“Sir, she ran to the forest. I followed her along a stream until she met with a young boy named Noah. His winged fox identified me, and I fled as not to get caught. I lost her, sir. But, I believe she will come back to the cave Noah is staying at when the need arises. It is the only one for miles. The cold will draw her back to him.”

“Good job, #327. Watch those two closely.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If either of them step foot in any of the marketplaces, I will have them arrested, so you must tell me what this Noah looks like.”

“Yes, sir. Noah has purple hair and aqua eyes, stands to about my shoulder. I assume his height is around 5'4. As for age, he's around fourteen, give or take a year. When I saw him, his clothes were torn and raggedy. He must have lived in that cave for years.”

“Thank you, #327. Please report the details to #423 and tell #163 and 248 to post agents around the marketplaces. We must find her as soon as possible, if I am to take the throne.”

“Yes, sir.” Agent #327 placed a fist against their left shoulder and bowed slightly before marching out the door. Rayburn groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“That girl... She should have accepted her duty like everyone else. It's not like I would have put a hand on her or made her carry an heir.” Rayburn shivered, the mere thought of sleeping with the princess horrifying him. “No, that's what adoption is for. Although, it would take a lot of convincing on our part to make him or her King in the eyes of the people.” Rayburn opened the middle drawer in his desk, pulling out a letter. His eyes scanned the words sprawled across it until landing on the last two sentences.

'Duty calls, but I will always love you. Don't forget me as you change the world, and I won't you.'

The words repeated in Rayburn's mind, bringing a frown to his lips as he recalled the past. Sneaking behind the large columns lining the corridors. Kissing under the castle bridge. Sweet whispers tickling his ear. Rayburn shoved the letter back in the drawer, making sure not to crease it in his frustration.

The past is the past. We can never be together.

Rayburn stood up from his chair and exited his room, refusing to let useless memories drown him in sorrow. He wandered the castle corridors, greeting the staff as they passed.

No, I need to forget you. If I can't find that stupid girl, our departure will mean nothing. My misery will mean nothing.

~

As the morning rays cast through the breaks in the trees, Enya wiped the sleep from her eyes and climbed down the tree she slept in. Her legs, still half-asleep, carried her over to the stream. Enya splashed some water on her face.

Shivering, Enya looked around the forest and thought, Maybe now would be a good time to find the nearest marketplace. Enya stood up and walked along the stream, hoping it would lead her out of the forest.

After walking for most of the day, Enya stopped hearing animal noises and instead, the cheerful voices of her people rang around the forest. Enya was close to the edge.

A few more steps, and I'll be with other humans. It's already late, though. Should I wait until morning? Enya shook her head. No, the approaching night will disguise me, at least a little. If Father has posted any guards, the darkness will shelter me. Enya sauntered out of the forest's opening.

Before her, cute, little stalls lined the streets as far as her eyes could manage. Commoners hid under tiny tarps topping the stalls, the heat getting to them. Sweat dripped down their faces, but despite the scorching heat, each one carried a smile. They talked with their neighbors. They talked with their customers. They talked to anyone who passed by, seeming to not mind their uncomfortable situations.

Enya strolled up to the closest, saying, “Hello. Can you tell me if there is anyone who sells clothing? Shoes, in particular?” The woman's gaze lit up at Enya's words.

“Oh, yes! I sell slightly used clothing for young girls, such as yourself.” The woman grabbed a box under her stall and plopped it on top. “Have a look, if you like.”

With skillful hands, Enya dug through the clothes. Her fingers told her of each garment's life expectancy. Enya found many tattered shirts too used to be worn again, and those that weren't would only last another month or so.

Enya thanked the woman and moved to the next stall, asking the same question. The man showed her another box of raggedy clothes incapable of being worn. Enya moved on.

After browsing through five stalls, Enya sighed to herself, I didn't want to wear them, but I guess the two suits I stole will have to do for now.

Enya headed back towards the entrance of the forest, flinching as a hand grabbed her shoulder. She quickly spun around, bringing her fists up to her chest for defense.