The Imprisoned Princess

Adelaide

I began climbing up a particularly tall tree. I can see the two guards getting closer, they can’t climb through. I reach the last thick branch and nestle myself safely within a small hollow between two branches and the trunk. Resting my head back against the rough bark, I allow tears to steak down my cheeks. I don’t like people seeing me cry, I don’t like showing weakness.

The last three weeks have been hard. It started as dreams and now it’s firmly in my memories. I didn’t realise my family had noticed my behaviour, it was normal for me to train daily... I had just extended the hours a little... OK, a lot. But the more I trained the less I had the energy to remember. Which was how I like it. At least my family has no idea. Wade mentioned sleep talking... but I’m sure it was just mutters that no-one could understand.

I can just imagine the look on father’s face if he ever finds out... he’d be so disappointed in me. He always said I need to save myself for my mate. I had to be pure or my mate may reject me which for a princess would be dishonourable. I know Wade’s my mate... he’ll reject me in an instant as soon as he finds out. My stomach knotted knowing he would walk away. Everyone will be so ashamed of me. My brother won’t touch me, my mother will cry and be unable to be in the same room as me. My father will never talk to me ever again.

I stifle the sob into my fist. I’m damaged and I’m not worthy of my title. I’m not worthy of a mate. I’m not worthy of a family. I look up to the green leaves. The shining sun mocking me with its yellow happiness. I look down, my guards aren’t looking. How far up am I? thirty foot? Nah... the fall won’t kill me. I wonder if I can make it to the next tree... If I climb away I can run... then I’ll never have to experience my family’s disgust at their only daughter.

I shiver although I’m not cold. I eye up the branch of the other tree but I doubt I can do it silently... maybe I’ll wait until dark, slip from the palace. I know all the hiding spots. I nod to myself, I’ll be a rogue.

’You can’t be a rogue, your eyes give you away.'

‘I’ll find the humans... I’ll be a human,’

‘Running away won’t solve anything,’ she reasons

‘Yes it will. It’ll solve everything... they can’t disown me if I’m already gone.’

‘They’ll understand, you couldn’t help it.’

‘You mean you couldn’t help it, I was conscious I should have killed him on the spot.’ My wolf whimpers with my words. She can’t have an opinion, she wasn’t there. It didn’t happen to her.

After a few hours, the sun begins to set between the trees. I haven’t moved, my arse is numb but I don’t care. “Princess, your father wants you,” Malcolm shouts. I had shut my mind link off, I didn’t want to speak to anyone. “Oh well,” I reply coldly. I don’t want to see them, it’s better if I detach from them now... be easier later. I shift slightly on my branch instant pins and needles shoot up my legs. I grunted slightly at the discomfort.

“You two can go... I’m sleeping up here tonight!” I shout down to the probably bored and stiff guards. “Can’t do that Princess, you know our orders,” Gary replies.

“No-one’s going to hurt me up here, no-one can get up here,” I try to sound reasonable like it makes sense to leave me. “If you can, someone else may. We have to keep you safe,” Gary again. I huff, yeah like I’m ever going to be safe again. I rub my face trying to think of another tactic.

“Can you get me something to eat... I’m sure you’re both hungry,” I shout down.

“You can come down and get food princess,” Gary responds

“Yeah... but I want food in my tree,” I sound like brat... ah well.

“Sorry princess we can’t leave you,” Malcolm this time.

“Fuck sake,” I mutter to myself, “You two are stubborn!” I shout down.

“Just as stubborn as you Princess," they say together. I fold my arms, frustrated they won’t just leave me alone. I’m only going to run away... that’s not their fault. “Your father’s on his way! I’d come down before he gets here!”

“He can come and get me himself,” I retort childishly... knowing father can’t climb trees to this height.

A few moments later I can smell Wade, then I hear my father “Adelaide Elsbeth Francis Hunterson, get out of that tree now!” his voice a growl that many would submit too... but I’m feeling too stubborn. I pretend I didn’t hear him as I look up to the few stars appearing. “Adelaide...” his growl louder and angrier, he’s not using his Alpha voice... so I don’t have to do anything. “I will get Jesse, he’ll carry you out of that tree whether you want to or not.”

“Get Jesse, I don’t care.” Another growl shows I’m annoying him... good he won’t care when I leave.

“Adelaide, can you come down?” Wade spoke this time. My wolf tugs at me wanting me to go to him. I ignore her whining, he’ll reject me. She needs to get used to that fact. Father and Wade continue to demand I come down. They try everything they can think of... I know because eventually, they’re silent.

I hear someone climbing the tree, but if it’s Wade he’s foolish, he demonstrated his tree-climbing abilities and they were severely lacking. I close my eyes knowing no-one can get to me.

“Dely,” a voice says in front of me. My eyes snap open, Jesse’s stood on the branch I’m nestled on.

“Fuck off.”

“Please tell me what’s going on, you’re not alone. Everyone cares about you,” his voice a stark contrast to my snap. He continues “And between you and me I think your dad's about to have coronary,” he chuckles.

I shrug, “I can’t tell you. You’ll hate me... you’ll wish me dead... I know I do.” I rest my head back again, I don’t much care anymore. And I know it’s the truth.

“Oh, Dely. No-one does or ever will wish you dead. Please.” He approaches me and sits opposite me, his legs dangling either side of mine. “Tell me what’s in your head. I know something terrible happened. You just need to let me in.” I shake my head, feeling the tears rising in my eyes.

Then... they’re gone. My body relaxes and I feel... nothing.