Royal Escape

Chapter 7

I continued on as if I hadn't the slightest idea of what was really going on.

I kept the secret to myself and let the cards fall where they pleased until I could get a better grip on the reins.

I had to think of something quick if I wanted things to turn over in my favor.

First things first.

Heath.

I had let another day pass without speaking to him and I find it high time to tell the poor lad he's a free man.

With what I know now, I can't just up and run from my duty. Now that I know I can fix this. Whatever Heath's plan was, whether it was good or bad, I have to fight my own battles. Surely I can just talk to Prince Quintin.

Reasoning with him shouldn't be hard. I can make him see it from my point of view, surely he will understand.

"Your highness, it's been so long since I've seen such a beautiful face I thought I was seeing an angel." Heath leaned against his cell bars and grinned knowingly at me.

"Hello, Heath. Forgive me for taking so long to get back to you." I turned the key in the lock and let the iron door swing back on its hinges.

"Forgiveness is easy to give to a young lady such as yourself. I would give you anything you desired." Heath was in front of me in a moments time.

"How pleasant to hear." I smiled kindly at him. "But I've come to tell you I've met the prince of Tallenor."

Heath's brow quirked upwards but he didn't say anything in response.

"I-I've decided that I'm going to go through with it." I looked down to avoid his gaze. I didn't want him knowing the truth. This was a battle for me to win and no one else.

"You're lying to me, Princess of Verena. I never expected that from you, milady." Heath's hand caught my chin so I would look up at him. "The truth would be nice, princess."

How could he have possibly known? I mean I might not be the best of liars but I'm not the worst. Quintin believed everything I said to him, how did he not notice my falsification?

"I'll be married in two days to Prince Quintin." I spoke softly. "My father doesn't want this. He's playing along for the sake of our kingdom. King Alister has our ports under control and he said he would burn our cities if the wedding didn't go as planned. It's all a lie." The words fell out of my mouth.

Heath looked into my eyes to see if I was lying, but it wasn't hard to tell that I wasn't.

"Have you spoken to your guard?" Heath asked. I closed my eyes tightly and pulled my face away from his gentle grip.

"He was getting desperate to try and get me out of this mess. But I knew he would end up getting hurt in the end. I asked him to resign as my guard. I haven't seen him since then." I held myself with my hands rubbing my chilled arms. "It was for the best."

"I see." Heath spoke quietly. "And what exactly did you plan to do when you came down here? Are you taking me up on that offer?"

"No." I looked up to meet his eyes as they bored into me. "I can't abandon my people. They are in danger if I don't do something quick. I can't marry Quintin but I can't not marry him either."

"You're in quite the mess, your highness." Heath spoke gently as he held my gaze.

"On the contrary, Verena is in quite the mess if I don't come up with something soon. I'm just a pawn in the game they are playing." I exhale softly and leaned my back against the cool iron bars.

"You're the prize actually. Quintin wants you so badly he's willing to burn an entire kingdom to have you." Heath's eyes devoured my very being. "And I can understand his reasoning to do so." Heath looked into my eyes sharply.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked shyly. Heath's lips curved into a devilish grin.

"If I told you, you wouldn't think so highly of me, milady. And I, being the somewhat gentleman I am, wouldn't want to ruin your innocent thoughts of me." Heath's eyes shined with mischief as he watched me, waiting for my expression to falter.

"Adequate." I tried to remind myself to breathe even though my mind went entirely blank.

I turned my back to Heath while looking at the opened cell door.

"You're free to go, Heath. I thank you for your patience and now you may leave at any time." I went to walk out but Heath's grip on my wrist prevented me from walking away.

"You understand that if I leave and you change your mind, I won't be able to help you right?" Heath spoke softly behind me.

The atmosphere changed suddenly. What once made me feel nervous and euphoric at the same time, now feels alarmingly serious.

"I understand that entirely. But I can't change my fate. As long as my people prosper, I can live with my decisions. Even if I'm in ruins." I murmured the last part to myself before walking out of the cell.

"This may be the last time I see you, Milady." Heath's voice wasn't taunting me like usual. He held uncertainty in his tone and that surprised me.

"I know." I turned only to smile at him. "Be safe, Heath. And please, try to stay out of trouble. I may not be there to save you this time."

Heath grinned at me and the playful atmosphere returned.

"If I happen to be saved by such a beautiful princess again, I think I'll be nominated the luckiest man alive."

I smiled to myself as I continued my departure.

My world may be tumbling around me, but there will always be the memories of my friends and wonderful encounters I have had the privilege of running into.