Nyala: Flames of Frostvale
chapter 1
Nyala
(looking in the mirror) I can't believe Father would force me into this... marriage.
(Takes a deep breath) I need leave... but where would I even go?
Mara
My lady, your father is expecting you in the Great Hall.
Nyala
(Sighs) I know, Mara. I just… need a moment. (Glances out the window)
Mara
(Steps closer, her voice soft with concern) Nyala, you’ve always been strong. But this marriage… Do you really think it’s what’s best for you?
Nyala
(Shakes her head) No, Mara. It’s what’s best for Father. Marrying Prince Joffrey will secure our family’s future… at least that’s what he thinks. But Joffrey… he’s cruel, Mara. Everyone knows it.
(Looks down at her hands) I can’t live that life. I’d rather… leave.
Mara
(Eyes widen in surprise) Leave? Where would you go?
Nyala
The North. Frostvale. They say the kingdom is cold, but it is the only place my father won’t come.
Mara
(Frowns, worried) The North is dangerous, Nyala. And you’d be running into the unknown. But… if that’s what you want, I’ll help you. Whatever you need, I’ll be by your side.
Nyala
(Smiles faintly, touched by Mara’s loyalty) Thank you, Mara. I don’t have much time. I’ll need a horse, supplies… and a plan.
Mara
(Nods resolutely) I’ll make the arrangements. But… what will you tell your father?
Nyala
(Sighs again, this time with resolve) Nothing. By the time he realizes I’m gone, I’ll be far away. Tonight, we escape.
(Stands up, determination in her eyes) Let’s go, Mara. We have a long night ahead of us.
Great Hall - Later that Night]
Lord kofi
(Sitting at the head of the table, impatiently tapping his fingers) Where is Nyala? She’s late.
servant
(Bows nervously) I will fetch her at once, my lord. (Quickly exits the hall)
servant
(Enters the room, looks around, confused) Lady Nyala?
(Notices the open window and the absence of Nyala and Mara) Oh no…
[Outside the Castle - Midnight]
Nyala
(Riding through the dark forest, Mara beside her) We have to move faster. If they find out we’re gone, they’ll send men after us.
Mara
(Nods, urging her horse to speed up) We’ll be out of Ardiel’s borders by dawn, my lady. We can rest once we’re safe.
Nyala
(Looks ahead into the darkness, her heart pounding) I hope you’re right. I just need to make it to Frostvale… and then, maybe, I’ll be free.
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