Chapter 20

Anwen sat up in her bed, not sure where she was or what was happening. Her head swam and her body ached. An overwhelming feeling of exhaustion was upon her, and all she wanted to do was lay back down and go to sleep. Instead, she rubbed her head to try to clear her mind. It was then that she realized her hands were bound.

She looked down at the heavy rope that was tried tight around her wrist. Her confusion doubled trying to understand why she was restrained. She thought back to supper the night before, and she gave a small gasp. Prince Korben had announced he was betrothed to her. Her aunt had drug her off to some room and subdued her with some substance in her wine. She must have been brought to her bedroom.

She had to find a way out of there. She had to get out of the palace somehow and find help. She could go to Elias or Alys. She could try to find Prince Rillian somewhere in the palace. One of them would help her. She tried to maneuver out of bed, but her legs would barely work. She finally got them over to the side. With great effort, she pushed herself up off the bed with her bound hands. As her feet hit the floor, she found that her legs would not support her. She crumpled down onto the floor as the door to her bedroom opened.

“Anwen, what on earth are you doing?” asked her aunt as she walked in with a servant who was holding a tray.

“I want to leave,” said Anwen weakly, finding her voice had no power. “I have to get out of this room.”

“There is no reason for you to leave. You are where you are supposed to be. You will stay in this room for two more days, and then we will celebrate your marriage to Prince Korben.”

“I will not marry him,” said Anwen as forcefully as she could.

Her aunt turned to the servant. “Please go fetch the two guards outside the door. They will need to help the princess back into her bed.”

The servant put down the tray on a table near Anwen and curtsied. She turned and left the room as Anwen looked up at her aunt.

“You cannot force me to marry him. I don’t care if he says he has a paper my mother signed. She would never force me to marry him.”

“I saw your mother sign that paper myself. I helped her hold the quill. She promised you to Prince Korben, Anwen.” Her aunt shook her head. “It is a pity she will not be here to see you married.”

“You tricked her. It was you who drugged her. She had no idea what she was doing when you had her sign that paper. It will not matter because I will do anything I can to not marry that man.”

“Fighting this will only make it worse for you. It will not be a bad life. He is not unhandsome, and I do not believe he will treat you cruelly. He has assured me he will not. I believe he even likes you. The sooner you accept your fate, the better it will be for you.”

Anwen shook her head, her eyes feeling as if they would close. The servant walked back in with two guards. They came to each side of her and hoisted her up off the floor, placing her on the bed. Instead of leaving the room, they walked to the wall and stood side by side, staring at her.

“Now, you need to eat, and then you will take another dose of medicine. Until you are married and acting as a new bride should, we will need to keep you calm. We don’t need your strange powers acting up and destroying half the palace.”

“I will eat nothing you give to me.”

“You would do well to eat because no matter what, you will take your medicine. The food will help settle your stomach making the whole process easier on you.” Her aunt picked up the tray and brought it closer to Anwen.

The smell of the bacon, eggs, and toast made her stomach rumble and her mouth water.

“Go on and eat a bit. You know you want to. You always were a healthy eater.”

Anwen was very tempted, but she shook her head. “All I want is to leave this room. You cannot keep me here.”

Her aunt smiled. “We can, and we will.” She looked at the guards. “The princess is not well and needs help taking her medicine. Please come keep her still for a moment. “

Anwen tried to sit up and get out of bed, but her body felt too heavy. Before she could make any process, the guards held her down. Her aunt came over with a small cup. “Now, this will be just like when poor Gwendolyn refused to take her elixir for her cough when she was little. It might be uncomfortable, but it is for your own good.”

Her aunt placed the cup against her lips and tipped it back. Some ran down Anwen’s chin, but most went into her mouth. Before Anwen could spit it out, her aunt held her mouth closed until Anwen was forced to swallow it. Her aunt nodded at the guards, and they released her.

Tears ran out of Anwen’s eyes and onto her cheeks. “Why do this? I know you have never really cared for me, but we are family. Please don’t let this happen.”

“As I told you before, I am doing this for Gwendolyn, for our kingdom, and you. One day, when all is as it should be, you will thank me.”

“No,” whispered Anwen as her eyes grew very heavy.

“Sleep child and soon it will be all over.”

Anwen wanted to resist and stay awake. She wanted to find a way to escape, perhaps through the passageway into Maddoc’s room. Instead, she slipped into a heavy slumber.

She dreamed of the fields around Lord Aidan’s manor. It was late spring and all around her was alive and green. The air smelled like sweet flowers and damp ground. She had spent many happy days just like it with Brennan and Lachlan. She was aware someone was with her, but when she turned it was neither Brennan nor Lachlan. Her heart soared as she saw Maddoc smiling down at her.

“My princess,” he said as he held out his hand.

She smiled back at him as she took his hand. “I don’t like it when you are away from me, my king.”

He pulled her close. “I don’t like being away from you, but what did I tell you. When I leave, I always leave my heart with you. I could never truly leave you, Anwen. You are a part of me, the best part.”

“I’m scared, Maddoc.”

He bent down and kissed her forehead causing peace to fill her. Her heavy head felt lighter, and a new hope sparked within her. “I know, my love, but there is no one as brave as you. This will pass, and all will be as it should. No matter what they do, they cannot keep us apart. No one can tell us we can’t love one another.”

“I do love you,” she said quietly. “I want to be with you.”

“And you will. Trust in our love and remember I never truly leave you.”

He pulled her into his arms, and she rested against his chest. Feeling at peace she closed her eyes as the warm breeze washed over them both.

“I will see the princess, and I will see her now,” said a demanding female voice causing Anwen to awaken from her dream.

Anwen sat up in bed struggling to open her eyes. She turned towards the door as it opened to see Queen Evalin walk into the room. The queen stopped and stared at Anwen before walking over to her.

“What have they done to you,” said the queen sounding stricken.

Anwen blinked several times trying to focus. “I don’t really know. They have given me something to keep me sedated. I can barely keep my eyes open.”

The queen pulled up her dress and reach under to pull out a small knife. She took Anwen’s bound hands and saw at the rope with the knife until Anwen’s hands were free. As Anwen massaged her sore wrists, the queen pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down. “This is not of my doing. I want you to know it.”

“But it must be what you want. With me married to Prince Korben, Maddoc can marry Princess Meira.”

“I did not want you married to Prince Korben, princess. Do you think I would want my son forced to watch the woman he loves marry his uncle? Besides, I respect and like you too much to see you tied to such a man.”

“You admit your son loves me, but you do not wish for me to be his wife.” Anwen struggled to keep her eyes open so she could look at the queen. “I know you have given me your reasons before, and I tried to understand them. I could not then, and I find it impossible to even remember them now.”

“I wanted to protect my son.” The queen looked down. “I wished to protect you as well. I believe this court and kingdom would eat the both of you alive. I cannot bear to watch Maddoc suffer either by pain caused by his lords or worse, watching you perish because of his love for you.”

“I am stronger than you think, your majesty. Your son is as well.”

“I wish to explain to you my reasons better, princess. It will take a couple of stories. One that is old and well known by my kingdom. The other is personal to me and very few people know it.”

“I am not going anywhere, so you might as well tell me. I will try to stay awake.”

The queen looked around. “There is some water here. Would you like a drink? It might help.”

“I don’t know if I can trust anything in this room.”

“I will try it first,” said the queen as she reached over and poured a cup of water. She tried a few sips. “It tastes pure to me. Would you like some?”

Anwen was very thirsty, and whatever the elixir was her aunt gave her had coated her tongue. She nodded, and the queen poured another cup of water. She handed it to Anwen who slowly drank it, managing to only dribble a little down her chin.

“Let me try to think where to begin,” said the queen as she took the cup from Anwen and put it down on the table next to the bed. “I believe you know of the Lucidalan life-giver who came to this kingdom almost five hundred years ago?”

“I do. She was sent here to help with a sickness that was running through Calumbria.”

“Yes,” said the queen. “While here she fell in love with the prince, the next king of Calumbria.”

“Her father did not want the match, but he became convinced when he saw the love his daughter had for the prince,” said Anwen. “They married.”

“They did and from what I know of the story, they were very much in love. It should have been a happy ending. A beautiful woman with wonderful powers comes and marries a handsome prince, but it was not as simple as that. Many in Calumbria did not trust the powers of the woman even with all the good she did. They did not like their next king trying them to such a mysterious kingdom as Lucidala.

“Lords grew suspicious of the prince’s motives. They did not understand that love was his only reason for marrying the Lucidalan woman. The prince became the king and his wife the queen. They ruled as best they could under such stress, but it was too much for the young queen. She was afraid for her life and her husband’s life. She missed her home. She had a son, and she was paranoid someone would poison her child or her. She barely ate or slept.

“The king brought in healers, but none could help her. By the time she had her daughter, she was not strong enough to last long. She died, leaving the king heartbroken. He blamed himself for her downfall. He worried for his children. They were all he had left of the woman he loved. He sent his son to stay with a high lord out in the country. He could not bear to send his daughter away. She looked so much like her mother.

“He died much too young. Some say of a broken heart. Others say of some misdeed by a few unhappy lords. Before he died, he sent his daughter away to my kingdom of Averila. He knew my kingdom was full of those who were devout and peaceful. The princess was hidden away in a high lord of the kingdom, raised as a high-born niece or something.

“She grew in beauty and intelligence. She had her mother’s Gift. It became hard to hide she was from Lucidala. Soon everyone knew the truth. Our crown prince met her when she was almost of age, and he was entranced. It is said he fell in love with her at first sight. She fell in love with him, and all they wanted was to be together.

“It could not be. Our future king could not marry a woman from a kingdom with unnatural powers. Our religion is known to be very strict. Today, most of us do not follow it as they did five hundred years ago, but many are still very devout. The prince could not do without her, and she would not leave him. They chose to run away together. No one knows where they went. They were never seen or heard from again.

“It left our kingdom in disarray. There was no other heir. Lords fought over who should become the next king. While battles were never fought, as violence is forbidden by our gods, many lords, and their families suffered losses due to poisoning or bad falls from horses. It became so bad, the king finally went to the hidden priest of our kingdom.”

“The hidden priests are never to be bothered. They live in secret their whole lives. If someone sees them, they are sentenced to death. Our king took his chance and requested an audience with them. They relented because they knew the state of our kingdom. They agreed to show themselves and make a proclamation of who would be the next king.

“For some unknown reasons they chose my father’s ancestors. Some say it is because we were the most devout. Others say it was because we gave an enormous amount of money to the priests and the temple. It was probably a bit of both, but the result was my family line became the line of kings. Peace was restored, but Averila never recovered really. Too many had been killed. There was mistrust, and some turned from our gods. We have never had much power in this land after that. Some feel we are a cursed kingdom. I am sure you know what that feels like.”

“So, you see similarities between Maddoc and me from this old story. I am sorry, your majesty, but as sad as that tale is, it has nothing to do with us.” Anwen reached for the cup and took another sip of water.

“I have heard that story since I was a small girl. Your kingdom is still blamed for our misfortunes. I know it is nonsense, but it is how most of my people feel. I can’t help but worry much of the same will happen to you and Maddoc. You are both soft-hearted. These lords will realize it and tear you apart to get what they want, which is power.”

“I would not say we are soft-hearted, your majesty. I believe we can be tendered-hearted, but neither Maddoc nor I is weak. I have withstood many things in my young life, and I believe I can take whatever your lords can throw at me. I will not stand aside and let my life or the king’s life be threatened. I may try to be kind, but I will protect what is mine.”

“Perhaps I should have more faith in you. You have saved my son many times over. I just had this plan to keep him safe. I could marry him to the Parvilian princess and double his power and standing. She would not be a distraction to him. They would marry, make heirs, and mostly ignore each other.

“It is different with you. He loves you. I believe he loves you very much, and you would come before everything to him, even his own life.”

“And he will come before mine,” said Anwen. “We will take care of each other.” The queen looked to be in thought for a moment. Anwen finally broke the silence. “You said you had another story?”

The queen nodded. “It is a very personal one. No one in this kingdom knows it, not even Maddoc.”

“You can count on me for your secrecy, your majesty,” assured Anwen.

“I know I can, but it is difficult to speak of.” The queen took a deep breath and wiped a tear from her eye. “When I was a young girl growing up in Arvelia, I was the only daughter of a family with four children. My brothers were older and did not want some girl hanging around.

“My parents let me play with the local lord’s children, and I became very good friends with the daughter of a lower lord. Avalyn was her name, and we were always together. We would run around the village and ride out in the forest. Avalyn had an older brother named Erich. He would join us sometimes on rides. He was the kindest person I ever met.

“He was also very engaging and intelligent. He told us stories and made up songs for us. As I grew up, I found myself spending more and more time with Erich and not just when I was with Avalyn. By my eighteenth birthday, I was very much in love with him. He confessed his love to me, and I knew he was the only man I would ever want.

“My father, of course, forbid it. I was the only daughter he had. I represented a chance for him to gain power for our kingdom. He believed he could marry me away to some powerful lord or prince. I tried to push Erich away. My father took me with him when he visited Calumbria. I met the shy prince who I would later marry. Maddoc’s father was a very timid man who did not like company. I was scared to death coming here and kept to myself. I believe it was my unwillingness to socialize that first drew in the prince.

“He sat with me in the library, and we talked about books. I liked the prince very much, but he was not a man I could love. How could I? My heart was full of Erich. I am not sure Maddoc’s father was even interested in falling in love, but he knew he had a duty. By the time I had left, my father was already in talks with the King of Calumbria to arrange a marriage.

“I was devastated. My father spoke all the way home about what a grand match I would make. I would lift our kingdom up and finally, Avelia’s troubles would be over. I got back home, and I was miserable. One evening I couldn’t take it anymore, and I escaped the palace and went to Erich’s home. I managed to call him out, and we walked together in the forest.”

The queen turned away for a moment. “What I did that night should cause me shame, but all I can remember it as is the most wonderful night of my life. I gave myself to Erich. He did not take anything. I was very willing. It wasn’t just that night, but many nights after until finally we were discovered by one of my brothers.

“I was locked in the palace, and Erich was sent away. I never saw him again. It was too late though. There was already evidence of our love making. I was a stupid girl and had no idea how to prevent such things. When I was discovered to be with child, my father sent me away to our country manor with just a few trusted servants. I am not sure what my family said about me. Maybe I was studying somewhere or visiting some relative.

“Really I was kept inside the manor with no company. I was sick and miserable. My father told me I would have my child, and she would be given away. I would never see the baby again, and then I would go to Calumbria and marry the prince. I couldn’t believe it.

“I plotted ways to keep my baby. I tried to convince the servants to help me. I tried to think how I could snatch the baby after having her and run away. In the end, it didn’t matter. My poor daughter was born asleep. She never even took a breath. I was given only a few weeks to mourn and heal before I was sent to Calumbria.

“Two months later I was married to the prince. I didn’t care. I was heartbroken and deep in grief. My husband was kind to me, but he did not love me. He was so cautious and quiet. There was no passion in him. We enjoyed each other’s company at times and of course managed to produce Maddoc.

“When I became with child, I was terrified I would lose my baby. Even after Maddoc was born alive and healthy, I was scared he would be taken from me. I wouldn’t let myself get close to him because I couldn’t take another heartbreak. I relied on servants to raise him. I saw him daily but kept my distance. I know I have lost my chance to ever gain his love, but I do care for him. I care for him more than anything in this world. If I lose him, I won’t be able to take it.”

Anwen reached out and took the queen’s hand. She wasn’t sure why, but it was the only thing she could think to do. “I am so sorry for all you have been through. I would not say you have lost your chance to gain Maddoc’s love. He does care for you. I won’t say I agree with you keeping Maddoc and me apart, but I understand it.

“I don’t know what else to say except if somehow I am allowed to spend my life with your son, I promise you, I will protect him. Ever since I first saw him, my Gift has reacted to keep him safe. I don’t know why. Maybe it is fate, or maybe it is because of what a wonderful man he is. I do love him, Queen Evalin. I want you to know it.”

The queen squeezed her hand as tears ran down her face. “I know you do. I am not lying when I say I like and respect you. I’d like to think my daughter would be a little like you. I hope she would be brave, intelligent, kind, and lovely as you are. I hope she would have been like Erich and not cold and unfeeling like me.”

“I don’t believe you are cold and unfeeling,” said Anwen. “I think you have just put a shield around yourself for protection. Maddoc is so passionate and caring. He must have gotten it from you.”

The queen smiled a little before her face turned serious. “I have to help you somehow. No matter what happens, I cannot let Prince Korben force you to marry him.”

Before Anwen could speak a door opened in the front of her rooms, causing them both to turn.

“What can I do?” asked the queen.

Anwen thought quickly. She didn’t have time to explain the wall. “Talk to Evan and have him share the king’s secret with Elias and Prince Rillian. He can tell them how to help me.”

The queen looked confused but nodded as the door to the bedroom opened.

“Queen Evalin, if you wanted to speak with my betrothed, you should have told me. We could have come to see her together,” said Prince Korben as Queen Evalin stood up.

“I do not need permission from anyone to see a guest in my home. What you are doing to her is wrong, and you know it. You should release her now so she can go back to her kingdom.”

“I cannot release her as she is promised to me. We are to be married in two days. I just saw a priest in the village who is available to do it.”

“You mean, you found one you could pay off. No truly dedicated priest would unite you with an unwilling woman,” said the queen heatedly.

“I don’t know why you are upset by this. You will get what you want. Once King Maddoc sees Princess Anwen is not an option, he will move on. You can convince him to marry the Parvilian princess.”

“You know nothing about my son. You think forcing the princess to marry you will stop his love for her? All you will cause is a rift in our kingdom. He will run off with the princess as soon as he can. Then we will be here with no king. Which I suppose is what you want. I am surprised you haven’t killed Maddoc.”

“It hasn’t been for a lack of trying, dear woman. I couldn’t kill him in a way to draw attention to myself,” said the prince. “But now I don’t have to end the life of our king. I have come to explain to Princess Anwen just how she can keep the king safe. Once she is my wife, she will do her duty, or I will find a way to kill the king.”

“You think I would let you get away with it? I would tell everyone what you had done, and you would be hanged for murder and treason.”

“I can find a way to end you both, your majesty. I have enough influential lords on my side to pull it off. You shouldn’t test me. If Princess Anwen does her duty as my wife well, and Maddoc marries Princess Meira there will be no problems.” Prince Korben moved forward and grabbed the arm of the queen.

Anwen gathered up all the strength she could and unleashed her power toward the prince. He was thrown against the closest wall as he let go of the queen. He was dazed but quickly gained his bearings as Anwen fell into the bed, exhausted.

The prince laughed a little as he rubbed the back of his head. “You are spirited, princess, but it will do you no good. You will come to understand how it must be. I know you will do it for your king and your kingdom.”

Anwen shook her head as she closed her eyes. She wanted to respond, but instead, she saw nothing but darkness. She had no idea how long she slept, but when she woke up it was dark outside her window. As she stretched, she looked over and saw some food on a tray. The smell of the hot stew made her mouth water. She sat up a little in her bed as her aunt approached her.

“I hope you will eat this time. You haven’t all day, and I know you will be sick soon if you do not eat. It would be a shame if you couldn’t stand up for your own wedding.”

Anwen didn’t have the strength or will to argue with her aunt. She sat up further and shakily picked up the tray, placing it over her lap. She ate the stew slowly, taking sips of water between bites. There was fresh bread as well, and it all tasted very good to Anwen.

“Good,” said her aunt once Anwen was done. “That will help you feel stronger in the days to come, though I am afraid your mind will still be cloudy. I heard about what you did to the prince earlier, so I will have to increase the amount of your medicine.”

Her aunt picked up a small cup as Anwen shook her head. “Will you really argue with me about this, Anwen? I hate forcing you to drink this like some small child or animal.” Her aunt looked to the corner of the room, and two guards walked forward.

Not wanting to be held down and forced to swallow the elixir, Anwen held out her hand. Her aunt handed it to her, and Anwen took it. She looked down at the dark red liquid, swirling it around the cup. If only there was a way to trick her aunt into thinking she had drunk it, but she was sure her aunt would check that she swallowed. She knew there was nothing else she could do. If she was to be saved from her fate, she would need help. She would have to trust the queen to do as she asked, or maybe Maddoc would make it back. Saying a small prayer, she drank the liquid before she could change her mind.

It was thick and sweet. It coated her tongue and quickly made her dizzy and drowsy. Anwen fought to stay awake. She looked at her aunt. “This will not turn out as you hope. I will be free of you and the prince, and one day soon you will pay for this.”

Her aunt took the cup from her. “No, one day you will thank me. My daughter will be queen, and you will help your kingdom by serving the prince. Go to sleep, Anwen. There is no use fighting it. Do not be stubborn for once in your life.”

Anwen closed her eyes and let herself fall asleep. Sleep was better than having to look at her aunt and think of her betrayal. She awoke several times but could not remember what had happened. She thought she ate sometimes. Her aunt spoke with her. Anwen remembered nodding. She had many dreams, and they blurred together with reality.

She awoke at one point as there were whispers in her room. A cold wind blew across her face, causing her to sit up and rub her eyes. She saw that the light outside was weak. She could not tell if it was early morning or a cloudy day. Although her brain still felt foggy, she was more awake than she had been in a while.

“Princess,” said Elias in a whisper. “Are you alright?”

She nearly wept in relief as she looked over to see Elias, Prince Rillian, and Evan walking towards her from the open wall.

A few tears escaped her eyes. “I think so, but I am so tired and weak. I think they have been giving me the same thing they gave my mother. How long have I been in this room?”

“Three days,” said Prince Rillian. “We have tried to find a way to get to you, but Prince Korben has many guards on his side. They are patrolling this floor. Evan was able to sneak us up the servants' staircase.”

“Did the guards not see you?” asked Anwen.

“My mother and Mrs. Owens are distracting the guards at the moment. They are arguing to see you, saying they must help you prepare your wedding today.” Elias walked closer and looked at her.

She reached up and took his hand. “Thank you for coming to help me.” More tears rolled down her cheek. “I was beginning to lose hope.”

“We could not leave you here, and no matter what we would have found a way to stop the wedding,” said Prince Rillian. “The Prince has asked most guests to leave, but my father refused, saying he would not leave while you were in danger. We are friends with Lucidala, and we will not let their future queen be treated so.”

“We need to be going,” said Evan. “Your mother and Mrs. Owens can only distract for so long.”

“Here, put this own, princes,” said Elias taking off the cloak he was wearing. “It will be much too big, but you will freeze in just your nightgown.”

Anwen sat up further as Elias put his cloak around her and fastened it. She pulled it around herself and looked up at him.

“Can you walk, Princess Anwen?” asked Rillian.

Before she could respond, Elias put his arms under her and picked her up. “I can see how weak you are. Besides, I have always wanted to save a woman in distress. This is my moment.”

She shook her head but gave him a small smile through her tears. Evan led the way with a candle as they walked back into the passageway.

“I understand why our king put you in your room, princess,” said Elias, with a small laugh. “I suppose you two had more time together than I thought.”

“It was time well spent. That is all I will say,” said Anwen with a yawn. She leaned her head against Elias’s chest, feeling as though she could go back to sleep.

“Anwen,” said Elias quietly. “Everything will work out. We will get you out of here.”

She shook her head a little to wake herself up as they moved from Maddoc’s bedroom to the sitting room. “Where will I go?”

“I’m taking you to my home for now. I have my personal guards on high alert. If it comes to it, I will take you away to my home in the country. We should be able to make it even with the fresh snow that fell last night.”

“If you can’t, we can go south to Bellican,” said Prince Rillian. “My father will be pleased to have you stay there.”

Evan quieted them all and barely opened the door to peek out in the hall. He turned and nodded to Elias who moved forward with Anwen still in his arms. They turned to the right and then the left down a narrow hallway. Evan jogged ahead and opened an old wooden door. Elias adjusted Anwen in his arms before walking down the narrow and steep stairway that was behind the door.

When they go to the first floor, Evan again opened the door slowly and looked out. He waited a moment before opening it wider, letting Elias go out first with Anwen.

“I’m going to take you out the side door by the kitchens. From there we can sneak to the side of the palace and walk to my home,” said Elias bending down close to her and speaking quietly.

They hurried past the banquet hall, and Anwen could hear people within. She guessed the guests that were still there were eating. They were just about to make it past when Elias stopped. Anwen looked up to see King Brone staring at them.

Prince Rillian moved in front of Elias. “We will be taking the princess, your majesty. You will not stop us.”

King Brone looked at Anwen in Elias’s arms. He stepped forward, causing Prince Rillian to move forward to meet him.

“I have no wish to stop you, but you need to hurry. I heard a ruckus on the second floor. I am guessing they know Princess Anwen is missing,” said King Brone.

“We are leaving through the door ahead," said Elias as Anwen stared at King Brone.

“I will tell them I saw you go towards the back courtyard,” said King Brone. “Now hurry, you must get her far away from here. Whatever Prince Korben says, I know her mother would not want this for her daughter.”

Elias nodded and moved forward as King Brone walked past them. They made it to the door, and Prince Rillian opened it. Elias stepped outside and hurried around the side of the palace. As they neared the front, Anwen heard shouts that sounded very familiar to her. Elias stopped just as they made it to the corner of the wall.

“I wish to speak with the king and see Princess Anwen immediately,” said Lachlan from atop his horse.

“The king is not here,” said a guard.

“Then have Princess Anwen brought out. I wish to speak with her,” said Lachlan. “I wish to see that she is safe.”

Anwen moved in Elias’s arms, and he set her down carefully on her feet. He kept his arm around her waist as she looked ahead to see Lachlan with his father, both on horses. Around them was a large group of the Lucidian guard.

“What is going on?” gasped Anwen.

“I don’t know,” said Elias. “Could Lachlan and his father have heard about your situation?”

“I don’t see how unless someone sent a very fast bird.”. She leaned against Elias, feeling her head start to cloud over and her eyes become very heavy.

“We need to get you out of here,” said Elias.

Before they could try to sneak past, the palace door opened and Prince Korben walked out, surrounded by guards.

“What is the meaning of this?” asked Prince Korben.

“We have come to see to the safety of our princess,” said Lachlan’s father. “I understand she is being wrongly seduced by your king.”

“You came all the way here with your guard because you thought the king was taking advantage of the princess?” asked Prince Korben. “I can assure you the princess is safe from any attentions from the king. She is under my protection and will soon be my wife.”

Lachlan hopped down from his horse and walked forward. “What are you talking about? You cannot marry Anwen.”

“I can, and I will. Today, in fact. Your queen has signed an agreement between our two kingdoms uniting me with her daughter.” Prince Korben crossed his arms as two guards moved very close to his side.

Lachlan pulled out his sword. “I don’t care what piece of paper you think you have; you will not marry Anwen. I have long held her love and promise.”

“Lachlan, what are you doing?” asked Roslyn and she walked out with her daughter following her.

“I’ve come to take Anwen back home where she belongs. I will wed her, and all will be as it should.”

“But you gave me your promise,” said Gwendolyn with a sniffle. “You promised me in front of all the lords of our kingdom.”

“You know how good that promise was, Gwendolyn. You tricked me. I have no desire to marry you.”

“Lord Dunne,” said Roslyn. “You stand behind your son in this? You have come to claim Princess Anwen as his bride when he made a promise to my daughter?”

“I think I have been misinformed, your highness. I was under the impression Princess Anwen was in danger from the king. My son said nothing to me of not marrying your daughter.”

“Anwen is in danger, though. If not by the king, then by the prince,” said Lachlan. He moved closer to Prince Korben holding up his sword. “You will let her go, now.”

Anwen swayed a little as Elias held on to her. She was trying to process what was going on, but her head would not clear. She felt faint and dizzy. All she wanted was to lie down.

“What in the name of the gods of Calumbria is happening?” said a new voice that perked Anwen up. It was Maddoc.

“Your majesty, why are you back so soon?” asked Prince Korben. He said more, but Anwen could not understand it. All she wanted was to go to Maddoc.

“You know why I am back, and I know what you have been up to. Where is Anwen? I want to see her, now,” demanded Maddoc.

Anwen wiggled out of Elias's hold. She had to go to him. She had to see him. She stumbled forward, gaining momentum as Elias grabbed her hand. She sent some power through her causing Elias to yank his hand back.

“I will be the one to see Anwen, and I will take her back to Lucidala,” said Lachlan.

“You will not come near my betrothed,” said Prince Korben. “Come one step closer, and I will order my guards to do away with you.”

“I am not afraid of you or your guards,” said Lachlan.

Anwen heard more shouting, but she continued forward. She could see Maddoc getting off his horse. She stumbled, moving as fast as she could. She was aware of Elias yelling her name. Prince Rillian said something, but all Anwen could see was Maddoc. As she neared him, she saw Lachlan move forward swiftly to her left. Something hit her side as she stumbled forward. Falling to the ground, she became aware of a severe pain, and Lachlan’s cry of dismay.