The Lost Princess

XXXVIII

Peter

I rode faster than before. Ashlyn is still limp in my arms despite the bumpy roads I'm riding on. The poor horse is probably exhausted but I have to get to the medic. She has to get to the medic.

We sprint up the woods to the palace and the front gates swing open. "Get the medic!" I scream, my voice cracking, "Get them now! Hurry!" The maids run inside and I dismount the horse; holding Ashlyn bridal style. The medical team run out with a gurney and place Ashlyn on a gurney. They roll away and I follow them. They're taking her blood pressure, flashing lights in her eyes, and checking reflexes. One of nurses slaps her lightly.

I growl, "Do that again and I'll send you to the guillotine!" The nurse whimpers in fear and we get to the medical room. They lead her to our small operating room and I try to step in.

The doctor steps in front of me, "My lord, we can't have you in there."

"Why not!" I yell.

"We have to keep the field sterile and there isn't enough space for all of us. I'll send a messenger right when there's news," the doctor explains and shuts the operating room. I walk out of the room, boiling with rage. I storm through the halls and find the captain of my guard sitting down.

He stands up, "My lord!" I slam down the map on the table and he looks at me.

"There's a cabin in the woods. I want you to go and find Tom. Bring him here and I'll deal with him accordingly. And burn down that cabin and everything in it," I demand. He grabs the map, nods, and sprints out of the room. I turn and punch a wall. I grip my hair with my hands and slide down the wall. Tears start rolling down my cheeks. "Ashlyn, I'm so sorry. I should've come sooner," sobs rack my entire body. "I should've come sooner."

The doctor walk in, "My lord, she's in the hospital wing but she's in a coma." I stand up and run to the wing. I open the patient room and see Ashlyn.

She's covered in a blanket, her eyes shut, her hands placed in front of her. I walk to her, tears in my eyes. I hold her hand, "Ashlyn. My love."

Ashlyn

My eyes open and I immediately notice the clouds. They're large and bright white, with gold rays of sun shining down. I look down; I'm wearing a baby blue swim suit with a white shawl wrapped around my body.

"Ashlyn!" a voice screams. I turn and see Peter. He's waist deep in a lake with a goofy smile on his face, "Come on already!" I smile and remove the shawl, walking into the lake. The water is a clear blue and cool against my skin. Peter brings his hand and claps mine, walking to the middle of the lake. We tread water in the middle.

"Lay down and look at the starts Ashlyn," Peter whispers. Suddenly, the sky turns dark with beautiful shimmering starts forming constellations. We were no longer in the lake, but standing on top of a hill with lush green grass. I'm wearing a pink sundress and white slippers while Peter is wearing a button down shirt and black slacks. Laid down on the grass is an intricately woven blanket. I smile and sky down, Peter following soon after.

He took my finger and guided me through the constellations. "There's the Big Dipper. The one that looks like a large spoon. And the end of its handle has the Little Dipper. Ursa Major and Minor."

"It's beautiful," I breath. I close my eyes, Peter kisses me on the cheek, and I feel wetness on my face. My eyes open and it's snowing. Very lightly, but enough for me to see each individual snowflake. It was beautiful. A shooting star passes through the starts.

Peter turns to me, "We could live like this forever, Ashlyn. Rule over this land where everything is according to your wildest dreams and fantasies. It's the life you've always dreamed."

"Yes," I smile, "It is." I sit up and everything turns back into the white cloud room again. Peter is nowhere to be found. Two doors appear with wording appearing in gold letters.

Stay and Return

I walk towards the door with "Stay" written in it and I turn the knob. Then I feel something yanking my sundress. I look down. A little boy stands. His hair is dirty blonde and a little curly, with small blue-gray eyes. He has freckles surrounding his face. He smiles, showing his only dimple.

"Hello, little one. Why are you here?" I smile. He holds his arms out, as if he wants to me picked up. I shrug and lift him, placing the small boy on my hip. He giggles and I smile; his laughter was adorable. He turns to me, his little hands holding my face. He looks into my eyes and I look into his. We blink at the same time.

"Mommy," he giggles, before wrapping his arms sprung my neck in a hug. I gasp and the little boy continues to laugh. I feel a kick inside my stomach. I look down and the little boy has disappeared. Replacing him is a large stomach that appears to be moving.

"Ashlyn," Peter whispers. I turn to see we're back in the palace. He walks up and kisses my belly, "He sure is getting big. He can't wait to come out." Tears well in my eyes and as I blink them away, I'm transported to the two doors.

Choose wisely.

I take a deep breath. I could live in peace with this Peter, living and ruling a dream like wonderland where I control all. We could be happy. No dealing with emotions, no Deliah, no stupid royal banquets, or meeting. Just me and Peter, living in perfect harmony. A perfect life.

I have chosen wisely.

I walk to the door of my choosing. I take a deep breath and step through it.

"Peter?"

"Ashlyn, my love."