The entire room is packed with people. In the center of the hall, couples have already started to dance to lively music provided by local minstrels. With the mead and melodies flowing, everyone seemed to have a smile on their face; but there was one smile that I wished to see more than anyone.

“Mira, do you see Prince Galleren?” My handmaid pours a glass of red wine and hands it to me. “I am afraid I don’t my lady, I am sure he is here somewhere. I will keep you company till then.”

Sipping slowly I take in the grape flavor, savoring it on my palette. Not too sweet, and just dry enough to not parch my thrust, but quench it. “Thank you. I appreciate that. This is all so… overwhelming.”

Out of the corner of my eye I see the three ladies in waiting to the King. The three of them giggling to themselves per usual, but clearly they were more focused in my direction.

“Don’t give in to their games Miss, they are trouble makers and nothing more.” Normally I would do as Mira suggested, but there is a lack of patience in the air tonight… I couldn’t ignore it any longer.

Approaching them I kept a calm demeanor, but there was a fire in my belly ready to burst. “Good evening ladies.” I present myself with a small courtesy.

Lady Hawsey snickers, “Good evening, what a mature gown. Did it belong to your grandmother?” Her sisters laughed fanning their faces elegantly.

All three of the sisters were wearing matching red dresses, however the jewelry for each of them was unique. Uldi was wearing a large sapphire necklace with identical earrings. Avelyn opted for pure gold in the form of large encrusted bracelets. Lady Hawsey stood out from the three. Atop her large head was a tiara of rubies and diamonds, the likes of which would normally be worn by royalty.

“What a lovely tiara Lady Hawsey. I was not aware of your recent rise in monarchy. Did the King propose? The two of you make a fine couple.” She narrowed her eyes, snapping her fan into her palm. “It was a gift from his majesty, he said I could wear whatever pleases me. I believe you have forgotten who rules this Kingdom… Why King Thybaut allowed this arrangement with the Prince is beyond me, but take my advice; be quiet and bare the King’s grandchildren. If you can do that you will live a long life here. I would be careful to not forget your place.”

It took every ounce of self control not to smack that tiara right off her head. Before I could debate my assault any further, one of the King’s guards grabbed the room’s attention.

“Here ye! Here ye! Presenting the Mighty King Thybaut! And the Great Prince Galleren!” The room erupted in applause for the royal family. The King was covered in gold and gems, so much so that the fire light of the torches caused them to send reflections of light across the room.

My mouth curved into a small smile seeing Ren walk out with his Father. He was wearing black luxurious dress robes, with intricate gold trim that accentuated his physique. He looked so handsome. However looking carefully I noticed his eyes were focused on the floor, and his shoulders stiff and unwavering.

Sir Esteve was right behind them, always on duty attached at the royal hip. His dark armor glistened in the dimly lit room as the stone-hearted knights stood at the side of the royals. Looking at Mira beside me, I can’t help but relive that horrible moment on the beach. Angrily I take a large sip of wine, trying to bottle my rage.

Raising his hand, King Thybaut demanded silence. “Thank you all for coming! Especially on such short notice, for this is a cause for celebration! Our newlyweds have come home from their honeymoon, and I am happy to announce that they have officially consummated their marriage!”

The crowd receives the news in a cheerful uproar. While I am happy that this has pleased the King, I also want to crawl under a rock. I looked up to Ren to see his reaction, but to my disappointment, his eyes were still to the ground. Looking closer at his rigid posture a sinking feeling belows in the pit of my stomach. Something is not right...

Quickly the King clears his throat to continue. “As you all know, our alliance with Theora has offered them protection from the Orc invaders. But I simply could not just offer them an army free of charge, so King Edom offered to give away his daughter in the marriage to my son in exchange.”

That is not true. My father said that it was King Thybaut who demanded the arranged marriage. That he would not take no for an answer. Was that a lie? Ren what is going on…

“But is that an equal exchange? One Princess in exchange for one of the finest armed forces in the world? I certainly didn’t think so... If a Kingdom is not strong enough to defend itself, they don’t deserve to be a Kingdom!” The crowd bursted in agreement. Lady Hawsey and her two terrible sisters raise their glasses to the King’s rhetoric, red liquid spilling from the ridges of their glasses.

“For too long, Theora has stood in our way of greatness! Too long, have they mistreated our Kingdom! Too long, they have hoarded their resources leaving our people to starve! I say, no more!” King Thybaut raised his fist raising the noise level higher. “As of this morning, it has been confirmed that the Kingdom of Theora has fallen! As of today, it shall be renamed New Xosta!”

The air around me goes thin. Losing feeling in my hands, I drop my glass spilling wine at my feet. This is not real...it can’t be true…

The King changes his gaze to me, with a devilish smile on his face. “The entire royal family has been executed!” The sound of the crowd bounced off the stone walls, but my ears had shut down in denial. In my mind the room was silent. They are dead? My mother, my father, my little brother? This cannot be… It’s not true.

“As for the marriage of Prince Galleren and Princess Ariella, I now declare their union void, and sentence the former Princess to death…” The King snapped his fingers, motioning to his men. I don’t know what was more upsetting, that my kingdom was taken over, that my family was dead, or that I was soon to join them. My knees buckled trying to decide, sending me to the ground.

“My Lady, are you alright?” I could hear the fear in Mira’s voice, she knew my fate as well as I did. Soon three guards had surrounded us. One of them grabbed me by the arm pulling me to my feet.

“There is no need for her to have a handmaid. Get rid of her.” The King’s tone sounded pleased, as if it brought him pleasure to punish an innocent person on my behalf.

The second guard took Mira by her shoulders pushing her to her knees. With a tight grip he yanked her head up leaving her neck exposed to the crowd.

“Wait! Please! Don't!” Mira screamed tears running down her face. The third guard swiftly drew his steel blade raising it high above her.

In desperation I looked to my husband and his Knight, hoping for some kind of sign. A nod, a wink, anything to tell me that this wasn’t real, that everything was going to be okay. But to my disappointment, they stood there like statues.

“No! Stop!” Even though my words have no power, I couldn’t help but try. As I watched the guards blade descend, I felt the mending in my heart rip with the loss of my home, and my family, seeing my friend being cut down in front of me…

“Ahhh!” My cries fell over the crowd of people like waves in a storm. The tears gushed out of my eyes, creating waterfalls from my rosy cheeks. While no wound had penetrated me in that moment, my chest was cut into pieces.

As I watched Mira’s body fall to the ground, I felt the part of her that was in my heart tear from my chest. She landed lifelessly in a puddle of her own blood. Her eyes are dead, and empty. For a moment I wished that I too was cut down with her. For I think that it would be better to be put out of my misery, than live in a world where everyone, and everything I once loved is gone.

🜃

Sleep was futile. The cold wet floor of my cell made comfort nearly impossible. No matter how hard I tried, my heart continued to ache from the loss of my family and friends. Not to mention the loss of my kingdom, my life, and my husband.

Ren’s words echoed in my memory, he told me that I needed to trust him. That he would give me everything I ever wanted if I simply took a leap of faith. But things have changed. How can I possibly hope for a happy life when my world around me has turned to ashes. I would rip out my heart with my bare hands if it meant I could numb this pain.

My brother. My poor brother. He was only a child. He had so much to live for. He had barely gotten to experience this world, and the King took that from him. I can’t even begin to imagine how they killed my parents.

Their cruelty knows no bounds… They killed Mira right in front of me like she was an act of entertainment at their party. To think that I saved her from drowning in the ocean, only to return home like bringing out a lamb for the slaughter. Lady Hawsey and her sister were all too happy to watch my demise. I have no doubt they will be at my execution, with that same joy.

Laying on the mucky floor, I traced the first over the stone and contemplated how I should spend my last few moments left on earth. But I knew better than to ponder on that thought. Only disappointments lied down that path.

Occasionally I hear the clanging of the jail bars, wither from visitors, or the guards distributing meals. I have yet to experience jail food, but I am sure that it will be just as repulsive as I imagine. Knockin in between my jail room door, one of the guards took a swig of wine from his side pouch.

“We are going to have fun with you, Theora trash.” Feeling brave I stood up, wiping some dirt off my cheek. “This Theorian did marry your Prince, so by order of our marriage decree I am Xostan, not Theorian.”

He laughed, drunkenly spitting out some red wine. “Not according to the King. You think that just because you recited some vows, it makes you Xostan! Ha! Your kind doesn’t have what it takes.”

Holding my hand into a fist I looked the drunkard in the eye. “You are right, I would rather die than become a Xostan savage!”

The guard's drunken demeanor turned sloppy with anger. “Well then Theora wench, you may have your wish early. I don’t think the King would be opposed to pushing up your execution.” Hanging onto the iron door for support, my provoked executioner waltzed in, barely getting the grip on his sword. Out of the options I had on how I was going to die, being butchered in private was preferred. I was going to welcome death with open arms. Just put me out of my misery.

“AH!” the loud sound of metal hitting bone struck me. As I watched the irate guard go down, my eyes met the boots of my rescuer. Thick iron toed; and as silent as a mouse.

“Were you trying to get yourself killed?! If I had been one moment later-” Sir Esteve let out a hard sigh of annoyance. Patting the unconscious man down, he shuffled through his pockets, pulling out a set of brass keys. “What are you doing here Esteve?”

The dark knight shot me a concealed look. “What does it look like, I'm saving your ass! Come with me, there is not a moment to waste.”

Grabbing me by the hand, Esteve pulled me forward, quickly locking the cell door behind us. “This way. It won’t be long till the other guards notice he is missing.”

My head is foggy. Every bone in my body is frozen still. Paralyzed with unknown possibilities of my future.

“What are you waiting for? Move!” The knight's harsh tone stimulated my brain.

“Why should I? How much did you know about this? Or Ren?! I am tired of being in the dark! I won’t take another step until I have answers!” Tears of anger, frustration, and sorrow swelled in my eyes. Before I could let out any sobs. I covered my mouth with the edge of my sleeves, allowing the fabric to soak up my tears.

Camly Sir Esteve approached me, resting his hand on my trembling shoulder. “Life is pain, your highness. It is your duty to look past, and to the future. Time is not on our side, we must move quickly if you want to survive.” I looked up in shock at Esteve’s kindness.

Wiping away my tears, I blubber. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

He shakes his head. “You are not the only one who has suffered a great loss… but If you tell anyone of this, I will simply say I dragged you by the hair through these dungeons. Understand?” Rubbing my eyes, I nod in reply.

“Good, now let’s go.”

Pushing on, Sir Esteve guided me through the dark passages. The dimly lit walls were just enough to see where we were going, and not attract attention. Every so often we would sneak by a guard or two, but Esteve never needed to draw his sword. I suppose stealth is just as important of a skill for any warrior, especially in tight circumstances like these.

My heart was beating fast in anticipation of reaching our destination. How does he plan to get out of here? There is nothing but open desert surrounding the place. We can’t possibly survive out there for more than a day or two. With the heat would drive us mad, or we would die of thrust. Ren words repeated in my head ‘do you trust me?’. I don’t really have a choice now. It is either follow Ren, or be executed.

After taking another turn we hit a dead end with a large wooden gate.. Between us and salvation were two armed guards. A pit fell into my stomach when their eyes met mine. They found us!

“It’s the prisoner!” Before they could utter another word, Sir Esteve unsheathed his sword, raising it at arm's length. The steel blade whistled in the air as through blows to his opponents. Taking a step back I watched in amazement, as the first guard was struck down in two-shift blows. The second guard did not go down as easily. The two of them danced, in front of the door, the sounds of swords echoing in the hall. It was a quick moment of opportunity that Sir Esteve spotted an opening in his lower half. Pulling his blade across his opponent's upper leg, he pushed him against the stone wall knocking him unconscious to the ground.

He motioned me through the tamed fight scene, opening the door to the back of the castle grounds. The night was dark, but the moonlight showed a familiar figure waiting for us with horses.

“Arie!” Ren ran to me with his arms wide, but I couldn’t find it in my heart to return one to him. As Ren grabbed me tight my arms dangled at my side like the branches of a dead tree. “I am so sorry… I had no idea…” He stopped for a moment pulling away to look at my eyes. “There is nothing that I can say that will change what my Father has done. I don’t blame you if you don’t believe me, but I tell you this with sincerity... I had no idea this is what he had planned.” I couldn’t even look him in the eye. My heart was just so full of sorrow, I couldn’t even bring myself to speak to him.

“Did you get everything?” Esteve barked.

“Yes, most of everything…” the Knight snapped his head to Ren.

Ren released me from his grip. “We can talk later... First, we need to get out of here.”

Taking one of the horses, I climb on top of his back. Holding onto the reins, I notice a few small bags hanging across from his neck. “Where are we going?”

Ren’s horse whinnied as he adjusted his strong legs around his belly. “To Shepenaput.”

I was surprised to hear Ren’s response. “Shepenauput? The underground city of the Sandserpents? I thought that was just a myth?”

“It is a myth.” Sir Esteve said sarcastically.

Ren rolled his eyes. “Just because it has never been found doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Besides Esteve... you know as well as I do that the Sandserpant people may be our only hope.”