Once Upon A Distant Future

Chapter 4

-Olive-

Henry sat by Olive's side for the evening; checking to make sure she was still breathing every so often. Henry couldn't explain the connection he was having with Olive, but he had this protective instinct about her. That he needed to be with her, and make sure she was free from danger and unharmed.

"Sir Henry, if I may ask where did you find this young lady?" Hale had questioned.

"While I was searching for Mirabelle," Henry paused; the worry of Mirabelle causing him to lose focus momentarily. Hale raised his eye brow, urging Henry to continue, "yes as I was searching, I had stumbled across her in the forest. She had told me she was Princess of," Henry paused trying to remember the name of the Village she was from. "Oh I have forgotten where she had informed me she was from, I was taking her to see the King and Queen."

"Why would a Princess be wandering out in the forest, especially at such times?" Hale worried for the safety of any person that dare enter the forest at such times. Seeing Olive lay there made him think of his own daughter. He knew Mirabelle was strong and had a heart of a gypsy; she could survive more then most. However he still feared for her safety and with the agreement he made with the King and Queen, the rest of his families safety. "Did she tell you why she was out there?"

"No." Henry stood up stepping away from Olive. He took the small cup of tea from Esma and took a huge gulp, "Thank you, M'lady."

"Certainly." Esma nodded, "When she awakens you should find out why."

"I believe the King and Queen should be the one's to know that reason."

Olive stirred hearing voices whisper, "Sir Henry, she could be dangerous." Olive heard an unfamiliar voice speak. She felt something damp on her for head, as she reached her hand up to touch it she felt a hand take her hand and remove the dampness. "You are awake." she looked up now recognizing the man Henry was speaking with earlier was the face to the voice. Hale offered a hand to help her to her feet.

"Thank you." Olive nodded. "And I promise I am not a danger to anyone, I am just lost." Olive knew she was beyond lost, she wondered if she'd ever see home again. Sure she was mad at her sister for what she did, but she wouldn't want to never see her again. At the thought of her sister; Olive started crying.

"M'lady, please don't cry." Esma wrapped her arms around Olive giving a tight embrace. Olive felt warmth spread her body at the woman's touch, it was just what Olive needed a protective feeling.

"Princess, we should be getting you the King and Queen," Henry took a step towards Olive "I am certain they will help you get home."

Olive nodded. She gave Emsa a tight hug thanking her before she followed Henry out of the home. There was a cool breeze that tickled the back of her neck, sending shivers through her body. "How long before we are there?" Olive questioned Henry, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.

"Shortly." Henry promised. He noticed then, that Olive was shivering, and he unhooked his cloak and wrapped it around Olive's shoulders.

"Thank you." Olive gave a half smile to Henry.

The walk to the king and queen continued in silence. Olive walked about two steps behind Henry. She noticed then how Henry walked with such confidence. She saw as he watched the people around him, a protective instinct in his stance.

"This way Princess." Henry paused as he opened the gate for Olive. As Olive walked past she noticed then the castle before. Her jaw almost dropped as she glanced around.

The stone walls were almost four times her height, the colorful garden that lay before her as they walked through it looked like a little piece of heaven in the somber town around it. She ran her hand along the entrance wall following the green vines that scaled along the walls. Part of her was thinking this couldn't be real, but Olive was starting to feel as if it was.