Chapter 4 Moon Rise "The sun is almost down," Kinshra said. "Meaning that it is almost time." She had been spending the entire morning staying in her room and sitting by the window, watching everyone in the village going about their daily lives. Selling food and resources to the village locals, livestock farmers, shearing wool from the full-sized Vosovrai beasts, the pup children playing close to their homes, and the guards going about their daily guard duties. It was an almost dull moment, having to witness all of it from her bedroom window. She had grown bored with the activities, all except for one event at a house near the castle. A few minutes ago, she had watched two children returning to their home after their mother called for them to come back inside. Kinshra had been fantasizing about having a family of her own lately. But things have not exactly turned out the way they should be for her. Last month, Kenneally had presented his daughter with the soldiers and guards he had chosen by rank. Hoping if any of them would make her eyes change color and glow, but it didn't happen. It is a trait that the Lykahni species have: whenever they see a potential lover, their eyes change color. If the eyes from both Lykahnis change to the color of their moon and start glowing, it would mean that they have found a partner to be with for life. They have tried again about a week ago, but not one member of the kingdom could make her eyes change. Meaning Kinshra would probably never find a suitable partner to be with for life. Kinshra felt disappointed about it. But she knows that someday she will find a suitable husband to spend her entire life with and have children. The clan princess let out a sigh, dreaming about that day to come. "Princess Kinshra?" A voice called to her from behind her, unexpected, and Kinshra flinched a little at the sound of it. She looked back and saw a Lykahni with a maple brown fur color—poking her head around the door—gazing back at her. Kinshra: Oh, Kaira! Kinshra said, sounding surprised by the sudden appearance of Kaira—a helper for the castle and a trusting friend to the princess of the clan. Kaira: Is there something on your mind? You have been staring out the window constantly now, every time you return to the castle. Kinshra cleared her throat and shook her head. Kinshra: It is nothing. She said, turning her head away. Kaira arched a brow at her friend. She could tell by the look on her face that she was lying. She walks into the room with her arms crossed and a sarcastic expression of disbelief on her face. I do not believe you in the slightest, that look said. Kaira: Do not try lying to me, Kinshra. She leans against the wall and keeps pressing Kinshra to tell the truth. Kaira: We have been friends since we were kids and have kept secrets from your dad in the past. So what is going on? Kinshra breathed in, then let out a sigh. Feeling more open now that her friend assured her about keeping personal things from her father. Kinshra: It's just that I've been watching the other families from the village. It has got me daydreaming about what it would be like to be a parent and raise a pup. She then looks out from her window and onto the horizon. Kinshra: And wondering what lies beyond the walls of our kingdom. Ever since my mother died, dad has had me staying by his side and making me stay in the castle whenever the soldiers need him. Kaira: First off, you remember what happened when your father presented you with mates that he chose from the kingdom, right? It didn't turn out well when your father realized your eyes didn't change. Kaira reminded Kinshra before adding. Kaira: And second, your father would surely get furious at you and me if he finds out that you have left your room. I cannot help you out of it if that happens. Your father has become a very strict Lykahni and expects you not to disobey him! Especially now that you are the princess of the clan. Kinshra puts her hand over to one of the painted markings on her cheek, closing her eyes, pensively thinking about her choices. It is a trait among the Wulvbaen clan. Anyone who lives or serves the alpha and their family in the castle gets their faces marked with cosmetics - made from the natural compounds native to Skiarla. Every clan member can choose the color and design of their marks. All except for the gem-shaped marking on Kinshra's forehead, symbolizing her rank as the princess and part of the royal family. Kinshra looked at herself in the mirror, her hand still on the marking on her cheek, then out the window; night had fallen upon the land already, she needed to act soon. Crossing her arms, she let out a sigh, looking back at her long-time friend with a stern face, and said. Kinshra: Father has me staying in the castle for far too long. It's a risk that I'm willing to take, Kaira, to see the world without feeling imprisoned or overshadowed by my father. Just, please - She pleaded with Kaira. Kinshra: Please, don't let my father know what I plan to do. Kaira knows Kinshra is taking a risk going along with her plan and that they'll both be in trouble if Kennelly finds out. But she also knows how stubborn Kinshra can be — there is no way to convince Kinshra to stop. After much consideration, Kaira lets out a sigh before finally saying. Kaira: Okay. Kennelly, the alpha, your dad, is asleep in his room. You better get moving now, but come back safe and sound, okay? Kinshra: I have been taking private lessons before on defending myself. I should be able to take care of myself. Kinshra said with confidence as she grabbed her bag and headed towards the window. She took out a rope that she "borrowed" from the stables, tying it up to the foot of her bed and tossing the other end out the window. After giving the rope a few tugs, she sets one leg out of the window. She looks over at Kaira one more time before heading out. Kinshra: Don't worry, I'll be back before father even notices. I promise. And with that, Kinshra slowly climbs down from the window, landing safely on the ground, and quietly sneaks away. Kaira watches as the shape of the princess disappears into the village as Kinshra makes her way into town. Kaira: Blue moon's luck to you, Kinshra. Kaira said. Kaira: Let's hope you can keep your promise. Kinshra was moving swiftly and silently behind every house and shop to avoid encountering the guards and possibly other residents of the village. Kinshra had a hood over her head to prevent anyone from recognizing her, taking every bit of precaution while making her way. Once she was there, she searched high and low at different wall parts. For the past few days, Kinshra had been studying and memorizing almost the entire aspect of the kingdom. She remembers how many guards would patrol the streets and a ladder at the far side of the wall, where soldiers would climb up for their daily patrol on the walkways. At first, Kinshra hesitated midway. If she gets caught, she thinks about what Kaira said about getting in trouble with her father—Kennelly—if she gets caught, what would he do to the princess if that were the case? He would probably put up a more remarkable restraint than what she's going through. Kinshra knows he means well to protect her from danger like any parent would do to shelter their children. Then again, Kinshra is the more free-spirited type. She would most likely lose her mind for having a much tighter restriction and be more curious about what lies beyond the masonry structure. She would probably become a different princess if she stayed any longer. She soon snaps back to reality when she hears faint footsteps approaching from the east. "It must be a guard on walkway patrolling this side of the wall," her mind said frantically. Making haste, Kinshra spots a nearby stack of wooden barrels and hides behind the pile, waiting for the guard to pass by. Kinshra held her breath while waiting, her heart pounding every time she heard the footsteps growing louder as the guard came closer and closer. The clan princess thought for sure she would get caught and taken to her father for questioning. She covered her mouth and listened carefully to her surroundings, only looking out briefly to see if the guard had left. Kinshra lets out a sigh of relief when she sees that the walkway above is clear. She soon dashes back to the wall to continue her search till, finally, to her joy, she spots the ladder. She hurries on over to it and starts climbing up to the top. Now on the walkway, her last obstacle was how she would safely get over the wall. Fortunately, Kinshra also remembers a large basket that the guards used to give food and supplies to the soldiers when needed. But, for tonight, the princess can use it as a makeshift elevator. She attaches the basket up onto the pulley system's hook, takes her seat, and begins her slow descent as she pulls onto the rope. Once she made it onto the other side, Kinshra got out of the basket and hid it behind a bush before turning around to inspect her surroundings. Kinshra's eyes took a moment to adjust as best they could to the darkness. She can make out some shapes of trees, bushes, and almost the grass in front, a typical setting for a forest. It didn't bother Kinshra much since she was finally outside the castle grounds. She almost wanted to jump and shout, "I did it!" this was a chance for her to, at last, explore the world and see what wonders it can offer for a princess with an adventurous spirit. However, she cannot make a sound right now, or else it would attract unwanted attention. So she made a celebrative hand gesture and quietly let out a "Yes!" like someone of her age would do to express the joy that the plan worked successfully without a flaw. Kinshra takes one more look back at the wall, takes a deep breath, and lets out a quiet sigh. Kinshra: Wish me good luck, my friend. She whispered. Kinshra: I pray dad doesn't find out and punish us both. Afterward, she went off into the forest, ready for whatever Skiarla would offer. Kinshra strolls around the forest, relying on the moonlight and Voliisra fireflies as her guide through the darkness. She was admiring the scenery. She had never thought that the planet could withhold such vast exotic beauty of different flora nor be able to experience them up close. She had only seen these kinds of plants in the flower pots back in the kingdom and never found out about their origin. One particular flower species caught the princess's attention—it was a shrub with roses. Each of them is white with a tint of blue planted under the shadow of a tall oak tree. Kinshra had never seen these kinds before. Upon closer inspection, Kinshra notices these roses are nyctinasty; they are closed up as their way of "sleeping." She counted at least twelve of the matured roses and six buds still developing. Maybe sneaking outside of the castle grounds wasn't such a bad thing after all. Kinshra thought perhaps if Kennelly could somehow see through the reasoning of what he had been holding his daughter away from all this time, then maybe, just maybe, he would finally give Kinshra the freedom she deserves and then probably - She stops when she suddenly hears a noise like someone letting out a set of laughter and chatter from nearby. Kinshra realizes that the noise is heading in her direction; she has to hide right away! The great oak tree seemed to be the only place perfect enough to hide from whatever was coming. She takes a chance and rushes to hide behind the tree just as two anthro wolves arrive. Kinshra can hear them talking as she tries to keep quiet. The thoughts about how Kennelly warned her about another clan wandering upon the lands of Skiarla came to mind. Suddenly, the idea of being adventurous sank away like a rock every moment that passed as the members of the opposite clans kept on talking. Kinshra didn't know what else she could do at that point. She can hope that the members can leave as soon as possible and then get home. Until she heard one of them speak, her body stood perfectly still in shock. "Hey Zar," The voice said. "Do you smell something off in this part of the forest?"