Princess Runs Outside

[IsabellaRose]

You make your choice in an instant. The door at the end of the hall. Every instinct screams that the quickest way out is straight ahead, no hesitation. You sprint forward, feet pounding against the stone floor, breath ragged in your throat. The ruined hallway stretches before you, littered with shattered furniture, torn banners, and broken weapons. The air is thick with the smell of ash, blood, and something burning. Behind you, the knight is still coming. His boots thunder against the stairs, his laughter rolling through the corridor like a predator toying with his prey.

"Run, little princess. Run faster."

You don't look back. You slam your shoulder into the heavy wooden doors at the end of the hall, and they burst open, spilling you into the day outside. The cool air hits your skin, and for the briefest moment, you think you’ve made it. You’re free. Then you see them.

Soldiers. A dozen of them, waiting just beyond the steps, their armor gleaming under the moonlight. Their surcoats bear the sigil of House Edrington, the golden lion standing proud against a field of deep blue.

You skid to a halt, your breath freezing in your throat. Too many. Too well-armed.

One of them spots you first, his eyes widening. "The princess!" he shouts. The others turn. Swords are drawn as they close in, and behind you, the knight still closing in.

You're trapped. Your mind races, thinking through possibilities as you quickly look around. The soldiers move in.

• If you want to jump from the stairs and down the sloping side of the castle toward the gardens, through the hedge maze, and lose them in the forest beyond, click here. <link forthcoming>
• If you want to try to get down the stairs and head right toward the stables, hoping there’s still a horse left and ride your way to freedom, click here. <link forthcoming>
• If you surrender to the group of soldiers and throw yourself on their mercy, click here. <link forthcoming>