The Things We Want

CHAPTER 22 "KIDNAPPERS"

"Your kidnappers of course. They led us here," Demetrius sighed as if it was obvious. Ava and Eugene looked at each other fearfully.

"Demetrius, you didn't-" Ava rushed from the house, and outside stood her three newest friends and one man she didn't recognize.

"Oh, Oh no! You mustn't treat them this way, they helped me!" All four were handcuffed and roped together. Lola sat on the ground and looked dreadful.

"What proof do you have of them committing this crime!" Eugene said, putting his hand on Jared's shoulder in concern.

"The King of course, and they knew of her whereabouts," Demetrius smiled innocently, Eugene growled back.

"They did nothing but heroic deeds. Release them at once!" Ava said strongly. Everyone stared at her, but no one saw a little princess. That voice came from a Queen.

"Oh, she's a fiery one, I like that," Demetrius stepped forward and took a strand of her hair, playing with it in his hand, "Release them," He waved his other hand casually at the guards and they proceeded to untie them. Eugene distracted himself by working on Jared's ties, so he wouldn't walk up to the crown prince and punch him.

Ava stepped back, disgust on her face. She fake smiled at him and then helped Iris and Lola.

"A-Ava, thank you," Lola said weakly, her head throbbing from smacking the ground earlier, but Ava understood why. It was because her mother was still safe, where no one would find her.

"Of course Lola, let's get you up," Ava said, and then helped Iris lift Lola to her feet.

"You still must come with us to the palace. The King will want the truth from all of you," Demetrius explained. Everyone looked at Ava. She nodded.

"Alright, we all go, there are not enough horses," Ava added.

"I will return to Jared's home to get Mara for myself and Lola," Iris said, helping Lola stay upright.

"I guess if we are going to my home I'll bring my steed too," Jared commented, "Andres can ride with me."

"And Eugene will ride with me. Alright, lets-"

"She goes with me," Demetrius said, taking Ava's arm. She didn't fight him, knowing it would end badly, and he mounted up, lifting her and helping her onto the back of the horse. Eugene fumed, but there wasn't anything he could say. He helped Iris and Lola onto Sir Clarence for the ride to Jared's and they started the slow trot back to town.