Her face was covered by a hooded cape; she hung her head as she sat next to the coachmen of the small carriage in tears. She still could not fully understand everything that was going on and now she was with unknown people on unfamiliar roads lined with exotic trees and plants, surrounded by strange creatures she had only read about in her studies. So much had happened in a short time and she was still in a state of shock after hearing her mother's story, but to have her leave the village she grew up in her whole life as if she were a thief in the night. She thought of what would happen to the people of the village, the peaceful little home that she loved full of farmers and merchants. The people after her would eventually go there to search and the village folk would be tortured for information, while she was rushed off to be hidden behind some unknown kingdom's walls. Safe from the hands of her stepmother, but for how long would she have to keep running? How long can the people who sought to protect her succeed in doing so? She thought back on her mother's last words to her.

"You will be heading to Mossca tonight, once there you will be safe. There is an old friend of your parents there that will make sure of it. Remember this you may be the lost princess to many, but to me, you shall always be my daughter. I love you so much, my child."

The tears wouldn't stop falling, she felt so alone. She peeked up out to her side from under her hood and saw an old abandoned well and she remembered she wouldn't be able to keep her promise with Vestin. How many days had it been since they set off towards Mossca? Surely, he'd race around the village in search of her and would feel rejected once he knew for certain she was gone. He would more than likely have dragged Jonic and Tylic with him in his search and they would then tell Bon, who would then tell Alise and Marie. All her beautiful friends will be looking for her and she hadn't told them how much they meant to her.

They had been traveling for days now and she wasn't sure of the distance between the village and the kingdom of Mossca. She started to see lights up ahead of her in the distance and saw that guards on black horses waited just ahead.

"Oh no," she whispered.

A blanket of chilled air wrapped around her body as the carriage moved closer to the guards. She tried hard to hide her face with her hood in hopes they would not notice her. Holding her head down she clutched at her cloak and closed her eyes tight while her heartbeat quickened, and her hands became clammy. She listened to the sound of the horse that pulled the cart forward and the chatter of the people around her as they conversed amongst themselves. A prayer entered her thoughts, and she began whispering it to herself.

"Ancestors of my past, founders of my creation, please watch over us in this hour and protect us from the hands of evil..."

The coachman smiled at her and patted her head.

"Do not fret, child. These men are here to escort you the rest of the way. Riding in a carriage such as this and with such a group as us would bring too much attention to you."

"How can you be sure that they are in fact the ones who you were to meet up with?"

"Because only a few know of this road to begin with. This road is not one well known by the guards of Serenity or its rotten queen."

"I'm told that person is my stepmother. Is she as bad as she is made out to be? I mean besides what my mother has told me, I haven't really heard much about her."

"That is because Velaira made sure you stayed clear of anything that had to do with her. She gave her word to your parents that she'd let no harm come to you and she has put her life on the line to keep said promise."

"Do you know where these men will be taking me? Will they take me all the way to my mother's friend or are there more people I will be passed off to?"

"No, we didn't discuss your destination. Which is for the best should your disappearance lead back to me. The less I know the less I can share."

"Thank you for doing all of this...I am forever grateful to you for your kindness. Should we ever meet again I will repay you for your help in this matter?"

"Well-mannered are you. I see Velaira did a splendid job raising you. Keep your pureness safe, child, and hold on to your innocence for as long as you can. That is my advice to you, princess. It will serve you well when you take back your throne. That is all we wish to see."

Loraz bit her bottom lip and sighed.

"What if I do not want to take back the throne?"

"That is just the fearful voice of a small child speaking right now. In due time you will seek what is rightfully yours and right the wrong that a wrenched woman has done to your people. To your parents."

Loraz looked at the men up ahead and then at the man next to her. She didn't understand why they would go through such lengths to protect her and wondered if she was worth all the trouble, she had caused them.

"We will see."

They reached the guards, and she was helped off the carriage and quickly put on a horse with one of the guards. She was instructed not to let anyone see her face as they rode through town; her hood must stay upon her head until she reached their destination. Looking around at the other men she pulled her hood tighter to cover her hair and face. She peeked up at the guard that she would be riding with.

"What is your name, sir?"

"My name?"

"Yes, am I not allowed to know any of your names?"

"My name is Jeb..."

"Hello, sir, my name is Loraz, you may call me Lo?"

She smiled and his face turned red, and he cleared his throat.

"I think we shouldn't be announcing your name."

"That is why I said you can call me Lo. I am not really used to people calling me princess. It will serve you well to know what to call me should we encounter unwanted attention."

"For someone so young you know how to use your head. Alright, Lo, please keep your head down as we ride through the nearby towns. I will do my best to make sure you get to our destination safely."

Sitting in front of the guard between his arms she pulled her hood over her face more and looked down at her hands. She placed her head against his chest and let out a small yawn.

"How much longer will we travel before we reach it?"

Jeb stiffened up and looked down at the small princess. He wanted to protect her even more as she rested against his chest. Maybe because they weren't far in age is why his captain chose him for the mission at hand. He thought it was weird for sixteen years old to be asked to join a mission with six other guards who held far more experience than he. Now it all made sense as to what his purpose there was. He was to give the young princess someone to relate to.

"We should reach it by nightfall by tomorrow if we hurry. We will not be stopping for any breaks so please hold tight."

"Do you mind if I sleep for a while? I normally don't travel, and the long ride has drained me of a lot of energy."

"I will wake you when we have arrived."

She peeked up at him and he smiled at her; she became calm at the sight of his warm smile. She didn't know why but she felt she could at least trust this person even if it was just for the moment.

"Thank you, Jeb. I will be sure to repay your kindness as well."

She closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.