Her laughter slows. With a shrug, she goes back to brushing my hair.
“I shouldn’t have asked.” I drop my chin into my hand.
The girl passes me a sympathetic look. It doesn’t make me feel any better, but it’s nice to know that someone cares. Even if that someone has two horns and isn’t entirely human.
Guilt burrows inside me. “I didn’t mean to imply you were a monster earlier.”
The girl glances at me.
“I mean… unless you don’t mind being called a monster. I suppose I wouldn’t mind being called human by a monster, since that’s what I am,” I think out loud. “Do you call yourself a monster?”
The girl shakes her head, chuckling.
“Oh, sorry then.” I wince. “I’ve just never… I mean, I’ve never left the palace before and Father doesn’t like us talking to people outside of our family.” She watches me curiously as I chew my lip. “I suppose it doesn’t matter now. Whatever Father’s been hiding from us all these years, I’ll find it out soon enough.”When I run away from here, but I keep that last part to myself.
A hand squeezes my shoulder, and I lift my head to find her watching me, concerned.
“I’ll be alright. I’m just nervous.” I drop my gaze to the wooden desk. “Not because of you, obviously. It’s just scary being practically ripped from your family. I had no warning, either. One moment I was in a ballet lesson and now I’m here.” My voice wobbles. “And I’m fairly certain my father will never speak to me again.” Not that I would’ve wanted him to. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Our relationship has always been complicated, but he’s still my dad.
Though I suppose not anymore.
My new friend rubs my shoulder, sadness tugging at her brow.
“Thank you for being so kind,” I tell her.
The girl just smiles sadly and helps me undress. Before I know it, I’m tucked between the bedsheets and she’s blowing out the candle.
I wait until her breaths are slow and even before slipping out of my bed and tiptoeing across the room. Moonlight spills onto the floor from the tiny window. It’s just light enough for me to slip on my dance gown and loop the ribbons of my pointe shoes over my neck before creeping over to it.
The handle is a little tricky, but I manage to pry the window open without too much squeaking. Then, after a small hop and many silent swears, I squeeze through the window and land ungracefully onto the grass outside.
With shaking hands, I pull the window shut behind me. If I squint, I can just about see my handmaid’s sleeping outline on her bed.
I really hope she isn’t punished when she finds my bed empty in the morning. She’s as sweet as Eden, and I’d never want her to get in trouble because of me.
After slipping on my dance shoes, I turn to face the forest. Somehow, it’s even darker than I remembered. The warm candlelight that once came from the inn has long since been doused, leaving the only source of light coming from the moon.
And of course it’s now hidden by a thick, looming cloud.
My knees wobble. It’s alright. I just need to find the stable. My legs move for me, padding across the grass. Everything will be alright once I get to the stable. Just need to?—
A twig snaps and I yelp, smacking a hand over my mouth. My head whips around, but I see nothing but trees. Endless trees and a?—
My body freezes.
Between a few oaks, not far from the inn, is a tall, cream-coloured horse walking slowly towards me.
“Angel?” I gasp.
But it isn’t Angel. His velvety flank is the same colour as hers, and his mane is long and full, just like his swishing tail. Little red flowers decorate his head, and there’s a saddle and bridle already secured on his strong body.
I reach forward to stroke his nose. He huffs gratefully.
“Are you real?” I breathe. I must be dreaming. I must’ve fallen asleep while waiting for my handmaid to drift off. “You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”
The horse nuzzles against my hand as if pleased.
“Will you take me home?” I whisper.
