The Lost Princess

Chapter 6 || Fighting My Faith

< < < < - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > > > >

Arabella's soft hair rests on my shoulder as she sleeps soundlessly in my arms, all the while my thoughts are consumed by the events at Grannis.

Arabella running towards the stage, her tiny body pushing at the tax collector, who is twice her size. Arabella flinging herself in front of the dying man to protect him from the oncoming whip. Arabella praying over the old man's body, crying for the man she only just met. She is much more than I had anticipated she would be, and that alone is surprising.

Lastly, her coughing fits. I do not believe they are nothing, as she claims, for that is the second time she has had them today, and they appear to be painful. Her small shoulders practically convulsing as they course through her.

When we arrive at the camp a few hours later, I gently slip off and take her sleeping form to my tent. She will need a tent of her own. She is a Princess, after all, and our future Queen. However, for tonight this will have to suffice. Upon being placed on the cot surrounded by blankets, she lets out a relaxing sigh and curls deeper into my feathered pillow.

Her dress is stained with the man's blood, but I don't feel right changing her, while she sleeps, and she does need her rest. I watch has her crimson locks create a halo around her face. Her long eyelashes casting shadows upon her fair lightly freckled skin. I shake my head to clear my thoughts of the Princess and take my leave.

"Lea!" Aiden calls, using his very own nickname. Most of the people Aiden likes end up with their name shortened down to his liking."What plan do you have now?" He whispers to keep our conversation out of the ears of nosey troops.

"The Princess is on our side. If we ransom and they get her back, she may help push those changes on the inside. However, knowing the corruptness that lurks behind that wall, they would most likely find a way to shut her up and proceed with the every day."

"So you're saying..." he started not sure how to finish.

"I don't want the Princess anywhere near her family. We may have to banish them and appoint her rightful heir," I tell him still thinking.

"We have the power to do that. Many of our forces are awaiting the single for death, but if you believe banishment is better suited," Aiden questioned. Aiden, much like the rest of us, would much rather bloodshed be spilled to pay for all the lives lost at the hand of the royal family.

"I just don't want the Princess to deem us the monsters."

"Do you truly believe she would change her mind so quickly? Is she that fickle?"

I shake off his questions. We spent the day together, she surprised me in more ways than one, but I still can't trust her allegiance to the cause. However, there is time, maybe we can gain her trust and loyalty.

"Tell the men inside to keep an ear to the ground, and let us know what the royal family is planning on doing to get back their daughter," I instruct, before walking over to Grant to retrieve some dinner for Arabella and myself.

"Got a little lady in your tent, I see," Grant laughs, not knowing he makes the remarks towards our Queen. "So does this mean she's up for...," Grant began, but his eyes met the look forming on my face and did right to shut his mouth. We had not yet, told them about the princess being in our camp, trying not to get their hopes up, but I see no problem now. If I'm being completely honest with myself, I trust Arabella, far more than I thought possible.

"We might be down on the hard, but we are men of honor, and will behave as such. As I recall you have a wife awaiting you. Do you think she will not be disappointed in the news of your latest conquest?"