Kidnapping the King

Home

In the distance, Emilie could see the outline of the village. Her heart sighed with relief. Maverick had helped her escape that very moment and had promised to keep the guards and Grant at bay, long enough for her to say goodbye to her grandmother. Maverick had assured her that despite his rough disposition, that Grant would not harm her grandmother due to her actions.

But it was time to say goodbye. Being without her grandmother would be the price she paid for her crimes. 

When she entered their tiny home, she was greeted immediately by her grandmother's warm welcome.

"Emilia!" She sang happily, as she encased her in a warm hug. "I am so glad you are home, it has not been the same without you."

"Thank you grandmother." She said happily as she hugged her tightly and inhaled her scent.

"Come. Come." She said as she waddled towards the pot that hung over the fire. "I've just made tea."

Emilia smiled as her grandmother poured her a glass of tea and enthusiastically handed it to her.

"Tell me about your trip to see your aunt. I hear that part of the countryside is so beautiful this time of year." She grinned, her wrinkles crinkling at the corners of her eyes. 

"It was wonderful." Emilia smiled as she sipped the hot tea.

Her grandmother's smile instantly dropped.

"Do you take me for a fool?" She grunted.

Instantly Emilia froze. She could see by her expression that she knew.

Emilia began, "How did you-"

"Stop. Just stop." Her grandmother shot her head towards her. "I knew many days ago child, I am no idiot."She sat her own mug of tea down on the nearby table.

"You need to go far far away Emilia." Her grandmother said softly. "I have somewhere you can go."

Emilia sat up and nodded, listening intently.

"My mother, your great-grandmother had a cottage. Up North. My siblings and I visit every year. I stopped going the past ten years, it's too much on these old bones."

"Isn't that where you travelled to every Spring when I was a child?" Emilia asked.

Her grandmother nodded. "Yes, but we all stopped going, as of last year. My brother James was the last to visit one year ago.  It may not be in the best shape, but it will do."

She stood to her two feet and walked slowly to a box above the fireplace. She pulled out a small gold key and handed it to Emilia. 

"Take this." She said as she placed it in her hand. "You must know Emilia. I am proud of you. I would not have asked for a better grandchild."

Emilia incased her grandmother in a warm hug, her cheeks drenched in tears.

"I love you grandmother." She whispered softy

Without a sound, Emilia disappeared into the night.

                                                                                          *

"You did what?" Grant roared. 

"I let her go?" Maverick said unsurely, as he bit into the apple in his hand.

Grant smacked the apple from his hand. 

"You are a moron. An absolute idiot." Grant yelled, as his fist met the nearby wall.