"Where do you want to go, Young Master?"
The voice drew closer, and I knew I couldn't avoid it anymore. The Queen must have known what I was doing, and I couldn't deny it.
I turned slowly, and Isabella stood before me with a sharp gaze. "What are you doing, Young Master?" she asked impatiently.
I smiled faintly, trying to hide my confusion. "Oh, Isabella. No, I'm not doing anything."
Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then why are you standing in front of the gate?"
I sighed, surrendering to my situation. "Huff... Alright, I just wanted to part ways like this, Isabella."
Isabella folded her arms, looking at me disbelievingly. "Without saying goodbye to the Queen who has helped you all this time?"
I looked down, feeling a bit ashamed. "That's true, but I didn't want to disturb her at this early hour."
Before Isabella could respond, I saw the Queen approaching us. I immediately ran towards her.
"Young Master, I know what you were doing. It's alright, I told Isabella to approach you."
I hugged her tightly. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should have asked for permission before leaving."
The Queen smiled softly. "Don't worry about it, I came here to give you something. Do you want to accept it?"
I nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty."
The Queen continued. "Isabella wants to accompany you and be your travel companion. Do you want that?"
I was surprised. "Her?! You mean Isabella?!" Isabella responded quickly, "What's wrong?! Can't I come?!"
The Queen looked at me, waiting for my response. "What do you think, Young Master?"
I sighed. "Alright then."
The Queen smiled faintly. "Thank you, Young Master. My heart is a bit relieved."
I nodded. "So, may I bid you farewell now, Your Majesty?"
I looked at her for a moment. "Of course, Young Master. May I help you with your journey a little?"
The Queen looked at me gently. "What is it, Your Majesty?"
The Queen offered her hand and created a powerful magic. A horse tied to a two-wheeled carriage suddenly appeared behind a thick smoke.
The Queen turned to me. "I think this will help your journey, Young Master."
I bowed deeply. "I'm very grateful for everything, Your Majesty."
I spoke softly, lowering my head and holding back tears. Isabella was already waiting inside the carriage, ready to start our journey together.
The Queen gave a signal, and the large gate made of sturdy wood and iron carvings began to open slowly. "May your journey be smooth, Young Master," she said once again.
I just nodded and started walking slowly towards the carriage. Before I fully entered, I turned back and saw the Queen still standing in the same spot, looking at me with warm eyes.
I couldn't hold back anymore, I ran towards the Queen and gave her a final hug. The Queen hugged me back warmly. "Farewell, Young Master. May we meet again someday."
"I will miss you so much, Your Majesty." My eyes started to well up. The Queen stroked my cheek gently. "I will miss you too, Young Master."
With a heavy heart, I released the hug and returned to the carriage. Isabella signaled the coachman, and the carriage began to move, exiting the palace through the large open gate.
As we passed through the gate, I looked back, seeing the palace growing farther away, and the Queen still standing there, looking at us with hopeful eyes.
As we moved further away from the palace, the palace suddenly disappeared because we had returned to the human world. I didn't pay much attention to it and started enjoying the beautiful scenery around us.
The horse stepped quickly, and the gentle breeze made me feel comfortable. Isabella sat beside me, looking ahead with enthusiastic eyes. I started to feel relaxed, even almost fell asleep due to the pleasant journey.
Suddenly, Isabella shouted loudly. "Young Master, look!"
I woke up from my reverie and looked in the direction she pointed. A group of wolves was chasing something in the distance. I saw a small figure running quickly, trying to avoid the wolves' attacks.
As they drew closer, I saw that the small figure was a dwarf. The dwarf ran quickly, but the wolves were getting closer. Isabella and I looked at each other.
"We have to help that dwarf!" I said to Isabella.
Isabella nodded, and I said, "This is just the beginning."
-To be continued
Next Chap: Trapped dwarf #1