In the days that followed, Maya had grown positively miserable. The pain in her abdomen had worsened and living without food and water and weakened her terribly. She used to cry herself to sleep but now she doesn't have the energy for that anymore. She just lays on the ground, curled into a ball as she fought away the cold that had lodged into her very bones.

Fortunately after that night, Gavin had stopped seeing her. But it didn't mean her worries had abated. She was always scared that one day, a random man might waltz into the tent and decide to use her body for pleasure. The terrifying thought had made it impossible for her to relax in any way. Today however proved to be different, as Maya laid on the bare ground, she noticed there was a flurry of activity in the usually calm campground. Blinking her eyes, Maya tried to figure out what was going on? Is Dexter here already?

The thought made her heart race and she hoped she was true. Struggling to get to a sitting position, Maya tried to stand up to ask what was going on. Just as immediately, Maya felt a pinch in her belly, causing her to clutch her abdomen. Maya kept holding it till she felt the pain pass, tears filling her eyes. These needle like pinches have become more frequent these past few days and they had begun to scare her. She made to stand again when someone strode into the tent, interrupting her.

It was Nicholas. This is the first time she had seen him since he brought her here and his was donned up in his armor. He stayed at the entrance, staring at her for what seemed like minutes before taking a step forward.

"You look horrible." He muttered underneath his breath as he neared her. Maya tried to chuckle but failed horribly. She'd grown so weak.

"You don't say." She murmured, hoping the croaking sound was as a result of her anger at him. He pulled out a bottle of water and stretched it towards her.

"Drink it." He ordered. Maya stared at him instead.

"Why are you here?" She muttered instead.

"To see you. Now drink it."

Begrudgingly, Maya collected the bottle from it and drank and slowly drank it contents. The fresh water filled her empty stomach, causing her to grow dizzy but she blocked it back and with trembling hands, returned the bottle to him. He ignored her as he began speaking.

"We've gotten a response from your King. He's close by. Tomorrow, we would be marching to the battleground. You should prepare yourself." He stated flatly.

Maya rolled her eyes at his words, doing her best to hide the elation and fear in her heart "Gavin does not know I'm here." He continued anyway. He brought out a piece of bread and threw it at her. "Eat. You will need the energy for tomorrow." He muttered and started to leave.

"Nicholas." Maya called out, causing him to stop in his tracks. He turned to look at her. "Just so you know, you're going to regret this." She stated, her voice weak.

He just scoffed. "Still spouting nonsense, I see." He growled menacingly before staring at her pitiful state and walking out of the tent. Maya stared at the bread on her body and bit her lips, her eyes watering once more. She blinked them back, taking in a deep breath.

She will not cry again.

.

.

.

It was hours later when Gavin showed up at the tent. Seeing him all bandaged up gave her immense satisfaction. She glanced up at him and saw the pleased look on his face.

"I told you didn't I? " He started, glaring down at her. "He signed it. He's willing to given up the whole of Madonia for you." Then his eyes narrowed, contempt lacing his words. "He loves you that much." Then clicking his tongue, started to pace around in the tent. "Love, that has always been his greatest weakness, and it will cause him his greatest downfall."

"Not if I can help it." Maya muttered to herself but he didn't hear. Gavin turned to the soldier that accompanied him. "Bring her out tomorrow, I have to fulfill my side of the promise as well." Turning around, he added. "Tomorrow you will watch your King die."

Despite the impassive look on her face, Maya felt her blood run cold at his threat, fear pounding in her heart. She was petrified.

.

.

.

Dawn arrived quicker than Maya hoped. The whole campsite had been abuzz with activity from the day before and it seemed they were finally through with their preparations. Maya herself was preparing for they day ahead. She had taken her dagger and tied it to her thighs. Then, made a cut through her dress so she could easily access it while keeping it from view, the small bread and water she was given yesterday had done nothing to alleviate the hunger or thirst but it will have to do till she could make it back to Dexter arms safely.

Soon a soldier came and dragged her out of the tent, placing her in a carriage filed with battle equipment. Stuffed between the huge boxes, Maya tried to make herself comfortable. She head the loud blast of a horn and soon, the torturous ride began.... They went on for what felt like hours, with her behind all of the armies, her heart pounding in her chest.

They traveled for a long time and occasionally Maya would peep out from the drapes, glancing around before settling back on her seat. After what felt like hours later, Maya noted the carriage slowing.

"We have arrived!" A voice bellowed overhead and her heart began pounding. Brushing her hands against the dagger, Maya took in a deep breath. Soon the drapes and a soldier came towards her. They helped her out of the carriage led her to the front of the battlefield.

Maya peered ahead, and she could see another set of army in the horizon. Dexter stood in the midst of them, his posture even more domineering as ever. Her heart rattling wildly in her, she felt the insane desire to run into his arms. Instead she fisted her hands to her side, staring intently at him.

They led her to Gavin side, who was mounted on his horse, watching the scene ahead of him with a placid smile on his face. Maya guessed they must have been exchanging words before she arrived.

"You have made a wise decision." Gavin began to speak in a charismatic voice, holding the reins of his horse.

"Where. Is. She?" Dexter snarled, his gaze stony.

"Impatient. I see." Gavin replied leisurely, then turned to his soldiers. "Bring her out." He called out. The soldier handling pushed her forward and led her to the very edge.

The second dexter's gaze met her, she felt them turn more fierce. He must have seen her state and gotten even more angry. Maya brushed her hands against the dagger once again.

"You will come get her, unarmed." Gavin began to speak. "While you're doing that, bring the parchment and this deal will be done."

They want to bring him out in the open so they can kill him. Maya thought to herself as she kept her gaze pinned on Dexter. Her hands found the handle of the dagger. Painfully, Maya watched Dexter dismount from his horse, dropping his sword to the ground and began to walk towards her.

If he leaves his soldiers, he'll be out in the open. I can't let that happen. I have to escape before then. Almost instantly, she pulled out the dagger and sent it upwards, stabbing the soldier handling her from the chin upwards, killing him instantly and startling everyone else.

"Dexter step back!" She screamed as she escaped from his hold and started to run towards him instead. Seeing the turn of events, Gavin grew panicked and started to bark out orders for her to be caught.

Her eyes only on Dexter, Maya ran like her life depended on it. Well, it did. Dexter had already seen her coming towards him and had turned to speak up his sword. He to ran towards as well.

They met halfway in a hug, Dexter covering her with his huge body. Maya breathed a whiff of his scent and all the tears she had kept back, fought to the surface and she began trembling. Something wheezed in the air and struck Dexter in the arm, causing him to groan in pain as they tumbled to the ground. The next one, Dexter sliced off with his sword.

His soldiers had taken it as their cue and with a scream, launched into an attack. Dexter was still holding on to Maya, his huge arms, shaking at her back.

"You've been hit!" Maya screamed when she saw the arrow stuck to his arm. But he only kept muttering, "you're safe, you're safe. Thank God you're safe." As his body trembled on top of her. Maya eyes widened as she tried to reach up to his distraught face.

Geoffrey immediately rode up to the King. "Your majesty!" He called out. Dexter stared up at him, then lifted Maya off from the ground and mounted her on his horse. "Drive her away from here. She must not get hurt." He ordered sternly, his voice harsh.

" Yes, Your majesty!" Geoffrey immediately spurred hai horse and they began riding away from the battlefield. All the while Maya kept screaming. "Dexter!!" As she watched him grow smaller. She kept her eyes on him, unaware of the tears running down her face.

Right before her eyes, Maya saw the start of a war.

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