by K R Martin
Knowing the horses, and Arrow, were in good hands, the three turned and slipped inside. The castle was eerily silent but comforting in its familiarity. So often she had snuck through the empty halls to meet her love. And now, they were back where they began, hiding their love from those intent on destroying it and them.
Few lights illuminated their way, and an even brighter one beckoned before them. Drawing closer, Renee realized the light spilled from the king’s study. Her feet halted, and her breath quickened, her heart pounding in her chest. The last time she stepped inside that room, she’d almost been kidnapped herself, after being beaten by the usurper. If Will and Jonathan hadn’t rescued her, who knows what that man would have done to her.
A warm hand covered hers, squeezing comfort into it. Her eyes turned from the door to meet her husband’s. He nodded in understanding, sending her comfort. She took a deep breath, squeezing his hand back. Together, they followed Jonathan into the room.
Renee blinked at the sight that greeted her. Gone were the dark wooden bookcases; instead, only a few lighter wood cases sat against one wall. The others were covered with art, lots of them floral paintings, giving the room a more cheerful feel. Even the main desk had been changed out, though it was hard to see clearly as both Jonathan and Will had stepped towards it, being greeted by two new figures. Her eyes itched from the tears that sprang up as both turned to smile at her.
“Hello, darling,” her mother said with open arms.
“Hello, Mother,” Renee stepped into her arms, returning the embrace. “Father.” She nodded at him, earning a smile in return. They had been so shocked when she returned alive, but thrilled. With all the information shared, they offered to return to Cartiana and take over the royal duties, giving Will and Renee whatever time they needed to finish dealing with Retanny.
“We received your messenger earlier today but have kept the news quiet.” Richard spoke; her father always knew how to handle delicate situations.
“Thank you.” Renee moved to hug him. There was still some awkwardness in the movement; after all they did attempt to marry her to a fake king. That and they hadn’t been very close growing up, leaving Renee to her own devices.
“That poor girl,” Elizabeth shook her head; her mother might have been distant, but she had a sensitive heart. “She seemed so nice. I can’t imagine how scared she is being taken from a place that should be a safe haven.”
“She’s a stronger girl than we give her credit for,” Renee noted. “She may not have combat training, but she’s not faint of heart.”
“And I doubt they’d hurt her,” Will added. “They need her well cared for. I just doubt they realize that their actions could start a war.”
“We’ll find her before that happens,” Jonathan resolved.
“I’ll check with the innkeeper tomorrow to see if he’s heard of anything. Jonathan, could you wander into town and see what you can learn?”
“Or course.”
“Tonight, you all need to rest,” Richard spoke.
“Jonathan, your quarters have been prepared.” Elizabeth joined before leaning to Renee, adding in a whisper, “and your rooms are just the same as before.”
“Mother!” Renee scolded in a harsh whisper, fighting the heat in her face.
“Tomorrow will come soon enough,” Elizabeth returned.
“And tomorrow, we will find her.” Will spoke with such conviction, all of them nodding. Renee took her husband’s hand, squeezing it tight. They’d find Desiree and bring her home.
Chapter 23
Three days. For three days Fedor had sat in the same corner, watching every patron come through the doors. No one stood out to him, though several groups had requested items to take with them, but none of the groups contained the same faces. And, he hadn’t seen any sign of Will either. Surely he received the note Fedor left?
“Nothing yet?” the innkeeper spoke as he placed a plate down in front of Fedor.
“No. This was probably grasping at straws, but I had to do something,” Fedor grumbled.
“If it helps, I do think that they plan to return.”
“I just hope it’s soon.”
“While you wait, perhaps this can help.” He placed a sealed envelope before Fedor. “This was left for you earlier today.”
“Left. For me?” Fedor asked, but the man had already walked off. He turned to the letter, noting that it only bore his name written in a simple scrawl. Nothing too elegant, but still had a noble feel.
After one last look around, he broke the wax sealing it together. Pulling the letter out, he read the few lines quickly. So, Will had received his missive, and was now hiding at the castle with Renee and Jonathan, using their own resources to assist him. That felt odd, having them offer to assist him though this was their kingdom. For now, he would continue to monitor, and keep Will apprised of anything found.
Speaking of, a new face entered the room. He seemed hesitant, his eyes shifting around the room. They rested on him for a moment but glanced over quickly before he shuffled toward the counter.
“Evening! What can I do for you?” The owner’s voice boomed in the room, extra cheery. Fedor had a feeling it was for his benefit. The newcomer nodded and spoke so softly, Fedor couldn’t make out the words. “Certainly, be back in a moment,” the innkeeper responded before disappearing in the back.
Fedor forced himself to hunch over, focusing on his food and hiding his features. Sure enough, the man’s gaze continued to shift over the room. His hand drummed on the countertops, his weight shifting from foot to foot. Many times, his gaze came to rest on Fedor, and he hoped he fooled the man into believing he was harmless.
“Here you are,” the innkeeper spoke as he produced a bag. The man grumbled, tossed some coins, and all but fled. The moment he was gone, Fedor strode to the owner.
“Who was that?” Fedor asked.
“He lives in a cottage at the edge of town. Doesn’t usually come into town, though...”
“See if you could send word to our mutual friend.” Fedor rushed from the inn, just as he saw the man ride off. His own horse stood ready, and he was thankful the owner talked him into allowing his mount rest during the day but had him prepared during the dinner hours.
“Sorry, boy, but we need to hurry.” He rubbed the horse’s neck before leaping onto his back. He spurred his horse on, following the path the man had taken. Inside the city, it was fairly easy to spot the figure in the distance, but once he passed the city limits, the trees served to hide the man he sought.
Slowing his horse, he kept his eyes focused on the sides, searching for any signs of the man he pursued.
There.
The path was narrow, and disguised to appear as an animal trail, but there was no denying the fresh hoof prints, going both directions. This man didn’t expect pursuit. Part of him hoped that his search was finally over, but part of him had a hard time believing that the people who so expertly planned Desiree’s kidnapping could be so careless.
He nudged his horse onto the path, keeping the pace slow, hoping the noise wasn’t as loud as it sounded in his ears. Night had begun to fall, making it hard to see the trail before him, especially beneath the heavy tree canopies. The path branched of a few times, and he even had to backtrack once. Finally, the trees began to thin, and he could make out a clearing ahead.
“Whoa, boy,” he called softly as he stopped his horse. He dismounted, and led the animal further into the trees, lightly tethering it to a low branch. “Have a snack, but please stay quiet.”
The horse softly snorted before reaching down to munch on some grass. Secure in the knowledge that the horse would be fine, Fedor crept through the trees, carefully watching his steps, and listening for any other sounds. Only silence greeted him.
He moved closer to the clearing, taking care to keep hidden in the shadows. A large tree stood at the edge, and he approached, slipping behind it. Voices reached his ears, and he leaned around, his eyes finding the man he followed as h
e handed over the bag.
“Look, I know I agreed to let you all remain here, but I don’t like this,” the man spoke, his voice betraying his worry.
“You didn’t want her to be queen either,” the gruff man replied.
“I know, but did we have to resort to kidnapping?”
“Yes. We needed to show that we meant business. She’s still safe in her room, and fed, and as soon as King William sees that she’s not right for him or the kingdom, she’ll be returned, no harm.”
“I suppose.”
“Good. I’ll let you know if there’s anything else we’ll need,” the man spoke before disappearing inside, all but slamming the door behind him. The first man’s shoulders slumped as he turned back, walking towards his waiting horse. Fedor waited, not moving until he watched the man ride into the trees.
Turning back to the cottage, Fedor’s gaze roved over the building. It wasn’t overly large, with two main levels, and what appeared to be a third tower room. A few lights burned in some of the windows, including the tower. Wait, a figure was outlined by the open window, a decidedly feminine, and familiar, one.
“Desiree,” the whisper left his lips. She looked so defeated, and he caused that. His heart ached for her; she didn’t deserve any of this.
Another figure filled the window. The large man he’d seen at the door seemed to slam the tray beside her. He could swear he heard the dishes rattle, and his jaw clenched. Desiree turned to the food, taking slow bites beneath her captor’s watchful gaze. Eventually, he turned and disappeared. Fedor could tell the moment the man left. Desiree’s hands dropped and her shoulders slumped. Her unfocused gaze once more looked out the window. It was time to put an end to this.
Keeping his senses alert, he slowly stepped from the trees, and whistled softly a tune he hoped she’d recognize. The song belonged to the Phoenix and her love, the dance of love at the end of their tale. His people performed the story for Will’s court, and Desiree. She seemed enthralled with the dancers then; he only hoped she recognized the tune.
As much as she tried, Desiree just couldn’t eat more than half her meals, at best. At least her captor had finally decided to allow her to eat in peace. Being able to eat alone helped; she could go at her own pace.
Music drifted to her ears, sort of. Was someone whistling? She turned her gaze to the forest, watching as a figure emerged from the shadows. Wait, that song, it seemed familiar. Moonlight broke through the clouds, illuminating his face. “Fedor,” she gasped. Now she remembered the song; it belonged to the lovers in the Phoenix’s story.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he strode towards her. Didn’t he know her captors still reside below her? But he seemed to not care, only whistling his tune. Why that tune? And why did her heart race so as she watched him? Now below her open window, he finally ceased the music.
“What are you doing here?” she whisper-called to him.
“I came to rescue you.”
“But. How did you find me?”
“It wasn’t easy.” He looked boyish, at ease, and it brought joy to her heart. “I’m just glad I did. Now, to figure out how to get you out.”
“Easier said than done. I don’t know how many men are below, but I do know that there was only one set of stairs leading up here; I doubt they’d leave it unguarded.”
“Well, I suppose I should think a little creatively, then.” It was hard to tell, but did he just wink at her? There was no mistaking his hands rolling his sleeves up though. What was he thinking? “I haven’t done this in a while, but I can’t have forgotten all the details.” He stepped up to the wall, reaching to grasp the stone with his hands.
“What are you doing?” she shrieked.
“Climbing,” he said as he demonstrated just that.
“You can’t! You’ll hurt yourself.”
“Eh, wouldn’t be the first time.” He continued to dig his feet into the spaces between the stones, pushing his body upwards towards her.
“Please, I don’t want you to get hurt. Just go back, get Will.”
“No.” The word came out loud and harsh, and his eyes flashed with anger.
“Fedor. I’ve caused enough pain and suffering. I can’t bear to see anyone else hurt on my account. I deserve to be left here, locked away.”
“Desiree.” When had her name sounded so beautiful, like a song? Her eyes met his as he waited about halfway to her. “You don’t deserve any of this, especially the way I’ve treated you. I’m so sorry; I have been horrible to you, degrading, and just a jerk. I pushed you away, and I pushed you into this. I’m so sorry.”
Desiree couldn’t reply; her voice had completely left her. What could she say? He had just apologized for everything she felt guilty about. After his declaration, Fedor had continued his climb. He’d dig a foot in, and shove his body up, reaching for the next hand hold. His movements were slow, but steady. As he approached, she stepped back, pulling the table and chair away from the opening. She turned her face towards the window, just as she saw his hand appear above the seal.
She rushed to help him, but stepped back, watching as he pulled himself up and into the room. For a moment, all she could do was gaze at him. Had he truly just climbed the wall to get to her? Now that he stood before her, part of her couldn’t believe it, couldn’t believe that he risked his life to rescue her.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“You came for me.” She still had her doubts.
“I had to. Like I said, I’m the reason you’re here. If I had been kinder.”
“I haven’t been nice either. I usually am very docile, but with you, it seems as if all my serenity is gone.”
“I know. I sort of have been teasing you for the reaction.”
“You have?”
“Yes. You have a lot of fire hidden inside, and when you release it, you’re radiant. I mean, you’re beautiful anyway, but...”
Desiree would have giggled at seeing him so flustered if she wasn’t so shocked. He thought her beautiful, radiant. Had anyone actually told her that? Surely someone had, just not in that way. She sniffed, forcing the tears from falling.
“Desiree,” his voice was pure music as he stepped towards her. His arms opened, and his eyes shone with uncertainty.
The sob escaped her chest as she fell into his arms. They wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest. It felt so good, so right. Why had she fought him for so long? A hand began rubbing circles on her back, and a sound of pleasure vibrated in her chest. She was safe.
“As much as I would enjoy remaining here, I still need to get you out of here,” Fedor said.
“How do you plan on doing that?” Desiree asked as she moved back, embarrassed that she had acted so foolish, just jumping into his arms.
“We shall get out the same way I came in.” He grinned.
“Oh, no. No, no, no, I can’t climb.”
“I know. Well, I assumed if you could you would have.” He said it simply without the bite he used to use. “I do want it to be a tad bit safer, though.” He moved to the bed, pulling off the sheets. “We can tear these into strips and tie them together to make a rope we can use.”
“That’s.... Okay, I feel a little foolish now.”
“Don’t.” He spoke gently. “You are a princess, raised as such. I doubt you’ve ever been taught to climb, so don’t beat yourself up about it.”
“Alright,” she nodded.
“Good.” His smile was so sweet as he sat on the floor, taking one of the sheets and beginning to tear it into strips.
“Can I help?” she asked as she knelt beside him.
“Of course!” he gave her a quick demonstration, and soon she was tearing lengths out, before handing them to him to tie together. It took no time for them to make a rope long enough to reach the ground.
Fedor tied one end to the bed post, tugging it secure before tossing the other end out the window. “Are you ready, my lady?” He held his hand out.
“I suppose I am,�
�� she felt her hand tremble as she placed it in his. He squeezed it, helping soothe some of her worries.
“Now, this might feel a little awkward, but I will need you to hold onto me tightly so I can concentrate on climbing down.” He moved to the window, grasping the rope. She stepped beside him, tentatively wrapping her arms around his neck.
“A little lower; cling to my chest more than the neck. And you can hold on tighter.”
“Alright.” Desiree tried to do as he said, clasping her hands together to keep her grip.
“Okay, I’m going to take this slow. Ready?”
She nodded against his back, and clenched her eyes shut. He moved, and her feet now dangled in the air, the ground seeming to reach and pull her down. Her arms clenched tighter around his chest, and she could feel his muscles move beneath her. That caught her attention. Most nobles she’d met cared more about their appearance and rarely put their muscles to use. Granted, Will and his friends were different, but they were secretly pirates. Fedor, well, she didn’t quite know why, but he obviously used his muscles.
Shouts filled the air above her, and Fedor tensed beneath her.
“She’s escaping! Don’t let her!” Her whole body clenched tighter, including her eyes. No, she couldn’t go back.
“Almost there,” Fedor’s words were quiet but comforting, and she could feel his movements quickening.
They dropped, the fall ended by a thud. She released her grip, her feet barely catching her body as she slipped from his back. Her eyes opened, and she prepared to run to the trees. Instead, her legs were swept from under her, and she found herself held in Fedor’s arms.
“Hold tight,” he said and broke into a run. She squeaked and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face against his chest.
“Stop right there!” The shouts followed them, and she clutched him tighter even as his arms pulled her tighter into his chest. The world darkened behind her eyelids; they must have passed into the trees. Still, she couldn’t bear to open her eyes; she couldn’t watch them be taken.
