Chapter 3 A Plan Of Escape

As the carriage rolled along, Diana thoughts swirled with fear and doubt. The closer they got to the community, the more her resolve began to falter. What had she been thinking, to believe she could face this man - this dark, cruel Master - and come out unscathed? Her sense of bravery was giving way to a rising tide of dread.

Her mind raced as she thought about what the night might bring. The very idea made her shiver with fear and disgust. She refused to consider the possibility that the Master might expect anything from her - there was no way she would submit to his desires.

As the carriage drew ever closer to the towering gates of the community, Diana's heart raced faster and faster. She tried to calm her nerves, telling herself that she could do this - but the fear and anxiety only grew as they approached the entrance.

She was overwhelmed by panic. The anxiety she felt was becoming unbearable. All she wanted to do was run, to escape from this carriage and this terrible fate that awaited her.

"Stop the carriage!" she cried, her voice shaking with terror.

The driver pulled hard on the reins, and the horses slowed to a halt.

The curtains of the carriage were flung open, and Diana found herself face-to-face with a grim faced guard.

"My princess," he said. "Is everything alright?"

"I just..." Diana stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I need...I need to ease myself. I can't continue without doing so. I'm too...I'm just too press." She scratched at the back of her neck, her fingers trembling.

The guard looked uncertain. "But there's no... there's no facilities here, Your Highness. You can't..."

"It's fine!" Diana blurted out. "I can... I can go in the woods, behind those trees. I promise you won't see anything." She forced a smile, and the guard reluctantly nodded his assent.

She stepped down from the carriage, being careful not to trip on her long dress. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she bolted for the trees.

The bushes provided an ideal cover for her escape. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "I'm so sorry," she said, turning to the guard. "But I just can't go through with this." Before the guard could respond, she turned and dashed into the trees, leaving the carriage and her future behind.

She ran as fast as she could, ignoring the branches that scraped at her face and arms. Her only thought was to get away, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the life she had known.

"Stop! The princess is escaping!" one of the horsemen yelled, and two guards gave chase.

"Princess Diana! Stop!" they shouted, but she ran as fast as her heavy gown would allow.

Her heart pounded in her chest and she could barely breathe, but she ran with all her strength. She heard the guards' heavy footsteps behind her, and she knew she couldn't outrun them.

They caught her, grabbing her waist and holding her tight.

"Let me go!" Diana cried out, thrashing against the guards' hold. But it was no use - their grip was firm, and she couldn't break free.

"Princess Diana, stop this at once!" one of the guards said sternly. "Do you really want to bring shame upon yourself and your family?"

"Please, my Princess. We need to return to the carriage. I don't want to see you get into any trouble, but this behavior is unacceptable." The guard's tone was firm but not unkind.

Diana's defiance turned to sullen resignation and her shoulders slumped. She followed the guard back to the carriage without another word. Inside, she sat with her head bowed, silent and ashamed.

"Damn it! My plan failed! Why didn't i run faster, huh? I should've run faster. Oh Diana! You're so doomed!"

No other stops were made until the carriage reached the grand estate belonging to the mysterious man. Diana gazed in wonder at the lavish building before her. Its imposing facade, adorned with marble statues and ornate carvings, seemed more like a palace than a home. She wondered what manner of man could live in such opulence.

"Please follow me, Princess Diana," the guard said, gesturing towards the entrance. Diana fell into step behind him, trying to keep her composure as they approached the mansion. She felt like a prisoner, being led to her fate, and her heart beat faster with each step.

As they walked through the courtyard, Diana couldn't help but look around in wonder. The grounds were immaculately kept, and the lush gardens were filled with blooming flowers. In the distance, she could see a group of men practicing with swords, their movements swift and graceful. Diana shivered, imagining the blade of a sword slicing through the air towards her.

Just when she thought she couldn't be more amazed, they entered a hallway and it's unlike anything she had ever seen.

"Hold on - where are we heading to?" She asked, quickening her steps to catch up to the guard.

"We're heading to the Master's chambers," he replied, his voice betraying no emotion.

Diana's heart skipped a beat. " Am I going to meet the man himself? Isn't it too early?" The thought filled her with a mix of curiosity and dread.

"But - but why?" she stammered, aware of how foolish she must sound.

The guard glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You must undergo the marriage rites this very morning," he said, his expression remaining inscrutable.

As they kept walking, the maids bowed Diana as she passed by. She had become accustomed to this type of deference since arriving at the palace, but it still felt strange and unsettling.

As they walked, Diana's thoughts turned to the man she was about to marry. What would he look like? Would he be handsome or homely? She found it strange - and more than a little unsettling - that she was about to wed a man whose face she had never seen. Would he be kind or cruel? Would he treat her well, or would she be merely a possession to be owned and controlled? The uncertainty was almost too much to bear.

When they reached the chambers, the guards outside informed them that his Master was not currently in. Diana couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at this news. But at the same time, she was puzzled.

"Why am i brought here if the man is not present? What is the purpose of this journey now?

"You will have to wait for him here," the guard informed her. "He will be back shortly."

"Alright then." She replied and they pushed open the door for her and she stepped into the room, letting out a long breath. Although she was still uncertain about the purpose of this journey, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the delay.

The room was beautifully decorated, with paintings on the walls and fresh flowers on the table. Diana walked in fully, and headed to the bed. She sat down on it, but to her surprise, it was as hard as a rock.

" What the hell?" She blurted out, with her eyes widen. "How does one enjoy sleeping on something like this, huh!"

She got up from the bed and walked to the other side of the room. There she spotted a beautiful glass on the table and picked it up.

" Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

She heard a voice behind her, and it was so deep that it made her flinch. As she turned to have a look at who it was, the glass accidentally left her hand and crashed on the floor.

" Ahhh!" Diana gasped in shock.

The man before her had a blood stain on his dress, and his face was tighten, his dark eyes glaring at her.

" I don't like to repeat myself, this will be the last time. Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?"