You've chosen to follow the horse trail! If this isn't the decision you wanted, feel free to return to Chapter 12.
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The story you are reading was written by Jay, or TheBroadwayJay.

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Roman sighed and nodded to himself.

It would be a safer route if he took one that he knew by heart - he had only been lucky that one time to have happened upon Virgil, and not a beast.

"A new start, yes?" He murmured to the mare who whinnied in response. "I haven't been beyond these woods, dear, but I'm sure the knights have taken you farther... so I must advice that you pick a path," He sighed. "Find the nearest village."

A small snort from the horse was heard and she picked up pace down the trail.

Roman smiled to himself as he felt the wind in his hair and the scent of the forest in his nose.

Freedom truly did feel astounding... no more royal duties, no more pressure, no more marriage...

He could rest for the night and find Virgil in the morning.

The thought of the woodland nymph sent him laughing heartily into the evening air.

He could spend the rest of his waking days with the lad if he so pleased, and it was that simple! It was that - !

A hiss came from the woods and Roman felt the steed below him bustle to a halt. "Hold steady, girl..."

The horse began to trot backwards, only for another hiss to come from behind.

Roman began to panic.

"You shhhant be here, prince..." A hissing voice came from the trees beside Roman and he looked around in a panic.

"You've a wedding to attend..." Another hiss from the prince's other side.

"Show yourself!" Roman growled.

"Assss you wissshhh."

What looked to be several dozen snakes and serpents alike, slithered from the bushes.

Roman's mount reared up and knocked Roman clean off, cantering towards the kingdom at full speed.

"Wait!" Roman pleaded -  but it was too late -

He faced the serpents around him who closed in on him.

"You ssssshhhhant be here, prince..."

"It'ssssss not ssssafe..."

"You ssssshhhhant..."

Roman looked around and made the mistake of locking eyes with one of the snakes.

Their gold eyes seemed to flicker enticingly... Roman found himself obsessed with them and their movement and...

The same before him seemed to grin. "You sssshhhhalll return to the wedding, Prince..."

Roman mumbled a repeat of the sentence with a slow nod.

"Believing that thisssss is what you want..."

"I want... this..." Roman nodded again.

"For your kingdom, prince, for your kingdom..."

"For my... kingdom..."

"For your people," The snake before him hissed encouragingly.

"For my... my people..."

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What is your choice?

Your Heart - Go to Chapter 12

Your People - Go to Chapter 14