Escaping the King's Crusade

Chapter IV

King Alaric sat sullenly on his throne, still in grievance at the news of his sons' deaths.

"I have no heir," he thought despairingly. "How will I continue my lineage now? I am growing old. I may not live long enough to raise another child."

Then it occurred to him that Minerva's mother could have been telling the truth about the slave girl being his daughter. He tried to remember if he had slept with Minerva's mother before. He had slept with so many women that he was unable to remember each of them well. However, as a photomancer himself, he found it probable that the slave girl could have inherited her powers from him.

"Perhaps I could appoint her as my new heir," he thought. "At least until I'm able to raise another son. Though I'll just have to get the Church's approval. That won't be easy. They don't like endorsing female heirs. Especially not if they were born out of wedlock. I'll have to prepare a hefty bribe."

As the king formed his plan, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Who goes there?!" He groaned.

"Your Majesty, Tribunus Caerellius is here to see you," announced a guard from behind the door. "He has captured the fugitive prisoner."

"Let him in," the king grumbled. The guard opened the door as Titus walked in. He was dragging Amira by her chains.

"Your Highness," reported the equite. "I have captured the prisoner as you requested."

"Where's the slave girl who helped her escape?" asked the king.

"Oh, we apprehended her," Titus answered. "You see, she seems to exhibit some magic abilities...,"

"I know," answered the king. "That's why I want her here. Bring her to me."

"Very well," answered Titus. "And what shall I do with the Ayyubid princess?"

"Take her to the uppermost room of the watchtower," the king ordered. "And make sure she's heavily guarded."

The equite left to follow his orders. Meanwhile, in the prison room of Cromwell's tower, Minerva sat chained to the wall. Still aching from the painful bruises dealt to her by her captor, she sulked in anguish and began contemplating her previous actions.

"Why did I do that?" she thought in despair. "Now I've lost my virginity and I'll probably be burned at the stake for witchcraft! I don't know if I'll even have the chance to confess my sins!"

Suddenly she heard the door of the chamber creak open.

"Shit!" She thought. "A guard's here! Probably to have his way with me! Jesus, please forgive me for the sin I'm about to commit!"

Titus stepped inside and walked over to Minerva. He leaned over and grabbed the frightened girl by her wrist as he detached her chains from the wall.

"Get up!" He grumbled. "You're coming with me."

"Where are you taking me!?" Minerva asked in apprehension.

"The king wants to see you," Titus answered.

"What? Why?" Minerva asked anxiously. Annoyed, Titus jerked her chains.

"Shut up and do what you're told, slave!" he grumbled. "You've already caused enough trouble!"

Scared of what the soldier could do to her, Minerva remained silent and followed him to the throne room, anticipating all the horrific punishments the king had in store for her. When they entered the throne room, she was met by the king's wrathful gaze.