Hilary
“Gone? What do you mean gone?” Samuel asked, eyes wide.
“I was alerted she had awoken so I went upstairs and she was not there. I asked around and no one had seen her. There were tracks found outside her window. It matches Nathaniel’s feet. We think he might have taken her.” June whispered, looking down.
Samuel growled low in his throat and grabbed his sword. “I’ll be back.” He ran out of the room with Ryker close behind.
“I am coming too.” I followed after them.
“No you’re not.” Samuel spun around, arms folded over his chest.
“Yes I am. She’s my sister, Samuel!” I insisted.
“You are a princess.” Ryker smiled sadly as Sam sighed impatiently.
“And? If Samuel was out there, you would do the exact same thing.” I pointed out, glaring at him.
“But I am a trained knight. There is a difference.” He nodded and turned for the doors.
“Fine then. I shall stay here and weep for my sister. Is that not what a…princess should do?” I turned and ran up the stairs, slamming my door shut. I walked out onto the balcony, looking into the forest.
I spotted Samuel and Ryker moving through the trees. I trusted Samuel enough to know he would bring back Nikita.
But I didn’t trust Nathaniel not to kill Samuel before he could.
Ryker
“Do we even know where he is?” I asked as I pushed another branch out of my way.
“Yes. There is a cave a few miles away from here. His tracks stopped there.” Samuel looked down at the ground and paused, tilting his head.
“Brother? The princess awaits.” I patted his shoulder hesitantly as he froze up.
“But not at the cave. Nathaniel is a trained hunter. He would never leave tracks so obvious.” Samuel started pacing back and forth, running his hand through his hair.
“Maybe he was in a hurry.” I suggested, shrugging.
“No. I have seen him hunt. He is not one to hurry. Wait! What’s that smell? Is that blood?” Samuel asked, eyes widening.
I licked my lips and closed my eyes, concentrating.
“No, no. We have to follow it. I think it might be Nikita.” Samuel grabbed my arm and started dragging me along until I finally got my feet to work. We stopped at the waterfall. I shook my head to clear it as the sweet scent filled the air. We walked into the waterfall.
“It’s just rock.” I sighed, wiping water off my face.
Samuel touched a stone, lifting up his fingers to show blood covering the tips. “It’s definitely Nikita.” He wiped his hand off on his pants and looked around silently.
“Sammy…watch out!” I yelled, pulling him into the water as boulders rained down. We got out and looked up to see the back of a tall dark-haired man.
Samuel growled and pointed to the trees before climbing up one.
I slowly followed, keeping my eyes locked on the strange man. We jumped into different trees and as I crouched in mine, I spotted nearly-white hair. I leaned forward to see Nikita, lying on the ground with blood on her forehead, unconscious.
“My sweet bride. I am ever so sorry for the loss of your guard. What’s that? You forgive me? Thank you, darling. Oh, you are glad I killed the blond. As am I.” Nathaniel chuckled and knelt down next to her, brushing her hair back.
Samuel slowly starting climbing down his tree.
Nathaniel smiled and leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek. “I am going to kiss you right now. And you are going to stay still unlike last time, ok?” He stared down at her for a few seconds before leaning in for the kiss.
Then a sword was pressed to his neck.
“I would not do that if I were you.” Samuel snarled, lightly pushing him back, away from Nikita.
“Ryker!” Samuel called, nodding towards her.
I jumped down from my tree and ran over to pick her up.
“Get her back to the castle. I have to have a few words with Nathaniel.” Samuel glared down at Nathaniel as he smiled.
I hesitated for a moment before taking off toward the castle.
...
“The wound is healing nicely. It should be fine by the evening.” Isabella wrung the wet towel into a bowl then left, smiling happily.
“I have to go talk with father about Nathaniel. They are actually thinking about letting the snake back into the throne.” Hilary stood up and followed her out, sighing angrily.
I glanced over at Samuel and then down at Nikita, pausing.
“Sam.” she whispered nearly inaudibly.
He looked up at her, taking one of her hands in both of his. Her eyes fluttered open and she slowly attempted to sit up.
“Easy. Slowly, princess.” I smiled in relief and helped her up.
“Nathaniel?” she whispered, looking up at me.
“He’s in the dungeon, princess. Don’t worry about him.” I reassured.
“Ok. What happened?” she asked, taking deep breaths while avoiding Samuel’s eyes.
“We think he broke into your room and dragged you out to the waterfall. And then we took you back here.” I explained, rubbing my hands together.
“Thank you then. I owe you both my life or at least a kiss, knowing Nathaniel.” She stood up and leaned down to kiss my cheek delicately before reaching across the bed to do the same to Samuel.
She called for Hilary as she left. We both sat there, in awe.
“Sammy…I think I’m in love.” I muttered, touching my cheek.
“Get in line.”
Quick Author's Note:
How do you guys like the story? Is it good so far? And don't worry, there will be plently of drama coming up:)
