Abby and the Mad Prince's Son. The Outpost: Episode One

Chapter Twenty

'Wait here,' said Tina as the three girls stared at the Infirmary from behind the banister of a staircase. She then jumped out and ran towards the entrance, a look of seriousness on her face.

Surprised, the two male guards grabbed the hilts of their swords, but after realizing who it was, they relaxed their grips. And after a few words were exchanged, they ran off.

Once she and Esme had rejoined Tina, Abby asked, shocked at the ease at which the guards had left their post, 'What did you say?'

'Just that we need strong men who can fight really well in the cage pronto,' Tina replied. 'They can't fight for a lick but it's easy to get people to do things when you stroke their egos. And I said I'd take over guarding duties. There is a problem, though. Lady Constance is inside with the princess. She's at her bedside. Fortunately, there are no soldiers with her. She's on the second floor but maybe I can help there too.'

With that, they crept into the Infirmary to find that there were fewer sick children than the last time Abby had been there.

The Peri Elixir was clearly working, she thought.

Several of the children sat up at the sight of Tina with concern, with a few inquiring as to what was happening outside.

'A false alarm,' Tina responded. 'Don't worry yourself about it.'

The three crossed the room before heading up the stairs. And as they neared the second floor, Abby saw that the door to the next ward was open.

'Your Highness,' a voice drifted out. It was one of the surgeon's apprentices. 'It's time that you say your farewells. Princess Edina's heartbeat is almost non-existent. Her Majesty will pass soon, we are certain of it.'

Abby, along with Tina and Esme, clasped their mouths with their hands before peering around the door frame.

Inside, the surgeon's apprentices, Lady Constance and her ladies-in-waiting were standing around a bed.

'He will pay for this,' hissed Lady Constance. 'The moment the princess dies, that traitorous bloodline will finally end.'

Just then, a loud gurgling death cry burst out from the group. And as Lady Constance stepped back in fright, Abby saw the princess. Riddled with swelling scarlet veins, she was unrecognizable.

Abby knew she had to act. And without a thought, she barged into the room and yelled, 'We have a cure!'

Everyone turned to her, but Abby's gaze went straight to a maddening Lady Constance.

'What are you doing here!' Her Highness screeched. 'GUARDS!'

'We have a cure,' Abby repeated as Esme and Tina took her rear. 'We're here to give it to Her Majesty.'

'GUARDS!' Lady Constance yelled again before noticing Tina. 'Arrest these two.'

'I'm sorry, Your Highness,' Tina replied, stepping in front of Abby, 'but I won't do that.'

'You will do as I say.'

'Let them give the princess the cure, Your Highness.'

'Is this some sort of rebellion? I AM A ROYAL! BY THE GRACE OF THE GODS, I AM YOUR SUPERIOR!'

Lady Constance shoved her way past her ladies-in-waiting, stormed over and in a sweeping motion slapped Tina with the back of her hand.

Rage took hold of Abby like no other, but it was Esme who responded in kind.

With a thrust, she planted her fist into Lady Constance's face, knocking her out instantly. And as Her Highness crumbled to the floor, she said, 'That felt good.' She then turned to the ladies-in-waiting, who were beyond aghast. 'You may want to leave.'