The Unloved Daughter

~Nyx~

Life had been pretty uneventful, I tend to my regular day to day chores. My father hasn't asked me to attend any events. Which makes me happy because I'm sure he'd love for me to mess up again. It's almost sickening how much he enjoys punishing me. Since I had the rest of the day off I took a walk in the woods near the manor. It was my favorite thing to do, I came to a small brook. I sat down at the base of an oak taking in the nature smells around me. Thoughts of the crowned prince filled my mind, why was I even thinking about him. Duchess Von Keem is to be his wife and he would be insane to break off that engagement just for me. I sighed and let my mind wander off in a fantasy land where everything was better.

I awoke some time later to the sound of a horse neighing near by. I guess I had fallen asleep daydreaming about a future that would never exist. It was dusk and getting darker. I better hurry back I thought before it gets to dark. I was walking along the same path I had taken many times. I was strolling through the darkening woods taking in the cool air, it was refreshing to get away. I heard a low growl to my left to which I turned to see a Dyre Wolf, these wolves were mercilessly large and vicious. I froze in place, unsure whether to run or hold my ground. Either or would surely end in my demise. I breathed out a fearful shaky breath as the wolf stepped his large paw toward me. He licked his chomps in a slow menacing manner. We were face to face, I could smell the odor of blood from his mouth as he breathed out. The wolf's eyes were a deep green emerald. I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest as I held my breath.

Just as I thought the wolf would attack me he padded away leaving me in a heap of shot nerves. My legs gave out as I violently shook from the event that just took place. How come he didn't attack me, and why get so close and just walk away. Maybe he felt pity for me, but there's no way he knew what I was going through. The horses I heard earlier got closer, they must be hunting that wolf. The Dyre wolves were rare due to over hunting, and this one was exceptionally rare since it was the same color as the snow.

The men came up to me in confusion, and the leader of their tirade stepped off his horse to walk closer to me.

"Miss, it's not safe in these woods, why are you out here at such an hour?" The man questioned me.

I looked up to his tall stature and realized he was handsome. He had fair skin with silvery blue hair. His eyes were a pretty hazel with more light green than browns. He cleared his throat pulling me from admiring him.

"Umm..I-I.." I fidgeted nervously as I came up with an answer. "..was taking a walk to the nearby brook. I fell asleep and awoke as it was getting dark." I blurted out quickly. I felt like I was a mouse trapped by a cat.

I stood up, my legs were still a little shaky and weak up I tried my best to look natural. "I'm sorry, I'll hurry back now." I bowed and turned headed off, he grabbed my arm, which he would have never done if I looked like an actual noble and not a grimy maid.

"Let go of me!" I shouted while trying to pull away.He chuckled, "Do you know who I am?" he asked with a smirk. I shook my head no because of course I didn't. He sighed and smirked cockily "What a surprise, I thought all the girls knew who I was," He let go and stepped into a curt bow "I am Duke Liam Von Keem." My eyes widened, if he recognizes me, I'm done for.

He cocked his head to the side in wonder "This is where you introduce yourself, even commoner and maids know that." He stated plainly.

"I'm Sara," I lied and curtsied again. He smiled sweetly "That's better, may we escort you Sara?" He asked. I shook my head, "No your grace, it's not much further, and I don't want to take up your time." He sighed kind of sad like, what does he have to he sad about?

"Very well Miss Sara, hurry and and be safe." He bid me good by with sadness in his eyes. What is with these men meeting me once and being love struck.