Fateful Night II

Should Jen sound the alarm the guards, the palace gates shall be sealed shut, leaving her with no avenue of escape. 

How dire the situation shall be! Once her escape is brought to the attention of Queen Celestine, she shall be subject to the most severe of punishments - a punishment so grave that mere survival would be considered a stroke of luck.

"I couldn't lie to you, Jen. Yes … I'm running away." 

"But why?"

"I feel like I don't belong here and that I have to leave and see the world out there and find a place where I truly belong."

"You belong in Amerysse, Princess Serenity. This is your Kingdom and one day you will be the Queen."

Serenity shook her head firmly. "No, Jen. I don't see myself fit to rule this mighty kingdom, and I certainly don't have what it takes to be the queen. I never wanted to be one."

"It's your fate, Princess. You will be Queen whether you want it or not."

"Should my fate be so inclined, I shall humbly acquiesce to the whims of destiny. However, for the present moment I should go and figure out myself. Don't try to convince me to stay here because I won't. Leaving the palace was the first time I did a good deed for myself."

"I understand that things may be tough right now, but running away may not be the best solution. There are people who care about you and want to help. Let's talk about what's going on and find a way to make things better for you."

"No. I made up my mind and I won't change my decisions."

"It's a cruel world out there, Princess Serenity. There are plenty of greedy and vile creatures there. They could hurt you… Break you… It's a long winding road full of rocks and thorns.."

"I did not expect the path to be strewn with roses and devoid of thorns. Of course, it won't be easy for me."

"You will never be safe in the hands of men."

"Likewise, they aren't safe with me. Have you forgotten I'm a monster? Men and women alike fear me."

"You are not a monster, Princess. Please bear that in mind. You are a paragon of gentleness and humility. You hold your fate and don't let anyone's judgment cloud your opinion about yourself."

"You've always been kind and good to me, Jen. How deeply touched I am by your concern for my well-being! However, I am resolute in my determination to confront whatever fate may have in store for me, rather than languish in the confines of the palace for all eternity."

With a gentle and graceful gait, Jen traversed the space that lay between them, her movements as delicate as a feather drifting in the wind. 

"The horrors that await beyond the palace walls are far more terrifying than anything you could ever imagine within its confines. In the darkness lurked vampires thirsty for blood, beasts with razor-sharp claws, magical entities with a thirst for violence. Once they lay their eyes on you, there will be no escape from their grasp."

Serenity heaved a sigh. "If I would always fear what's ahead then how would I see the good that awaits me? My life is never easy, I know that, but I would rather spread my wings and break them in the process than deprive myself of the chance to explore the world."

Serenity humbly lowered herself to the ground, her delicate knees making contact with its icy surface. With a resolute gaze, she lifted her eyes to meet the unwavering eyes of her devoted servant.

"Please give me this chance to be happy even for a short while. I will protect myself, I promise."

"Pray tell, if I were to decline, would you stay?" Jen inquired, Serenity did answer with a gentle sway of her head, conveying her response.

A resigned sigh escaped from the servant's lips. "There's nothing I could do then. I could see that you made up your mind. All I have to say is please be safe on your journey, Princess Serenity.

Overjoyed, Serenity gracefully bounded towards the servant, enveloping her in a warm embrace. Jen had been one of the few who had bestowed her with kindness and affection. 

"I will be forever grateful to you, Jen. May the heavens above shower you with blessings and may your kindness be repaid a thousandfold."

"May the heavens guide you, Princess Serenity."

With a final, graceful gesture, she lifted her head to meet Jen's gaze, gracing her with a soft, tender smile that conveyed a depth of gratitude beyond words before finally making her way to the gate.