Love and War

16: Anastasia

Anastasia's POV:
I wasn't letting this go so easily.

This had to have a solution. I didn't care what I had to do but seeing Jonah that way snapped something inside of me.

I knew in that moment that we had to go on a rescue mission.

Landon, Jonah and I were sitting in the balcony of Landon's bedroom. It was barely 6 in the morning but I insisted we meet just the 3 of us.

"Guys. I know this sounds insane but we can't let him win! We have to go save Serena." I said.

"Yeah right." Landon said sarcastically.

I stood and turned to the both of them arms crossed determined. I let them see it in my eyes. I'd be leaving and going anyways even if they didn't come with me.

But I really hoped they'd come with me.

Jonah shook his head and huffed out a laugh. "You are insane."

"I will not leave that poor girl to suffer under the hands of that cruel king!" I said.

Landon stood and grabbed my shoulders. He gently said "I understand Anastasia but it'll be worse if we go. If we don't make it out... it'll not only be 1 person suffering but 4. That is if they don't kill us on sight."

I shook off his hands and turned to Jonah. "You're a selfish coward," I said to him. He turned away from me looking ahead at the still dark sky. "I can't believe I ever thought you weren't."

I glanced at Landon who also avoided my eyes and I stormed out of there.

I don't care what they think. I will rescue this poor girl and bring her home. If I die trying then so be it but I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt of not doing anything at all.

So I headed to my bedroom and stripped off the rich lavish dress. I grabbed some paper and wrote a quick note.

Thank you so much, Izzie for making me feel like a queen. I appreciate it and continue smiling the way you do.

Remembering what she once told me.

You are also very beautiful, which is why a handsome prince will one day fall for you.

- love, Anastasia

I left it in the box with the dress on the bed. I changed into my old dress which was now clean and tied my loose hair up. I grabbed my bow and arrow and strapped it to my back.

I took a last look around the room and sighed. I was alone and ready. However, I now found myself hesitating. I was afraid. My hands shook slightly and my breathing was ragged. I gulped.

I refuse to be afraid.

I took the little courage I had left and forced myself out of the bedroom and down the stairs. I walked and walked not thinking about how I was going to get to King Santiago's palace because I just realized I don't really know the way there. I also didn't think about what I was about to face.

I kept walking until I reached the front gates. I didn't turn around and glance at the window that I so desperately wanted to look at. I wanted to see him. But I didn't turn, I kept walking.

All alone.

***
I opened the front gates and turned. I collided with a hard chest. I follow up to meet two cold blue eyes and a devilish grin.

"Who's a coward now?"

I almost kissed him just then. "What?"

Behind him were 3 horses and Landon mounted on one of them. They both wore fighting leathers and were armed to the teeth. They looked dangerous and intimidating and the sight made me happier than ever.

"I don't make it a habit to leave damsels in distress," Jonah said with a wink.

Huh. So he feels like joking today.

I cocked an eyebrow and placed my hands on my hips. "I am no damsel in distress mister."

He turned to me with a similar expression. "I never said it was you Mouse Girl. Trust me you are no damsel."

I scoffed and passed him. I looked at my horse as Jonah mounted his and realized I had never been on horseback. "You okay?" Landon asked.

"I've never been on horseback before..."

Jonah crossed his arms. "We are supposed to follow you to our deaths yet something this simple you cannot do... not giving me much faith in you right now."

I glared at him and he patted his horse. "Come on just ride with me."

I shook my head and turned to Landon. "I'd rather ride with you."

Landon chuckled. "Alright." He helped me mount the horse and I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist.

Jonah scowled at us and started walking ahead. "So petty." He mumbled and I kicked his leg making his horse jump slightly.

I threw my head back in laughter and so did Landon once he heard the growl sent my way.

We started the trek to the palace and with each step, I got more and more scared.

But at least I was not alone.

***