I chew my inner cheek as I look up at the Prylan borders.

If I get caught trying to escape the kingdom, this’ll be the third time. This time, there really will be no escaping my fate.

But you know what they say — third time’s the charm, right?

I scan the area. It’s fairly busy today. I could use that to my advantage and blend into the bustling crowd. I look down and step into it, I’m already getting pushed around. Gotta love the streets of Pryla.

I finally reach the border itself and that’s when I notice security is heavier than usual.

Shit.

There’s no way I’m going to be able to get through that. I turn around. Maybe another day.

As I walk back to my usual spot, I notice a carriage. A fancy one at that. With a fancy horse that has a fancy man riding it and there’s probably even more fancier people inside of it.

I look at my reflection in the puddle from the rain this morning. I can totally pull off a fancy look, right? Right. We’re not going home just yet.

If I can just get onto that carriage without drawing any attention and convincing the guards that I’m legit, then I’ll be able to pass the borders. The question is, how do I even get on that carriage.

The carriage comes to a spot.

Good Pyron you are on my side today!

The driver comes off and opens up the carriage door. Crap. If the passengers leave, then I won’t be able to get passed.

I watch as he shuts the door again and heads to a nearby restaurant. I sigh in relief and follow him in.

The white haired man heads inside the toilet. I walk in and look around. He’s inside the stalls but which one which one.. Almost all of them are occupied.

I lean against one of the sinks and cross my arms. Guess I’ll just have to wait.

A few minutes later, the man walks out of a stall. My fingers hook his collar and I drag him back into the stall he just left. He struggles, as I do so, clasping at his shirt. His face goes red. Talk about dramatic. It’s not like I’m going to kill him. I’m just going to knock him out for an hour or two.

"If you shut up, old man, I won’t kill you."

Like I was going to kill him anyway.

I slam him against the wall and punch him. He’s gone immediately.

That was easy.

_Thank Pyron it was an old man_, I think as I steal his clothes and switch us out.

I step out, leaving him on the cold ground in nothing but his boxers. I look in the mirror. Okay, it’s a bit big but I’m sure I’ll be fine.

A man, probably in his twenties, steps out and washes his hands, avoiding eye contact with me. Right. I forgot that there was other people here.

I ignore him and try to make my hair look less messy. I know he won’t say anything. Here in Pryla, snitches get stitches — well except for the fact unless you’re mad rich you’re not going to get any treatment.

I exhale and nod at myself in the mirror before leaving.

"Sorry that took a while," I say in a deep voice to the passengers. "It was quite busy. You know how it is down here."

They chuckle and I exhale in relief. Okay, they bought it. I tug on the reigns and the white horses start to gallop.

When we finally reach the borders, I’m met with a rather large muscly man.

Lord help me.

"_Selia_," I nod hello.

The man nods back. "Purpose of leaving?"

"Uh.." Yep. Did not think that through. "Maybe you should ask the passengers..?" I chuckle nervously.

The man mutters something under his breath about kids being a pain in the arse as he goes to the back and open the door. "Purpose of leaving?"

What sounds like a young woman answers, "There was a family emergency back in Katharos, I have to leave immediately."

Guess we’re heading to Katharos.

My original plan was to leave for Numix since it was closer but Katharos works too.

"Age?" he asks.

"27."

"What about you, kid?" he asks, looking at me.

"Kid..?" I hear the woman mutter. "What-"

"19!" I lie.

He raises an eyebrow and gives me a once-over. "19?"

"Yep!" I nod.

He sighs and gives the door guy a wave, gesturing for him to open up the gates. He walks away muttering something about not getting paid enough.

I leave the kingdom as quickly as I can, I can hear the woman make an _'oof'_ noise at the sudden change of pace.

The gates close behind us and I slow down.

"Hey!" she exclaims. "What is going on?"

I sigh. I escaped. Now I have another problem to deal with.

(Based off of my War of Survival manuscript)