War of the Roses

18. Destiny

Three hours before...

"We need to find a place to rest." Henry's gaze was exploring their surroundings, hoping to find a safe place to rest.

"Do you think is a good idea to stop now? we are still fairly close to the castle, I'm sure they are by now looking for us." Samira voiced her concerns.

"Is true, but our horses are tired if we don't allow them to rest we won't go too far either." Henry explained, while crossing his leg over his horse and getting down from it.

"But what if they find us?" She asked.

"They won't."His tone and smile were reassuring and successful at making her feel that they will safely make it to Kalon. Henry then grabbed her waist in order to help her get down from her own horse.

The proximity of their bodies felt wrong to Samira, her body did not shiver in reaction to his touch like it did with Philip. For a moment she questioned her decision of leaving, every little hope she had for her marriage to work had gone with her that night, she knew there was no going back from this.

"There..." Henry whispered pointing his index finger towards the bushes in front of them. "You see that? Is a small cottage behind the bushes, wait here, I will take a look." He took his sword out and walked towards the small wooden cottage.

Samira remained rooted on the same spot, anxiety growing in her chest every passing second. Minutes later Henry came out looking very calmed.

"Lets go, there's no one there."

They walked their horses with them, gave water and allowed then to rest under the trees next to the cottage. Once inside they took seats on chairs next to a small wooden table and started to eat from their own provisions.

"How much long you think we have left?" She asked breaking the silence.

Henry opened his mouth to reply but the sound of a dry branch breaking in the outside made him stop taking his index finger to his mouth signaling Samira to not say a word, slowly he took his sword out and stood up. Foot steps approached them. They had nowhere to go, no where to hide. She felt how everything around her started to move in slow motion, her heavy breathing made her chest go up and down at a fast peace.

The door slammed open and Henry placed the tip of his sword right on the neck of the person before them. Samira closed her eyes not wanting to see what was about to happen.

"W-Who are you? and why are you here?" She heard a female voice and her eyes opened.

An old woman with rags as clothes came to view, her eyes showed how terrified she was as the sharp tip of the sword scratched her wrinkled neck.

"Why are YOU here." Henry asked, his sword and his eyes not leaving the frightened woman.

"T-this is where I live, sire." The woman replied with shaky voice.

"Henry please, put the sword down, she's old and frightened." Samira pleaded feeling pity for the woman.

"I'm not bringing my sword down until I make sure you are no threat for us."

"W-what threat can I be sire? I'm just and old lonely woman, I don't possess any weapons."

"Henry..." Samira pleaded once again, this time her eyes met his and he lost his will.

The sword was released from the old woman's neck. Allowing her to release a deep breath, she struggled to keep her balance. Not doubt at her age, strong emotions like the one that just unfolded could take a toll on her.