A Dawn So Dark (Blood Bound #1)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Aurora Artorias

D ozens of drunken men of the Duke stumbled about the makeshift camp. It spanned around a third of the castle to boast that he indeed possessed an army. Just not a remarkably impressive one. I swallowed hard and lowered my head as if I were a servant. Scurrying through the crowds, I kept my head low and my cloak lower. Men made drunken comments, trying to lure me their way. My heart pounds against my chest as I weave through the hordes of drunks. To my advantage, my father had sent down enough women from the brothels to be able to sate their aggressions, though it did not stop the swiping and grabbing of my cloak. I swatted the hands away and pushed through the crowd as quickly as I could.

So close. I was nearly there. I would vanish into a small village and wait until I could one day return and cut my father down, claim the kingdom and the grail .

Right as the stables entered my line of sight, I was knocked into a tree, forcefully being held against the rough bark. My head ached from the harsh impact, the bark digging into my flesh. The cool air hit my legs as my skirts were being hiked above my waist. I screamed, kicking back at the man. This was not happening . “Unhand me!” No, oh please no.

A grime covered hand placed itself over my mouth, silencing me. I gagged at the stench as I continued to thrash and fight against the man. I heard his pants drop, sending me into a panic. My cloak was tossed over my shoulder and my bodice was promptly cut down the back, the blade digging into my skin. The hand muffled my screams as I felt him grope at my bare skin, my breasts, my thighs, my rear. Tears fell down my cheeks as I realized there was little chance of escaping this awful fate. Fight, Aurora, Fight! I started to thrash even harder when suddenly, the man crumbled to the ground in an unceremonious lump. I quickly covered myself as I realized the stable boy had knocked the man in the head with a horse shoe. “Oh gods!” I cried in relief, pulling my cloak around me tightly as I hurried away from the unconscious drunk. “Are you alright, Your Majesty?” I nodded through my tears, grabbing his elbow and pulling him towards the stables. I had to be okay until I was free of this hell. I had a few short moments before the Duke's men alerted the guards that it was me fleeing for the stables. “Thank you for the timely rescue, Miles. I need my horse now!”

“It is the dead of night, Princess. Do you have an escort?” I shook off his worry and opened Mel's stable door, my horse since childhood. “I won’t be needing an escort where I am going.”

“Where are you going, My Lady?” he asked as he saddled up my horse.

I swiftly mounted, as one of the best riders in the kingdom, I had no doubt my escape would be successful if I wasn't followed. Though I had not been allowed to ride in nearly two years. “I am unsure, Miles , but far at the very least. Thank you for coming to my rescue, I hope we meet again one day. Please tell no one of my presence here tonight. Tell the Duke's men I rode towards the coast, heading for the trade port if questioned.”

I was interrupted by the shouts of men rallying, now likely heading for the horses as the alarm horn sounded, signaling the entire kingdom of my escape. Miles opened the gate for me and Mel bolted out of the stables. I kicked her hind leg, urging her forwards, towards the woods. The sounds of at least two dozen men behind me sent adrenaline pulsing through my veins. A fate worse than almost losing my virtue against a tree would find me if I let the Duke's men catch me . I knew the Knights would not be able to deploy in time to catch up to me, though I am sure they would attempt to track me come dawn.

“Do not let the Duke’s betrothed escape!” a voice sounded a hundred yards back. It was as if Mel knew we were escaping as she picked up the pace herself. Tree branches tore at my dress and skin, the wind stinging the cuts as we continued through the darkness, my hair a tangle of leaves and twigs. I had no idea how long I rode, but the night had turned pitch black. Only the light of the moon guiding us. I knew Mel was growing tired as we tore through the trees. “Come on darling, just a bit further.” No clue where we were going, but I had to get as far as humanly possible from the capital. Suddenly, arrows flew towards me. The men must have realized they couldn't catch up to me on horseback. An arrow tore through my cloak, terrifying me as I flicked the reins harder, praying that we could make it far enough that they would turn back. My hopes were shattered when a wave of arrows pierced Mel’s hind leg, bucking me off forwards as she collapsed to the ground. I fell to the forest floor with a harsh thud, rolling a few times. Splinters and rocks cut my arms from fingertips to elbows, shredding the sleeves of my gown. I ignored the pain and turned to my beloved horse as another arrow struck her as she lay there. Tears fell down my face upon seeing the light leave my beloved horse's eyes . My sweet Mel. I knew I was next if I didn't run and quickly . I ran. Tree limbs grabbing at me as I headed towards the thicker, darker part of the forest, knowing horses would not be able to follow. My slippers pounded against the brush as I pushed through briars and thistles, my heart hammering in my chest. The sounds of the hunting hounds sent fear shooting down my spine, as this meant the search party had grown. I was fucked .

I came upon a crossroads that forced me to a halt. A sign pointed to the King's Road while the other road had no sign. The other led into a dense, overgrown path with vines devouring the trail. I knew if I took the King’s Road I would be quickly discovered and returned to Camelot. Upon hearing the howling dogs of the Knights, I took off running down the unmarked path. I pushed through the thick brush, praying a clearing would provide me with a moment of rest. Another hour of running passed before I entered a clearing. I couldn't breathe, my ears rang. I didn't know where I was or how far behind the Knights were, but I knew I could go no further. A shout sounded in the distance, the glow of firelight dancing through the trees. Had I been found? I pushed through the brush, keeping low in case it was my father’s men. I nearly let out a sob when I saw a lively tavern, bustling with dozens of drunken people. Perfect, a town. No one would ever remember that they had seen me if guards asked any questions. I wrapped my cloak around me, pulling its hood down to hide my face. It was likely no one would recognize me so far from the city, but being a woman traveling on her own would draw attention I did not need with the Duke's men on my heels .