a grid. He nodded as we quietly took off in the night.

We managed to make it through the palace by sunrise as we started slowing our running into a brisk walk through the trees. I saw the sun rising to our right, shining brightly on Leo's stunning features as I blushed. He smiled a little at me as he kissed my hand while we talked. Even if we were farther away it was better to be quiet to avoid arousal.

After walking some time more through the endless woods I finally felt comfortable enough to speak again.

"Do you know where we are going? Any particular place in mind?" I asked, starting to feel unsure what I was doing or where was safe.

"No, just as far away as we can get from the emperor. We need to find some kind of town by nightfall, but it is risky to show our faces. Did you bring anything to change into?" He asked, looking at my now dirty nightgown I ran off in. I was embarrassed as I shook my head no. I was not thinking about clothes when I took off earlier.

Surely by now, they have noticed our absence. I picked up the pace a little as I worried about what is to come with our escape. They will not let me go so easily if I mean so much to His Majesty that he wishes to do anything necessary to keep me in his possession. Maybe, if I am lucky, my outburst last night scared him enough to not want me anymore. But something in me nagged that wasn't the case, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it.

We continued on our aimless journey despite the heat shining down on our bodies. My body was aching severely with every step as the excitement from the night bore wore off. It was difficult to continue to move still after waking up so recently that I slowed down despite my best efforts. My stomach was growling as my head started to hurt from the bright sunlight. Finally, in the distance, we could see the top of a few buildings as we made our way to the village. Leo sensed I wouldn't be able to make it to the next and took the risk for me.