The Lost Princess

XXVIII

Ashlyn

Peter and I walk back to the castle, holding hands, with the engagement ring behind me. Amelia looks at us, "What's with the weird looks?"

I hold out my hand and everyone screams. Amelia is the first and starts staring at the ring, "That's a huge ring!"

Everyone quickly hugs us and gives us congratulations. Suddenly, a message boy runs into the room, "Your majestys! I am deeply sorry to interrupt, but they is something you should know!"

Peter nods, "Of course. Ladies, you should stay here." All of the girls nod and the men run with the message boy.

Peter

"What's wrong?" I ask.

The captain of the guard shows us a video of a burning building in the square. I gasp, that's where Ashlyn grew up.

"We think it may be Deliah, sir," he says.

"Probably," William said, "It makes the most sense. It could be a form of revenge."

Aaron nods, "Yes. We need to take precautions. William, we might have to push the wedding up just in case she has plans to strike again. We need more security around the royal family, especially Ashlyn, Lily, and Rose."

I nod, "An increase in patrol in the square should also help. Anyplace that was either important to Ashlyn or profound for Deliah needs to be watched."

Former King Edward looks at me, "And would you ask Ashlyn about those places?"

I nod, "It would be my pleasure." I excuse myself and walk over to Ashlyn, "I need to talk to you."

She nods and we walk to the East garden. She sighs, "What happened?"

"Deliah burned down your old home. She may be targeting other places of significant value to you. Can you think of any?" I ask.

She nods, "The farmhouse, where we first met. The town square. The palace. The honeymoon house is important to Rose." Then she gasps, putting her hands to lips.

I cock my head, "What's the matter Ashlyn?"

"Amster.." she looks at me, tears flowing down.

"What about Amster?" I ask.

Ashlyn wipes her tears, "She has a place there. In the square. She could be hiding there."

I gasp and run back to the meeting place, "I need to return home to Amster. Ashlyn thinks Deliah could be hiding there and plotting something."

They all agree to let me go, and I take my horse from the stables. As I get ready, Ashlyn comes to see me off.

"Don't forget to write," she begs.

I smile, "How could I ever." She gives me a small kiss and pats the horse. I nod and start riding towards Amster. I ride faster and faster, even though I'm tired and aches. Finally, I reach the castle. The guards let me in and I fill them up with everything they need to know.

Mia runs up and hugs me, "Are you okay Turnip?"

I nod, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just have a lot of work to do so I'll see you later." I give her a kiss on the forehead and a runny tickle. She giggles and runs down the hallway. I chuckle and walk into my office. I grab one of my maps and start mapping the places Deliah had been or suspected of being. I start creating more and more maps, trying to see if there was a pattern. I circled the dressmaker shop in the Virgin Isles, the barn, both of our town squares, and both of our castles.

When I am finished, I called a meeting with my captains, "I want the castle and square to be guarded with extra secruity." They all nod and run to their designated areas. I sigh and sit down, rubbing my eyes.

I couldn't believe that me and Ashlyn we're engaged. I love her so much. If I could, I would just grab her and run away. I'd give up my entire kingdom for her. She's the most amazing woman in the world and she's the person that was right for me.

Ashlyn, my babygirl.