I moved quickly. I packed my clothes in my suitcase and said my goodbyes to my mices before going to the living room.
"Aha, are you really leaving, you fool?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow when she noticed the luggage I carry.
I didn't respond to her and continued walking. I'd rather die on the streets than continue to be used by this family as a slave.
I heard Anastasia scoff. "Good luck. Let's see if you can survive a day out there on your own."
Still, I didn’t answer her. Instead, I left the house and started walking aimlessly.
To be honest, I didn't know if I'd survive. But, well, I had to give it a try. I could say what was in my heart, without holding back.
I just want a home.
"Even just a small space would be enough," I muttered to myself as I walked with no destination in mind.
Wherever my feet would take me was fine, but I didn't expect to end up where my journey led me.
A soft laugh escaped my lips when I realized where I had arrived. I was back in the woods on the way to the palace. It seemed that my parents wanted to see me again, so they brought me here.
"It feels like I just said I'd be back earlier." I couldn't help but smile.
I looked behind me and realized how far I had come during my pondering. A little more walking, and I would reach the palace.
I decided to stop there. It would be futile to go any further since I no longer had the medallion with me, and I knew they wouldn't let me in without it.
But where would I find a home in a place like this? Maybe I would end up finding a forest troll's house! Should I just go back?
"It's too far." I shook my head. I looked up at the sky and prayed to my parents, if they were listening. "Please, help me find a place to stay for the night. Even a small one will do," I earnestly prayed.
I continued to walk while glancing around, looking for any sign that my parents had heard my prayer, but nothing came up. There was no house in sight, and the rain was about to pour.
It soon started pouring heavily. It was frustrating! Even if it wasn't a house, any shelter would do!
I walked at a brisk pace while searching for any place to take refuge. The surroundings were dense, and it was all trees. Why did I end up here? I couldn't help but blame myself!
"Ouch, damn it!" I grumbled when I tripped over a fallen tree.
My load was heavy, and so was my breathing, but I couldn't stop. If I died from the cold, it would be as if I had proven Elizabeth and her daughters right. I couldn't accept that!
I found it challenging to keep my eyes open due to the relentless rain, but I continued to search for some shelter.  
Finally, I succeeded. I almost screamed when I spotted a small house in the woods.
“Who would live in a place like this?” I muttered, confused.
It was puzzling. Still, I pushed my thoughts aside and stopped in my tracks. I need to survive the night.
The house was small, and there was a single light on. Although it seemed abandoned, I thought it would provide some shelter for me, even if it was just for the night.
I didn't hesitate any longer. I ran towards it and knocked on the door. "Hello? Is there anyone here?"
No one answered. I pushed the door, and it turned out it wasn't locked. The rain was getting stronger, and it felt like the heavens were tempting me to do something wrong and enter the place uninvited.
No, I'm a good person.
"Hello?" I called out again, but just like before, there was no response.
That was my signal to enter. Once I stepped inside, I winced. The foul smell registered in my nose immediately.
The smell of... a corpse.
"It's just a rat. Calm down," I convinced myself. I laughed forcibly while slapping both my cheeks. "I'll endure it, even though it stinks."
I collapsed on the sofa, and I almost choked when dust flew around. I wanted to leave, but the rain had intensified.
I suddenly started reflecting on my life choices. Was it the right decision to come here? Moreover, I wasn't sure I could bear that smell. Should I just clean it up?
I stood up and walked around to locate the source of the putrid smell. With each step, I could feel my heart beating faster.
"I can do this. I can do this," I repeatedly whispered to myself as if performing a ritual.
I am strong. That's what I've always told myself ever since Dad left me with Elizabeth. Being on my own, I had to keep myself prepared.
I was deep in thought when I stumbled upon something... or someone.
"Ahhh!" I screamed loudly and sat down on the floor. Who wouldn't if you were greeted by a bloody foot?
I was so scared that I immediately recoiled, bumping into the table, which caused a picture frame to fall. I hadn't noticed it before. What if a ghost was living in this house?
"S-Sorry! I'm just trying to seek shelter!" I sobbed.
I was sure now. A restless spirit was haunting me! It was my fault because I just barged into a stranger's house. What else could I do? There was nowhere else to seek shelter here!
"I-I promise, I'll leave as soon as the rain stops!"
I quickly picked up the picture frame, intending to put it back on the table, hoping the ghost would forgive me if I did so. But I didn't expect to find whose picture was inside.
"Mom?" I furrowed my brows in confusion.
It was a photo that Dad took of Mom before they went to the palace. I remembered it well because I had been searching for Mom's picture for a long time. She looked so beautiful in it, simple and innocent.
But why was it here?
"Oh my fucking horse!”
I was snapped out of my thoughts as I felt something pass behind me. I quickly turned around, and the hair on my neck stood on end when I saw no one there.
I jumped in surprise when I felt something pass behind me again. I turned around rapidly, the hair on my neck bristling, only to see no one there.
I couldn't take it anymore. I had to get out of there before my fear got the best of me!
I was about to walk over to get my suitcase when I looked back to the side of the sofa. The feet were gone, but the shoes remained, still bearing traces of blood.
"What are you doing here?" Someone suddenly spoke from behind me, causing me to jump in shock.
"Damn it!" I cursed and then scowled at the person behind me. "You again? Are you following me?"
He was the one who had given me the medallion earlier. Did this house belong to him?
The man waved his hand in front of me, bringing me back to reality. "Feel free to dream, but not with me. You're not my type." He said it with an icy and serious tone, which annoyed me.
"Is this your house? Why are you trying to kick me out?" I raised an eyebrow.
Maybe we were both just lost, and he was acting like he owned the place. Who did he think he was?
"Yes, why?" He replied without hesitation. "Do you have a problem with that?"
Was it his? Why was my mom's picture here? Did he know what had really happened to my parents?
But wait, damn it, as time went on, I noticed that the foul smell was growing stronger.
"Can't you smell the stench?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder.
He turned his head and looked at me as if what I had said was crazy. Didn't he smell the stench of the corpse? Or maybe I was the one being haunted here?
"Are you sure it stinks?" He inquired before crinkling his forehead. Slowly, a grin appeared on his lips. "Maybe it's just your own smell."
What did he say?
"For your information, I shower every day!" I blurted out, leaning closer to him. I locked eyes with him in a challenging manner, but at this moment, I wanted to look away.
He was just too handsome! He looked even more handsome in person than in my dreams!
I felt a bit embarrassed, so I was about to take a step back, but he didn't allow that to happen. With one hand, he gripped my waist. I couldn't understand why my heart suddenly started racing because of that.
"Yes, indeed, you shower every day," he said in a teasing manner before gently sniffing my neck. “You smell nice. So nice. . .”
In our current position, I could hear the loud thumping of his heart. Was that because of me?
"Your highness.”
I quickly pushed the guy in front of me when one of the guards entered. It would be troublesome if he got the wrong idea, especially since the beloved prince was in front of me—Wait, what was he saying?!