The Royal Rescue

Chapter 16

Serenity POV

"Enough!!" A voice shouted. It was female but I couldn't recognise who it was. I was too cold to even look up at this moment.

"You should be resting in your room, what the hell are you doing out here Stephanie?" The King argued at her and I noticed that all the guards had their guns out again. They held them tightly towards Stephanie.

"I understand that you just got out of your wheelchair today but the doctor told you not to exert yourself too much. So I'll ask again, why are you out here?" He continued as Stephanie walked into the circle heading straight towards me.

"I should be asking you that. You're the one out here in the cold. I mean look at you both, you soaked. I know I'm probably gonna be punished for saying it but shall be it because I know that you don't want Serenity to get hurt but don't you see, you already hurting her. Look at her, she's kneeling in the snow which is causing her to get wet, her body is shaking so she's cold. If you don't get her inside now, she's going to die of hypothermia. For god sake, she hasn't even got a jacket on. She's wearing short sleeves. Are you going to be that selfish? If you care about her as I do, then get her inside. So tell your guards to go ahead and shoot me but I only said it because I care for her and I know that she is very important to you. That's the truth." Stephanie quickly walked over to me. She kneeled in front of me and took off her jacket, placing it over my shoulders. She smiled warmly at me. I couldn't help but frown at her gesture.

"N-no yo-you s-sh-should kee-keep it. You-you'll fr-freeze." I stuttered quietly at her. In all honesty, I was cold and shaking like mad. She was wearing a long-sleeved, thick top underneath but it still would be cold for her without her jacket.

I couldn't move to take it off though, so I just had to let it happen, hoping my words would encourage her enough to take it back.

"You are worth more than I will be. Let me get this straight, Serenity. You're an amazing girl, selfless and kind. Don't let anyone take that spark away from you. I know people may tell you to be a little more selfish but I now know, it's not humanly possible for you too." She stayed in front of me and embraced me in her arms but ensured that she could look over at the King. From his point of view, it would look like she was guarding me. All guns pointing at her waiting for the King's instructions. They were very alert and aware of what was going on. I think there were about twenty of them surrounding us.

Stephanie looked up at the king whilst staying in front of me with her arms gently wrapped around my shoulders. Her warmth is a temporary comfort blanket.

"Are you willing to let her die? She needs to get inside now and I can't do it alone. Not with your guards surrounding and aiming their guns at us. I'll take whatever punishment you may give but save her." I gasped a shaky breath. Icy tears leaking from my bloodshot eyes.

"N-no I c-can't let y-you ri-risk your l-life f-fo-for me." Her gaze goes straight back to me and she hugs me tightly against her.

"The king cares for you. I've seen it, but sometimes one must stand up to him for him to understand that what he is currently doing, is wrong." She states proudly. This is a different side of Stephanie than I have ever met. She was more confident and fiery but I was scared for her welfare.

I felt my head go light and collapse against her shoulder. I was dizzy and faint. I just wanted to close my eyes even just for a minute.

"No Serenity, keep your eyes open. Come on, stay awake. PLEASE, PLEASE GET HER INSIDE. I'LL DO ANYTHING BUT SHE NEEDS WARMTH. SHE'S DYING." Stephanie yelled out to the king almost crying.

"Stand down men. Now, I want you two to stay but everyone else goes back to your posts. You two will take Stephanie here back to her room and ensure that she is kept warm. I will speak to her later. Also on your way send a female doctor to my room." They nodded whilst attempting to lift Stephanie but she struggled. I could feel her arms wrapped around my shoulders tightly. I was scared that any harder and she'll break a bone.