Cats n' Dogs

Chapter 5

Sylvi found herself at a large cabin and no idea where it was located. From her windows she could see hills and the forest but no sign of civilisation. Not even a road.

Occasionally one of the guards passed on horseback and she expected they had taken her to a really remote place where no one ever came. She sat into a big chair, feeling defeated. She was sure they wouldn't let her go unless she agreed to the terms of Roh's release. Pain filled her heart and she cried her eyes out, afraid for his safety.

***

Sylvi looked up as a maid came in later, carrying a tray with tea and snacks. 'Are you okay, your highness?' she asked, putting the tray on a table after seeing Sylvi's red eyes.

Sylvi shook her head. 'Where am I?'

'I'm sorry, your highness, but I don't know. I got summoned from Hertford mansion in the night and was brought here in a darkened car. They told me I had to serve you here while you were kept safe and secret.'

'Figures..' Sylvi said and rubbed her eyes. 'I suppose they didn't say anything apart from having to stay here.'

'Your highness?'

'What's your name?'

'Hana.'

'Hana, there's more going on.' Sylvi said, leaning closer to Hana. 'Right now Kharr has imprisoned the one I love, and I'm afraid he's hurting a lot. Is there a way to get a message to him?'

Hana pondered for a while, then remembered an old method that the maids used for fun. 'I know something. It was used in time of war but we use it sometimes to send secret messages between us maids. It's disguised as shopping lists.'

'Oh?' Sylvi said, raising an eyebrow.

Hana giggled. 'It's mostly gossip about who has an eye on any handsome man.' she said, then took Sylvi's hand. 'What do you need me to relay?'

***

Roh stretched his sore limbs and cursed in his mind. He needed a way to get out of here and find Sylvi. He'd get her back, even if he had to fight the entire army. He would not give in into despair.

He tensed up at footsteps in the corridor. "Another beating?" he thought before his door was unlocked and a maid hurried inside.

'I haven't got much time.' she said. 'Word from the princess is that she's fine for now and wants to see you. We don't yet know where she's being held, but as soon as we know something we'll let you know.'

Roh felt relieved and leaned back against the wall. 'Thank you..'

'I have to get back now. The rats we let loose will soon be caught by the men.' she said with a wink. 'They can't refuse to help a poor maid in distress.'

He grinned. 'I'm sure..' he said as she left and locked his door again.

***

'Good morning, your highness.' said Hana when she walked in with breakfast.

Sylvi rubbed her eyes, feeling tired after too little sleep. 'Leave the good..'

Hana came close. 'Maybe not, after hearing from the castle.' she whispered.

Sylvi felt suddenly awake. 'You've heard from Roh?'

'They did beat him up, but he's not in a real bad shape. He was happy to hear you're fine.' Hana whispered, placing the tray with breakfast on a bedside table.

'I'll make them pay..' said Sylvi, grinding her teeth but happy to hear about him.

'The maids at the castle are all behind you since you looked so much happier with Roh. We're looking into a way to get him out and you two together.'