chapter eight : the road back to the cottage

through her tears, the young wife started packing her belongings, placing them neatly inside her suitcase. when she came to the castle, she was full of hope and eagerness. she hadn't counted on love being so complicated and heartbreaking.

but right now, all she wanted to do was go back. there wasn't anything she can change in her life, but she can always go back to her mother's cottage.

she didn't know if the first-born prince would leave the castle with her. he might not want to give up the life he has known to be with her. she does not even know if he loved her enough to leave everything behind. but she knew she would not take it against him if he chose to stay behind. she loved him that much. but there isn't any way he can make her stay in the castle. she didn't belong there, and he hadn't done anything to make her feel she did.

to the young wife's surprise, the first-born prince decided to leave with her. when the queen learned of this decision, she was enraged and told the prince that the only thing he can take with him when he leaves are the clothes on his back.

the sun was almost setting when they started their way back to the cottage, walking in silence. the young wife was looking ahead. she felt herself growing stronger with every step she made away from the castle.

in the dusk, the young wife saw the cottage from afar. the glowing light from its windows made her smile. she nudged her husband and like children, raced towards the cottage that was to be their new home.