by Debra Kayn
"Mama wasn't in her room last night. I knew she wasn't allowed to go to you, and I wanted to spend the evening in her company." Nari wrapped her arms around her middle.
His men crept closer, wanting to hear what the young princess knew. The prince grabbed both daughters' arms and dragged them off to the side where they might not be overheard.
"Go on, Nari."
"Please, Papa, do not punish my mother. She's jealous." Nari fell to her knees. "I think Mama kidnapped Celina and Mrs. Rodriguez."
He should have known. His second wife had become spiteful toward the others, while acting innocent and caring around him. Did she really have it in her to harm someone—especially his daughter—this way?
"Spit it out now, Nari. Where are Celina and Natalia?" He grabbed Nari's arm and lifted her to her feet.
"I overheard Mama talking about a cave on the other side of the island." Nari hung her head. "That's all I know. I swear on my life, Papa."
The caves! Only his men dared travel to the training ground. Uninhabited, the rough terrain and hidden dangers placed Celina and Natalia in great peril.
"Charles, Drake!" He walked toward the men. "I know where they are."
"We made it, Celina." Natalia collapsed against the mouth of the cave, a cavern hidden in the hillside above the pounding surf of the ocean. Covered with brush growing wild in front of the entrance, the cave was invisible to the naked eye.
"I have no idea which direction to even start in." Celina planted her hands on her hips and surveyed the area.
"Maybe you should just stay here with me. We can wait until the men find us. After we rest, we can try to walk a little farther." Natalia sat on a boulder outside the cave and rubbed her legs.
Celina doubted anyone would look for them this soon. She knew the routine of the palace, and unless her sisters mentioned it to one of the mothers during the day, the news of them missing wouldn't become known until dinnertime. She only hoped someone found them. The thought of spending another night outside the palace scared her almost as much as Shanna did.
She stepped over beside her mother. "Let's go find a place for you to lie down."
Natalia walked easier in the daylight than she did in the cave. Celina scouted the terrain. For all she knew, she'd led them straight into the path of a different kind of danger.
The bushes slapped her cheeks and snagged her clothes. Celina stopped her search. The only thing they were accomplishing was adding more scratches and bruises to their already sore bodies.
"I think if I make the ground soft with leaves you could lay under one of these bushes. I'll pile branches up around you, and no one would see you." Celina rubbed her cheek.
"You are brave, Celina. Without you here—"
"No, I'm not. I'm here because of Shanna. If I could get my hands on her, I'd tear her apart for doing this to us."
"And, I'd help you." Natalia patted Celina on the back. "She wouldn't stand a chance with both of us after her."
Both women gathered leaves from the trees. Celina pulled up the edges of her dress and constructed a makeshift pouch. If she hurried, she might make it back to the palace before it began to get dark.
The leaves, though not the soft, feather-bed quality she hoped for, cushioned the ground enough to bring comfort to Natalia. Celina nodded. "This will have to do."
"It's more than enough, daughter. Thank you." Natalia cradled her head on her arm.
"I think if I head in that direction, away from the sound of the surf, I'll have the best chance of finding someone to help us."
"I don't like the idea of you out there alone. It's so different here, and women should not be outside the palace grounds. There are so many things that could happen." Natalia caught Celina's hand. "Please, be careful. I can't have something happen to you now that I have you back."
"I will..." she hesitated, "Mama."
Natalia's shoulders shook, and Celina gathered her mother in her arms. She leaned back and waited until Nat lay back down.
"Hurry now, while you still have daylight."
Celina nodded and left her mother's side.
Chapter Eighteen
The sand below her feet turned to rich, dark soil, and Celina picked up her pace. She limped from the sores on her feet and knew there must be blisters forming. Too afraid to stop and check, and worried if she sat down she wouldn't get back up, she continued.
For the last hour, the same bird followed her from above, and swooped down the moment she walked slower. She glared up into the sky and willed the big ugly pest to go away. Her kidnappers would track her if they spotted the vulture circling the sky. Damn bird, go away!
The sun beat down on the top of Celina's head, and sweat broke out across her forehead. She cringed. A trickle of moisture ran down into the cut on her cheek. She swiped her forearm across her face and slowed her pace. She'd wear herself out soon, and that wouldn't help her or Natalia.
A prickly bush snagged her dress, and she gave it a firm tug. The material ripped, and she wished for the shorts and t-shirt Charles gave her in California. She'd have been able to move much faster in the clothes she wore in California, not to mention the sneakers might have protected her feet better.
One more step.
Each step took her one foot closer to Drake. She dug deep inside for the strength to continue. Exhausted beyond anything she'd ever experienced, taking a little rest might help her to continue.
She lost the ability to swallow. She tried, but there wasn't enough spit in her mouth to make it work. She second-guessed her choice to walk opposite the ocean. If she'd stayed by the shoreline instead of going the other direction, she might have run into a fresh water stream.
She battled through the underbrush and entered a clearing. She collapsed on the ground. There wasn't a person or building in sight. Oh, Mama, I failed us.
The vulture swooped. The breeze from its wings rustled her hair. Exhausted, she closed her eyes. She'd rest for just a few minutes and then continue on her quest. Just a catnap, and then I'll be able to travel faster.
"Get up!"
The sudden impact against her side radiated pain throughout her body and stole her breath. She folded her legs up to ward off the pain, but another attack hit her. She cried out, and covered her chest to block the foot kicking her.
"Get up!"
She'd done it. Someone had come to help her. She squinted against the intense glare of the sun and shielded her eyes.
She scooted back at the sight of the angry woman. "Shanna?"
The woman reached down and grabbed a handful of Celina's hair. Celina whimpered, and her body swayed. "I'm going to be sick."
"You thought you could escape, you stupid...Now, where is your mother?" Shanna shook the handful of Celina's hair.
"Mama..."
"Yes, where is your mama?"
Celina clamped her lips together. She chose to die rather than tell her.
"Come on. We don't have time to play games."
Shanna dragged Celina to her feet and pushed her back in the direction of the cave. She stumbled.
"Why are you doing this to me?"
Shanna gave her another shove, and Celina struggled to keep upright. She bent over at the waist, gagged, and clamped her hand over her mouth. She was so dizzy it made her nauseous.
"You and your mother bring shame on the prince. Everyday we have to watch the prince ogle over his favorite daughter and give you everything you desire. It ends now. Getting rid of both of you is better for everyone. That woman is not welcome back into the palace." Shanna spat on the ground. "She will not take my place as his wife."
Shanna's eyes darted back and forth, and her words rushed out of her mouth. Fear rooted in Celina. Always mean-spirited and cruel, Shanna no longer acted sane, and Celina feared the depth she'd go to get rid of her and Natalia.
"Wait, Shanna." She waited until Shanna turned back to her, and what she saw scared her to death. Shanna had gone mad. "I'll take Natalia, and we will go to America. Yo
u will not have to worry about us anymore. I-I want to live in America."
"It's too late. You will be on a ship off the island as soon as I find your mother. Now where is she?" Shanna moved, and the sunlight flickered off the knife in her hand.
Celina stepped backward, turned, and scrambled over the rough terrain. "Help! Somebody, help me!"
A branch slapped her face, and her arms came up to protect her. The cut on her cheek reopened, and warm blood trickled down her face, into her mouth. She spat. Shanna must not catch her.
The branches cracked, and the hum of Shanna breathing behind her forced Celina to run faster. Shanna caught Celina's hair, and she screamed.
She pitched herself forward, gaining space between her and Shanna, but she couldn't catch her balance. The ground came up to meet her, and she cried out. Pebbles dug into her hands and knees.
"Help! Help me!"
"Shut up!" Shanna slapped Celina across the face.
She wouldn't stop. The injustice of it all filled her with fury. She swung her arms wildly. If she hurt Shanna, she might stand a chance of surviving.
***
Drake jogged for what seemed like hours, cursing the lack of automobiles on this hellhole of an island. A person could walk from one side of the island to the other in four hours, but he needed to find Celina now.
Prince Joqua hurried along one hundred yards to Drake's left, and his father on his right, each searching the area for the women. He scanned the ground and bushes looking for any indication that Celina and Natalia might have come this way. Was it too much to ask to find a shoe, a message written in the dirt, anything that would jump out at him and grab his attention? He needed some sign they were still alive.
After dire threats from the prince, the man who helped Shanna confessed, and was promptly locked in jail. They'd already searched the cave and found it empty. The blankets used to smuggle the women out of the palace lay on the cold floor of the cavern. The only thing left to do was search the surrounding areas, and it seemed like an impossible task to Drake.
Once he found them, he'd do whatever it took to make Celina believe in his love and to come back to America where he could keep her safe. Maybe a month on his father's yacht, just the two of them, would buy him enough time to convince her to accept the fact to trust him again. No matter how long it took, he expected to live with her for the rest of his life. He wasn't willing to believe any differently.
The loud cawing overhead drew Drake's attention to the sky. He raised his arm and shielded his eyes against the glare of the sun. A black vulture flew tight circles and swooped toward the ground.
Drake continued on his search, but the scream of another bird joining the fray farther ahead stopped him in his tracks. His stomach cramped. Carnivores didn't care what they found to sustain themselves.
Rabbits.
Mice.
Dead prey.
Carcasses.
He took off running. He tore branches and leapt over brush, keeping his vision on the spot where the birds had disappeared. Sweet Jesus, no...
A bloodthirsty scream so filled with terror came from yards ahead of him. A burst of adrenaline shot through his veins, and his feet barely landed on the rough terrain. Celina!
He practically flew over the knoll to where he thought the birds landed and came to an abrupt halt. His hands came up, reaching for thin air at the sight in front of him. Shanna held a knife across Celina's neck. Blood covered her face.
"Put the knife down." He stepped toward the woman. Less than thirty feet from her, he knew without a doubt time played against him. The damage Shanna might do...
He inched his way closer. Shanna glanced frantically between him and Celina.
Determined, he stepped every time her gaze left him. He needed to get the knife away from Celina's neck.
Shanna threw the knife in Drake's direction, barely missing his leg, and ran off in the reverse direction. Drake ran the rest of the way to Celina and fell on his knees beside her. "Oh, baby..."
She didn't move or look up at him with those beautiful eyes of hers. Blood trickled out of her cheek, down her neck. He held his breath and checked her neck for a pulse. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard. Thank you, God.
"Celina, baby, can you hear me?" He rubbed her arms, trying to arouse her back to consciousness. Afraid to move her in case she suffered from any broken bones, he stayed by her side. "Babe, please wake up."
She moaned and moved her head side to side, fighting. He lifted his head and scanned the area.
"Dad! Prince Joqua!"
Celina needed a doctor. His dad and Prince Joqua couldn't be too far away. "I'll get you back to the palace, Celina, just hang on, baby."
"Drake?" his father called out.
"Dad, over here! I found her," he yelled.
Celina whimpered and brought her hand up to her face. He stopped her before she contaminated the wounds. "Baby, can you tell me where it hurts?"
"Drake?"
"It's me. I'm going to get you some help."
Her eyelids fluttered, and she tried to raise her head. He leaned over her. "Just hang on. Dad and Prince Joqua should be here any minute."
"Shanna..." She grimaced.
"Shh...I know. We'll catch her."
"No. Natalia. She's hiding...by the cave." She struggled to swallow. "Shanna will kill her...don't let her kill my mother."
Branches snapped, the screams of the birds flying away in defeat reached Drake, and he turned. He dropped her hand and stood ready to defend her from Shanna. If the bitch thought she'd get another chance at hurting his woman, he'd kill her first.
"Drake?"
Charles pushed through the brush. Excitement shone on his face. "Did you find—"
"Over here."
Charles kneeled beside his son. "Thank God. How is she?"
"She's conscious now, but she needs a doctor."
"Take her. I'll find the prince."
"Help Natalia," Celina whispered. She raised her arm reaching for him.
"Dad?" Drake couldn't leave Celina, but his dad could go hunt for Natalia. "You need to find Natalia."
"Yes. Yes. Celina, can you tell me if she is close by?"
Celina's head fell back on Drake's arm.
"I've got to get her back to the palace, but she mentioned Natalia hid by the cave." Drake carefully slid his arm underneath Celina's shoulders.
After Charles left, Drake picked Celina off the ground and held her cradled in his arms. Carrying her, he embarked on the long journey back to the palace. In his hurry to see her safe, and to find out if this island even had a medical doctor, he stumbled over another branch. He tightened his hold on Celina and forged ahead.
"Damn island. Damn cars. Damn wives. Damn..." Drake muttered.
A weak croak came from Celina. He shifted her in his arms and tried not to make more bruises on her already abused body. "I guess all your damns rubbed off on me."
Celina nodded and whimpered.
He picked up his steps. "I know, baby. You've taken a beating, and I'm probably causing you more pain. Hang in there, and I'll get you the help you'll need as fast as I can."
Chapter Nineteen
"Natalia!"
Charles' voice grew hoarse from the last half hour of constant yelling. Not a sign or sound from Natalia ever came. Give me a sign, Nat. I'm running out of ideas.
After meeting back up with Prince Joqua, they agreed the prince would search the cave and the outer areas once more, and he concentrated on searching through the underbrush. The thought of Shanna getting her hands on Natalia terrified him. She should never have come back to this island.
"Natalia!"
He stood perfectly still, cocked his head to listen for anything out of the ordinary. The sound of the waves blocked out most sounds. He checked his watch again; it wouldn't be long before the sun went down.
"Damn it."
He headed out a little farther. Maybe Celina misjudged the dist
ance they'd traveled. He jogged along a route he imagined the women might have gone, and something blue caught his eye. He hurried over and fought his way through the branches, ignoring the pain. Natalia had put on a blue dress yesterday.
"Natalia!"
"Charles?"
Her voice sounded weak, but it was comfort to his soul. His eyes blurred with unshed tears at that sweet, sweet voice of hers. He found her hidden under the brush. She appeared tired and a little worse for wear, but she smiled up at him.
"Nat...you almost gave this old man a heart attack." He pulled her up to his chest and hugged her. "I thought I'd lost you."
"Charles, did Celina find you?" The strength of her grip on the front of his shirt didn't surprise him. He'd always known about the fierce love she had for her daughter. Distance didn't play a factor in how much Natalia protected Celina.
"She's okay, or rather, she will be. Drake found her and is taking her back to the palace to get her help." Charles laid Natalia back down and worked on a bigger exit out of the brush. "I'll have you back beside your daughter before you know it."
"It was Shanna. Prince Joqua's wife. She didn't want me back at the palace."
"Shh...love, I know. She's not going to get another chance at hurting you, trust me."
"I do. I've always trusted you."
He inspected the trail he made and deemed it wide enough to help Natalia out of hiding without causing even more abrasions on her poorly beat-up body.
"Now hang on, love, I'm going to get you back to your daughter."
Chapter Twenty
The doctor left, and Drake sat beside the bed holding Celina's hand. His thumb stroked her palm. He'd washed the blood away, and after a few sips of water to calm her stomach, she was feeling a little better. The sickness she experienced came from dehydration and exhaustion, nothing else.
She shivered, and Drake pulled the blanket up higher, covering her shoulders.
"Drake?"
He leaned closer, his brows drawn together, and she wanted to run her hands over his face to smooth out the worry lines, but it hurt to lift her arms. "I'm sorry I ran away. I thought..." She swallowed hard. "You were telling your father about having sex with me, and I was afraid of the punishment. I thought America was different; I wanted to believe it was different."
