BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 10

                                                                                       The Flee

Carlos and Mary kept on running since they left their captor's place. They are anticipating that by now, their captors have discovered that they had escaped. They find themselves in the middle of nowhere, no signs of any villages nor any structures indicating that the area is occupied. The pathway is now lost... They are surrounded by plain meadows. If they will not hurry to locate a safe place, the guards will recapture them! Mary is slowing down, she can barely walk, and her strength is diminished. "Mary, we must keep moving!" Says Carlos. But she can no longer continue... She settled herself on the ground, trying to catch her breath. "Carlos, I can't... You must go find us help. Leave me here." She said with an exhausted voice. "No! I am not doing such thing! I will carry you if I must!" He insisted. Then the prince slides his hand beneath her shoulders, propping her up and slides his free hand under her knees. The prince is about to lift her up when they heard horse gallops! They immediately lay themselves on the ground, hoping that the tall grasses will keep them covered. Carlos accidentally placed himself on top of Mary. His face is closely positioned on top of her face. Then they heard one of the guards whose riding a horse approaching their direction! To keep Mary from uttering a word Carlos instinctively kissed her! The guard on a horse positioned himself not far from them. "They must be here somewhere! They cannot go that far! Keep searching the area!" Says the guard to his companions as he begins to leave. After a moment the prince let go of Mary's lips and he slowly lifted his head to see if they had left. "We must stay here for a while. They have already searched this area, chances are they will not come back." He said. Carlos turned and saw the astounded queen. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to." Says the prince as he placed his hands on her face. Mary is tongue-tied... There is passion on Carlos' lips... The same passion that she felt with Francis and Bash. Before she can say anything, "I know you are hiding here somewhere!" It's the same guard now on foot who had left a moment ago! Now they have track them down! The two terrified royals have no choice but to yield as the rest of the guards show up! "You almost placed us all in deep trouble! Men, tie their hands up! Make sure that this time the knot is tight enough!" The same guard commanded.

                                                                                           Entreat

It is evening when the guards reached their destination and with them are Mary and Carlos. As soon as the guards open the gate, they see a man in a dark armor suite waiting in front of the door. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, if you please." He said as he bowed to them. As the door opens, Carlos gives Mary a brave smile, trying to assure her that all will be well. The two royals are directed to the sala wherein the Condotierro is waiting for them. They recognized him as the man near the fire place, only this time they see his face. "We found them hiding at the nearby meadows, Condottiero." Says one of the guards. "Are you a mercenary?!" Carlos asks. "That I am." The man answers as he stands up and walk towards them. "What is it that you want?! Ransom?! My father, King Philip of Spain will be more than willing to pay for the both of us. All you have to do is send him a message." Says the prince. The man stood in front of him and said, "Unfortunately, your highness, that is not what you are here for. If it is mere ransom that we seek, we could have easily accomplished that early on." "Then why are we here?! Who are you working for?" Mary anxiously asks. "Your Majesty, I apologize for your current state. A young woman of such beauty do not deserve to be hidden in a chamber." Then the man proceeded to touch Mary's face. "Do not touch her!" Carlos exclaimed. The man turned to the prince and said, "Oh well now, did the prince just issued a command? In this room you have no power!" "The moment that I free myself from these ties, the first thing that I will do is cut your throat!" Carlos said in a threatening tone. The man just laughed. "In that case, I will give you a head start. Men, cut off their hand ties!" The guards did. "Now prince, I think it's time for us to send your father a message. I will be requiring one of your fingers to do that." Two guards held the prince as the Condottierro prepares to cut his middle finger! "Stop! Stop this instant! Take my ring instead!" Queen Mary screams! She immediately took off her ring, the engagement ring given by Francis. "Send this ring to Francis, the prince of France, he will know what it means! Please do not harm Prince Carlos!" The man stopped, took the ring from Mary and said, "Very well then. Guards, take them to their cell!" And the guards escorted them downstairs and place them in a cell. Carlos and Mary are ones again under the mercy of their captors. The Queen cannot hide her fear from what had just occurred, she is shaking. Carlos gave her a hug. "Look at me, are you alright?" She cannot utter a word. "Mary, I cannot thank you enough for saving my life." She gives him a brave smile and said, "I know you would have done the same thing for me." Then Carlos asks, "Is that his name? Is Francis the man who broke your heart?" She nodded. "Forgive me for asking. I know I do not have the right." He said. The prince proceeded to caress Mary's hair, cradled her face with his hands, gave her a kiss on her cheeks, and then hugged her so tightly. Unbeknownst to them is an unidentified man, staring at their every move in a tiny peephole while hiding behind the entrance door.