Red To Black

Chapter Six

Blake turned over in his bed for the hundredth time that night. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the young thief's face out of his head. You don't even know her name, he scolded himself. Plus, you'll be signing that contract with Matthew tomorrow, this time in private.

He opened his eyes and stared the ceiling. I have to see her once more. She... she was so striking... I didn't even know that kind of woman existed! Standing up to Matthew like that, that takes some real courage. He turned yet again, this time laying on his side. I can't think of any girls back home who would pull something like that. And wow, could she fight!

He shook his head. Snap out of it! She's an enemy. He forced his eyes closed and tried desperately to fall asleep. Several minutes later, he was still wide awake. A single thought crept into his head, Does she have to be an enemy? The question stayed with him all night, plaguing his dreams and invading his thoughts even while he slept.

***

Blake woke up with a start. Even in my dreams, her face haunts me. Sliding out of bed, he went into the bathroom. Fine! I'll go see her today, before I leave, before Matthew wakes up. And then I'll be done with her.

Splashing water on his face, he eyed himself in the mirror. I can't believe I'm doing this. He pulled out a small dagger from under his belt, and, placing it against his cheek, began to shave. I'm an idiot. What sort of King gets all fancied up just to go meet a woman at a pub?

Sheathing the knife, he began to think about how he'd get to the bar in the first place. I can't just walk out through the front door. Matthew would know I'm going to see her.

Thinking hard, he brainstormed possible exit routes out of the castle. Aha! Maybe I can hide in some laundry being carried out to be washed? Deciding he had no better ideas, he headed towards his door and opened it as quietly as possible. He stepped out into the hallway. If someone sees me, I can just say I'm searching for my maid. He suppressed a shiver. Though I don't fancy seeing her ever again.

He slipped around a corner, and, still lost in thought, collided with a small boy. Blake immediately reached out a hand to help him up, apologizing politely, and was hit with a sense of déjà vu. Recognizing the young servant boy's face, he crouched down to his level. He noticed the lad's eyes were brimming with tears, and asked worriedly, "Are you alright? What did he do to you?"

The kid tried to break free from Blake's gentle grip, but Blake pulled him into the circle of his arms, holding him against his chest. "It's okay. I promise you I'll help you, just tell me what happened." His heart lurched when the small child let out a gasping sob, and he unconsciously tightened his protective grip on the boy.

The servant lad choked out, "My s-sister. He has my sister." Another sob broke free from the small figure wrapped within his arms. "He... he kept saying he'd h-hurt her. That if I messed up again he'd do it. He brought me down to the dungeon and-and she was there a-and he w-w-whipped..."

The boy burst into tears, and Blake ignored the growing wetness on his shirt. His face hardened, and he told the kid firmly, "I promise you, I'll save her. I'm going to get her right now, where was she last? In the dungeon?"

He felt the child give a shaky nod, and he slowly pulled back. "Listen, I want you to gather all of your things, and meet me outside at midday. I'll be there with your sister, but you need to be very careful. Make sure no one sees you, even my guards. Can you do that for me?" The lad nodded once again, slightly stronger than the last.

Rising to his feet, he began to walk away. Pausing, he turned back and gave the child a tight hug. Then he headed briskly toward the side staircase. He had only a slight idea of where the dungeon was, but he had made up his mind. He was going to rescue the girl no matter what.