IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM
(information on rating and rewrite)

Tripping and stumbling through the forests protective sheltering with only the barest highlights of moonlight to direct my path, I run for my life. My feathered cloak, while laced with magic to conceal any noise I might make while I run, is barely any protection against the cold. The summer sun has given away to a mighty chill that racks my bones and sets my teeth to chattering.

Away.

Away.

Away.

My blood seems to pump the mantra with every footstep. I have to get away from here.

Away from him.

Him.

The man I had once found mesmerizing. The man whom my uncle had practically sold me to. The man who had caused me to kill, caused me to betray everything I once held dearly. The man who controlled my every move and threatened my every out-of-step action.

My mind travels through my memories to when I had first met him five years ago. I had been an immature girl of 15 and he had been my uncle's youngest advisor. He was charming and bright and gorgeous. He still was with his shoulder length dark hair and piercing sapphire eyes. He had magic too. Someone I could relate to. Someone I could trust. So I had thought.

The snapping of twigs from behind brings me back to the moment. While my own movements are silent, even with my exertion, my pursuers are not as agile. A chill once more sweeps through me and quickens my pace.

My throat constricts as I clutch the feathered cloak around my shoulders a bit tighter. This is my one chance. If I'm caught, it is all over. I hear the baying of dogs not far behind me. How far is the border now? One mile? Two? If I can just make it to the border I can hide. I can finally be safe.

It had been fun at first, a secret romance that my father and uncle would not have approved of. I hadn't known then that they were all playing me for the fool. They had known all along.

"I need you" he had said as he kissed me. He had bathed me in words of deepest affirmation. He had made me believe I was someone special. He had tricked me into trusting him. When I finally saw him for what he was it was too late. I had given myself to him fully. My magic, my body, my mind. He knew all my secrets and measured all my fears.

The kind smiles and soft touches had turned into controlling words and hungry embraces. I had realized too late that it had all been a game to him. I had let myself be tricked. And now I was going to pay for it with everything I held dear and even some I didn't. My life, my magic, my kingdom, and my world were what he wanted and he had almost gotten it all. This night though, the night before wedding, I have made my escape without a moment to lose.

Let him have my possessions, he can have it all, but he will not possess me anymore.

I had escaped. That one thought alone propels me to keep going. I would beat this.

The barking is closer now. I'm almost out of breath. My side heaves with the exertion and my brow and neck are beaded with sweat. The begin to thin. This is it. A garbled triumphant cry escapes my lips as I leave the forest but is halted as I notice the drop up ahead.

I have gone the wrong way!

This wasn't the bank of the river; this was a bluff, at least 50 feet high. I stop at the edge, my heart on fire, and glance down. The river lays below, a giant mirror echoing the sky. Would I survive the jump should I make it?

Even if I didn't it would be worth it.

A blur of motion to my left causes me to swirl back. A few guards and the dogs appear, still twenty or so feet away but approaching quickly. I can't see their faces through the darkness, even with the moon out.

"Stop right there!" A man's voice calls out. "I don't want to hurt you"

Like hell you don't.

I turn, and with just a moments hesitation and a prayer,

I leap.

AUTHORS NOTE: This story is a T+ rating (PG-13) because of the following:
Slight language, some content (very little. no lemons/limes. Honestly, it's mostly just kissing but some of it is non-con), thematic elements, and some violence. It is definitely not 'M' but I know some people may not find it in the lower 'T' category. Just to let you know what to expect!

If you've ever read the original fairytale Donkeyskin or stories based of of it, some of the variations can be kind of dark. (i.e. Robin McKinley) Mine will not be a completely dark story. This story is only loosely based on Donkeyskin with a lot of my own elements thrown in. Some of the biggest changes are as follows: It's not her father she's forced to marry (I also explored a different reason why she would be forced to marry instead of beauty) and it's a cloak of feathers instead of a coat of skins (hence the story's name). Also, while there is magic throughout the story, there are no fairy godmothers or talking animals or anything. There may be some helpful and some not so helpful magical beings that play a big part later on though.

I do hope you enjoy the story! Read and Review!