Part 1 Fourteen Years Ago

Cara strode through the grass, her feet were cold from the cool air and the bright moon above shown down upon her. The dark night in a constant battle with the ever-present moon casting the shadows. She continued through the forest, stalking like a silent cat toward her destination. Coming to a small clearing with a large stone in the middle, she paused for several minutes, waiting to see if anyone had followed her.

Satisfied she had been stealthy enough, she broke from the shadows of the trees and made her way to the boulder. She waited patiently, wrapping her thin shawl around herself, keeping the cold at bay. Wishing she had taken more time to dawn warmer clothing, she withstood the cold and breathed mist from her mouth.

“Where are you?” she whispered under her breath.

Right after she had sent Ulfrick to fetch Jebbin for her, she had left her room immediately afterward, taking steps to not be followed. Now that she was waiting she more than ever wished she had taken the time to change out of her nightgown and into something more fit for the weather.

Getting bored quickly, Cara blew hot air from her mouth and watched the air form in front of her. It looked as if she could breathe smoke but quickly grew bored of that also. Finally, after what seemed an hour, a rustling sound, followed by a twig snapping, drew her attention to her left.

Rounding the boulder, Cara hid behind the rock, waiting to see who it was that was in the forest. A voice called out into the silent night, which she recognized who it was.

“If brother is scared.” a voice whispered in the night.

It was a code Cara had made up with Jebbin. On nights like these, meeting in secret was dangerous. So she came up with the phrase, “If brother is scared…”

“I’ll sing a tune.” she stepped from behind the boulder and called to Jebbin.

Erik would ask her to sing to him every night before bed, which is why she used this phrase to confirm their identities.

Jebbin stepped out from the shadows, Ulfrick on his heels.

“I got your message.” Jebbin’s voice was low and swift. “What’s so urgent we had to meet at this hour?”

“I overheard my parents, Jebbin,” Cara said, her voice instantly serious. “They're trying to have you killed. And soon.”

Jebbin’s face was mostly covered in shadows but even then, Cara could see his face turn sour. He didn’t look overly surprised as he was expecting something like this would happen.

“What are you going to do?” Cara asked.

“I’m not entirely sure,” he whispered. “The King and Queen cannot get away with what they have done. I will find a way to expose them for what they are, monsters.”

“I have convinced most of the Elderman but they are too afraid to act against them. I need more proof.” Jebbin mumbled.

“No. It’s too dangerous.” Cara said. “It’s too soon. We need more time.”

“I will convince them,” Jebbin stated confidently. “With their backing, I can make them step down. I would have the army at my back and the support of the Elderman. I just need more time.”

“Perhaps it is too dangerous for you to stay in Vlakias, sir,” Ulfrick spoke for the first time. “Would it not be wise to seek sanctuary?”

“Yes. That’s it. I need to publicly make my accusation with the evidence I do have and go from there. With the support of the council and…,” he paused. “Most of the army, we could overthrow them once and for all.” Jebbin completely ignored Ulfrick's advice.

“Jebbin!” Cara hissed. “My parents will kill you! A few stolen letters won’t be enough to convince the people or the armies. You must leave!”

“She’s right, sir,” Ulfrick muttered from behind. “Having the Elderman’s support isn’t enough. They don’t control the armies you need Torstein for that. If you can convince Torstein and the rest of the council… then you could stage a coup.”

“I’ve thought of that.” he ignored Cara’s plea. “General Torstein hates my guts. Perhaps if he knew princess Cara was involved and would speak on my behalf he would have a change of heart.” Jebbin paused, stroking his chin. “That’s it! Cara, we both must speak with Torstein together, after I convince the council, of course, that way he will have no choice but to listen.”

“Stop!” Cara nearly yelled. “I won’t have you running off to your death. My parents WILL get wind of your plan and have you killed. You MUST leave or you will die.”

Jebbin stared at her for a long moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a slow and methodical exhale. His face turned from anger to determination.

“That is a risk I am willing to take, your highness. I will not leave you here. Or your brother. Or the people.” Jebbin said. “Your parents are a threat to the both of you too. What kind of man would I be if I left my people to fend for themselves. No. Without me, we cannot stop the king and queen. I will not abandon this country.”

“Jebbin please.” tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t want to see you killed.”

“That won’t happen. I swear it.” Jebbin smiled comfortingly.

“You don’t know that,” Cara said.

“If you like, your highness, I can watch over Jebbin till the time comes.” Ulfrick offered.

“No. You must keep a close eye on her.” Jebbin countered. “I will be fine.”

He paused to think again, turning around and walking slowly in a circle. Cara and Ulfrick silently watched him round the boulder twice then stop in front of them.

“Give me two days,” Jebbin said. “That will give me enough time to sway any Elderman on our side. In two days we will have a little chat with Torstein.”

“Don’t do anything foolish, Jebbin.” Cara pleaded. “Be careful.”

“I always am.” Jebbin smiled.

Part 2

The next day was torture for Cara, her fear for Jebbin’s safety only grew. However, she forced herself to focus and not give any indication she was bothered by such problems. Spending most of the day with Erik, Cara sat in the dining hall eating a late supper. Erik had gone to bed at this point, sound asleep.

Digging into a savory soup, she scooped up bits of meat, potatoes, and carrots with a thick piece of bread. Delicious smells wafted into her face as she bent over the bowl and inhaled the simple yet wonderful tasting soup. Thoroughly enjoying her meal, Cara didn’t notice as her father approached from behind. A shiver shot down her spine before he spoke to her.

“A bit late to be eating, don’t you think?” Halden said, his voice steady and unwavering. “Is Erik in bed?”

Cara whipped her head around, crumbs falling from her lips, and stared at her father looming over her. A flicker of amusement flowed across his face for an instant.

“Yes, father,” Cara replied, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “He’s in bed. I haven’t eaten since lunch so I asked Opel to make me some soup.”

Opel was the head chef of the castle and was fond of the young prince and princess and on many occasions would slip them desserts and extra food while her parents weren’t looking.

To her surprise, her father smiled at her. It was the first time he had done so in months, apart from formal gatherings and balls, Halden never showed a hint of love for her. Neither did her mother for that matter. Astrid was far worse than her father in cruelty.

Her mother often belittled her looks and criticized the most simple things. At the age of fifteen, Cara was growing into a woman herself but her mother demeaned her and showed utter contempt. There was no love between Cara and Astrid but… Halden still showed glimpses of what a father was truly supposed to be.

“Cara, dear.” Halden gently spoke to her as he slipped around one corner to sit beside her.

Cara’s heart sank from his tone. It was the tone of someone wanting something from you. Halden always spoke in a way that told Cara he wanted to use her for something.

“Your mother and I have been talking about you and your future.” he began. “Now, I know you don’t like the idea of marrying Xerath but you must understand, your mother and I are under an enormous amount of responsibilities.”

“Father-” Cara began to protest.

“Let me finish,” he spoke over her. “You are young and beautiful. And you are a princess. You too have a responsibility to Vulkira and to us. We raised you for a purpose, that purpose is to serve the kingdom. You have a responsibility Cara.” he repeated. “I know you will be happy with Xerath. He is a handsome young man and is the heir to Xer, which will make him the most powerful man in Isulia. Don’t you want to be part of that power? To rule over the people. Just think of it. You would be queen of Xer.”

Halden finished with a crooked smile as if he were trying his damndest to come up with a believable reason for her to be whored off as a prize.

“Father.” Cara began again, careful not to spark his rage. “I don’t want power. I’m not like you and mother. I’d rather be happy than live a life as a whore to a man I don’t know.”

Halden stuttered, his face turning red. Cara couldn’t believe he actually thought this would convince her to do what they wanted. He gave an exasperated sigh and tried to smile, continuing his little game, treating her as if she didn’t know what he was trying to do.

“Try to understand from our point of view,” Halden mumbled. “We are trying to build an empire that will last for centuries. You are the key to making that happen.”

“I don’t want any of that, father. I only wish to care for Erik and stay in Vulkira, my home.” Cara tried to explain. “I’m sorry but I won’t do it.”

Halden looked at her with menacing eyes, his entire demeanor changing in an instant. The look of utter disgust and rage made her want to flee from his gaze.

“You will do what you are told,” Halden said sternly. “I tried to make this easy but you just won’t listen. Your mother is right. You will always be a spoiled brat. Good for nothing else. You will be useful for a change.”

“You can’t make me, father.” Cara started to panic.

“Oh but I can.” Halden grinned evilly. “Whether you like it or not, you will marry Xerath. You will bear a son and he will rule both Vulkira and Xer. My grandson will bring the dawn of a new era. And you will have fulfilled your purpose.”

“Is that all I am to you?” Cara cried. “Just a plaything for your schemes? What of Erik, does he mean anything to you? Your own son?”

“Erik? Oh, Cara.” Halden smirked. “Erik is our leverage. He is weak, like you.”

“Leverage?” Cara whispered, her heart racing.

“We wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to him would we?” Halden almost laughed. “You’re a smart girl. Do as we ask, without complaint, and Erik will be safe and sound. Here, with us, in case you get any ideas.”

“You wouldn’t dare harm him,” Cara said it, but didn’t believe it.

Halden only laughed back at her, his eyes flickered with rage but joy at her distress. “You have no idea what I would dare to do, child.”

Cara gazed at him in horror, it was one thing to hear the rumor about them, entirely another to hear it for herself. Her father was threatening Erik’s own life as consequence to her disobedience. She felt like throwing up as her stomach twisted, her whole body felt sickened. Hearing it spoken aloud, her own parents, killing their son to get what they wanted, it was like a nightmare for her. What made it even worse, is she knew she would do it, for Erik.

Halden saw her face soften in defeat and the tears flowing from her eyes.

“Good girl.” Halden mocked. “And don’t think Jebbin will save you. He’s already out of the picture.”

Cara shot a stare at him, her eyes full of tears and her heart sank further from his words.

“Yes.” Halden taunted. “I know about his plans to overthrow us and his silly council turned on him like rats. Poor Torstein… he hasn’t the slightest idea he’s being used. And for Ulfrick, if you step out of line again, he will be next. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Cara sobbed. “I’ll do what you tell me. I promise. Please don’t hurt Jebbin. Please father don’t kill him.”

Halden chuckled, “I’m afraid it’s too late for him. I will make an example out of him and he’ll wish he was never born.”

“Father please!” Cara begged. “Spare him, I beg you.”

“Look at her. She is pathetic.” a voice from the other side of the room spat with scorn.

Her mother stepped up to Halden, who looked down at her with pure disgust and hatred. She had been listening to the whole conversation.

“Leave us. Straight to your room or I will hear of it.” Astrid ordered. “Now!”

Cara sat up and began to walk out of the room, her tears running down her face dropped to the floor.

“It pains me that she is my daughter,” Astrid said from behind her. “It’s worse that we need her. The wretch.”

“Shall we?” Halden’s last words drifted away as Cara made her way to her room.

The moment Cara thought it was safe from prying eyes, she wiped her tears away with her arm and gritted her teeth. She hated to fake her emotions, especially ones that showed weakness but it was a necessary show for her parents. Though the anguish inside her was very real, she had forced herself to cry in order to deceive them. This way they thought her beaten and whipped.

She had to find her hawk and get a message to Ulfrick immediately.

Part 3

Upon entering her room, Cara slammed the door behind her and locked the door. She heard two guards standing outside her room, which meant her parents wanted her to stay put. For now, she believed Erik wasn’t in any danger but she had to find Jebbin and her only hope of doing so is to get out of this room.

Cara had to rely on Ulfrick from this point on, her heart raced a mile a minute as she wrote a small note to him explaining what had happened, though she guessed he already knew about Jebbin.

Waiting was the worst part for her, the anxiety and stress surging through her body was overwhelming her. The urgency of the situation made it a hundred times worse. From her father's words, she could safely assume he wasn’t dead, yet. Knowing her parents, he wouldn’t stay that way for long.

A voice outside her room ripped her from her thoughts as she recognized one as Ulfrick. His voice intensified and shouting started. Fearful, she ran to her door and unlocked it to open to Ulfrick struggling with one guard, a bloody dagger in one hand and the other shoving the guard back. His hand covered his mouth so he couldn’t scream for help and Ulfrick tripped his feet, falling down on him.

Cara glanced down to one soldier with his neck spitting out blood, his arms raised to the wound trying to stop the bleeding but inevitably failed. Cara jerked her attention to Ulfrick who lay atop the guard struggling with his dagger and to keep the guard quiet, he slowly sunk the dagger into his chest.

The groans and grunts of pain pierced Cara’s conscience, the struggling man below, had on hand pushing with all his might to keep the sharp metal from skewering him and the other batted at Ulfrick’s face blindly. She ignored the disgusted feeling and rushed down to help Ulfrick. Grabbing his arm, she kept him from hitting Ulfrick and watched as the weapons sunk into the man’s chest.

He bucked and kicked the whole time Ulfrick slowly slid the dagger between his ribs but Cara kept Ulfrick from losing his balance and put her entire weight on the second arm to make it useless. He stopped struggling and Ulfrick let out a heavy sigh, his own chest heaving from the effort.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Ulfrick whispered, turning to her room. “Get your things. We are leaving now.”

“What?” Cara looked at him, confused. “We can’t leave Jebbin to die.”

“Yes. We can.” Ulfrick sounded pained but his priority, she knew, was her safety. “Jebbin had a failsafe if something like this were to happen. I was to get you and Erik out of the city where allies of his would be waiting for us. We have to go, now!”

“No!” Cara huffed. “Where is Jebbin?”

“Princess, please. I can’t tell you.” Ulfrick protested. “Get whatever you need, then we will get Erik and escape the castle. I have loyal men at the entrance waiting for us. They will take us to Jebbin’s people. They will have a carriage and guards waiting for us.”

“I’m not leaving Jebbin behind.” Cara looked at him with her purple eyes, her determination showing.

“Please,” Ulfrick begged. “We don’t have time.”

“Ulfrick.” Cara pressed her finger to his chest. “I am ordering you to tell me where Jebbin is. We are going to free him and only then, will I leave with you.”

“I-I…” he stuttered, thinking quickly. “He is in the dungeons. Halden had him arrested earlier tonight and threw him down there.”

“Good,” Cara said confidently. “Then that’s where I’m going.”

“I’m coming with you,” Ulfrick said.

“No.” Cara whipped around to stop him. “You have to get Erik out. Just in case something happens to us.”

“I can’t leave you alone!” Ulfrick’s face turned red with frustration and the need to hurry drove him to the brink of madness.

“Once you get my brother to safety, come back for me.” Cara smiled. “Do this for me. Please.”

Ulfrick again, hesitated, thinking, his honor being contradicted, “Okay.” he breathed.

“I’ll go as quickly as I can. Don’t go in alone. Wait for me at the stairs.” Ulfrick said.

“If we are caught…” Cara mumbled. “You will be put to death. You know that right?”

“I am more than willing to take that risk if it saves your life, princess,” Ulfrick responded instantly.

“Thank you Ulfrick.” Cara said, stretching her toes, giving her enough height to kiss his cheek. “Go. Quickly.”

He nodded, his cheeks turning red then sprinted off toward Erik’s room.

Cara pulled the dagger from the man she helped kill and felt sick to the stomach. It had taken all her strength to convince Ulfrick to save her brother, knowing she was unlikely to succeed in saving Jebbin but she had to try. Jebbin had always been loyal to her and cared for her like no other person in her life. He protected her, even when his own life was in danger. She would not abandon him now.

Rushing through the castle, bloody dagger in hand, Cara silently ran down stairway after stairway until she reached the dungeon entrance. The stone was cold and the air was stale but she heard faint noises coming from further down. It was pitch black apart from two torches on her left and right. Grabbing the one on her left, she held the torch in one hand and the dagger in the other.

In all honesty, she hadn’t the slightest clue what she would do if she found more guards down there, only the thought of rescuing the man who treated her like a daughter. She swallowed audibly and took the first step into the dark tunnels.

It took her several minutes to reach the end, all the while the voices grew louder and louder. She thought she heard thudding noises too which made her think that someone was beating Jebbin. Her heart rate skyrocketed as she recognized the voices. It was Halden and Astrid and at least two others. Distinct words echoed through the dungeons now, as she could make out the words and it frightened her further.

“Where is Malik!” a voice screeched.

“We know you work for him. What is he planning!” another voice chimed in.

“Hit him again,” Astrid ordered.

Another loud thud came from the room as Cara gently set her torch down and continued without light. Feeling the walls, she made her way even closer. Light streamed from the room and another thud echoed through the tunnels.

Peeking around the corner and into the room, Cara took in the full view of what was happening. Jebbin was chained up on the wall his body hanging limp, his face and chest exposed with bruises and cuts. He looked nearly dead already but he moved and spat blood from his mouth, unwilling to answer her parents. Her father held a long sword at his hip and her mother stood beside him in one of her elegant pretty dresses. For the scene before Cara, they looked out of place with their attire.

“Enough,” Halden whispered. “All this will end if you just tell us. Don’t you see? He has abandoned you.”

“Our plans have come to fruition. We have won the war and Armin and Brinna are dead, along with their only son. And Fel is secluded and alone now. You have failed your master. Tell us what we want to know and we will let you live.” Astrid hissed.

Cara stared in horror at the scene, Jebbin’s bloody body, her parent's murderous faces, and worst of all, they had orchestrated the Vulkirian war. Their reasons were unknown and Cara couldn’t move, frozen in place, listening to her parents confess horrible crimes.

“You sound desperate.” Jebbin wheezed, his eyes swollen and bruised.

Astrid hissed like a snake and Halden growled like an animal at him, “obviously they were desperate but for what?” she thought. “What were her parents trying to get out of Jebbin?”

Suddenly a hand wrapped around her mouth, covering her from screaming but she didn’t struggle as it was gentle and soft. She knew immediately it was Ulfrick from his touch and smell. Her face turned to him in the shadowy hallway and met his gaze with a look of worry and grief. They were torturing Jebbin but they were outnumbered and Cara couldn’t fight.

“Why must you persist with your stubbornness? You have been caught! All your plans have failed and Cara will be sold off to Xer and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Halden shouted.

“What makes you think she isn’t supposed to marry Xerath?” Jebbin coughed.

“What?” both Halden and Astrid asked simultaneously.

“Erik will become king and Cara will become the greatest queen in all of Isulia. She is stronger than both of you combined. You will never win.” Jebbin stuck out his chin confidently.

An instant later a soldier slammed his balled fist into his gut, making him puke and spit up blood. His determination washed away by the foul smell.

“You leave us no choice then,” Halen said.

“What a pity,” Astrid commented.

“You will die here tonight… and for what? He won’t come to save you.” Halden mocked.

“Just do it already. No need to drag it out.” Astrid ordered. “Kill him.”

Cara’s heart jumped and she made a move forward but Ulfrick grabbed her and held her in place. The two guards inside the room hesitated as if they didn’t expect to kill him. They knew him, as did most of the soldiers in the city, and with orders or not, they didn’t want to carry them out on the old man hanging helplessly before them.

“Well!” Astrid yelled at them. “What is it?”

“You said to beat, not kill him.” one said.

“Elderman Jebbin is part of the council. He should be put on trial before a sentence is carried out.” the second man said.

Both king and queen sneered at them, gritting their teeth in annoyance. Halden looked over to Astrid and she nodded in approval for something. He walked up to the soldiers and stared them down.

“Kill him,” he said in a low menacing tone.

They hesitated again, “But sir if-” his words were cut short as Halden whipped his sword out and cut his head clean off. In the same fluid movement, he brought the sword back up and swiped the second soldier across the stomach, slicing his belly open.

He had tried to leap backward but wasn’t quick enough, his guts spilled from his belly like slippery noodles. Crying out in agony he grasped at his innards, trying to keep them inside his body, in a feeble attempt to save himself. Halden, without hesitation, took a step forward and ran his sword straight down his neck and into his chest cavity.

It happened so quickly, Cara didn’t have time to react but Ulfrick, seeing the chance, dashed forward without a sound past her, going straight for Halden’s back.

Astrid screamed to her husband, warning him just in time to react to the intruder. Ulfrick lunged forward and sliced Haldens left shoulder, missing his target. His reflexes saved him from a mortal blow but Ulfricks blade cut deep enough to tear muscle in his shoulder, rendering it useless.

Cara stood in the doorway, frozen in conflict. As much as she hated her parents, she didn’t wish them to die. Everything was happening so fast she couldn’t process the image before her.

Halden backstepped and parried Ulfrick’s neck blow, his right arm perfectly intact and unharmed. His wound didn’t seem to bother him in the slightest as he blocked and reflected each attack from the younger man.

Ulfrick was twenty-three years old, whereas her father was forty. His age was nearly double his but Halden’s skill with the blade was on par with many masters. Trying to end it quickly, Ulfrick relentlessly attacked with blow after blow, giving Halden no time to strike back. Cara knew her father outmatched Ulfrick in a fair fight, which is why he had tried to take him out before he could react.

Astrid stood against the wall, watching the vicious fight before her, still unnoticed, Cara stayed in the shadows. At first glance, Ulfrick seemed to be winning, his speed and precision were masterful for someone his age, but Halden was still better, even with a wounded arm. He patiently waited for the younger man’s strength to abate before he began his own onslaught of attacks. Before she knew it, Ulfrick was the one defending while Halden attacked mercilessly. The tables had turned, and hope for victory was quickly disappearing.

As the fight dragged on, Astrid took up a dagger from her sleeve and slowly inched her way over to Jebbin, who was struggling in his chains with the little strength he had left.

While Halden fought, Astrid stepped up to Jebbin and whispered something to him, making him stiffen. Cara couldn’t stand by any longer, she screamed and bolted straight at her mother, her knife extended.

“Astrid!” Halden yelled to his wife as he saw Cara with the knife.

It was too late, as Astrid raised her knife to gut Jebbin, she glanced backward as Cara sunk her blade into her mother's eye, killing her instantly. Her body slumped to the floor with a sickening crash. Cara let go of the knife, her whole body in shock.

“NO!” Halden screamed in rage.

Halden cursed loudly and her death distracted him for an instant. Ulfrick landed a blow to his cheek, tearing away flesh and revealing a sliver of bone beneath. His rage took over, his face pouring blood down his neck, he ignored the wound and sliced Ulfricks thigh, causing him to stumble. Ulfrick pulled his sword up with both hands to block but the strength of the swing knocked the sword from one hand and Halden’s blade pierced through bone, cutting his left arm off.

Ulfrick screamed in agony as he gazed at his stump, his eyes wide in shock. Without hesitation, Halden ran him through, killing him. Blood flowed from his missing arm and thrust through the heart.

“No!” Cara cried out, her eyes instantly bursting into tears as she watched the life drain from Ulfrick’s body.

Halden whipped around to stare at Cara, his gaze sent terror shivering through her. For a moment, his eyes turned black, his leering stare, disappearing into a black hole. Cara screamed in panic. She was going to die and her father was the one to kill her.

“I’ll kill you!” he shrieked.

He stalked over to her, his sword arm raised, his face dripping blood from his cheek, and swung down at her. To her left, Jebbin plowed into him, knocking them both to the ground before the sword touched her.

Jebbin struggled on top of her father, trying to pin him down but he was too weak and his already bruised and battered body failed quickly. Halden, now weaponless as he had dropped his sword in the fall, shoved Jebbin to the side flipping him onto his back. With the speed of a snake, her father loomed over him and started choking him. Jebbin tucked his chin down, slowing down the process of being choked to death but her father was too strong. Weak arms battered at his face and even tore more flesh from his cheek revealing his teeth but it wasn’t enough to stop him.

Jebbin quickly lost all his strength and dug at Halden’s fingers wrapped around his neck trying to loosen the death grip on his throat.

Cara bent down and picked her father’s sword up, it was heavy and covered in blood. Halden didn’t notice her, his focus was solely on choking Jebbin to death.

With a sob, Cara lifted the sword and ran it through her father's chest. She aimed for the heart but missed, instead puncturing his lung. He gasped in surprise and he let his grip loosen on Jebbin and turned to her in shock.

He took another breath but this time, blood filled his lungs and he gurgled and shook from the effort. Blood flowed from his chest and his mouth spat up blood.

“Cara.” he croaked.

Again, Cara noticed his black eyes, not her father’s eyes. She blinked, then she saw his true eyes, dark blue, his gaze softened then he fell to the floor dead.

Jebbin was wheezing and shaking but was alive. Cara gazed at the dead bodies around her and was overcome by sickness. She puked several times in horror and disgust, the scene was from a nightmare, only it was real.

Wiping her mouth, Cara sobbed and stumbled over to Ulfrick’s dead body. His eyes were wide open, his clothes were soaked in blood but she bent over him, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry.” she cried. “I’m so sorry.” she kissed him tenderly on the lips. His body, still warm.

For a moment, she desperately wished she had left the castle with him. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest, her entire body ached. Shaking uncontrollably, Cara wept with such pain of sorrow, she wished to die then and there.

She had lost everything in a blink of an eye. The man she loved, her mother and father, dead, the kingdom without a leader. Everything seemed to crumble before her eyes.

“Is-is Erik safe?” Jebbin coughed behind her.

Cara looked over to him with a deviated look but nodded her head, “Yes.” she whispered.

“Erik was safe. She still had Erik. And Jebbin.” she thought. He was alive too. A glimmer of hope embedded itself in her mind and heart and she held onto that hope desperately.

“Forgive me.” Jebbin breathed. “You were right. I should have left… but I will make this right. I promise. I will give my life to making this right.”

Cara ignored him and continued to cry over Ulfrick’s dead body. A gentle hand touched her shoulder and she jerked in fear before realizing it was Jebbin. He pulled back and looked at her, his face contorted in pain from the state she was in.

“Come, child,” Jebbin mumbled. “Let me help you.”

Cara’s jet black hair was sticky and her clothes were soaked in blood. She was shaking constantly whether from the cold or from shock, Jebbin needed to get her out of here.

Jebbin gently pulled her to her feet and walked her away from the gory scene. Cara melted into his arms unable to think or process what had just happened. Her mind felt like it was shattering, only the tender touch of Jebbin’s strong hands kept her from losing herself.

Before she knew it she was in her washroom, warm water being poured over her. Two maids bathed her and scrubbed her body clean. She dressed, but her mind felt static, not fully aware of her surroundings.

It felt like days as Cara slept night and day, she could feel herself slowly regaining her sense of reality but each time she came close, horrid images of dead bodies and blood fractured her mind a bit further. Eventually, Cara woke, it was mid-day and the air in her room was stuffy and hot. Looking around, she saw Jebbin sitting next to her asleep. His head bobbed, unable to stable itself in a sitting position.

She moved her arms and Jebbin snapped out of his daze and looked at her with intense eyes.

“You're awake.” he wiped his eyes. “How do you feel?”

Staring at his bruised face, Cara instantly burst into tears as the memories flooded back. Burying her face into her pillow she sobbed for some time before Jebbin placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Cara,” Jebbin whispered. “Come back to us, dear child.”

She froze, her tears stopping momentarily, “How long have I been asleep?”

Jebbin cocked his head, his face giving away something negative, “Two weeks.”

“Where is Erik?” her mind panicked.

“He’s fine!” Jebbin assured her. “He is perfectly fine. He is safe. So are you. Erik has visited you every day since...” he trailed off, regretting where his words were taking the conversation.

Flipping onto her back, Cara sat up and pierced Jebbin with her purple eyes, “What do we do now?”