The Princess' Choice

Journey to conquer the darkness part 1

Berke

Emmett followed me obediently since this was what his parents wanted too. I felt bad for Lise but I was confident that I know the cure for Emmett's curse. I went to my room packed a few things and walked directly to Emmett's. He followed me and packed the same items as I did. Honestly, he seemed a little excited and also relieved. With a small smile he turned to me and asked.

- Where are we going? - I put the bag down and sat on his bed. He sat next to me and I sighed.

- I've lost something really important to me. I'm not sure where it is, but a lot depends on finding it.

- What is this exactly? - I grinned at him and swear I saw a light blush.

- Your Highness will know immediately after we find it. - Emmett nodded.

- Fine. When will we depart?

- Take some rest and eat, we are leaving at twilight.

- Okay. - Emmett said and I left him alone in his room to rest. I prepared the horses and also visited the magicians and doctors to fetch a few inevitable items. The Emperor handed me a big bag of gold but I refused to take it, instead I've prepared two small pouches of silver.

- I can't let my son go like this! - he said angrily but Lise held his arm.

- Please trust her daddy! - the Emperor sighed and they left, before Lise disappeared from my view she mouthed.

- Good luck! - after everything was ready, I went to Dave to talk him about our route.

Emmett

I've tried to sleep but the constant nightmares didn't let me rest a lot. Soon twilight came and Sébastien knocked on my door. I grabbed the prepared bag and followed my brother.

- Do you know what is this all about? - I asked and he didn't say a word.

- You act strangely. It might be better for mr to stay. - I said. Sébastien stopped and put both of his hands on my shoulders.

- You must go for our family, for our empire as well.

- I don't get it! If this mission is so high importance why don't we send an army? Also why is everyone keeping secrets from me? - Sébastien hugged me and I gasped. It was such a long time ago when we last hugged each other like this. He whispered.

- Please trust us and do your best. You'll understand everything I promise. - he released me and we continued our way to the gates. Berke was waiting for me with two huge and strong horses. Both of them looked well prepared and packed. I bid farewell to my brother and to our parents who were staring at me from the balcony. Berke looked so different. She wore ridding pants, long sleeved shirt and a long, black, hooded coat. She jumped on her mane and for her sign the side gates opened. I followed her out of the gates into the woods. We rode for a couple of hours before we saw a small town. She avoided the inner and outer city. Our ride was silent until this point. We stopped and she turned to me.

- With all due respect your Highness. I'll call your Highness properly when it is only the two of us, but please allow me to call you by your name when we are not alone. - Berke asked and all I could think about was how my name sounded from her perfect peachy lips.

- You have done that several times already before. Why are you asking for permission now? - she smirked.

- Those were mistakes your Highness a slip of the tongue , but I've been disciplined for those mistakes. - I remembered when Lise said she will punish her and unconsciously I've started to look at her hands and neck to see if there is any injuries. Berke waited for a few seconds and busted out laughing.

- I'm sorry! Yes, Lose told me to be careful with my manners, but I've never been hit or punished in any way by her! - I sighed out loud and that sound cut she silence of the night. Berke suddenly started to laugh again and her laughter became contagious.

- Let's go your Highness, we will stay here for a few hours. There are many things to do before we continue our journey and we have n't got lot of time. - she rode ahead a bit.

- Berke! - she turned around on her horse and in the weak lights coming from the village she looked so peaceful.

- Yes your Highness?

-Just call me by my name all the time. It would be easier for both of us. - she smiled and nodded.

- In this case, come on Emmett! We must find a place to stay till dawn! - she raced her horse and I quickly rode after her. Sher red hair danced freely in the breeze and her smile was so sincere. We arrived to the village and people looked at us with fear first. Berke got down from her horse and walked to a man near.

- Excuse us, we are in a long journey and we are looking for a shelter for tonight. - the man looked at her from head to toe and with a distorted expression he said.

- For the young man we can provide shelter, but you should stay with your own kind! - Berke nodded.

- Fine. Emmett, please follow him and rest.

- What about you? - I asked. There might be more people here with similar conditions as Berke?

- I'll be fine with my own kind. - I shrugged and followed the villager. He led me to a nice and neat hostel. The ground floor was a busy tavern but the rooms upstairs were quiet cozy. Before the owner left I asked.

- Sorry, what did you mean when you told my company that, she should stay with her own kind? - the owner sighed.

- She is not a human young man! If I were you, I'd stay far away from her. - I laughed but he kept looking at me seriously.

- What is she then? - he shook his head and the wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

- Those cat like eyes, hair red like wildfire... She is a monster! This is why she should stay with those like her! - my hands clenched into fists but I kept my calmness. I needed more information.

- Monster?

- The forest is full of them! They come out with the first sunshine! - at the moment he said that, the first rays of sun shined into my room. My heart stopped beating for a moment and my head became numb. I couldn't breath nor move... Berke was outside, in a forest full of monsters, alone.