Zhanna and Vika ran tirelessly into the forest. After some time, they decided to rest before continuing their journey.
"My princess… Zhanna, what's our next move?" Vika asked as they sat in a cave-like structure to rest.
"To be honest, I really don't know. I'm just happy I'm free from my stepmother's clutches," Zhanna said, lying down on the sack.
Vika facepalmed. Zhanna was unbelievable. She had followed Zhanna's instructions, and now this was where it got them.
"What if the queen comes looking for us?" Vika asked.
"I didn't think about that… but don't worry. We'll come up with something before then," Zhanna shrugged and closed her eyes. She was too tired to think.
"Ah!" Vika exclaimed softly. Zhanna was truly unbelievable. Vika felt she should be the one making decisions since she was the older one, but she didn't dare say that out loud. What if Zhanna decided to kill her here? Or what if she was secretly working with the queen, planning to trick Vika into calling her by name, only to get her executed when they were found and returned to the castle? Maybe that's why she wasn't concerned about being found.
She needed to act fast.
At that moment, Vika realized they were in a training ground. There was equipment scattered around and a signboard that read "Training Ground." If this is a training ground, Vika reasoned, then there must be people nearby who could show us the way to a village.
She began walking around, searching for a tent or cottage. Luckily, she spotted a tent. After rehearsing what she would say, she gathered her courage, stood at the entrance, and called out, "Hello? Anyone there?"
A young man poked his head out. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"I---I want to work here… as a maid," Vika stammered.
The man rolled his eyes and retreated into the tent.
"Wait! Kind sir, I beg of you. My brother and I are lost in this forest and have nowhere to spend the night. Perhaps we could lodge here until daybreak and pay with labor," Vika pleaded, hoping he'd show mercy.
Another man stepped out of the tent---and he was gorgeous.
"You may stay the night with us. Where is your brother? It's not safe for a woman to be alone in the woods at this hour."
Vika rushed back to wake Zhanna. She had forgotten to wear her wig, which was why she had been recognized as a girl.
"My princess, Zhanna, I've found a place we can stay for the night. Get up," Vika said, gently tapping her.
It took a moment, but Zhanna finally rose. They headed for the tent together.
"I told them you're my brother," Vika said meekly, bracing for a scolding.
"It's fine," Zhanna replied, brushing it off as they continued walking.
Vika didn't realize it yet, but she was starting to look at Zhanna in a different light---with a warmer gaze. Maybe she's different from the other royals...
"You're her brother?" the handsome man asked, eyeing Zhanna's slim figure.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Zhanna shot back.
The young man simply shook his head and led them into the tent, showing them where they'd be sleeping for the night. Vika marched in with pride, following closely behind Zhanna. As she passed the man who had earlier been rude, she flicked her hair with confidence.
***
[Shura's P.O.V.]
"Do we really have to accommodate them?" Kazmir asked me.
"They'll be gone by morning. Besides, look at them---do they look like they'd survive alone in this forest at night?" I replied. It didn't hurt to be kind.
"Right now, they're the least of our problems. I heard from one of Boris's messengers that his bride is missing."
"No way," Kazmir chuckled. "I bet he's furious by now."
***
And indeed, Boris was. That very night, he departed for Koldunova under his mother's orders, and his carriage didn't stop for anything. They arrived in Koldunova a few hours before mid-afternoon the next day.
Fortunately, Queen Darya had already caught wind of Boris's unexpected visit and had quickly arranged for a substitute bride.
"Mother, I don't want to marry… him," Ulyana said in protest, standing in her chambers.
"I don't want you to marry him either, but this is only temporary. Once we find Zhanna, you'll come back home. Now hurry, my child. The wedding ceremony awaits," Queen Kira said before leaving the room.
Ulyana stomped her feet and grumbled, "It's not fair!"
***
Meanwhile...
Zhanna and Vika woke up the next morning and offered to wash the dishes as thanks for the breakfast they were served---it was the least they could do.
While cleaning, Zhanna overheard the men talking about returning to Volkorod once their mission was complete.
Volkorod! she gasped inwardly. That's where we're headed!
She quickly told Vika her plan.
"To be honest, we need to sit down and think this through," Vika said. "I thought we were just running away from the castle to start a new life. I think we should stick to that. Let's leave revenge behind… violence isn't always the answer."
"A lot of lives will be at risk if Boris becomes king. I know his plans---to conquer kingdoms and become the most powerful ruler alive. Vika, I know what's coming, and since I do, I can't rest until everyone is safe from his rule," Zhanna explained.
"You're mainly doing this for revenge, right?" Vika asked.
"Totally," Zhanna replied.
Vika had no idea what it felt like to be used---and not just discarded---but nearly killed. Zhanna had sworn to make Boris pay, and she was a woman of her word.
"Excuse me, kind sir," Zhanna approached the man who had let them stay the night before.
"My name is Shura. Aren't you supposed to be gone already?" Shura asked.
"Well, yes… but I heard you're heading in the same direction as us---my sister and me---to Volkorod," Zhanna said, hoping he'd take the hint.
"So you want to overstay your welcome?" Shura asked, cleaning his sword.
"I was only asking. No need to be rude. It's not like I can't kill you, take over your squad, and still make it to Volkorod," Zhanna replied coolly.
Shura chuckled lightly. "You don't know me," he said and began to walk away.
"Oh, I do know you. You're just a coward, leading a bunch of chickens who call themselves men and can't even fight!" Zhanna called out.
Everyone around them tensed in shock.
Shura suddenly turned. He was frowning deeply, a cold aura radiating from him.
"You want to fight? Then let's fight. First one to draw blood wins," he said, drawing his sword.
"If I win, my sister and I stay here and go back with you to Koldunova," Zhanna said. She was confident---after all, she'd fought in her previous life and killed many men.
"This should be easy… right?" she asked Vika, who stood beside her, trembling.
Vika was terrified. Is this how we die...?