I was happy for a while, Ava was still sleeping. Now I sat next to her as I added shading to my drawing. One of her eyes peaked open and looked at my drawing. "Is that a drawing of me?" She asked as I jumped a little. My cheeks were burning red. "It's beautiful. You are wonderful at drawing. But, I have a serious question that I need to ask."
Her expression changed to that of anger and seriousness. I raised an eyebrow at her. Even the knights were looking over at us in anticipation.
"Who sent that man after you?" My heart stopped after hearing that question. She seemed to get worried after my eyes widened. I started frantically shaking my head as I think about how he is going to hurt me. He's probably already found out about Ethan.
Quickly, I feel warm arms embrace me. Her hand runs itself through my hair, calming me. She sighed in anger, angry at how scared he makes me. But this questions tells me one thing, Ethan hasn't said anything to her yet. Taking my notepad I write everything I know about him, the man I've never even seen in person. I only know his first name, Caleb.
The only people who ever see Caleb are his workers, and those who fail to make their payments. I don't know what happens to them completely. From what I heard, he punishes in many different ways. Sometimes even keeping people as slaves. The mere thought is horrific.
"What the hell..." Ava's eyes were wide in disbelief as she read the paper. "I understand now why you are so scared of him. Do not worry, we will find him and he will be brought to justice."
After we return to the kingdom, Ava sends knights out to find him. Although I doubt they will.
"Ellie, come here." She calls for me, pulling me onto the couch with her. My cheeks flush red as she pets my hair. "Don't ever leave me. I would be so sad without you."
I nod, digging my head into her shoulder. Her warmth made me sleepy and feel safe. For the first time in my life, my heart was beating fast with joy. Three words were formed in my heart, "I love you". I have fallen in love with the princess and my protector, Ava. Maybe I should have seen this coming.
My slumber in Ava's lap was broken when a knight rushed in. "Princess! It's horrible!" The knight had been sent out earlier with a group. He fell to his knees in shock and fear. "He killed them all."
"Who did?" Ava moved me next to her before standing. I knew very well who he is talking about. My hand quickly grabs her as I shake. She turns back to me gently, petting my hair. "So it was him? You there, bring me the captain of the guard."
Another knight standing by the door nodded, taking the scared soldier with him. Ava grabbed a blanket and covered me, trying to make me comfortable. Her smile calmed me.
"You're tired, take a nap. I promise that you'll be safe." Ava lulled me into sleep. "Nothing will ever hurt you again. I love you, Ellie."
Her sweet words were whispered, as if to keep me from hearing them. Not that I can tell if I'm dreaming or not. My eyes are closed, yet I still feel so tired.
"Oh Ellie~" A familiar and cold voice awakened me out of my sleep. Ethan stands over me, an injured Ava sprawled onto the floor next to him. My eyes open wide at the sight. When I try to rush to her he stops me. "Calm down. She's not dead. But she will be if you do not show me to the treasure room."
I put my hands to my chest in fear, nodding to his demands. Outside the room is a man I've never met before. "Ah, so you're Ellie. Your payment is way past due. I'm sure you've heard that I'm not a patient man." He moves close to me, chuckling inches from my face. I could feel his hot breath hit my face.
