Red To Black

Chapter Seven

Robin woke up with a start, blinking her eyes wearily. She moved to scratch her face, but realized suddenly that she couldn't. Her hands were tied tightly behind her back, and she was definitely not back at her tent. Dammit. With my hands tied up like this, I can't reach my spare daggers!

She heard a rustle nearby and turned her head slightly to see what it was. There, nestled a few inches away, was a sleeping Blake Thornewood.

Shit. What happened? I remember fleeing from the Alidrian guard, Blake's guard... And then, nothing. Is Erik alright? Did he get back safely? Her eyes strayed to the brown-haired man next to her.

She couldn't help but notice how innocent the young king looked in his sleep. Like all the burdens of leadership have just faded away... She took in his shaven face and wrinkled clothes, as well as the two daggers he had by his side.

My dagger! If I can get it, I can cut these ropes. I need to get back to the base. Tink and Wendy, Erik and Sebastian... They're going to be so worried about me when I don't come back. It seems like I'm in a coach. If I'm lucky, I can steal it and turn it around.

She carefully stood up and shuffled quietly over to him. She leaned down over him and grasped for the blade with her restrained hands. So close... Almost there... The coach suddenly went over a bump, sending Robin flying forward, into Blake's chest.

She reached for the dagger hurriedly as he woke up, staring in shock at her still pressed up against his chest. Realizing, he pushed her firmly backwards, though not before a red blush had made its way up to both his and her cheeks.

"Where am I?"  Robin interrogated immediately. "And why are my hands bound behind my fucking back."

Blake put his hands up, "Woah. Watch your language, there are kids nearby." He sighed. "You're in my Royal Coach, now technically on Alidrian soil. And about your hands... My guards couldn't exactly allow me to be in a coach with an infamous criminal without any restraints."

We're on Alidrian soil already? That's a huge problem. "Why am I here though? The last thing I remember is you turning traitor and setting a guard on me, " she told him.

"That's because... you were knocked unconscious and... well, um, I might've felt guilty? I need your help as well, so I can't exactly let you get captured." He avoided eye contact with her. That's definitely not all of his reasons. He's leaving something out, she thought to herself.

"You mentioned kids. As in plural. Last time I checked there was only the girl." I hope Tink's safe back at the base. I know Erik and Sebastian will take care of her while I'm gone.

Blake nodded. "Her brother. I couldn't just leave him there, so I brought him with me. If she can hang on until we get to my castle, I have a family friend who would be willing to take them." His brow was furrowed as he stared at the coach window.

This could be my chance to get back to Vantis! As much as I hate taking advantage of an injured child, this might be my only chance. She forced a look of concern onto her face. "Do you have a medic in this escort?"

When Blake shook his head, she continued. "I know how to treat wounds. If lashes like hers are left alone, she could be in a very critical condition."

She could see the mental debate go on in his mind. He's too predictable. I should be able to bolt as soon as the carriage stops. I don't care how far away I am, I will get back to my family.

"Okay, fine. But if you try anything, I'll have to knock you out again." Blake warned her, cutting the rope tying her wrists together as he did so.

"Always the gentleman." She bowed carefully in the cramped coach.

A blush still lightly dusting his cheeks, he stuck his head out the window and called, "Stop the coach!" As they slowed to a stop, he was almost thrown back on top of Robin. "I need to talk to him about his driving later," he muttered.

The door was opened to Robin's left. Forcing herself to take her time, she slowly touched down on the ground. She discreetly looked around. They had stopped in the middle of a wide forest road, with another coach parked on either side of Blake's. I'll have to time this perfectly.

Blake stepped down behind her and steered her to the first carriage in line. He took his arm off her to open up the door, and Robin ran.

She flew past a guard as she stretched out her long legs. Yes, finally I can run. She put on a burst of speed as she neared the last coach. I'll be back soon, Tink. I promise I won't leave you alone a single day more.  She smiled as she heard Blake yell orders to his guards. I'm too far gone, Thornewood. You'll never catch me now.

Suddenly a guard stepped out from behind the final carriage. She crashed headlong into his metal chestplate and collapsed to the ground, the wind knocked out of her. No... get up get up get up get up get up get up get up! She opened her eyes to the sight of Blake staring sadly down at her.

"Knock her out," he ordered the soldier. The last thing Robin saw before the world came crashing down was Blake's deep brown eyes, boring into her very soul and awakening almost a sense of guilt. They reminded her of Sebastian's gentle blue, the pure emotions that lived there. She faded off thinking of Sebastian and those she had left behind.