Alexandria: The Rebel Princess

Chapter 15

In the open endless fields of grass, we were exposed to the hot sun. My face dripped with sweat and I leaned uncomfortably against Xavier. Everytime I try to sit up, he slams me back against him. It had been a long morning. My tears dried up and stained my cheeks. The blood from the battlefield dried and cracked against my skin.

The weapons thrown into the bed of the wagon rumble quietly around me. They slid about, front to back, bouncing unstably with each rock or pothole.

"Where are we-" A hand slams over my mouth. Clawing at Xavier's hand, he hisses as my nails drag against his skin. My angry words are mumfled from under his hand, and his fingers dig into my jaw with a bruising force. Whimpering in pain, I fall quiet, laying limp against Xavier in defeat.

Seeming satisfied with my silence he releases my jaw. Instantly, I rub away the pain. Kicking the bow that smacked my shin with frustration.

Our wagon led the crowd forward, guiding the horses to an undetermined destination. Jeremy rode at the front, his hands on the wagon's reins. His face is like all the other's void of emotion. Not once am I acknowledged by anyone behind us. Hatefully, I glare at them all, to which Xavier shoves my head in the opposite direction silently.

Octavius and Chadwick ride side by side, their gaze lifted over the wagon to the road we follow. Their voices filled the thick silence with argument.

"What is he to her then, Octavius," Chadwick spat.

"How would I know? Your boy has been with her this whole time. Ask him," Octavius counters pointing towards Tristan whose head is lowered as his horse marches him behind them. He looked numb, his expression wavers between emotionless and slight worry. Our plans to escape together have failed.

"Kalen clearly cares for her, this is more than a battle for a princess," Chadwick grumbles.

He is right though. How had I not realised it before? The Mountain Blades fought both sides of that battle, they were there for me and not King Thaddeus.

"I had warned you not to test your theories," Octavius hissed quietly, "what if she was hurt? The king would never agree to their nuptials and neither would I. He made his intentions known when he abdicated the throne. Who cares if he sacrifices himself for her safety. He's a soldier, a man of God."

"That isn't enough for this boy," Chadwick growled, "I know."

"What do you suppose then Chadwick?" Octavius spat, "When he heals, he will come back for her."

"We set an example," Chadwick coos with a rumbling darkness.

Octavius roars, "and pointing an arrow at my niece isn't message enough to him?"

"I do what is best for our men," Chadwick hisses, glancing back at his men.

Octavius spat back, "Our men or yourself?"

Chadwick rolled his eyes, "Don't be ridiculous, Octavius."

"When did you kill his family?" Octavius whispers, glancing around him. He seems suspicious and untrusting of even his own men. "They were Waldens. The King's belated sister was once Edward's wife."

Chadwick cackled tauntingly, "And then he fell in love with that wretched foreigner."

I gulped. Kalen's mom is related to Prince Rowan. She was the foreigner he refers to. My mother's closest friend.

"Why did you hate them? Why don't I know about any of this?" Octavius groans.

"Lady Margaret Walden was planning to tell the King about Helena," Chadwick hisses, "They were going to take your sister from us. Like I've said before I do what is best for all of us. Do not question me, Octavius."