You awoke at the sun's rise to see flowers on your bedside table. The flowers were roses colored red, the color of the Isembald household. Beside the bouquet, there was a note. You grabbed the letter and started reading it, your brain processing the words.

My dear,

I have left to discuss matters with the king. His party is tonight, and as we are old friends, he wishes for my help planning. 

You looked beautiful this morning, and I couldn't bear waking up that peaceful face of yours. I will be back later tonight to take you to the party; please be ready by then, so we can make it before the ball ends. 

I will see you tonight.

Sincerely, Bobby

You set the note aside and pulled the covers away from your body. As you dressed for the day, a list of things you needed to do before the ball tonight went through your head. Once ready, you took your coin purse and left the house, leaving Arlutrix in the living room.

   ' I should follow her. But I don't want to get too close to her. If the public sees me walking with her after the last time, they will only think of things negatively. I just need to wait for the rumors to die before I can walk again with her in public and adequately protect her. '

Your steps were fast through the square as you went to various shops, looking for the needed items. A basket, rope, and a traveling bag wouldn't be much. But, everything could be found easily, and when you took the rope, you lied to the shopkeeper, who looked suspiciously at you. The lie worked, and the shopkeeper believed you planned to make crafts with the rope for your future husband. The only thing left was food; you knew where to get it. 

Cecilia and Genevive's house wasn't far from the main square, and you got there in a small run. You hid the rope in the basket before knocking on the door. After knocking, Genevive was the first person to open the door.

   " Y/n! What are you doing here? "

   " I came for some food. I know Cecilia always makes too much food for you both. "

   " Food? Are you in some trouble? "

   " Well, it's not trouble per say, but I'll explain when I'm inside. "

Genevive nodded and opened the door wider, allowing you inside. Immediately you went to the kitchen and started looking through the baked goods and sandwiches that Cecilia had left behind before going to the bakery that morning. 

   " Genevive, I'm running away. "

   " Running away? " She asked, shocked.

   " Yes. I cannot marry Lord Isembart, and with how much gossip goes through this town, I need to leave. "

   " Y/n, are you sure running away is the best option? I mean--I will support anything you do, but I just don't want to lose a friend. "

You stopped packing the basket and looked toward Genevive, who had a sorrowful look on her face. You approached your friend and hugged her tightly, with Genevive squeezing you back.

   " Yes, I need to leave. If I don't, I'll be in a loveless marriage and suffer until I pass. I don't want to marry him, but my mother's will plans the wedding, not mine. If I don't leave Vumaedal I'll be found easily, seeing as Lord Isembart knows the king. You are not losing me, I will certainly come and visit when the time is right, but I need to go for now. "

Genevive didn't speak and nodded her head. She squeezed you once more before helping you pack the basket full of foods and treats that would last you two weeks if proportioned correctly. After filling the basket full, you hugged Genevive again and told her to inform Cecilia of the decision she had made. 

   " I promise I will tell her. Please, have a safe journey where ever you are going. "

   " I will. "

Leaving Genevive, your heart cracked, but you knew you had to go. You wanted to be selfish, to make your own decisions without being pushed to do something else. It was time; you started to stand up for what you wanted. 

When you got to the manor, you made sure to avoid Arlutrix and to walk quickly to the bedroom; you used to start organizing everything and putting your items in place. First, you took the rope out of the basket and hid it underneath the bed's pillows so that no one would find it. Then you placed the basket by the window before going through your closet.

   ' I'll need to wear something underneath the dress or have something ready. '

The box containing the dress was sitting at the top of the closet, and you grabbed it. Looking at the dress again, you realize you couldn't wear anything underneath it.

   ' I'll have to prepare something for when I come back. '

Setting the dress aside, you started going through your dresses to find something that you could quickly move in but not look suspicious when you got to the next town. You found riding boots that you could wear to protect your feet, but the dress part was the problem. There were few dresses to choose from until you found a dress. You took the dress out and grabbed at the fabric. 

   ' This is good enough. '

The top of the dress was white, and it revealed your shoulders. There were thin white straps that went over your shoulder to connect to the back, while the sleeves went down your arm and didn't stick to your arms. The sleeves flared out at your wrists to circle your wrist, but they didn't extend past your wrist. The skirt was your favorite color, loose, flowing down to your midcalves. You set the dress back in the closet with the riding boots and opened the travel bag you had bought.

First, you took anything you had that was valuable and put it in the bag before going to the kitchen. Next, the box of matches was placed near the stove to light the wood underneath it. You took the whole box and then a few logs. The logs filled the bag, and the matches were set on top before you cinched the bag. Finally, you shoved the bag inside the closet, where your dress was, ready to be taken out and worn. 

   ' Everything's in place. I just need to get ready and pretend I'm excited to go to the ball. '

And you did so. You wore the blood-red dress and waited for Lord Isembart to arrive at the house. You sat in the living room waiting for Lord Isembart with Arlutrix in the living room. The man would be driving the carriage to the ball and taking care of Lord Isembart's needs, as well as your own, while the ball preceded. Arlutrix faced the window, leaving his back open to you.

   " How have you been, my lady? " Alrutrix asked, not turning to face you.

   " I have been alright. There is a sickness going around that I am worried about. " You replied.

   " There is? "

   "Two close friends of mine told me today they caught it and would not allow me inside their home, in fear I would get sick. "

It was part of the plan, and if Arlutrix believed it, then you would be free of suspicion.

   " What good friends they are. I would not wish to see my lady in poor health. "

   " Thank you, Arlutrix. How are you? I haven't seen you much lately. "

   " I have been well. There were tasks my master needed to take care of, which were very tiring. I've been recuperating. "

   " Should you really be coming to the ball then? If you are injured or in pain, you must rest. "

   " I am well enough to do as my master asks. "

Arlutrix turned around and faced you. His expression didn't change, but he felt his eyes look at your appearance. The dress wasn't stunning on you, but the way your hair and makeup looked made Arlutrix's eyes do a double take, and his gaze focused on your face. His eyes were focused on yours, and he felt himself being pulled into a trance by your beautifully bright eyes.

   " I will be fine. " Was all he could reply with his throat drying up.

You didn't reply but nodded your head. Soon the door opened to the house, and Lord Isembart opened the door with a smile on his face. 

   " My darling, you look--wonderful! Let us be off, we must hurry, to the ball! "

You heard the hesitance in lord Isembart's voice and knew that the dress didn't look good on your figure. Of course, you knew beforehand, but hearing someone else say it, only confirmed your thoughts. Walking outside, Lord Isembart entered the carriage and sat down, leaving you to enter on your own.

   " My lady. "

Beside you, Arlutrix held his hand out, waiting. You placed your hand in his, and he helped you inside the carriage before shutting the door.