THE CABIN AND THE PRINCESS

**BERTHA POV**

My heart thumped as I stepped out of the carriage and onto the doorstep of the cabin. When the young man walked in at the bar, I just thought he was a young man in need of assistance, but when a group of Lendorr guards burst through the door, they have been monitoring the area for days, looking for something or someone like hungry wolves ready to attack. When I saw the panic in the young man’s eyes, I realized he was in real danger and decided to help. He gently pulled back his hood, revealing the features of a beautiful woman and that she is the princess for that matter. I felt a sense of shock and awe wash over me.

“Y-you are the princess. King Michel’s daughter?” my voice trembled as I asked the question, my hands clasped together in a gesture of prayer.

Alivia’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she gave a slight nod of affirmation. My mind was racing as I realized that I was in the presence of royalty. The King of werewolf’s daughter. I did not know what to do, what to say, so I just kept quiet and looked down at the ground in a gesture of respect.

Marcus opened the heavy wooden door to his cabin and welcomed us inside. The warmth of the fire and the comfort of the cabin was a welcome relief after hours of danger and uncertainty on our journey. He invited us to take a seat by the fireplace, and I sank into one of the plush armchairs with a sigh.

As my eyes roamed the room, taking in the details of my new surroundings, I couldn’t help but think about how drastically my life had changed in such a short period of time. I had gone from an ordinary bartender to a guest in the presence of royalty, and I could not help but feel humbled by the experience.

After speaking with Marcus for a while, the carriage driver and I decided to go to rest. I was jolted out of my deep sleep by an urgent bladder, forcing me down the stairs and towards the bathroom. As I passed by the drawing room, I heard a familiar voice. It was Alivia, and she was telling Marcus her story. Her voice was thick with emotion, and even though I could not see her face I could feel the pain radiating from her. The injustice of it made my skin crawl and brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to go to her, to offer her some small comfort, but I didn’t want to intrude on their moment. So, I began to tiptoe away, my heart heavy with sadness. But before I left, I took one last glance at Marcus and Alivia, I could see him from where I stood – his face full of compassion, his eyes filled with empathy and understanding – and in that moment something shifted in me. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if Alivia was ever going to recover from the traumas she had endured, it was going to take all of us coming together to help her through it. With that thought in mind, I returned to my bed and eventually drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

The morning sun filled the cabin with warmth, and I could feel the excitement building within me as I made my way downstairs. As I approached the table, the sweet aroma of steaming tea filled my nose, and there sat Alivia, looking poised and regal despite the fatigue in her eyes. I could not help but feel a little intimidated by her presence, but her warm smile put me at ease.

"Good morning, Bertha," she greeted me, and I couldn't help but notice the hint of fatigue in her voice. "How are you feeling today?"

I gave her a curt nod and took a seat at the table, my gloved hands busy with the clasps of my cloak. "Good morning, Your Highness. I am doing well, thank you for asking."

As I poured myself a cup of tea, I noticed the carriage driver making his way downstairs. I gestured for him to join us, and we sat there sipping our tea, the porcelain cups clinking softly against the saucers.

"Bertha," Alivia said, catching my attention. "You can just call me Alivia - I was hoping to ask for your assistance once again."

I felt a surge of anticipation within me, wondering what it was that she needed my help with. "Alivia?" I said, a hint of surprise in my voice. "Of course. What can I do for you?"

"I want to go to Silver Oak," she said, her conviction growing stronger with each passing moment.

My eyes widened at her request, clearly taken aback. "Silver Oak? That is quite a journey from here. If you do not mind me asking, why do you need to go there?"

"I want to pursue my passion for art, just like my father did," she explained, her determination shining through. "I want to continue his legacy and make a name for myself as an artist."

I looked at her for a moment, a faint smile playing on my lips. After hearing Alivia’s conversation with Marcus I was determined to help her “I see. Well, if that is what you wish, I can take you there.”

“Thank you, Bertha,” she said gratefully. “I truly appreciate your help.”

“It’s my pleasure, Alivia,” I replied, giving me a small nod. “Let’s get ready and start our journey to Silver Oak.”

I could see the excitement and nervousness evident on Alivia’s face and I could not help but smile. She was embarking on a new adventure, one that would take me away from the familiar comfort into a world of unknowns. I could only hope that this journey will make her into a powerful Queen that will rid this world of its suffering.

She grabbed her father’s journal and I glanced down at it in her hand, its worn cover and faded pages. She held it close to her chest before rushing off to get ready.

When Alivia came back downstairs I was waiting for her at the bottom, her eyes shining with anticipation. She was dressed in her traveling cloak, and a small bag was strapped to her back.

“Alivia,” I said with a curtsy. “Are you ready for our journey?”

“Yes, I am. Thank you for coming with me.” She replied with a small smile.

I smiled back and took her hand. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I said.

Alivia walked over to Marcus, who was sitting by the fireplace, sipping his coffee. She took a deep breath, clearly emotional that she will have to say goodbye to him after seeing him after a very long time.
“Marcus,” she said, “I have to go now. I have to start my journey to Silver Oak and follow my father’s footsteps.”

Marcus put down his coffee cup and stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I understand, Alivia. Your father would be proud of you for pursuing your passion. I am proud of you too.”

“Thank you, Marcus. You have been such a great friend to my father and now to me. I will miss this place and I will miss you.” She said, tears starting to form in her eyes.

Marcus gave her a hug and said, “You will always have a place to come back to here, Alivia. And I will always be here for you.”

I decided to step outside and give them their privacy to say their goodbyes. When I stepped outside the carriage driver was already there inspecting the horses and the carriage.

“Is everything all set?” I asked him.

“Yes ma’am, the horses are fed and I check the wheels of the carriage everything looks good” He says, and I nod.
Alivia steps outside and Marcus stands by the door, she looks at me and I smiled “Let’s go, Your Highness.” And then, with a deep breath, Alivia turned back and gave Marcus a wave before rushing towards the carriage and jumping in.