Samuel
“Leaving so soon brother?” I asked as Ryker swung his bag onto his shoulder.
“I was here to deliver a message from mother.” He held out a folded piece of paper with a smile.
“I shall wait in the kitchen for you to write her back.” He left for the other room as I went outside. I sat at a table overlooking the garden. I unfolded the letter.
Samuel,
Rumor has spread that the king is injured. Are you alright? Harmed in any way? When will I be able to visit? I miss you, as does your father. Athena weeps at night without you. We must move closer so I may see you. How is the castle? Is it everything we ever dreamed? I do believe I heard that the blond princess is spoiled but maybe that is just villager’s jealously speaking. Is she as beautiful in person as in pictures? Is the other one kind? I hear she is. I have seen her taking care of animals in the village a few times. I love and miss you so much.
I smiled and got up for paper when I heard a scream. Was that Nikita? Where was Nathaniel?
I ran into the garden, looking around for her. It sounded like it was coming from the fountain. I stopped in my tracks, hidden behind a tall fat tree.
She was on the ground, blood staining her white dress near the stomach and again on both of her legs and arms, trailing down the fabric. She had a cut down her cheek and a few on her hands.
Nathaniel stood over her with a sword, growling words at her.
“If you had just kissed me, my bride, this would not need to be done. You will learn to treat me with respect.” He grabbed her arms and threw her against the fountain. As much as it pained me to watch, I had to wait for the right moment. She looked up at him, face going blank. No. Not now. Anytime but now.
Hilary
“Ryker, you make me blush.” I giggled as I headed for the fountain.
“Well I have been known to-” he broke off at the sight of a blank Nikita being shaken by Nathaniel.
Samuel leaped out and threw him to the side just as her head hit the fountain.
“No!” I cried, dropping to my knees. Her eyes rolled back into her head and her chest froze. “No, no, no!” I crawled over to her quickly, feeling for a pulse.
“Nikita. Nikki, wake up! You are not dying on me. Isabella!” I screamed, pulling her into my arms as tears rolled down my cheek.
Ryker turned and raced for the castle as Samuel pressed his sword to Nathaniel’s throat.
“You are done.” He made a deep slash in his cheek and knocked him out with a single blow. “Is she alright?” he asked, turning and dropping down beside Nikita.
I shook my head, sobbing. “She’s not breathing! She’s not breathing, she’s not breathing!” I cried, shaking.
Isabella ran up and gasped.
“She hit her head on the fountain when she was having a vision and she is not breathing!” I yelled at her, clinging to her dress.
“Samuel, bring her to her room immediately. Ryker, do not let Hilary in that room. I do not care if you have to throw your life down. You. Keep. Her. Out.”
Ryker
“I have to see her, she’s my sister!” Hilary screamed as I blocked the door.
“She needs care and you being in there is a distraction.” I snapped, folding my arms across her chest.
“Where is that vile snake? I want to see him hang!” she yelled, turning and storming over to a guard.
I peeked into the room. Isabella waved me in. I locked the door behind me.
“Well?” I placed my hand on Samuel’s shoulder to find it shaking. I looked down at him, quickly spotting his trembles that never stopped.
“Her heart is not a strong one. She might not make it.” Isabella sniffled and wiped away a tear as she continued wrapping Nikita’s wounds.
“Sammy, maybe you should leave. I will watch her for you.” I suggested, patting his back.
He quickly shook his head. “She is my duty. And I failed her. I was supposed to be with her, Ryker. We had a disagreement and I left her when I should have stayed and talked with her. I should have saved her.” he muttered, tears in his eyes. The door burst open.
In strode the king, angry growls deep in his throat. “Who did this to my daughter?!” he yelled, the sound echoing.
“Nathaniel, sir.” Samuel grimaced at the name but just grabbed one of her hands in both of his.
The king turned and stormed out.
“Sammy, relax. I promise she will be fine.” I reassured, kneeling next to him.
“How do you know?” he whispered, staring at her.
“Because she has you.”
“Get up! Get up!” someone hissed into my ear. I slowly opened my eyes to find myself on the floor with my pillow tossed across the room.
“What?” I groaned, looking up at Sam. “I need your help. Nathaniel ran away and I have to track him but I need someone to watch Nikita for me.” He helped me up and started for the hall when I grabbed his shoulder.
“Sammy, I have to be home by now. Mother is probably worrying.” I explained, shrugging.
“No she isn’t. I sent a letter yesterday. Now come on. I need you to tell me when she wakes up. I am not going far. I will always be less than a mile away from the castle. And if she does happen to wake up while I’m gone, do not tell where I am. No matter what. Lie if you have to.”
