THE ESCAPE

Freda's POV

As we continued to shop for dresses, I couldn't help but let my mind wander, on the true reason why I had suggested taking a trip to town to shop for dresses. Trust me, I was actually in need of dresses. I mean, a proper girl would never be in a single piece of clothing for two days. I felt dirty.

But looking at the bigger picture, my true objective was escape. Yes, I was trying to find a way to ditch Valthrun. I didn't know how, I didn't have much of a plan but I just wanted to leave. It was a wild, desperate play but I just couldn't see myself confined to that castle any longer.

The truth was, I was starting to have genuine feelings for Damien. And no, not because of the matebond but actual feelings. He wasn't the monster I had initially thought him to be. His protection and kindness managed to stir something within me but I still felt like a prisoner, forced to be something that she wasn't.

I glanced back at Captain Volkov. He was the only thing stopping me from escaping. His eye's were trained on me, determined not to let me out of my sight. Still. I had to find a way to slip past him, but how? Every move I made was under his scrutiny and I wasn't exactly trained in the art of escape.

“What are you doing there you mutt. Get your filthy hands off that dress.” A harsh voice snapped me back to reality and I turned, staring at a tall and thin vampires walking towards me with a vengeful gaze.

“Behave yourself Vastrus.” A growl escaped Volkov’s throat and he stepped In Front of me.

“Ca..captain Volkov. What brings you here?” Vastrus stammered as he halted in his tracks.

“I am her guard.” He pointed at me. “It would be in your best interest to follow her orders.”

“O-of course , Caption. My apologies.” He gave a stiff bow but I could see it in his eyes. The malice and hatred buried within them.

“Thank you. We're just looking for a few dresses.” I forced a smile and tried to hide my unease.

“Certainly, I am the shopkeeper. Allow me to assist you personally.” Vastrus said and led the way towards a part of the store.

As he began to show us more gowns, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every vampire in the store seemed to have their eyes on me, curious and hostile gazes that sent shivers down my spine. I needed to find a way out fast but Volkov's attention made it seem near to impossible.

I glanced at Christie at the side. Could I trust her to help me? I mean she was my friend but I didn't think she'd take the news of my escape kindly. I just needed to bide my time and wait for the right moment.

By now, Christie had a pile of clothes on her arms ready for purchase. I wanted to stretch this shopping and I didn't care if I had to burn all the money I had.

“Are these enough your Majesty?” Christie asked.

*Oh, no. Let's keep looking.” I shook my head and we continued walking through the aisles.

“Perhaps this one?” Christie suggested, pointing at a beautiful sapphire gown. I nodded absently, my mind still racing with plans and possibilities.

“Yes that's lovely. I’ll try it on.”

Just as I reached for the dress, another grabbed it. My heart sank as I looked up and saw Verestina. Seriously, could this day get any worse?

Damien's psychotic Ex widened her eye's when she realized who I was and without hesitation or even so much as a simple greeting, she screamed in the top of her voice, attracting the attention of every vampire in the store and lunged for me with intense bloodlust.

I closed my eyes, fully expecting to be killed but Captain Volkov stepped in front of me, blocking her path. “What are you doing Verestina? This is the King's mate. You will show some respect.”

He might as well be talking to an animal because she wasn't listening at all. Her eye's was blazing in fury as she struggled against Volkov's hold.

“This fucking hybrid doesn't deserve to be here! She deserves death, death by my hands! Let go of my, you common guard.” She screamed, her nails elongated into sharp claws which she used to scratch Volkov.

“Stand down, Miss Verestina, you are causing a scene.” Verestina held her back but it was taking everything he had to just block her. He couldn't hurt her as she was a member of higher nobility.

The other vampires in the store stopped to watch the commotion and I had never felt as trapped as I was. This was even worse that the situation at the castle.

“You think you can replace me? You think you are worthy of Damien? I will kill you and get him back!” She hissed like the viper that she was.

And then, a flash of inspiration hit me. There wasn't a better time to escape than now. Volkov was preoccupied, Christie’s attention were fixed on the scene. It was perfect. The conditions were in place.

Without think twice, I turned around and ran towards the entrance of fhe store. My target was the carriage.

“Your majesty, wait!” Christie screamed from behind but I zoned her out and didn't stop.

I reached the carriage in record time and hopped on the driver's seat. I had no idea how to ride a freaking carriage so I had to learn on the spot.

“Go go.” I grabbed the reins and urged the horses, praying they would move quickly. To my relief, they started galloping and I glanced back to see Christie emerging from the store.
I had to act fast if I wanted to make this a successful escape. Captain Volkov could catch up to me but before he could do that, I needed a place to hide, somewhere he wouldn't think to look but where?