The Lost Princess

Chapter 25 || The Spirit Of Our Cause

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I left her, and didn't look back. I couldn't, for if I saw her waiting face, I wouldn't have been able to truly leave her. I had to do my duty as a leader and leave my love behind to face the wolves on her own.

To prevent the death of innocent lives, she is right, there is no other option. Not one person spoke on the journey back to camp. We rode hard and quiet. Arabella was not with us, and it seemed as though the spirit of our cause was gone.

We will be reunited soon, I remind myself over and over again. I must be here for my men. I must be here for my country. I must see the Kingdom restored. But for now, I will think of Arabella and pray she is well. After this ride, I will become the leader she needs me to be.

I thought of the events that unfolded. Arabella and I laying in bed together. Then, Thomas telling us of The King's Men. Arabella arguing with me. I swear I saw her become a Queen right in front of me. Training her on some basics. She still needs work on balance, but as long as she can stay up during a fight she should be fine. Our goodbye. I told her I love her. I can't believe I did that. I hadn't even really thought about it before the words were leaving my mouth, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world to say to her. When she said it back I didn't realize how much those words truly meant. Having not ever remembered someone telling me that before. Three simple words and my heart is forever hers. She loves me too, and now she is with those beasts!

The only thing I can't understand is why would the King send his men to kill one person each day? That doesn't make any sense.

The sun rises high in the sky, and Aiden suggests, we take a break to allow for the horses to recoup. Leaving Fergus by a stream, I walk to the men. Thomas is missing, for he went ahead to inform Aster and Davison of the change in schedule.

"She will be fine," Aiden whispers to me, while the others begin going through the lunch Llayla prepared.

"Aye, I know she will be. I just can't seem to shake this feeling like something's not right. Does the King believe she escaped?"

"I don't follow."

"He is asking for the girl, not the people, who took her. Perhaps, it's nothing, but it seems odd not to ask for the heads of the men responsible."

Aiden nods in thought, of my questions. "It won't matter in two days time, for it will all be over and done with at last. That wretched King and Queen will be gone, and Arabella will sit on the throne. I wonder, however, which man will sit beside her?" Aiden questions giving me an eyeful.

My eyes narrow at his words. "You are worst than a woman with your gossip," I shot.

"Ha!" He bellows out, slapping my back. "You tell Llayla before, your own. I couldn't be happier for the two of you," he smiles. "Ya' love her?" I push past him, having no desire to talk about my feelings for Arabella. I need to focus on the men, and the battle ahead.

When the sun begins to set we are back on the path traveling towards camp. We make it there just before dawn the following day. I just have to make it through this day before I see her again, I smile at the thought, but quickly mask it. Aster and Davison come running to me. "So it's true, Arabella, is with the King's Men?" Aster questions.

"Yes, and tomorrow we get her back," I say firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

"The men are ready, for battle," Davison says, sticking to business.

"Good, make sure they are fed well today and have plenty of rest," I order and they both nod at my words. Then, Aster breaks character and throws his arms around me in a hug.

"I'm glad you are well, my friend," Aster adds, before letting go. Davison steps forward and takes my hand in a strong shake. I understand he feels the same as Aster, but Davison although friendly has never been to open with his affection of any kind.

"Thank you, now, I do believe we have a Kingdom to save, shall we get to the tent and begin."

Hours later, Davison, Aiden, Aster, and I sit in our tent, still trying to get the attack right. "Aster you will take ten soldiers, and go to the castle tonight, before the battle. Your men will infiltrate the castle, and ready the others there, but wait for my signal to attack. We must have Arabella before the fight, or they will use her against us."

"Understood," Aster replied, listing off a group of men he wanted to take with him. Aster earned the approval of everyone and nodded happily.

Davison spoke up, "I am to take forty men to the trees and wait for the signal to unleash the arrows. Twenty with arrows, and twenty with protection. I wait for the signal to charge the field."

Plans were sat, Aiden and I would bring the remainder of the men to the field for the initial battle, before the attack, I will sneak into camp, and get Arabella, once she is secure we attack. The five of us are to meet in the throne room, where we will negotiate with the royals. If they are not willing to leave peacefully we take by force.

Leaving the tent exhausted, we each go our separate ways. I head towards my tent. I must sleep. Arabella would have my head if she were here. I pull back the worn cloth and enter. The cot in the corner looks as it had five days ago. I climb in fully clothed, and a familiar scent hits me. Lavender. Arabella's sent is all over the bed. I sigh and allow myself to be carried away to her side. Closing my eyes, and imagining her near. Placing sweet kisses on my eyelids, wishing sleep to come over me. Rubbing soothing circles down my arms. Her fiery red locks cascading down her shoulders, brushing my cheek, and tickling my nose.

Suddenly, Arabella is curtsying to me, and I take her into my arms. We are dancing wildly to music. She is laughing loudly, while blurred faces pass by. I lean towards her and capture her soft lips with my own. "I love you," she whispers, sighing.

Another image passes and Arabella is once again laying in bed with me beside her, but I'm not focused on her face, but her swollen belly. She gently takes hold of my hand and places atop her stomach. I'm amazed, then I feel it, a light movement. Arabella giggles at my shocked expression.

"You see," my mother's voice rings, "everything will be alright. The future is bright, and you have nothing to fear. I am proud of you," she adds, and I finally see her face. Her raven black hair, like mine, has a soft glow to it, and her heart-shaped face that held few wrinkles, now holds none. Her sky blue eyes, are as kind as I remember. She takes a step towards me, reaching her hand to my cheek, and I can feel her, as though she were flesh and blood. Her touch is warm and loving. "Well done, my son."

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Hey, fellow Bookworms! I really hope you enjoyed the chapter! The end is drawing closer and closer, which is crazy to think about. I just wanted to say thank you so much to all of you for voting and loving the story! Feel free to drop a comment below, and if you liked it, be sure to vote! I update every Tuesday and Thursday (heads up, I might not be able to update this Thursday because I'm going out of town, but I will try to get the internet, so stay tune).

Also, I want to start getting my next book in the works (ha ha get it.) I have two ideas. One is an adventure fantasy book and the other is a paranormal book. I will be publishing the coming soon chapter on both of them soon. I would love it if you would check them out and tell me, which one you would be most interested in reading.

Thank you so much!

Stay awesome!