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ᴏᴜᴛsɪᴅᴇʀ
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So this is what it's really like on the other side, I though to myself. I closed the gate behind me and carefully ran down the white rounded stairs. I quickened my pace as I heard loud cheering.

"Wait!"
I muttered to myself as if they'd suddenly stop.

I rushed past the fountain and through the last gate. I needed to get to the South end of the town. It's less crowded, and my parents wont be able to see me from there.

"Sorry."
I yelled over my shoulder, as I
almost crashed into an older man and
his wife. They gave me dirty look as
I continued to run towards the noise.

"Pardon me, sorry—
I squeezed past standing bodies, trying to
make my way to the smaller part of the village.
I could still see everything from there.

I slowed down as I glanced around the town. It looked just as I imagined. Sanded buildings and small fruit markets. It was simple and beautiful at the same time.

Very few people on this side, however, were actually watching for the King and Queen. In fact, they were knitting clothes and working outside. I never knew how poor my towns people were. I've been living with so many privileges, that I never took a second to think about those without any.

I watched the children as they ran barefoot, letting the brown dirt cover the soles of their feet. I noticed their mothers trying to cook a meal over a small fire while trying to keep an eye on their children.

why doesn't my father help these people. He has enough wealth for all of them to live. I had so many questions but only so little knowledge about my people.

I quickly lifted my hood after the wind blew it back, panting as I looked around to see if anyone noticed. It's a good thing they didn't. No one has necessarily seen me, but it was still a risk for young women to walk through the town alone.

"Watch where you step."
One man yelled as I nearly squashed
his pet turtle. I apologized in a low
voice, quickly walking away.

A hand grabbed onto my wrist, harshly pulling me back. I yanked my hand back and looked at the man who dared to touch me. His clothes were torn and his blonde hair looked as if it hasn't been washed in weeks.

"What's a pretty lady like
you doing out here alone?"
He mockingly grinned as he circled around me.

"I-I live here."
I nervously looked around to see if
there was anyone who could possibly
help me. I spotted another young
looking boy chopping through wood.

"Help!"
I frantically called out,
getting him to turn around.

He dropped the ax and slowly limped towards me and the man. I smiled as he came closer, about to thank him for answering to her call, when he suddenly stood beside the other man.

"Y-You know each other?"
I asked, slowly inching away.

"Yeah."
He slightly tilted his head.
"You got a problem with that?"

"Stay back."
I yelled as the sandy blonde inched towards me.
"I'm warning you both."

They both looked at each other before breaking into laughter. The other man chuckled before raising his brows.

"What are you gonna do." 
He pushed me back
until I hit the blonde's body.

"I'll report you to my
father and have you hung."
I yelled as powerfully as I ever have.

"I'd like to see you try."
He tested me as his hand grabbed my arm.

"I order you to release me now."
I stood my ground, fearless of them both.

"Who are you to give me orders?"
He pointed at his chest, clearly offended.

"Daughter of King Elies, princess Alana."
I remarked, pulling the
black hoodie off my head.

Another man sitting nearby heard, and listened carefully to our conversation. He watched me stand in front of the two men, who doubted me once again.

"You're no princess."
The boy spat, continuing to circle me.
"You're an impostor!"

"I would never lie about such a thing."
I yelled, walking closer to the pale boy.

"Hey!"
He yelled as he reached for my neck.
"Watch who you're talking to, you peasant."

He pulled his hand back, about to strike me in the face.

"Yoongi, let her go."
The boy sitting on the edge of the stairs
came forward, brushing the sand
off his torn pants.

He dropped me onto the floor, letting my clothes sink in the dirt. The man had dark black hair that sat on his forehead. His face and arms were covered in bruises and scratches.

"We're just having a little fun."
Yoongi shrugged his shoulders
as the other boy approached him.

"Leave her alone, both of you."
He spat, shooing them away.

It was a brief moment before he looked down at me, roughly pulling me up by my arms.

"Let me get you out of
here princess. It's not safe."
He told me while grabbing my wrist.
He tugged me along with him, almost
causing me to tumble over.

"W-where are we going?"
I asked as he pulled me
through random trails.

He didn't say anything after that. Maybe he was tired from the long walk. He seemed to know exactly where he was taking me as he led me underground, and down narrow wooden stairs. I followed him in silence, ready to thank him later.

His hand left my arm, and I hissed at the red mark. I glanced around the dimmed room, and noticed a pile of rope on the wooden table. I wiped the dripping mud off my arms and looked into the eyes of the man who saved me.

"Thank you for being so kind to help me."
I quickly bowed, waiting for
him to return the gesture.

Instead, he glared at me for a couple seconds, and then averted his eyes to the thick rope. I gulped as my hands felt the wall behind me. I slowly inched to the side, eyeing the stairs that lead out of this dark cave.

"It was nice of you to help me,
but i'm afraid I have to go now."
I tried to smile, but was overcome
with fear and anxiety.

I stumbled into the brown table beside me, knocking his belongings onto the floor.

"I-I'm sorry."
I reached for the book, but dropped
it when I saw three sharp knives underneath it.

"You're not going anywhere princess."

I looked back to see him holding the rope and a knife in his hands.