Paralyzer

Chapter Five

She was gone. Luka blinked, shocked and confused, before looking around. He thought he caught a glimpse of her ducking back inside, and he was quick to follow. He couldn't let her leave, not without an answer. He followed her through the ballroom, straining to keep an eye on her shimmering gown. People stopped him to introduce their daughters and ask after his family, but he quietly excused himself from each of them. By the time he reached the doors to the palace, she had disappeared. He cursed, running a hand through his hair roughly before calling for a horse.

Riding towards their meeting place, he determined he would find a way to get her to stay with him. She meant too much to simply let her retreat back into the wood. He arrived at the lake just as she was about to disappear again, and he jumped from the horse to take her hand.

"Mai, wait! Please, do not run." She turned to him, and his heart broke at the fear and sadness in her gaze. He briefly questioned his resolve, worried he might be putting her in a position he shouldn't. He took a deep breath. "Mai, I should hope you realize that I feel very strongly for you. These last months with you have been some of my favorite memories and I wish for it to continue." Her gaze hardened, and he swallowed back the lump in his throat. Already he could feel the rejection building inside him. Without warning, Mai grabbed his arm and shoved him off to one side. She gave a grunt, and he turned to see a large cut along her arm. Embedded in the tree behind her was an arrow.

"Prince Luka. How wonderful of you to come all the way out here." The voice sent a chill over him as a tall, striking woman stepped out of the shadows. A man followed her with bow in hand. Mai took a step and placed herself between him and the intruders, seeming to ignore the blood weeping down her arm. Luka saw the recognition flash in both women's eyes and he briefly wondered what Mai knew of these people. Her gaze danced to his briefly, and he saw a conflict raging there.

"Who are you people?" He stood tall, affecting a commanding air. The woman simply laughed, and the bowman kept his gaze fixated on Mai. The woman took another step towards them, and Mai matched it as though she would attack.

"I am the Lady Saveria, Highness, and I've come to take my place at court." Luka stiffened at the name, recognizing it from the history of his kingdom. A dangerous witch who'd made an attempt at the throne, she'd been driven out by his grandfather.

"You hold no title here, Saveria." Mai spat the name at the woman, drawing her attention. "You will leave this place." The threat in Mai's voice was clear, and somehow Luka knew that she was aware of Saveria's abilities. He knew by themselves, they stood no chance, and yet Mai seemed confident in her ability to win such a fight. Saveria even backed down a bit, sneering at the younger woman.

"I hadn't realized you'd found yourself such a guard dog. Perhaps things have changed more than they appear." His brow furrowed in confusion as Saveria turned to go. "Enjoy your night, Highness, as I'm sure it will be the last peaceful one you have." The two disappeared into the shadows, leaving Luka confused and angry. Mai turned to him and frowned.

"You're going to have to stay with me tonight. It's all too possible she has an ambush waiting for you on the way back to the palace." She turned, and started down a small footpath. He hesitated before following her, beginning to question the young woman he'd wanted to spend the rest of his life with.