Of Rebels and Crowns

Chapter 10

An arrow whizzed out of the trees and landed mere inches from Amelia's foot. Pushing the prince behind her, she stepped back, scanning their surroundings.

"Not another step or the next one goes through your heart." A voice boomed.

Amelia held her hands over her head and got onto her knees. She nudged Jas and he followed suit, reluctantly. Dark figures moved swiftly out of the shadows and subdued the intruders. The one who appeared to be the leader stepped in front of them.

"Amelia?"

She raised her head.

"It is you!"

She smiled affectionately.

"I had to make sure that camp protection had not gotten sloppy in my absence."

She was engulfed in a giant hug by the young man who towered over all of them.

"It's so good to see you again Big John."

"'Tis good to see you too, milady. We weren't expecting you, not for another fortnight."

"There's been a...small change of plans. I need somewhere to hide out until I figure out what to do."

Jas who had been quiet through all this suddenly blurted out, "So you know these savages?"

Big John swung around, drawing a sword in the process, which he aimed at him.

"And who's this wanker? Shoulda cut off his tongue for running his mouth like that!"

Jas was taken aback.

"My tongue? I should have them off your head for that! You should know I'm His H-"

"Jas. His Jas," Amelia jumped in. She eyed him as she did so. "He's in a bit of trouble so he will be staying with us until it's all sorted out."

"Well, His Jas, 'tis only outta respect for 'er that yer head will remain upon yer shoulders."

"If I ever-" The insult was cut short as a new party was introduced.

"Boys behave yourselves!"

A middle-aged woman beamed at them with the kind of smile that touched her eyes and made her cheeks pop. Her name was Edna.

She turned to Jas and Amelia, "You must be freezing in that thing!" she indicated to the dress slip that Amelia had on. The bottom drenched in dew.

"It was way easier to move in this."

"Poor thing! You must be famished, both of you, my dears. Why don't I fix you up a hot meal?"

Jas took her hand in both of his.

"You, my lady, are most generous." She blushed at his words. "I really would welcome some venison or pork with a slice of pie. And a cup of your best wine would sit well too."

Everyone burst out laughing. Jas looked out at them with his brows knit together, clearly not seeing the humor in his request.

Edna wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I'll see what I can do."

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