The soft sound of chirping birds reached Reese’s ears as she felt herself slowly lift out of a state of sleep. Her neck felt stiff as it had been propped up against a bag all night. Ever so slowly, she sat up, letting the silky soft cape slip off her body as she attempted to stretch her neck out. Reese winced painfully, feeling the tense muscle slowly relax. Afterwards, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands before taking a moment to look at her surroundings.

“Oh, that’s right…” she muttered to herself, letting a yawn pass her lips.

The events of last night were fresh in her mind as her eyes flickered to the dark blue cape laid across her lap. Reese barely managed to make it into a room, all she had to do was tend to a man’s injuries. If that hooded man hadn't stepped in when he did, who knows what would have happened to her, or her hairpin.

Reese wasn’t sure of how to feel about the man- his personality was stiff and harsh. However, the man’s companion seemed to be more friendly and welcoming.

The princess shook her head furiously, not caring is her brain rattled inside her skull. It doesn’t matter, she won’t remain in their care for much longer. As soon as she thanks the two for their hospitality, she can continue on her way, where ever that was.

“You’re awake?” a stiff voice called, snapping Reese out of her thoughts.

Reese turned her head, meeting the eyes of the capeless man. She shuddered under his cold gaze as he freely leaned back against the inn wall, arms crossed over his chest. The young woman took her gaze away from his, looking down at her dirt covered dress. She didn’t like him, not one bit.

“Now now SeokJin, stop patronizing the young miss,” a different voice objected, sound much more relaxed.

Reese recognized the voice as the man she tended to last night. He hobbled over to his friend before playfully shooing him away. The other man sighed before retreating to a different room.

“Sorry about my friend once again,” he apologized, limping towards the princess before taking a seat in front of her.

Reese shook her head, having the courage to look at his face. She was greeted by a gentle smile, tiny butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.
“It’s alright,” Reese spoke in a quiet voice.
The man chuckled softly, admiring the light blush across her cheeks.
“What’s your name miss?” he asked politely. “I’m Taehyung.”
Reese gulped as his name reached her ears.
“T-Taehyung…? Prince Taehyung?” she thought to herself in a panic.

Where she was finally dawned on her. Reese was in Ardarwien, a kingdom known for being on bad terms with her own. In her effort to escape, she hadn’t realized which borders she crossed. Her position was not in her favour, she was a rabbit sitting in the paw of a cougar. No matter what, Reese couldn’t reveal who she was, she needed to remain as a traveller.

However, before a fake name could pass her lips, the man named SeokJin burst into the room in a panic.

Taehyung stood up in a hurry, turning to face his friend. A hard frown tugging on his mouth.

“They found us, huh?” the prince scoffed.

Turning back to Reese, he latched his fingers around her wrist before lifting her up.

“Sorry, but you need to come with us,” he spoke quickly. “They’ve seen you with us, they’ll hurt you.”
“What?!” Reese exclaimed, her eyes widening. “But-”

It was too late for objection, she was already being pulled towards the door. The other man swiftly threw his cloak back onto Reese, covering her face with the hood.

“That black and white horse outside is yours right?” SeokJin called from behind, as he threw the bag she was laying on over his shoulder. “He’s with our horses, so you’ll have to follow us!”