City of the Underground

Return to Griffith Castle

Her burning cheeks nearly matched the hue of her dress but she kept a straight face.

"This is Robert," Kaylana gestured to the burly man beside her. "And Robert, this is Jonathan."

Robert's wide chest heaved as he grunted in acknowledgement to the prince. Robert could do no more. He knew this situation proved that this boy truly was trying to steal his bride.

"And, pray, how do we explain the accompaniment of a stable hand?" Jonathan rounded on Kaylana harshly.

"I don't care how you do it," Robert's deep voice interrupted. He moved instinctively between the prince and his own future wife. "But she will go no where without me. Especially galavanting after dangerous rogues and outlaws."

Jonathan could feel his face heating with anger. Of all people to fall in love with, Kaylana had chosen a gruff and presumptuous peasant. This tall man before him had weathered skin and calloused hands that clearly knew hard labor. There was no type of wit or cleverness about him. No finesse or diplomacy. This could not be her match, her equal. And now he wanted to impose himself upon THEIR quest.

"Robert," Kaylana grabbed his hand in an attempt to put him at ease. "It will be alright. I am more than capable of handling myself."

"No," he turned in reply, a voice thick with emotion. "I almost lost you once, I wont stand by as it happens again." His hoarse voice reminded her of the last time she had met him in the forest, telling him of the engagement. Her own pain came back acutely as she lowered her head in understanding. She gave a small nod in agreement. He turned once more to Jonathan, who watched the pair in unanswerable annoyance.

"Say whatever you need to excuse my presence, but I am going with her," he told Jonathan.

Jonathan's blue tunic stood in stark contrast to his flushed face and clenched fists. This Robert had no plan, no , and no place on this voyage.

"Tell them I am sent to protect her," Robert offered. "For I know neither king nor queen will attend her."

Jonathan rubbed his head in agitation and sighed.

"He will be another pair of eyes in the search, Jonathan." Kaylana looked at him imploringly.

"Fine!" Jonathan finally spit out. "We leave in the morning." He looked at Kaylana angrily before he turned to leave. "First, I need to inform your father."

Robert and Kaylana stood in the wake of hid anger and watched Jonathan disappear in silence. Kaylana couldn't contain a sigh.

"I guess I should go pack then," she said.

"Leaving so soon?" Robert moved to block her path.

Kaylana looked at him in confusion.

"Your no longer as close to me as you once were. You weren't very eager to include me in your plans." He said darkly.

"Darling. I've been so overtaken by the suddenness of it all. It's a very trying position to be in."

"Do you still love me?" he asked. "I will always fight for you Kaylana but will you do the same for me?"

"Robert, what else have I been doing?"

"Spending an awful lot of time with HIM as far as I've seen." he thrust an angry finger in the direction of the prince.

Kaylana was so torn. She did love Robert, almost more than life. But this plan was such a gamble and what should happen if they failed. Or if they succeeded, what would her father do. How would she and Robert live. How would they survive after being exiled. She knew that no matter what happened. Her father would never accept Robert. Or maybe, if she promised not to rule as his heir, they would be allowed to live as a lord and lady far from the castle. Kaylana had so many things tumbling through her mind she could hardly keep them straight.