(Four days after arrest,day after escape)
Eleanor stormed out of the room, a mixture of tears and anger on her face. Her heart was broken from the loss of the man she just recently figured out she was in love with and her anger swelled towards the betrayal of her own father. Fenros was no traitor and should not be dead. She was already at odds with her two male family members just for her kindness towards those below them but after their dinner, El no longer saw them as family just two people who happened to share her blood. People whom she could never trust or care for ever again. Although her brother was still in the in between, he would always hold a soft spot in her heart.

Elize waited patiently outside the door for her princess, letter clutched in hand. She rubbed the wax seal with her thumb but remained careful not to smear the design. Her heart beat fast behind her ribcage and her lungs seemed too small to breathe normally. Fenros was alive. Alive.

Eleanor bursts out from her father’s study, obviously upset. “Oh, El,” Elize cooed softly. She wrapped her arm around El’s shoulders and tucked the letter in the folds of her own dress. Words like those should not be shared in public. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s go to my room.” That seemed like the best place to show her the letter. Guards would be stationed around the princess’s chambers, and lord knows their prying eyes and ears would report anything suspicious to the king. “Is Ritza around?” While Eleanor’s bodyguard was a trustworthy woman, Elize wasn’t sure how she’d react to the news of Fenros’ faked death. She might jump to conclusions and try and find him without any good plan.

The princess gladly accepted Elize’s embrace, her need for warmth and love after that strong fight. Eleanor hugged the younger girl back tightly,thankful that she had her in her life. She had always seen Elize as a younger sister and that connection was one she needed right now. Upon releasing the girl, her face had softened, the anger having been erased. She nodded at Elize’s suggestion and hooked her arm with the younger girl’s.

“No. Ritza is off on her own right now. We both are taking the loss of Fenros differently…” When she said his name her voice cracked ever so slightly as she held back fresh tears. The heaviness and sharp pain in her chest growing stronger again. Eleanor took a deep and shaky breath, holding back the tears. She needed to remain strong when not in private, having to keep her appearance of the kingdom’s strong, beautiful princess.

“Hush now, we can talk about him more when we get to my room,” Elize insisted. The letter felt heavy with guilt in her pocket. “We don’t want people staring, alright?” The noble girl kept her arm around the princess and guided her through the palace, glaring at anybody who dared stare at Eleanor. Once they got to her room, Elize sat El on her bed and shuffled around, looking for her pitcher of water and a soft cloth. She discreetly heated the water with her magic and dipped the cloth inside before bringing it to the princess. “Hot water always makes me feel better when I cry,” she stated.

Before El could reply, Elize did a circle around the room; she opened her closet door and closed it, lowered the shutters, checked in the hallway, and locked her door before pulling the letter from her dress. The air in her lungs seemed stale and dry and caught in her throat. “A man,” Elize whispered. “A man gave this to me and told me to bring it to you.” She handed the paper to Eleanor, her fingers shaking.

Eleanor nodded, taking another deep breath as she walked with the girl, ignoring the stares of people they walked by. Once they arrived to Elize’s room and were behind a closed door she let her poise go, her shoulders slumping forward as she rested her head in her hands, her face contorted in sorrow. The princess looked up when her friend came back over and gratefully took the warm wet cloth. “Thank you Elize. I don’t know what I would do without you. The others are just keeping distance from me…” Eleanor referencing to the other ladies-in-waiting who hadn’t been speaking to her since everything began with Fenros.

Gently, she dabbed the damp cloth on her face, holding it over each eye for a few seconds as the warmth felt good against her swollen eyes. While doing so she was too lost in thought to notice Elize going around and checking everything around her room, but she was brought back to reality when Elize spoke to her while holding out a letter. Eleanor set the cloth on her lap and took the letter, staring at it for a few minutes.

When she opened the letter and read the first few words a gasp escaped her mouth before she covered it with her hand and fresh tears began to flood her vision. The princess blinked rapidly clearing the tears as she read on, her heart rate increasing and an occasional choked back sob escaping her lips. After finishing the letter El looked straight at Elize, “Who gave you this letter? Tell me. Please.” Tears were streaming down her face once again but this time a look of hope could be seen in her eyes. It was small, no bigger than an ember the flew out of the fire, but it was there. Fenros was possibly alive and Eleanor needed to confirm it with whoever brought the letter.

Elize folded her fingers together, her palms sweating. She resisted the urge to check the door. “He was--he was hooded and had a bow and quiver. Sometimes the old women of the court talk about a man like that; they call him the Woodsman.”

Eleanor stood up knowing exactly who the man was. “Thank you Elize. Thank you.” She gave the girl a quick hug before she quickly hurried off into the halls, wiping her face of tears. A new look of determination plastered on her face as she head off to find the Woodsman, aka Verrick.

A Day After the Escape

Ryker glanced up at the sky while walking down the cobblestone streets. His mind wandered, trying to come up with a gentle way of breaking the news that a family member had died. You’d think this would get easier… He wrinkled his nose remember the last time he had to tell someone of a close family member’s death. Ritza still wasn’t on the best of terms with him, even though he was in no way responsible for her father’s death. Or at least he hoped he wasn’t. He still wondered about that sometimes…

His thoughts were interrupted when he came to the Casterly estate. He paused at the door before knocking, gathering his thoughts and making sure he looked at least semi-presentable.

It took a moment but one of the servants opened the door. “What is your business here?”

”I have been sent from the Vanguard. I need to speak to High Lord Casterly and Lady Casterly regarding their son.”

The servant seemed to still at that knowledge before nodding and allowing the man to enter into the parlor.

Elize and Lyra sat in the library, pretending to be immersed in their studies. Their tutor, Lady Illiya, glared as they aimlessly looked over their books. Tension was wrought throughout the room; the family librarian stared and the nearby servants watched in anticipation. The news of the attempted assassination had only reached the family yesterday, but there was still no word of Micah. He was a beloved member of the Casterly household, not only among his kin, but the staff as well. Everybody wanted him to be safe, and it was all anybody could think of.

A maid nearly sprinted in before seeing the girls studying quietly. She reverted her gait to fast-paced walk, but an urgent look was still splayed across her face. She whispered something into Lady Illiya’s ear before the old woman frowned some more and followed the young girl into the hall. Lyra and Elize glanced at one another.

“It has to be something about Micah,” Elize instantly said the moment their tutor dashed out of the room.

Lyra nodded in agreement. “There’s something that they’re not telling us.”

Before the younger sister could respond, Lady Illiya came back into the room. “Girls,” she said sternly. “Come with me. Your father has requested you both.”

Exchanging another scared look, the sisters arose from the table and followed the old woman to the parlor. Their mother and father sat at the couch with their hands clasped tightly together. A familiar face sat across from them.

“Ryker!” Elize squealed in delight at the sight of her brother’s friend. Despite being much shorter than him, she still managed to engulf the young man in a hug. Her head barely came above his waist.

“It’s been too long, Ryker,” Lyra noted with the slight wink of an eye. Growing older, she was beginning to notice how starkly handsome the young man was. She already had a betrothed, but it didn’t hurt to flirt a little bit.

After letting go of the young Vanguard, Elize stepped away and blushed slightly. She had almost always had a little bit of a crush on Ryker. She toyed with her fingers and tried not to look him in the eye. “Why come visit now, Ryker?”

Returning the young girl’s hung, Ryker gave a very slight smile. It felt like a rock was sitting in his gut. It was sweet that she was so excited to see him, but he knew her excitement would quickly disappear once he gave them the news he was carrying.

He glanced up at the elder of the two girls and gave another uneasy smile. He couldn’t help but notice how Lyra was growing into her own body. His life as a vanguard had left him more focused on his duties and serving is kingdom. He did a generally good job staying focused but he was an unwed young man. And like most young men, he found his eyes wandering from time to time.

He shook it off quickly and took a step back, looking at the family standing before him. ”I’m sure you’ve heard by now about the assassination attempt on the Prince and Princess…” He froze up for a moment. What could he possibly say to them? He took a deep breath before continuing. ”This isn’t going to be easy to hear but...Micah didn’t make it.”

His eyes shifted from each one of the family members in the room as he let the news sink in. ”He fought valiantly and served his kingdom well. There will never be another of his kind. I am so sorry.”

The words didn’t want to sink into Elize’s skull. She stood, staring at Ryker with her big blue eyes, her young mind unable to react. A horrific sob from Lady Casterly ripped through the room and echoed across the whole house. Servants winced at the sound and High Lord Casterly wrapped his arms around his wife in an attempt to solace her anguish. Lyra cupped her hand to her mouth, tears beginning to spill down her cheeks.

Elize, numb inside yet still so full of pain, found herself stumbling into her sister’s arms. She buried her wet face into the folds of her sisters dress. She forgot how to think or breathe or sit still. Her little hands shook and her chin wobbled. How was he gone so fast? Micah, her older brother, one of her best friends, her best protector, had suddenly vanished in the blink of an eye. A billion thoughts raced through her mind yet she couldn’t process them. What’shisfuneralgoingtobelike,whatwilliwear,whowillbethere,whatwilltheydresshiscorpsein? The words just kept on scrolling through her brain before there was nothing, nothing at all but his name over and over.

Elize took one last glance up at Ryker before he left. He looked somber and sorrowful, his eyes respectfully turned down.

---

Elize reflected on the memory as she read through her spellbook. Everything seemed so gray and dull and stale in her head, as if she had blocked part of it off. She hadn’t spoken to Ryker since then. For five years, she had silently watched him at royal court events but guiltily refused to talk to him. After he broke the news about Micah to the Casterly’s, Lyra was shipped off to her husband and Elize was all alone in that big empty mansion with only her brother to think about. From that time on, she had begun to associate Ryker with Micah’s death, therefore associating Ryker with the worst pain and misery in her life.

But ever since she found out about Fenros, he had been nagging at the back of her head. The whole court knew how close Ryker and the general had been; rumor has it that Ryker may be up next for imprisonment. Elize would never want that for him.

Putting away her spellbook, Elize left her room, not knowing exactly where she was going. She vaguely knew which part of the palace the Vanguard stayed on, but not very well. She tended to avoid it; anytime she was there, she thought she could see Micah’s ghost wandering down the hall, his cloak swishing behind his back and sword at his side.

Ryker stood in the training fields, furiously swinging his sword against one of the training dummies. His face was distorted into a scowl, every strike on the dummy letting out a loud grunt. His forehead was drenched in sweat and his hair lay ragged around his face and shoulders. He had been out there for some time, his sword growing dull from the hits. But he showed no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Furious thoughts ran through his mind. What was his life coming to? It seemed like everything was falling apart. All he had wanted to do since he was a boy was join the vanguard and serve his kingdom. But somehow everything got all screwed up. My life is a joke… It seemed that every time he got close to someone, something bad happened and ruined it. How was he supposed to defend anyone when his own friend and general of the vanguard wasn’t even safe?

”AAAAHHHH!” he let out a loud scream as he brought his sword down so hard atop the dummy that it practically cleaved in two.

Elize hesitantly wandered through the training grounds. Shirtless young men, all drenched in sweat, surrounded her, wielding blades and holding shields. She blushed and tried avoiding staring at their toned bodies. Why does it always seem like they pick the prettiest boys for the Vanguard? she asked herself. A few heads turned as she walked by. The young members ran their eyes over her body, making her hold her arms tighter to her chest. She hoped they dare not catcall.

It was hard not to recognize Ryker. Still towering and bulky like an ox, he slashed through a dummy like it was butter. It seemed so odd to see him angry; nearly every memory Elize had of him, he had been kind and gentle beyond measure. Then again, that was five plus years ago, when Elize had been a young girl. The world changes when one grows up.

The Casterly girl stopped a distance away, reluctant to waltz right up and talk to the soldier. She had always found him handsome, but now that she could really understand how handsome a man could be, things had changed. Ryker did look older, yes, with the lines on his face and the lost look in his eyes, but they somehow made him more a reality. When Elize was a girl, Ryker was a simple crush she and her sister fussed over, but now…

The girl took a quick glimpse down at her gown, making sure to smooth out all the creases and fix her hair. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. “Ryker?” she asked. She could barely speak loud enough for him to hear, her heart was beating so loud in her chest. “Ryker Leonte?”

Ryker had just pulled his sword out of the dummy and was about to take another swing when he heard the quiet voice behind him. He paused, his sword mid swing, and turned to see the young girl standing nearby. It was definitely out of the ordinary. He lowered his sword and turned all the way to face her. It took a moment but he recognized her.

”Elize?” he spoke with surprise. The anger fading from his face, he wiped the sweat off his brow. He hadn’t quite caught his breath yet and was still panting.

What was she doing here? He hadn’t seen her since the day he told her family of their son’s death. Like Ritza, he assumed she held some kind of resentment over this. ”What are you doing here?”

A slew of curses coursed through Elize’s mind when Ryker turned around. Fuck, shouldn’t have come here, god, he’s so fucking-- Elize cut her thoughts off. She gulped, her throat suddenly dry. She needed water. “Would you mind if I spoke to you? In private?” she asked timidly.

Catching his breath, Ryker nodded slightly. He sheathed his sword and motioned away from the training field. ”Sure. We can talk over here.”

Wondering what it was she could want to talk about, he lead her out of the training fields and into a small groves of trees. It was far quieter there, the sounds of the training fields muffled. He stopped just under the shade of a tree and turned to face her. ”It’s uh...It’s good to see you again.”

Elize felt almost scandalous being this close to Ryker, despite being in the open. Her face was still flushed and her tongue still felt like mush in her mouth. “It’s been so long, I know,” she responded as she twiddled with her thumbs. When she was a girl, it was so easy to talk to Ryker, but now, her words were lodged deep in her throat. “I’ve just been thinking about Micah lately and...I wanted to see you and apologize.”

Ryker was caught off guard. In all honesty, he hadn’t thought of Micah in some time and a pang of guilt struck him. He had been so caught up in his duties that he had little time to reminisce on the past. But there was no way that the man’s family had forgotten about him. ”Oh, ah...it’s okay.”

Staring at her, he noticed her beautiful blue eyes and her silky blond hair. He suddenly became very aware of his own status. He was drenched in sweat and dirt, his hair unkempt and his clothes disheveled. He had left his shirt on the training ground, where he had taken it off while training. There wasn’t much he could do at that time.

”You don’t have anything to apologize for. It was...unfortunate. I was simply the messenger. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there….”

“No,” Elize interjected quickly. “It’s my fault. We never blamed you, obviously, but seeing you meant seeing all that guilt again.” Unable to find the right words, Elize huffed an exasperated sigh. “This whole thing with General Fenros going on...I wanted to say I’m sorry for that as well. I’ve met him a few times whenever I’ve been with Princess Eleanor, and I can tell that he was a good man. I know that you were close to him.”

And he’s not dead. Good to see you again! she said in her head. She wanted to tell him so bad, thinking it would somehow makeup for the way her family had ignored him for the past five years. But that was dangerous information. It could easily get her killed.

Ryker’s eyes dropped at the mention of Fenros. Everything that happened with him and the fact that he was able to do nothing about it was causing quite a bit of anger to bubble to the surface in the otherwise calm man. He didn’t want to show that side of himself to Elize, though. He closed his eyes a moment and took a breath before looking back up to her.

”General Fenros was a traitor to the crown. Whatever he did, it was unfortunate.” He spoke with an almost monotone voice, practically reciting the words while not feeling them at all. He knew he had to put on an act to try and prove that he himself was not a traitor. But it hurt him to say these things about his friend. Especially considering the fact that Ryker was probably more of a traitor than Fenros.

”Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it.” He gave a small smile, trying to push his thoughts aside, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings.

Elize’s chest burned with shame at the look in Ryker’s eyes. Fuck it, she thought to herself before pulling the man into a hug. Her head barely reached to his shoulder, so she stood on her toes to whisper in his ear, “Fenros lives. He sent a letter to Eleanor.” She held him tighter for just a moment, trying to make it look like a passionate embrace. She didn’t want anybody nearby to suspect anything. She reluctantly let her arms fall to her sides. Her face burned brighter and the memory of her hands around him. “Beyond that, I don’t know much,” she murmured softly. The noble girl placed a quick peck to Ryker’s cheek before saying, “Keep in touch. Be safe.”

Ryker froze up when her hands grasped his torso. He could feel her soft dress pressing against his bare chest. It was so smooth compared to most of the clothing he wore. He imagined that most nobles’ clothes probably felt like this but it was new to him.

He began to lift his arms from his side to lightly return her embrace when she whispered into his ear. Chills shot down his spine. He’s alive? And he’s contacted Eleanor? A thousand thoughts ran through his head. He was relieved, confused, curious and suddenly concerned. He turned to look at Elize as she leaned in closer to kiss his cheek. He had a puzzled look on his face, his mouth hung open. He wanted to ask her so many questions but he knew he couldn’t.

He reached out and grabbed ahold of her hands before she could leave. ”Wait.” He held onto her hands for a moment in silence, studying her face. He realized that he had taken hold of her without really thinking through what he was going to say.

Suddenly embarrassed, he let go. ”I’m sorry,” He withdrew his hands and gave her a faint smile. ”Thank you.” This time, his voice was much lower and more genuine. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. This girl he hadn’t spoken to in five years risked her life and well-being to give him this news. He was grateful, but he also felt a sudden pang of fear for her own safety. Did she know what she was getting herself into?

A little while later Anna returned to the tavern and started cleaning up the second she walked in. She didn't see Alex right away. She was lost in her own thinking.

Alex watched her clean up, not saying anything. There was obviously something very important on her mind, and Alexander didn't wish to disturb her. After a few minutes he finally decided to say something. "So..... what's the plan?" He did not want to push her into making any choices she would later regret.

Anna didn't even look up she just kept wiping the table. What was she supposed to say to him? After a moment she stopped and stood still while not looking at him, "I know we were together last night but you also know how I feel about Verrick. I'm not sure if you and I- can ever be more than friends. Let's get away from here. I need time to think and going to sea sounds so peaceful and wonderful right now." She looked up at him and the pleading look in her eyes would have made lesser men cry. "Please."

Alexander stood up and walked over to where she was. He stopped her cleaning and looked down at her. "Go get whatever you want to bring, I will get some people to come clean the tavern while we are gone. You can stay at my estate until you feel comfortable enough to come home. I will have the ship ready to go sailing anytime you like." Alexander's heart was breaking to see Anna so conflicted.

Anna wrapped her arms around him in a hug, "Thank you Alex." Her lips brushed his cheek and she stepped past him and went upstairs to get her things. Anna basically packed almost everything she owned into a couple of bags. As she was packing she opened the drawer that held the few baby things she had kept. They were the only reminders she had of that time. Her hand shook as she touched them and she quickly shoved the small blanket and toy into her bag. Maybe eventually she wouldn't need them anymore. A few minutes later she came downstairs and took all of the money out of the cash drawer and she tossed all of her throwing knives in her bag.

"I'm ready, if you are." She said looking around at the tavern where she had spent most of her life. She felt sorrow and grief. She had a lot of loss happen in this place. She gave Alex a soft smile.

When Anna came down stairs Alexander had been writing something on a napkin in the tavern. Alex smiled back at her then went back to writing. When he finished he loomed back up at her and nodded. "I have two questions. One, where is the nearest messenger station, and two, where would you like to stay? I have a castle in the woods or a manor in the center of town. Up to you." Alexander held the writing utensil at the ready.

"If you have anything going out I'd really like to be on the ship and learn how to sail. Treat me like part of the crew. Besides, Verrick said to get out of town. I'm not sure it's wise to stay anywhere around here right now."

Alexander finished up the note and signed the bottom of it. "Come with me and then we will leave. After walking out the door he turned into the stables and began to saddle up his horse. "Get your horse ready for a ride, and let me carry your bags. I think I may be able to get us there faster than by land, if my memory serves me correct." Alexander patted his horse when he finished getting it ready, "I may have a friend in town with a boat."

Anna went back out and she jammed the door shut to the tavern behind them. She had a distinct feeling that her life was about to take a major change. Climbing up on her horse she looked out over the city as they rode away.

As they rode out of the city Alexander stayed on the path for about an hour then suddenly stopped. He looked around for a bit seemingly looking for something. Out of nowhere Alexander shouted "Aha!!"and took a right off the trail. He waved for Anna to follow then started off into the woods. After about three minutes they came out of the woods following a trail that seemed to run parallel with the road. After riding on this new trail for about 30 min the path opened up to reveal a small harbor. It was only a few docks, with one actual building nearby. The cove itself was more of a hidden inlet, with only a small opening for ships to come and go. Alexander turned back to face Anna with a big grin on his face. "May I present the wonders of smuggling."

Anna had been following and wondered why they were going into the woods. Upon seeing the dock she grinned excited to see the ship in the dock. "Smuggling? Seriously? Why M'lord I never expected you to be an element of the criminal kind." She teased him a little. "What have you been smuggling?" She smirked.

Anna slid off her horse and looked up at Alexander. "What about my horse?"

Alexander slid off his horse and stood next to her looking out at the ships. "I am a lawful citizen and have never smuggled anything in my life, at least not while I was captain. That smaller ship out there belongs to one of my oldest friends and one of the most successful smugglers in the business. You don't need to be worried about your horse, these men have snuck everything past the king's navy, including live animals. I think you will like him." As Alex said that he began to walk down the trail towards the beach leading his horse by his reins.

Anna petted her horse and murmured something to the animal before taking her things down to the dock. "I can at least swim so if the ship sinks I might survive." She halfheartedly chuckled. She couldnt help but feel heavy hearted. The last twenty four hours had been an emotional roller coaster and she felt relieved to get away from where the stress was centered, her Tavern. She walked across the wooden board that served as a walkway onto the ship.

Some of the men on board of the ship looked at her with their jaws dropped and others looked a little hungrier than she liked. "Alexander? Should I be afraid of these men?"

Alexander looked back at her and saw she was worried. "I know the name of every man on this ship, and you all know who I am. You will treat my companion here with the utmost respect. Now where is Gibbs?" As he said that name a smile came to his face and he looked around. Out of the crowd came an older man with graying hair. He had a belly that spoke of his love for his drink, and an ever constant smile on his face.

"Now what have I done to deserve the honor of having such an esteemed individual on my poor little sailboat?"

Alexander grinned at him, "Last time I saw this tub was back at the race one moon ago, where have you been drifting to since then?"

Gibbs gripped Alexander's shoulders and his smile grew even wider, "Last I remember my little tub beat your Folly fair and square. It is good to see you boy."

"Me and Anna here need passage to my docks, and we're wondering if you would be enough of a gentleman to take me home. You wouldn't leave me stranded, away from home would you?"

Gibbs looked behind Alexander and studied Anna real quick. After a few seconds the smile was wider than ever and he stepped past Alexander and held out his hand to shake her's. "It is nice to meet you Miss Anna, I hope Alexander hasn't caused you too much trouble."

Anna's mind thought You have no idea mister but she smiled at the friendly man and shook his hand. "It is truly my pleasure. I'm looking forward to being at sea." She kept getting the feeling that she was being scrutinized by a pair of eyes. It gave her a distinct feeling to be extra careful when she was in close quarters.

"Aye, I think you will. Now that that is taken care of let's get your horses up here." As he turned away he began yelling at his crew to do something about ramps and pens.

Alexander turned towards Anna and smiled. "I'll show you where you will be sleeping. On this ship there isn't much room, so there are only two rooms isolated from the rest of the beds. The captain gets one and the other is a small room just off the side of it. That second room will be for you. Follow me and I will take you to it." As he walked to the rear of the ship he opened a small door near the right of the captains door. Having to duck low to not hit his head he entered the room and made way for her to enter.

Anna had been following him still nervous about being in such close quarters with so many men. She had almost corrected Alex's introduction. She knew that the word companion typically signalled relations between them and she wasn't sure about anything in her life right now. She was glad she didn't. She was certain she wanted them to think she was with Alex so they would think twice before messing with her. She walked into a tiny room that was about a third the size of her room at home.She put her bags on the floor in the corner and turned around.
"Where are you sleeping?" She wasn't sure if he could sense her nervousness or not. She didn't want him to think she was incapable but she was just not used to being trapped on a vessel with men who might not be pure of heart.

"Anywhere there is room for me, that is typically the case when someone is an unexpected passenger." Alexander could see she wasn't feeling comfortable with this and thought he might know what the problem is. "You don't have to worry about the men on board. Most of them are retired sailors from the royal navy. They may look at you weird, but that might be because there are almost never women on ships such as this." Alexander could tell his assurances might not be enough. "If you want me to I can sleep on the floor in here, so no one can get close during the night." His eyes became sad when he looked at her. He didn't want her to be nervous, he wanted her to enjoy her time on the ship.

Anna nodded. She barely knew this man. It was hard to believe it had only been two days since she met him and she had already slept with him. In her sober mind she wondered what had come over her but she knew and she wasn't going to make excuses for herself but she was going to make sure she acted like a lady and not slip again. She could only blame Verrick for so much but her having sex with Alexander had not been his fault that was all on her.

"I would appreciate that. I'm sure the men on board are fine. I'm just not used to such tight quarters." She smiled and tried to remember that she was the one who asked to go on the ship. She looked around at the room and felt a little claustrophobic. "Shall we go up?"

"Sure" Right as Alexander said that the ship gave a massive lurch and Alexander's hands shot out to support himself and Anna. After waiting a few seconds not moving Alexander let go and checked on Anna. "Are you okay? I believe that was the men bringing up the anchor and pushing off." As he opened the door for Anna the ship began to rock slightly and the ship began turning towards the exit of the cove.

Anna had found herself leaning against Alex quite suddenly as she went to leave the room. After righting herself she nodded. "Yes, just wasn't prepared for the ship's movement to be so rough. I figured it would be smoother."

Anna smiled awkwardly and she hurried up the stairs worried that she might be tossed off of them if it lurched again. She went to the railing almost as soon as she got topside. Her hair whipped in the wind and the breeze on her face made her feel better than she had in a long while. Looking around the ship she noticed that most of the men were busy and barely paid her any mind at all. She was much more relaxed about the ship once she felt the sun on her face.

Anna turned and watched the captain give orders and steer the ship. This was what she needed, she was sure of it.

As Alexander stepped out onto the deck he felt at home, the sea was where he truly belonged. Alex watched Anna rush to the railing and smiled, people typically weren't used to the cramped quarters of a ship. Alexander walked up next to Anna and while taking hold of a line in the rigging leaned out over the edge of the ship smiling at her. "So do you enjoy it better out here or in there?"

Anna smiled, "Out here for certain. I just want to be free and smell the fresh breeze." Her joy was pure and she thought how small her problems seemed from the bow of the ship. She reached up and hugged Alex and kissed his cheek. "Thank you! This is what I need." She kept her hand on the rail but didn't move the other one from his waist right away.

Alexander put his arm around her and looked out to sea, "It really is so much better on the water. You can just forget about all your problems and focus on the task at hand. Whether it is sailing the ship or just enjoying the view. You can really just be yourself, and not have to worry about anyone caring." As Alexander said those last words he got a bit closer to Anna.

Anna was almost giddy and she couldn't ever remember smiling so much. The wind had shifted. She was certain that she would have to re-braid her hair as it had mostly come down and was flying around her face making it difficult to see at the moment.

"Where are we going exactly?" She said laughing as she pulled her own hair out of her mouth.

"We will be heading south for a bit, then cut east and from there it is a straight shot to Thrakia. From there we can rest for a few days while my ship prepares, then go where ever you want to. Is there anywhere in specific you wish to go or see?"

Anna shook her head. "I've never left the surrounding area of the city and my parents first house. Just take me wherever your next trip goes." Anna paid no mind to how close he was holding her or to how the men were looking at them. She was currently no longer concerned with anything but the view in front of her.

"Is that a shark?" She asked curiously if not a little excited at the sight of the fin in the water. Her grip around him tightened slightly.

"It looks like it, wanna get a better look? They are quite amazing beasts, though dangerous." As Alexander said that he pulled out his knife and waited for her answer.

"How would we get a better look? We can't really get closer without getting in the water and I don't think that would be smart." Anna looked at the creature wondering what it looked like.

"The interesting thing is that sharks are drawn to blood. That is one the most dangerous things in a ship wreck, if quite a few people bleed these creatures start coming to it." As Alexander said that last line he drew a thin line on his palm with his knife. Not enough to do any real damage, but enough to draw blood. He held his hand out over the edge of the boat and squeezed, causing a bit of blood to drop into the water.

When the blood hit the water the shark could be seen turning around and swimming towards the spot. Once it reached the spot the shark searched for prey, at one point coming close enough to the surface to see it's entire body. It was about 16 feet long and terrifying.

Anna backed up a step. Her heart was thumping so hard in her chest she could hear it in her ears. "It's definitely ...frightening. I'll be certain not to fall overboard." She was suddenly aware that there was so much more in this world than she had a clue about and it was humbling. She suddenly realized that she had a death grip on Alex's waist and she eased back her grip but she didn't let him loose. She looked at his hand and pulled a cloth out of her pocket and wrapped it for him. "You didn't need to cut yourself for me to see that."

Anna shivered as the wind picked up. The sky was getting darker and she realized that a storm was coming in. "Should we be out here during a storm?"

Alexander looked up at Gibbs and pointed towards the clouds. Gibbs noticed that and nodded then waved him away. "Why don't we go back to the room and get some rest. This crew has been through many a storm. Or if you don't want to go back in there you can tie yourself to the mast." Alexander looked at her with a grin knowing what her answer would be.

"I think I'll opt for the tiny room. Is there food on this ship?" She asked as her stomach grumbled at her. She felt the wind shift and the ship lurched and she lost her balance and fell against the railing fairly hard. She felt the hard wood slam into her back sending a searing pain across her spine and she grabbed onto it remembering the shark below. "I think we should go now."

Alexander helped Anna get to her feet and nodded, "Aye, we should get going. Watch your step." Alexander followed right behind Anna making sure she didn't slip and fall. As they got to the door he looked back up at Gibbs and saw him tying himself to the helm. It was one of the most terrifying moments in a captains life, knowing if your ship sank in a storm that you were going down with it. Alexander tried to push his worry for his friend aside and focus on getting Anna indoors.

Anna clutched onto the railing on the way down and she held her hand up to the wall to steady her as she walked into their room. When she got inside she almost collapsed onto the bed. Her back was aching something awful. She was a little concerned about the ship sinking and sharks. "We aren't going to die out here are we?" She felt her back stiffening up so badly that she started to raise her shirt to get a look at it. It was turning black and blue and she had some splinters in her back where the scraped skin had pulled away from the railing. "How bad is it?" she asked Alex.

"We probably won't die, these men may be idiots at everything else, but they are good sailors." Alexander looked at the bruise and winced, "It looks painful, let me get a few of the larger splinters out now, and we will have to wait to get the rest." After Alex pulled out some of the larger splinter he handed her a rope that had been piled on the floor and handed it to Anna. "Here, tie yourself to something in here that wont move. The ship at times will go almost straight up into the air and we don't want you ending up on a wall."

"It's gonna do what?" She said expecting him to say 'bite on this' for the pain. The ship was going to be tossed around? This she hadn't prepared herself for. "What in this room will not move? I don't really see that happening." Anna just lay her head on the pillow a moment as he pulled the largest of the splinters out of her back. As she lay there the ship lurched back and forth with the storm. "You'd better get up on this bed or you might get hit when it slides." She murmured. It wasn't too bad, she thought. It was kind of soothing, liked being rocked in a cradle that was being shaken by a madman. She patted the bed beside her for Alex to join her.

Alex moved to lay on the bed with her, making a point to keep 3 points of contact to the ship at all times. "It has been a while since I have been in a storm while not the captain. Normally I don't have to worry about slipping off the ship, just steering the ship." Alexander laid back on the bed and looked over at Anna. "Just don't fall off the bed and you should be okay."

Anna put her head down against his arm and tried not falling off of the bed as it was shifted back and forth. If she had had a weaker stomach she might have been sick. "Please tell me your ship is easier in storms. I'd hate to think it was this bad on all ships." Anna watched as he bags fell over and her knives and some of her other things came out and onto the floor. When she saw the baby things fall out of the bag she leaped off of the bed and rescued them.

When Anna asked him about his ship he grinned, "Well it will break the waves sooner, that is all I can promise." When her stuff fell out onto the floor Alex hopped down to go help. While she got a blanket and something else he couldn't see he got the knives that were now scattered across the floor. It seemed like a dangerous game, with them sliding across the floor, having to decide to grab a sliding knife or dodge one of the others coming at his feet. He decided this game was not one of his favorites after the fifth time his hand got nicked.

Anna tried to hide the baby blanket and toy before Alex asked her about them. She shoved them back into the bag but after repeated attempts to get everything back in and back onto the bed she was getting frustrated. "There has to be a better way than this." She said annoyed.

Alexander was trying to think of something when he froze, the boat hasn't rocked back yet. "Quick get on the bed, feet toward the stern. Now!!!" As he said that Alexander grabbed the edge of the bed and held on. The boat slowly seemed to be rising upwards and slowing down.

"What's going on?" Anna did as he demanded and held on tightly. Why wasn't the boat sliding back the other way yet? Panic set in the instant she realized what was happening. "Are we tipping over?"

"No, it's a rogue wave. We were lucky enough to hit it with the bow first, we would tip over if it was any other way." As the boat kept tilting upwards Alexander could hear the muted sounds of the oarsmen yelling out a count. Their only chance was if they could crest the wave before the wave came back down. The ship kept rising more and more until it was nearly at a 70 degree angle. The ship seemed to freeze in one place then the bow dipped rapidly downward and the ship rushed down the back of the wave. They had made it.

Anna felt her stomach threaten to empty itself. She decided she wasn't too sure about ships if the trips were normally like this. Another thought hit her, the captain was outside! "Alexander? What happened to the captain? He has to have fallen overboard! We are going to die. That shark is going to eat us." She seemed a little panicked and accepting at the same time.

Alexander reached over and took Anna's hand, "In the case of a storm the captain has his crew tie his hands to the helm. It is to prevent him from falling off. Gibbs is perfectly fine up there. A little wet admittedly, but just fine."

Anna was relieved to hear that they had not lost Gibbs. It was clear on her face that the thought of being tied to the helm in a storm was terrifying to her. She wiggled his arms around her, hoping that she wouldn' be so scared. For the moment she wasn't going to think about anything other than the ship and what they were going through. Her mind wouldn't even register anything else until she saw the baby blanket sliding across the floor. Verrick.

Alexander held her close to him and was slightly sad. It was disappointing that this had to be Anna's first time sailing with him. Trapped in a little cabin while the sea around them was trying to rip the ship apart. Hopefully when they were on his ship there would be no major storms. Alexander was letting his mind wander when he caught sight of a small blanket. "What is that?"

Anna closed her eyes when he asked her about the blanket. "It's a baby blanket." She didn't say anything waiting to see if he asked her anything else.

Alexander smiled a little when she gave her response. "It is adorable." He decided he might as well try to distract her mind from their current situation. "Tell me about your childhood."

Anna started laughing. That was not what she expected to hear next. "Seriously? That prompts you to ask me that?" Her fit of giggles slowed down a minute or two later.

"What, I saw your baby blanket and my mind went to you as a child. I only ever grew up as a noble's son, tell me what a normal life is like."

Anna smirked. "I'm not sure I could tell you that. My parents were well off enough to own a tavern. I started serving ale when I was about ten or eleven. My mom taught me how to read, write and do arithmetic. I played with kids and I met Verrick at a young age. After both of my parents were gone I inherited the tavern. There really isn't much to tell. How was yours? Were you spoiled silly?"

"For the first five years my life was one of the typical noble's son. Doted on by my mother I got nearly everything I asked for. My father didn't like it, but he loved my mother too much to say no to her. Unfortunately she died when I was five. A plague had been going through the city and she caught it. After that it was parenting the Markos way: you were to be a leader and a soldier."

"Every morning it was wake up at dawn for a run. After the run it was a quick breakfast then military studies. After that it was training with the sword, a different style every month. Then lunch in the barracks with the men. After that he would tell me about the politics of the kingdom and make me come up with solutions to the kingdom's problems. After that it was governing the small village he had told me to manage. Once the official business was over it was dinner with whatever guests he happened to be entertaining that night. Finally before going to sleep it was another run."

"It was that almost everyday for ten years. It wasn't fun, but it prepared me for my responsibilities as a baron."

Anna grew quiet. "After my mom died I demanded that I be taught how to fight and Verrick and I both learned knives. He split his focus though and became better on the bow and arrows. I mastered knives and I'm small but I can take anyone within so many pounds of me on and put up a good fight. I also learned how to gamble and after Dad died I learned how to drink."

She quieted as she thought of Chester. "Chester was like my second father. Even before my parents were gone. He helped teach me everything just as they did and he looked out for me, right til the end."

"Chester seemed like a good man, it is sad he had to die that way. I am sure though that he was proud of you. How could he not Be?" Alexander sat on the bed. "You should rest until the storm is over."

Anna nodded and lay her head down and closed her eyes. Saying a quick prayer that she wouldn't die on the ship while sleeping she hugged the small blanket to her and fell asleep.

Verrick walked to the stables from the keep after a short meeting with the king. Grumbling as he did, he was glad to be leaving, he hated the castle as much as a fish hated dry land. He much prefered the woods, and the openness it had. He felt like a bird trapped in a cage here,His horse was already saddled and ready, he quickly mounted his old friend and gripped the reins clicking his tongue for him to get moving, aiming his horse towards the main gate.

The princess had been searching everywhere in and around the castle for Verrick once she found out that he had been the one to bring the letter to Elize. It wasn’t until she had reached the front of the castle and went outside that she had finally spotted him, riding towards the main gate… Knowing she had little time till he would make it to the gate and be on his way from the castle, she did the only thing that came to mind.

“Close the gate! I need to speak with that man!” Eleanor shouted as loud as she could, the guards that heard her passed on the order and did as told, shutting the gate and going to stop Verrick on his horse. Eleanor looked to a guard near her, “Have him brought to the tea room promptly.” She ordered before she turned and walked back into the castle and to the tea room where she could await him for a private conversation.

Verrick sat up in surprised as he heard a lady yelling for the gate to close. He was half tempted to bolt before the gates could close. But there was no reason for him to do so honestly. He only growled a bit in annoyance that someone was making a racket enough to delay his day. However, the only ones able to throw their weight around and be heard was the royalty in the castle...and perhaps Fenros…

He twisted in his saddle to see who yelled, and of course saw Princess Eleanor pointing right at him, and speaking with a guard. Damn it woman… he thought. She just received Fenros’s letter and Lady Casterly had to bring up it was him. He thought him saying it wasn’t important to know his name kinda went over the fact of DON'T TELL HER IT CAME FROM ME.

As the guard came running over to him he grumbled even more as he got off his horse and handed the bridle to another guard. When the guard caught up to him, he only grunted in response and headed to the Tea Room He never thought he be caught dead there…

Once there, he opened the door rather forcefully. While it did not bang the wall behind it, it would have done so if he didn’t stop it. He stood there, his cowl still over his head as he glared at the princess. The king will hear of this and will most likely start asking questions. Which will only make this favor MUCH harder to handle. Closing the door quietly he stood there for a moment silent, staring at her before saying ”You clearly don’t understand the meaning of secret communicate…princess

“Right now that is not of my concern, besides… secrecy will not matter much longer…” Eleanor spoke calmly as she poured two cups of tea and picked hers up, taking a sip as she sat down staring at Verrick. “Sit down so we can make this quick.”

After taking a breath, a low audible growl could be heard as he let the air out of his lungs. He moved over to a seat and sat down. Looking at the tea she poured then at her. He didn’t reach for it as he then added, “If you wanted a tea party...you could have asked your ladies in waiting….” He knew what she was going to ask. The real reason behind her stopping him, he just had to be a smart ass. It was in his blood.

Eleanor scoffed and rolled her eyes at his comment, a small smile making its way to her lips for a short time. She set her tea cup down after taking a sip and focused on him. “Let’s get straight to it then. Is it true that he is alive? This isn’t someone just messing with me correct?”

Verrick looked around the room without moving his head. He knew this castle inside out...he also knew there was no way someone could hear them from in here. Why is her highness so concerned with him? Dealing with traitor will be dangerous...even for you princess.

“He is not a traitor!” Eleanor exclaimed glaring at Verrick, before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Fenros is not a traitor. I do not know why he was labeled as such… but I know he is not a traitor.” The princess stood up and walked to the window in the room, looking out it before turning back to the man. “I think you already know what I want from you Verrick. You are a smart man.” She commented, her gaze turning straight on him. “I need you to take me to him. Help me leave. I am done with this palace. With my father and my brother. I need out and I need to get back to Fenros. So Verrick, please help me. I will get you however much money you want before we leave as payment.”

Verrick smirked as he got a rise out of her for calling Fenros a traitor. He knew it as well. But he could tell a lot by her reaction to his statement. A simple tactic he used to gather information. When she looked back at him, placed a hand over his heart. Flattery doesn’t get you far with me Princess. He said when she mentioned that he was a smart man. Though his eyes narrowed when she told him she wanted him to take her away from the palace. To Fenros, even offering her fathers money to do so. For a REAL treasonous act. ”You want me to take you to your boyfriend who is the traitor to the throne… ? He chuckled. ”Exactly doing what he didn’t want you to do….and you want me to put my head on the chopping block. I only owed Fenros a favor, which I completed.” He stood up as to leave her with that, then said, ”You do realize leaving this castle, the real world is a much harsher place. You don’t get to get to drink tea and eat crumpets while gossiping with your fellow ladies.”

“I know what the world is like out there. I may have no experience in the world, but I have heard plenty about it. My family is to thank for a lot of the problems, I know that too. I know that my brother and father have hurt and killed countless innocent people for beyond idiotic reasons. I don’t want to be locked away in the castle when the people of my kingdom are suffering. I am no different than anyone else, I just was lucky to be born into the royal family… although I don’t think I am all that lucky.” Eleanor took a deep breath before continuing, “I know that I am asking you to do a lot for me, but I’d rather have a guide than try to go looking for him on my own. So please Verrick… Please help me.”

Verrick was silent and as still as a statue as she spoke. Mulling over her answers. He was actually not expecting her to leave...more of just giving him a letter to give back to Fenros….if it didn’t go over well, and they were caught, he could just say she was leaving on her own and he was trying to keep her safe enough to bring back. A stretch...but could work. He turned and walked to the door, as if ignoring her plead for help. But stopped ”Tomorrow morning...just after midnight. Be ready. “ he said as he then quickly exited the room.

Eleanor nodded as he left, she sat down and finished her tea as she began to plan how to pack and what to pack.

Verrick suddenly pushed the door open again and looked at the princess really hard. Raising one finger he whispered.“ONE. BAG” After she would surely give him a look, he would leave once again.

Eleanor rolled her eyes and gave him a ‘No really?’ look. She knew that she was going to not be able to bring much with her, she just needed to find a way to pack some necessities. After finishing her tea, she stood up and left the room making a way to her chambers after going and grabbing a bag from the storage room. Once in her chambers she began packing the things she would be bringing, mentally and physically preparing herself for the journey.

(the day after the escape)
His mind was still reeling from the information he had received from Elize earlier that day. He was relieved, but he also couldn’t quite decide what it meant for him. He wanted to help his friend, but he had no idea where Fenros was or how he had escaped, for that matter. He had spent some time cleaning himself off from his training and was just finishing putting his shirt back on. He looked around the guard barracks, seeing nothing but the usual crowd of vanguards milling about. He knew he should go talk to Ayla.

He walked outside and turned down the path towards the castle. He had brought his sword with him, sheathed and hanging from his belt. He didn’t intend to need it but it was always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Besides, the sight of him walking around the castle with his sword by his side was nothing new. He had accompanied Fenros there many times, sometimes to help guard him or others and other times for meetings.

He walked through the halls of the castle towards Ayla’s room. He hadn’t seen her since the day of Fenros’s arrest. At least this time he was bringing her good news. He tried his best to appear casual as he passed by servants and ladies in waiting. He paused at the end of the hall and glanced around before making his way to her door. He lifted his fist in a quiet knock on her door.

Ayla was a wreck. Her appearance and her room were a disaster. She had been crying and in a rage since she casually heard the news of her brother’s execution. After verifying the information with the king’s closest guardsman she blacked out. When she woke up she was in her room and one of El’s other girls was with her. When Ayla woke up she screamed at the girl until she left her room and didn’t return.

Ayla had heard both the good and the bad about her brother since the arrest. Some thought it was a good thing and instantly believed him guilty of treason. Others looked to gain something from his death. All she could think about was that her brother was gone and she didn’t get to say goodbye.

Ayla vaguely heard a knock at her door. She sat up slowly and didn’t bother to check her appearance at all. She opened the door to find Ryker there. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were swollen from crying and her dress was wrinkled like she had been in it for a month. “Come in Ryker.” She closed the door behind him and what he would have seen was that all of her furniture was turned over and her clothes were all over the room and her belongings were all over the place, some broken some just a mess.

“You are too late. I know he is dead.” She was out of tears and she was certain that her body couldn’t make anymore.

Ryker was taken aback by her appearance, but he kept a stoic expression. He didn’t want her to feel any worse than she clearly already did. As he entered her room, he couldn’t help but look around at the mess she had created. He grimaced slightly, feeling somehow partially responsible for all of this. He looked at her with pity, but did his best to sound comforting.

”Ayla, I’m sorry. You must be taking this very hard.” He glanced around once again, making sure the door was closed all the way. ”But Fenros isn’t dead.”

He paused a moment to let the news sink in. ”I don’t know the details but I have it on good authority that he escaped. I imagine the King is spreading the rumor that he is dead to cover it up.”

Ayla looked at him like he was a ghost. “What? The guard’s told me he was executed. They said that they did it. I know you don’t want to believe it but….you must.”

Ryker stared at her. Poor thing. She was so distraught she couldn’t believe him. But he also realized how he sounded. He wasn’t used to giving good news. He stepped closer to her and placed his hands lightly on her arms. ”Listen to me, Ayla. It’s true. He’s alive.”

He looked into her eyes intently, trying to convey that he was telling the truth. ”I know you’ve worked with the king for years and you want to believe him but...he’s lying. I can’t say why, but he had reason to hate Fenros. He wanted to be rid of him. So he had him arrested under false pretenses and told everyone he was executed.” He sincerely hoped that his news was true. He had no reason to distrust Elize or her news. He knew she was close to the Princess who he had recently learned was the object of Fenros’s affection. But more than anything at this moment, he wanted to make Ayla’s pain go away.

Ayla blinked hard and looked deeper into his eyes. Ryker said that Fenros was alive. “How do you know that he is alive?” She asked because she was worried that he was misinformed and she couldn’t go through this again if she believed him only to find it was wrong information. “Who told you that he is ok? Where is he?” Her voice was cracking and she was afraid to believe him.

”I don’t know,” he replied, shaking his head lightly. ”I know it’s not much, but I’m inclined to believe it. I...shouldn’t tell you who told me. It’s risky that I’m even telling you this. But I think they’re trustworthy.” He managed a smile at her and squeezed her arms lightly.

“I trust you. I don’t believe you would lie to me Ryker.” She wasn’t sure where it came from but her relief made her cry happy tears. “Just when I thought I couldn’t cry anymore.” She chuckled and grabbed a handkerchief and saw her reflection in the mirror and jumped. “Oh no! You shouldn’t see me like this. I’m atrocious!”

She cleaned her face up and started brushing her hair. Ayla was distinctly aware of Ryker’s appearance. As usual he was gorgeous and had a casual air of cluelessness about it. “I’m so sorry I look like this but I truly believed that...basically that everything I knew was wrong. I guess I didn’t realize the impact that my brother has on my life. Can I see him soon? Please Ryker.”

Ryker smiled at her as she tried to clean herself up. ”Don’t worry about it, you look fine,” he said, trying to be reassuring. ”I wish I could take you to him, but I don’t know where he is. I only know he’s alive. I don’t know what to do now but I want to find him. I have no clue where he went, though…”

Ayla drew a blank. “He would have had to have help to get out of the cells.” She brushed her hair absentmindedly as she tried to figure out how he got out. “If one of the vanguard helped him then-...no. He and Ritza are pretty close, maybe she- no I saw her today and she was the same as usual. I don’t know who could have helped him Ryker. I’m just glad that they did.” She sat down and pulled him onto the couch with her. Feeling good for the first time in the last 18 hours she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Ryker was about to pick up a chair that was knocked over when Ayla drew him onto the couch with her. He let himself fall back into it with her and did his best to relax. He was so used to life as a vanguard that he found himself still feeling slightly uncomfortable in close proximity to women. That is to say, he didn’t dislike it, he just didn’t know how to react half the time.

He sat in silence for a while, staring off into the distance. He honestly had not thought through what to do next. There had to be something. Maybe he should talk to Ritza? If she would even talk to him. He knew the two of them were close so she might have some information he didn’t have. But, then again, he also knew she would have been rather sore with him since professing his love for Eleanor. He furrowed his eyebrows thinking. Ritza was his only viable option right now. That or Elize. But she seemed so flighty when he talked to her. She must have known this was dangerous information and he would hate to put her or anyone else in more danger. He had taken on the role of traitor/spy himself, knowing full well the potential consequences for his actions. He would do anything he could to avoid having those consequences spill over to others.

He finally turned his head and looked at Ayla resting on his shoulder. At least she seemed more peaceful now. ”I don’t know what to do from here,” he started, his voice lower and calmer now that she had relaxed some. ”I think I will talk to Ritza. Chances are, she doesn’t know anything. But she might know something I don’t. And it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Ryker? Promise me that you will not go looking far away without me? I want to see him. I want to go with you if you find any clues that lead you far off.” She looked up at him with her head still on his shoulder. She started to yawn a little bit. “I just couldn’t bear to lose you.” Ayla snuggled into his side feeling safe for the first time since she found out about her brother’s supposed demise. She pulled his arm around her and closed her eyes.

”I’ll try,” he sighed. ”But I don’t know...it will be dangerous going after him. I know he’s your brother, but if you leave here with me, they could brand you as a traitor as well.” He didn’t want to get her hopes up too much. He had absolutely no idea where Fenros could be, let alone who helped him escape. Anyone willing to go against the crown’s wishes was most likely dangerous in one way or another.

“El hasn’t been needing me much. I’m certain I could get away. If my brother is a traitor then I am to in their eyes. I don’t believe he would do anything to make himself a traitor to the crown. If you leave without me I won’t feel safe here. People are already looking at me oddly because I won’t let them talk bad about Fenros around me. They are starting to think I’m a traitor too. I defended him to the king and he threw a goblet at me. It’s only a matter of time Ryker. Promise me ok?”

Ryker nodded his head. ”Alright. I’ll do what I can. You should probably avoid the king for a while, though.” He let out a loud sigh. It felt like he was releasing all the stress and backed up anger he had been holding in since Fenros’s arrest.

Ayla smiled and wrapped her arm around his chest and pulled herself to him. She reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. Then she blushed and leaned back into his side. “I know Fenros would care if I died but...would you Ryker?” Ayla had come to the conclusion that rules of etiquette were not for every situation so she was going to be blunt in case she never got to see him again. For all she knew the crazy king might order her own death that very day. Guilty by association seemed right up his alley.

Ryker felt his face grow warm as she kissed him. It was the second time she had kissed him but this one didn’t seem to just be for luck. ”Of course I would care,” he replied. ”If it were up to me, none of this would be happening. I know I’m only another pawn to the King but I’m going to try and do everything I can to make sure no one else is wrongfully killed.” He spoke with determination in his voice. His own life wasn’t as important to him as the lives of the many innocents that were suffering under King Willum.

Seeing his blush at her kiss she smiled and asked him, “Is there anything that I can do to help you? I haven’t seen Eleanor since yesterday but I could try and see if she knows anything that might help.”

Ayla wanted to make sure she wasn’t making him uncomfortable. “I hope I’m not being too forward. It’s just that I’ve watched you and Fenros grow up. He thinks so much of you and….so do I” Ayla blushed. “I care a lot about you.” She sat up and put her brush down on the tabe nearest her. Ayla hope that one day he might return the feelings that she’d had for him for the last several years.

”No, I wouldn’t ask you to do anything,” he replied with a slight smile. ”Asking around could get you in trouble. I’ll figure things out on my own. Don’t worry about it.” He hoped she didn’t take it the wrong way. He only wanted her to stay safe and he knew she was already on thin ice. If anything bad were to happen, he wasn’t sure how well she would take it.

”I...I appreciate it,” he stuttered. He wasn’t quite accustomed to touchy-feely conversations. ”I spend most of my days fighting with men, so you’ll forgive me if I’m a little rusty.”

Ayla blushed, “I just wanted to tell you in case one of us ...didn’t make it. There is something in my soul that tells me that things are changing and there are going to be a lot of losses.” She couldn’t help but look up at her room.

“I have a mind to go back home to my parent’s estate but I’m afraid to miss out on the news that I could hear at the castle. So I have decided to stay. I’ll help you in any way possible. I need to see my brother and know that he is safe. I’ll not run from my fears no matter how dangerous it becomes.”

Ryker nodded and got to his feet. ”If things get too rough, you can always go back to your parents. I will make sure to get any information I find to you about Fenros. I appreciate your help but I should get going. I need to find Ritza to see what she knows. And I shouldn’t stay here too long. It might look suspicious.”

Ayla stood and nodded. “I’m scared if I went home something would befall my parents and that I can not live with. I’ll not trust anyone other than you. Please remember, if you go, I go too. I can’t be here alone. Be safe.” She hugged him and watched him open the door and slip out.

(day after escape)
Ryker quietly left Ayla’s room, casually walking through the halls of the castle. He was on his way to go speak to Ritza now for the first time in quite a while. He had absolutely no idea what to expect from her at this point. He hoped she was in the mood for talking, but he knew better. He wasn’t sure if she knew that Fenros was alive or not. And, if not, she was bound to be very, very angry.

Ritza was in the Vanguard's common area in the castle, throwing daggers at a spot in the wall. She was currently the only one in the area, since everyone else was outside training. Her eyes were dark and focused, imagining the king's head as her target. First her father, now Fenros; she was done with important people disappearing from her life. Even more so with the man behind it all.

Ryker walked first to the training yard, checking for Ritza there. Not finding her, he decided to check in the Vanguard barracks. Spotting her throwing knives, he had to take a moment before approaching her. Ritza with just fists was dangerous but Ritza with knives was a death wish. He slowly and cautiously came up behind her. ”Hey, Ritza? Can we talk?”

She would recognize that voice anywhere. Her fingers tightened around the blade in her hand as her eyes narrowed even more. Letting out a slow breath, Ritza kept her eyes on the wall in front of her. ”What is it, Ryker? Gonna tell me someone else I love died?” With a quick snap of her wrist, the knife shot out of her hand and landed firmly in the wall.

”Haha,” he replied, sarcastically. He stood behind her, watching her as she threw the knife. At least it wasn’t aimed at me.

”I want to talk to you in private, if possible.”

Letting her eyes slide close for just a moment, Ritza clenched both hands into fists. She cleared her throat when she realized her hands were empty- no more knives for her to throw. Having a feeling this had something to do with Fenros, she gave a small nod of her head. ”Fine.”

She opened her eyes and headed over to the wall before yanking the knives out. Gripping her left hand around them, she turned and walked off towards her quarters.

Fuck, she’s bringing the knives… Ryker thought to himself before following along with her. After working in the Vanguard for ten years and as a mercenary before that, few things scared him as much as this woman with weapons.

Once they were back to her quarters, he made sure the door closed behind him before speaking up again. ”I imagine you’ve heard about Fenros,” he began vaguely to see what she knew.

As they walked, she could feel the tension in the air. She smirked at the thought of Ryker being very well aware of the knives in her hand. It was good to have a man exactly where she wanted him.

They soon entered the room and she dropped the knives onto the table. Folding her arms across her chest, she went to turn to face him. She stopped when he began talking. Ritza cleared her throat before glancing at the door. Lowering her voice, she looked back at him. ”You're his best friend, so I'm only going to say this once.” She lowered her voice even further as she watched him. ”He's alive. He escaped.”

His eyes widened briefly, although he really shouldn’t have been surprised. He wasn’t sure how she learned about this, although the fact that she had been Eleanor’s bodyguard might have had something to do with it. ”I know,” he spoke, matching her voice level. He paused a narrowed his eyes. ”How do you know?”

Her jaw clenched as she watched his face. She shouldn't have disclosed the information she had learned directly from Fenros. Last thing she needed was their affair out in the open. Ritza needed to keep her feet on the very fine line that was left.

She looked away as she spoke to him. ”I went to the dungeons to free him.

”So...you succeeded then?” he wondered aloud. It was slightly surprising to him that she would risk herself to save him. He never expected Ritza to be the type to do such a thing.

Ritzas hands clenched into fists against her chest. Her eyes narrowed at the slate gray wall she was looking at. If she had been sooner, she would have saved him. Would have happily handed him over to his darling princess. She looked back at his face, her eyes searching his. ”No. I didn't. Someone else got to him first. Don't ask me who, cause I have no damn idea.” There was no way she was mentioning the strange woman to him.

Ryker’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. If it wasn’t Ritza who saved him, then who? ”Huh. That’s….strange.” His eyes wandered to the ceiling as he stood, deep in thought. Other than Eleanor, himself and Ritza, he wasn’t sure who else was close enough to Fenros to want to free him. But then again...he had sent news to the Ouroboros the day of his arrest. Maybe they had something to do with it? Maybe a trip to see Zeresh was in order.

He returned his gaze back to Ritza who seemed as agitated as ever. ”Do you have any idea where he is now?” If it was the Ouroboros, he didn’t expect her to know, but it didn’t hurt to ask.

Keeping her eyes on him, she raised a brow as she studied him. He knew something. The man knew something and he was hiding it. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him. Finally his attention came back to her.

Ritza gave a small smirk as she tilted her head in thought. There was only one way she knew how to draw information from a man without making him bleed. Taking a step closer to him, she dropped her arms to her sides. ”No…” She ran her eyes over the length of him before looking back into his face. ”But I think you do, Ryker.”

Caught off guard by her sudden change in demeanor, he tilted his head slightly to the side. ”I...what? No I don’t. That’s why I’m asking you.” He seemed a little flustered now, trying to figure out what she was up to.

”Uh huh. You're asking me to find out how much I know.” She took another step towards him until she was practically in his face. Glancing up at him, she smirked and raised her brow higher. Ritzas eyes went to his lips as she placed her hands on her hips. As she spoke, her voice took on a husky tone. ”I think you know something..and you're not telling me, Ryker.”

Ryker’s stomach fluttered briefly at her close proximity. What was she going for? He had an idea but, still...He hadn’t spoken to her in years and this is how she responds? He didn’t quite understand her.

”I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know anything. I wanted….uh…” His eyes shifted as she touched him. He had been doing well up until this point, but now he couldn’t help himself. He cleared his throat and quickly lifted his gaze back to her face. ”I was just trying to figure out what happened.”

She was getting to him. Her smirk broadened before she slowly moved her hands from her hips, to his. Ritza looked down at her hands and glanced up at him from the corner of her eyes. With a small nod, her gaze moved to his lips. ”Ryker..” she barely whispered his name.

His back was up against the wall at this point and he had nowhere to go. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to go somewhere anyway. He blinked quickly, staring at her face, inches from his. His mind was going in a thousand different directions. Part of him wanted to run and part of him wanted to stay. ”Ritza….what are you doing?” was all he could manage to say. He was rigid against the wall, his arms at his sides.

Bringing her hands up from his hips, she was able to slowly trail her fingers up his chest. He was a lot more muscular than she remembered. Then again, armor hid a lot. Ritza caught her bottom lip with her teeth as she watched her own hands against his shirt. Sure, she wanted information. What was so wrong with releasing some tension at the same time?

At his question, she glanced up at his face and tilted her head. Her voice was still low as she glanced at his lips. ”Tell me to stop...and I'll stop. Otherwise..”

”No, I just…” He lost his words for a moment before pulling himself together. ”I don’t understand why you’re uh, so close.” He took a quick breath and slowly put his hands on her hips. This was one way to catch up with someone…

With another smirk, she glanced down at his hands. This was good progress. But...when was the last time this poor man had someone in his bed? He was acting as if this was his first time. A man built like he was definitely did not have a shortage of admirers. Ritza wasn't worried, though. No matter what, she always got what she wanted.

At his statement, she caught her lip between her teeth again. She made sure his attention was on them. ”You don't understand?”

Aw, fuck it, he thought to himself before he ran his hands up her waist and up to her face. Cupping her cheeks he leaned in and kissed her, roughly. She wasn’t letting up so he might as well get something out of this exchange.

He was a damn good kisser. As she returned his feverish kiss, she wondered how she hadn't done this sooner. Her fingers rushed to the hem of his shirt before quickly breaking the kiss to pull it off.

He let his arms lift up as she pulled his shirt up over his head. Once it was off, he shoved her with just enough force to push her towards her bed, but not so much to really hurt her. She was feisty and he was feeding off of her energy. He also knew she could take it after so many years in the vanguard.

At his shove, she couldn't help a smirk as a small gutteral sound escaped her throat. She fell onto her backside on the bed before quickly extending her arm. Her fingers found their way behind the top of his pants as she pulled him closer to her.

He placed a knee on the bed beside her before slowly slipping his hands under her shirt. He lifted it up and over her head before leaning down farther and lightly biting at her shoulder…

---

Well. That was definitely a lot better than expected. She was laying flat on her stomach, the sheets curled around her limbs. Ritza looked him over before glancing back at his face. With a tilt of her head, she watched him.

Ryker laid on top of the blankets, one arm over Ritza’s back. He could feel the teeth imprints he had left behind. A soft smile on his face. He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. He closed his eyes and felt every inch of his body relax into the bed. I’m really glad she has her own room. He thought to himself.

He had completely forgotten the reason he came to see her in the first place.

She watched as his eyes closed and her own narrowed slightly. Pursing her lips in thought, she glanced over at the side table. Ritza held the sheet to her chest before reaching over with her right hand. Her fingers wrapped around a lone dagger before bringing her arm back. Looking once more at Ryker, her eyes gazed over him before returning to his face. She extended her arm before touching the tip of the blade to his jaw.

”Ready to talk now, Ryker?”

The relaxation he had been feeling suddenly turned into tenseness as he felt the cold steel against his skin. His eyes slowly opened and shifted over to Ritza without moving his head. Was this her plan all along?

”Ritza...what are you doing?” His voice was still calm, quiet. He had no doubt that she would actually use the blade against him, especially since she had him in such a compromising position. But he didn’t want to move much, or else risk the blade cutting into his skin.

There was no softness in her face. She watched him, unblinking. Ritza tilted her head just slightly, causing the hair on her back to cascade over the side of her face. The blade held steady in her hand as she spoke. Her voice was unwavering and devoid of all emotion.

”You're hiding something from me about him. You're going to tell me what you know. I can be very creative with this blade.”

Ryker gritted his teeth together. Damn this woman… He didn’t want to tell her about the Ouroboros. He hadn’t told anyone about that. She could easily turn him in and get him killed, or worse. He didn’t know her well enough to trust that she would keep it a secret. Maybe that wasn’t what she was looking for…

”I really don’t know much,” he began, honestly. ”I was there when he was arrested. All they said was that he was a traitor. I don’t know what he could have done…” He paused. Maybe she didn’t know about him and the princess? But how could she not? She was Eleanor’s bodyguard, after all. ”Unless the King somehow found out about….he told me he is in love with Eleanor.”

Raising a brow, she watched him. Of course the idiot would tell him about his feelings towards the princess. It definitely would be a big thing to hide- and would explain Fenros's arrest. But then, did Ryker also know about their affair?

She continued to watch him for a moment. Rolling her eyes, she set the blade back on the table. Ritza sat up on the bed and crossed her legs, her left hand holding the sheet against her bare chest. She scoffed in frustration as she looked away from him. *I already know about his damn feelings towards Elle.”

As the blade left his jaw, he let out an audible sigh of relief. Leave it to him to get in bed with a crazy woman. He glanced up at her as she sat up, modestly covering herself. There’s no need for that now...I’ve already seen everything.

He raised an eyebrow at her statement. Was that jealousy he heard in his voice? ”Then why are you asking me about it?” he wondered aloud. He slowly pushed himself up to sit beside her.

Running her free hand in her hair to push it off her face, she took in a deep breath. She had to tell someone. Anyone. Would make sense to unleash on Ryker- he was quite obviously afraid of what she could do to him.

But then again, he was a member of the vanguard. How much information could she trust him with? Her jaw clenched as she stared at the wall. He was one of the few that she actually had been close to before her father died. They had been friends, once. She was going to drive herself mad if she didn't speak. Clearing her throat, her left hand tightened around the sheet at her chest. ”I need...I need to know that I can trust you…”

Ryker looked at her thoughtfully. She clearly had something she wanted to say but was keeping it a secret. This was a new side of her he hadn’t seen in quite some time. ”Of course you can trust me. Have I ever done anything to hurt you?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how she would probably perceive them. He wrinkled his nose before adding, ”I mean, besides telling you about your father. You know I didn’t enjoy that…”

She raised her brow and glanced over at him. Ritza couldn't help a small grin as he realized his error. Letting out a slow breath, she shrugged her shoulders slightly. She knew he wasn't her enemy. With everything now turning into chaos, she needed to focus on who her true enemy was. It was time to give the guy some slack. ”I don't hate you, Ryker. You were the only one with enough balls to tell me.”

Looking down at her feet, she lowered her voice. Her hand was clutching onto the sheet with every ounce of strength she had. It wasn't that she was now being a prude- at the time, the feel of the wool was the only thing keeping her anchored. ”What I'm about to tell you...if this gets out...I will be hanged.”

Ryker’s interest was piqued. What could she possibly have to say that was so dangerous and secretive. Although he had similar secrets, he hadn’t realized Ritza did as well. ”Ritza…” He spoke quietly, shifting closer to her. ”You can trust me. I would never betray you.”

As he moved closer, her eyes moved up to his face. She searched every line, every trace. Could she really do this? Her breathing became more ragged at the very thought of saying her secret out loud. To someone who could potentially turn on her. Ritza could feel the tears start to pool in her eyes before she quickly looked away from him. The last time she had allowed herself to shed tears was in front of this man, the day he broke the news. What was it about him that made her vulnerabilities surface?

Her nails dug into the wool. Grinding her teeth, her jaw clenched, she lowered her voice to just above a whisper. ”I'm the real traitor to the throne. I plan to kill the king. To avenge my father.”

His eyes widened at this new information. He half expected her to say she was in love with Fenros or something, but not this. He sat in silence for a moment, taking in her words, thinking what it meant for them. He slowly pushed himself closer to her and brought his hand up to her face. He gently turned her face to his. His words failed him so he instead he kissed her gently. When he pulled away, his face just inches from hers, he looked her in the eyes. ”Ritza...you’re not the only traitor here.”

She expected him to react. When he moved closer and brought his hand towards her, she was expecting for him to grab her. Throw her over his shoulder, rat her out to anyone who would listen. She cringed at the thought- then he kissed her.

When he pulled away, her eyes opened slowly to find he hadn't really moved away from her. Then came his confession. Her stomach dropped. Suddenly, all the weight from holding in this secret lifted. Ritza searched his face before releasing a deep throaty noise. Releasing the sheet, she let it fall before kissing him.

He wasn’t expecting this much of a release after confessing his own secret to her. But it felt so good to have said it to someone. He hadn’t expected to find anyone with such similar feelings to talk to. In fact, he hadn’t planned on telling anyone ever. As she kissed him back, he reached his hands under her arms and up to her bare back. He clutched her close and pulled her with him as he let himself fall back into the bed. His one hand stayed on her back while the other one ran up into her hair. He let his fingers comb through her locks as he kissed her feverishly. There was some kind of renewed energy in getting this secret off of his chest.

---

Ritza was absolutely getting more than she bargained for with Ryker. As she laid her head against his chest, she stared at the wall across from her. They both had just confessed truths that they could be ultimately hanged for. Only difference was that while she had explained why she was a traitor, he had not.

With a stretch, she turned her head to face him. Ritza rested her chin against his stomach as she searched his face. ”What makes you a traitor?”

Ryker let out a sigh before looking down at Ritza. She looked so cute staring up at him now. He had almost forgotten the fact that she had threatened him with a knife just moments ago. ”I...uh, I have been in contact with the Ouroboros.” His rational mind would have told him that he shouldn’t be telling her that, but after two rounds with her in bed, his rational mind was not fully functioning. ”I have had doubts about the king for some time. Your fathers death started it all….I don’t trust him.”

Her eyes widened some at his revelation. He believed the king to be the cause of her father's death as well. But, the Ouroboros- how had they become involved? She knew all about the clan from stories her father had told her. While everyone else thought them mere myths and legends, Ritza had known them as fact. Could her father's connection to them be the reason for his death?

And then it hit her: the strange woman in the cell. The way the woman had known her name, knew what she was capable of. They had Fenros. She quickly sat up and slid out of the bed before hastily pulling her clothes back on. ”I know where Fenros is.”

He was disappointed when she started getting dressed but then she spoke. ”You do?” He pushed himself up onto his elbows, looking at her expectantly. He swung around and let his legs swing off the side of the bed, his feet planting on the ground. ”How do you know? Where is he?”

As she was pulling up and securing her pants, she glanced over at him. She didn't know where Fenros was exactly, but she did know who had them. And who the woman was who visited her in his cell. With a clearing of her throat, she looked down at her pants to verify they were strung tight. ”The Ouroboros. When I was in his cell, I think…”

Oh, she was going to sound insane. She finished with her pants before putting her hands on her hips. ”I think their leader recruited me for some type of job. She said she would give Fenros back, if I used my skills for her.”

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Why would they contact her and not him? Maybe she was in the right place at the right time. Or maybe he would be more of a liability because of his position. It didn’t matter, though. He wasn’t the only one in contact with them, apparently.

”What kind of job?” As he spoke, he stood from the bed and began collecting his own clothes scattered around the room. ”How exactly did she contact you?”

She couldn't help where her eyes ended up when he stood. Clearing her throat, she turned and finished with her boots. Ritza knew she could trust him now with the full story. Besides, if he ever turned on her, she had his secret as well.

”Um, well...she was behind me. In his cell.” How had the woman gotten behind her? She would have heard anyone entering that cell. With another shake of her head, she sighed. ”She mentioned something about children. I had to watch them or...something. She knew who I was, Ryker. My father...I think he worked with them..”

It hadn’t occurred to him that her father may have worked with the Ouroboros. He slowly began to dress himself as he tried to come up with a plan in his mind for what to do next. ”I can go see the Ouroboros contact that I’ve been working with…” He wasn’t sure if she would have any useful information, or even if he could get the information out of her. But he could always try.

The thing about children...that confused him. What children was she talking about that Ritza should watch? Was she trying to find a motherly person to take care of them? If so, she picked the wrong woman. But that didn’t make much sense. Why would an Ouroboros find an outsider human to watch children. Something was off. He glanced over at her after pulling his own pants up. ”She must be speaking in metaphors. I doubt she would need a regular human to watch actual children…”

Blowing out a breath in a huff, she shrugged her shoulders. The entire thing confused her. Why would they need her skill set, anyway? She was a human and she remembered her father saying that the Ouroboros had magic. ”I have no clue, Ryker, and it's annoying the hell out of me. But I was instructed to wait around until she called for me. Like hell that's happening.”

In all actuality, Ritza knew she had to stay behind. Once Elle received word that Fenros was alive, she would try to go after him. She ran both hands through her hair and scowled. Once Elle was gone, Ritza would be summoned to find her. And possibly reprimanded for losing her in the first place. She shook her head and looked at Ryker. ”Go to your contact. I have to wait in case the king calls for me to watch Elle or something. If I'm not here, he'll get suspicious.”

Ryker nodded, deciding that he would have to go find Zeresh. He walked over to Ritza and grabbed her arm. He pulled her into him again and gave her another kiss. He didn’t know if their activities together meant anything at all but he was going to take advantage of this now before she changed her mind. As he pulled away, he looked her in the eyes one more time. ”Be safe.”

He lingered a moment before slipping his shirt back on and heading towards her door.

She was a bit surprised by the kiss, however she did not mind at all. Hell, she enjoyed him pulling her around. Ritza had had plenty of distractions in the past, but they all treated her as a fragile woman. At least Ryker wasn't afraid to bruise her.

With a small nod to him, she watched as he walked to the door. She cleared her throat as she folded her arms across her chest. Would he be just another distraction, or more? Maybe it meant something that she was able to tell him her secret. And that he was the only man to make her feel vulnerable. She bit the inside of her cheek. ”Don't get eaten. I rather enjoy you in my bed.”

He flashed her a smile before letting the door close behind him. He could easily sneak off to meet with Zeresh but he would have to find some excuse for his absence in case anyone noticed. Ritza would vouch for him, he hoped. After their heart-to-heart, he felt he could trust her.

He still had his sword from earlier. He briefly thought of getting his armor, but decided against it. It would only draw more attention to him if he was seen walking around in armor, plus it would make travel more difficult. He decided to simply set off with what he had, heading down the road leading out of the city…

(day after escape)
It took a few hours for him to reach the small, abandoned village where he had met with Zeresh the first time. The sun was beginning to reach the horizon by this time. He paused at the edge of the houses and looked around. It looked much the same as it had back then. He didn’t know if Zeresh would be anywhere nearby so he decided to build a fire. He went out into the forest and began to gather loose sticks and dead branches. He dragged many of them back to the far house where he had first met her. After some time, he had a fire going. The light of the flames glistened and seemed to dance around the house. The warmth felt good on his bare face. As he sat, staring at the flames, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander back to Ritza.

So much chaos had been occuring at her home. Apparently a milk face had been taken in, and everyone was fussing over him. Zeresh didn't like the noise at all and decided to go back to the village. It had been some time since she had seen Ryker, but she never gave up hope that she would again. She hadn't mentioned anything about the soldier to her group as she wanted to keep him all to herself.

As she ventured down the path, she noticed what looked like fire in what she considered was their house. Her eyes widened as she beamed before quickly clapping her hands. She had to make sure it was her milk face first. Slowly walking over to the house, she whispered. ”Ry?”

Ryker had been lost in thought when a quiet voice caught his attention. His head shot up and he looked around. The fire had temporarily blinded him and it took him a moment for his eyes to adjust to his darker surroundings. ”Zeresh? Is that you?”

It was him! Hurrying over to the fire, she grinned happily when she saw him. Zeresh didn't want to waste a single moment. As soon as she reached him, she lunged herself at him and wrapped him in a tight hug. ”You came back!”

Ryker almost fell over backwards at her sudden and rather rough hug. He held himself up and grinned, wrapping his own arms around her. ”Of course I came back. I had to come see you,” he replied, ruffling her hair lightly.

”I know it’s been awhile. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner but I’ve been busy. How are you?”

Something was different about him. She pulled back and tilted her head as she looked him over. He was...happy? A lot less brooding than before. Zeresh scrunched her nose at him. ”You're happy. What happened?”

Ryker laughed quietly at her question. It was a good question. He knew the last time he met with her he was much more serious and concerned. Then again, he also met her looking for whomever or whatever killed all of the villagers. He had been on edge and with a group of other vanguards. This time, he was alone.

”Oh, you know. I just made a friend like me again.” The was the simplest way he could think of to put it. Obviously he wasn’t going to flat out say he had just had sex. Twice. He wasn’t sure if she even knew what that meant.

”What about you? Are you happy?” he asked, changing the subject.

That was good enough for her. Clapping her hands, she beamed at him. Before she caught his question. She scrunched her nose before looking back at the fire. Tilting her head, her focus was entirely on the flames licking the air. ”Pretty…”

Zeresh moved closer to the fire, completely entranced by it. They had fires back home, but she was never able to get this close to one. Her eyes danced with the flames as she spoke to him. ”Happy now. Ry is back with Zeresh. Too much noise at home.”

Ryker watched her as she drew closer to the fire. He felt a knee-jerk reaction to grab her and hold her back so she wouldn’t hurt herself, but he also knew she was technically an adult. ”Careful,” he warned instead. ”It’s very pretty but if you get too close, it hurts. A lot.”

He watched her fondly. She reminded him of a little kid and it made him feel almost father-like. That probably said something about him, but he wasn’t
concerned by it at the moment. ”Zeresh, I need to ask you a question. It’s very important.” He paused and waited until he had her attention.

She couldn't help a giggle at his statement. Nothing could hurt her. Though, she could feel pain. That didn't sound very fun to her at all. Zeresh didn't like being in pain.

”A question?” Her attention quickly turned back to him. Looking him over, she nodded quickly before hurrying back to his side. She grabbed his hand and looked up into his face. ”You can ask your important question. Zeresh knows a lot. A lot, a lot.”

Ryker’s face became rather serious now, wanting to get through the fact that what he was asking was actually very important to him. ”Have your people….your family found any milk faces like me recently? One of my friends is missing and I need to find him.”

She blinked at him in question. The milk face was his friend? But he said he was missing. With a quick grin, she reached up to touch the worry lines on his face. ”No sad. Happy, Ry! Milk face is at home. Zeresh's home. Not missing. Mother took him!”

Ryker blinked a few times. Could it be Fenros she was talking about? ”He’s at your home? Can I see him?” He knew it was probably unlikely that he would allowed to just waltz into the Ouroboros home, but maybe if she escorted him...He could always hope.

Could he see him? She tilted her head in thought. Mother would not approve, especially since she was going to beckon the female milk face to their home that very night. Zeresh let out a breath and frowned. ”Not good time. Not today. Mother bringing another milk face to our home. A girl.”

Remembering something else, she grinned at him. ”Ry knows girl! Girl is soldier, like Ry.”

Ritza? It had to be her. She was the only female member of the vanguard and she had said she was contacted. So it must have been their leader that spoke to her. He smiled at Zeresh and nodded his head. ”Yes, I do know her. She is my friend. My very good friend.” He couldn’t help but smirk a little at his own comment. ”Do you think your mother would let me come with her? I want to see my friend. I have to make sure he’s okay.”

Watching him, she tilted her head even more. At least he was friends with the girl. If she was his very good friend, then she would be Zeresh's friend too. Should she tell him what she overhead? As she thought, she wrung her hands together.

”I..I don't know...mother doesn't know that I know…” She frowned at him. ”Girl soldier is being tested.”

”Tested?” He raised an eyebrow in question. ”Tested for what?” His mind wandered. He didn’t know enough about the Ouroboros to know what she was talking about. Was she being tested to see if she was strong enough to become one of them? He wasn’t sure, but he suddenly felt very protective. If she was going, he was going to come with her, others be damned.

Zeresh quickly shrugged her shoulders. She was growing agitated with these questions. Thunder soon rumbled in the sky as she began to rock her body back and forth. ”I..I don't know...mother is going to use girl soldier...going to fight...she needs to be strong and powerful..”

Ryker could tell by her body language that she didn’t want to talk serious anymore. He had more questions but he had a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to answer him anyway. He smiled again and hugged her, squeezing her against himself. ”Thank you. I feel better knowing where my friend is.”

He gazed into the burning fire only a few feet away. While he was relieved knowing the general whereabouts of Fenros, he couldn’t help but worry about Ritza. What in the world were they planning on doing to her? She was already strong but the idea that she needed to be stronger worried him greatly. It didn’t sound good.

He broke away from hugging her to look her in the eyes. His eyes widened suddenly at a realization. ”Oh no, I forgot to bring you a present. I’m so sorry...I will bring you something next time I see you, I promise. Something really good.”

As he hugged her, she started to calm and the clouds cleared out of the sky. She sighed and leaned against him as she looked once more at the fire. Suddenly, her attention was diverted by the thought of presents. Her eyes widened and she looked up at him. ”Present? Oh! Pretty baby!”

She beamed and nodded her head with enthusiasm. ”Yes. Pretty, pretty babies. I like pretty babies. Girl soldier can bring me pretty babies too!”

Ryker laughed quietly. He wasn’t sure how Ritza would respond to this girl wanting presents. It didn’t matter, though, he would go out and buy enough for both of them when he got back. He owed her since he had rushed to see her and forgotten to bring one. He brought his hand up and patted her head lightly, ruffling up her hair a little bit. ”I’ll talk to her when I get home. What is your favorite color?”

She continued to beam up at him before her stomach started to rumble. Scrunching her nose, she put a hand on her belly. ”Blue...blue is pretty…”

Looking around, she sighed in disappointment. She was so hungry that even Ryker started to smell delicious. But, she wouldn't do that. Ryker was her friend. Zeresh frowned. ”Tummy hungry...very, very, very hungry..”

This was an interesting situation. He knew what she normally ate and he wasn’t willing to help her with that. But maybe she would be willing to try something new. ”If you want, I can try and find you a nice, juicy rabbit and cook it for you. I know that’s probably new to you but I like to think of myself as a good cook.”

Zeresh blinked over at him. A rabbit. A rabbit wouldn't give her anything besides temporary nourishment. How dull. With a quick shake of her head, she pat his chest with her left hand. ”No, no. I'll go find. Ry should go home now. Hungry Ouroboros are around.”

Her last statement was a little off-putting but he nodded and gave her another hug. ”Okay. Be careful out there. I will see you soon with presents this time.”

She giggled at him as she hugged him back. ”Silly, Ry. I'm immortal. Ry needs to be careful out there, not Zeresh.” Clapping her hands together, she nodded. ”Go, go. Mother should be getting girl soldier soon.”

Ryker nodded and got to his feet. He stomped out the fire and began on his way back to the city. It was getting dark as he walked. He would have to hurry if he wanted to get a doll for Zeresh before the market stalls all closed. He picked up his pace.

(day after escape)
Ryker came to the marketplace as many stalls were closing for the night. He bit his lip, wondering where to go. He had never had to buy anything like this before. He wandered around until a small group of dolls caught his eye. There were a few cheaper ones, looking like they were made of dried straw of some kind. Then there were the fancier ones. They had knit bodies stuffed with something soft and less clumpy than the others. He found one with a frilly, blue dress and picked it up. ”How much?”

Ryker made his way back to the guard barracks with a small, cloth bag. He had purchased the doll from the marketplace and he had found a few candies too. He wasn’t sure if she would care for them, but he would give it a try anyway. He stopped by Ritza’s room and knocked on the door to see if she was there.

She hated having to wait around to be beckoned. Ritza purposely stayed away from Elle's quarters, knowing that she didn't want to be part of a crying fest. She loved the girl like family, but she knew to keep her distance now. Instead, she decided to have a bath. One very good plus from not living with a man.

Having just stepped out when she heard a knock on the door, she rose a brow at it. She cleared her throat and wrapped her wool sheet around her body. Her hair was still wet and dripping when she opened her door. Seeing Ryker, she rose a brow and smirked. ”So. I see you didn't get eaten.”

”Not yet,” he joked. ”Can I come in? I have news.” His eyes slowly dropped to her covered chest, reminiscing on their earlier experiences. He stared momentarily before bringing his eyes back up to meet hers.

Her smirk broadened when she noticed his gaze. She stole a quick peek to the hallway before moving away from the door, leaving it open. Ritza moved to her bed, far enough away from the door, before dropping her sheet.

Ryker stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He turned to speak to her but stopped when he saw her towel drop. He smiled at the sight, not bothering to hide his stare if she were to look. ”You were right in assuming the Ouroboros have Fenros. I’m not sure exactly where but they do have him. And it sounds like they’re planning on calling on you for testing.” He let his eyes linger on her body for a moment longer before looking back up to her face. ”I couldn’t figure out what kind of testing she meant, but it sounds like they want to use you for your strength and prowess in battle.”

Turning to face him, she put her hands on her hips and tilted her head. She listened to him as he spoke, not minding that she still had water dripping down. Ritza did notice the 'she’ and she raised a brow in question. Regarding the testing, she wasn't really worried about that. The woman had mentioned that to her last night.

Her eyes caught sight of the bag he was holding and her brows furrowed slightly. So. He had made a purchase of some kind? For the female ouroboros, perhaps? Walking slowly over to him, she kept her eyes on him. ”Your contact is a woman?”

He struggled to keep his eyes on her face as she approached. ”Technically, yes. But she acts like a child,” he said with a shrug. ”She might as well be a kid. I don’t know what happens to them but she doesn’t seem to have all of her mental faculties. She took a liking to me, though, so she hasn’t tried to eat me yet.”

He noticed her looking at the bag in his hand, so he lifted it up and pulled the doll out. ”She requested a present for the next time I see her. She likes dolls so….” He shrugged. ”I also got her candies. I figure I should keep her happy so she doesn’t decide to eat me one of these days.”

Ritza nodded slightly as she took one final step to stand in front of him. Her eyes moved over the doll as she listened to him speak. Placing her hands on her hips, she looked back up at Ryker with a brow raised.

”So this girl got you to not only buy her a present, but sweets as well so that no harm were to come to you.” She smirked as she gave a small shake of her head. ”I'd say she's one smart cookie.”

Ryker smiled at her as he placed the doll back into the bag. ”Kind of similar to you.” He took a step towards her, dropping the bag on the ground and placed his hands on her waist. ”I don’t know how you can expect me to concentrate when you’re standing there looking like that.” He let his hands runs along the sides of her body, tracing her curves, before leaning in and kissing her.

She gave him a small kiss in return before pulling back. Taking a step back, she grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around her body. Ritza eyed him before taking a seat on her bed. Holding the sheet closed with her left hand, she ran her free hand through her hair.

”I need to be ready when the woman calls for me. I'll need to go do this test or whatever the hell she wants so that we can get Fenros back.” Looking away, she glanced at the knives still sitting on her side table. ”I don't share, Ryker.”

Ryker frowned when she began to cover herself. That wasn’t what he had intended with his comment. He shrugged it off and crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. ”I want to come with you.” His tone changed to a more serious one. He knew she would have a hard time accepting help, but there was a lot of things he didn’t know about and he wanted to find out. Plus he didn’t entirely trust the Ouroboros just yet. He had only met the one and she was crazy.

Furrowing her brows, she looked back over to him. Who did he think he was? Just because she slept with him didn't automatically make her a damsel in distress. Ritza quickly stood as she watched him. ”I don't need a babysitter, Ryker. This woman has some kind of plan for me, not you. If she wanted to harm me, she would have done so in that cell. I don't need you to protect me.”

He frowned at her, figuring he would get this type of response. ”Ritza...I know you can take care of yourself. I’ve seen you fight. I know you how strong you are. But I need to do this for me, too.” He had to admit to himself that he wanted to be there in case things went wrong, but he also needed to know more about the people he was betraying his king for. ”I don’t know why they chose you for this, but I’m sure they have their reasons. I just….I have to know I made the right choice.”

”The right choice?” With a small scoff, she shook her head and looked away from him. She needed to keep her emotions under control. It didn’t help that lately she felt as if she were a volcano, ready to explode with rage. Clenching her free hand into a fist, she looked back at him, tears welled in her eyes.

”Look at me. Look at this person standing right in front of you.” Ritza kept her eyes on him, her own narrowed with tears threatening to spill. ”I used to be happy. Now, most days, I have no fucking idea what that feels like anymore. Before..” She paused to clear her throat, trying her best to reign in a sob. ”Before that day six years ago, I had my whole life planned out. And apparently so did my father. Did you know Mattias asked for my hand in marriage? He asked, and my father accepted!”

Blowing out a breath, she shook her head. ”The me six years ago would have been ecstatic at such a match. I could, and would, have everything I ever wanted.” Ritza sniffled before she took a shaky breath. ”Now I’m a hollow shell. Working for someone that I loathe with every fiber of my being. This thing with the Ouroboros could potentially be dangerous for me. But I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I need to do this. I know I made the right choice. He will pay for what he did to my life.”

Ryker watched her as she bared her soul to him. He stared, unblinking, his hard exterior slowly softening at her words. He couldn’t imagine what she had been through. Sure, he was there when her father died and had even broken the news to her. That was difficult enough for him, who had merely known him as a fellow member of the vanguard. What it must have been like for her…

Watching her as tears welled in her eyes, he was reminded of that day so many years ago. That was the last time he had seen her like this and she had never been the same. He felt a pain in his chest. He wanted to take it all away, turn back time, do something. He had always had a soft spot for crying people, women in particular. Even though he had barely spoken to her in six years, he felt somehow responsible for her state of mind.

”Ritza, I…” he trailed off. What could he possibly say? Nothing. There was nothing he could say that would change anything. He felt helpless. It was the same feeling he had when Fenros was arrested. Normally he would start fighting, punching, swinging his sword, something to get the anger out, but this instance required something a little more delicate. Instead, he pushed himself away from the wall and back over to Ritza. In one quick movement, he scooped her into his arms, wrapping on around her upper back, his hand placed on the back of her head, the other around her waist. ”I’m sorry,” was all he could manage to say, his voice soft, barely audible.

Her body shook with unreleased sobs as she leaned her forehead against his shoulder. She absolutely hated this. Ritza had spent the last six years of her life building a tall enough wall so that she never had to feel the pain of losing her father all over again. And in one quick phrase, that wall came tumbling down. It was if she had just received the news at that very moment.

It was too much for her to handle. She knew she had been a complete idiot to nearly fall for Fenros. She knew that he loved the princess, yet she let herself get close anyway. And in one fell swoop, he was gone from her life by the very same man who took her father from her. Only now, she could do something about it. Would do something.

And Mattias. She had no idea how to handle the news he broke to her. All she could associate him with was a happy time in her life with her father. She could picture her father breaking the news of her betrothal to her. He would have been so happy for his baby girl. The thought of him tore at her insides. Keeping Matt at a safe distance, at least for now, was all she could tolerate.

And then came Ryker. The only person she seemed to have no problem with being vulnerable around. Why was he able to pull a reaction like this from her? He had a hand in breaking the person she was six years ago. He would forever be associated with that in her mind. But, he was also the one that she felt safe enough around to tell her deepest, darkest secret to. Why was that? She didn’t need him. She didn’t need someone to protect her. And yet...she wanted one.

With a sniffle, she shook her head and lifted her forehead. She brought her free hand up to quickly swipe away the few tears that had escaped. Ritza cleared her throat as she looked away from him. She didn’t trust herself to look at his face just yet. ”Sorry...I didn’t mean- This isn’t who I am anymore. I’m not this helpless girl. I’m sorry.”

Ryker’s grip didn’t falter as she moved. He held tight around her, his chin resting lightly on her head. His eyes stared blankly at the wall behind them. ”Don’t be sorry,” he said quietly. He flexed his fingers in her hair, feeling the wet strands move about in between his fingers. He could feel a wet spot forming on his shirt from her hair, but he didn’t care. There wasn’t much he could do at this moment other than be there for her.

”What can I do?” he spoke again after a long silence. ”Let me do something for you. What can I do? I won’t go with you to see the Ouroboros if that’s what you want. I’ll give you your space. I’ll….I’ll bring you the king to slaughter if that’s what you want. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

Her eyes squeezed shut when he began to speak. There wasn’t much he could do for her. All she really wanted in this very moment was to have her father back. A want that would never be fulfilled. At his mention of the Ouroboros, she gave a small wet laugh. Ritza didn’t care if he came along with her. But then his next statement- his next statement had her body stiffen. He had just practically stated that he wasn’t sure about his choice to be disloyal to the king. And now he was offering him on a platter for her? This was about Ryker trying to right some wrong he thought he did. That’s what all this was about. He felt responsible.

Sobering up, she moved her head to look up into his face. Her face was tear-stained, yet hard as she watched him. ”Stop. Stop saying things you think I want to hear just because you think you’re responsible for me. I’m not some mentally deluded little girl, Ryker. If you want me to kill the king because it’s what needs to be done and is the right thing to do, that’s something. But to mention it just to placate me…”

She shook her head and cleared her throat. ”I’m done with the king thinking he can just take away the people I care about. I can’t even begin to think about caring for someone else, ‘cause in some fucked up way I think that they will be his next target.” Ritza glanced back up at him. ”I don’t share. I don’t play games. The people I allow to be close to me are in danger. So the best thing for everyone involved is for me not to get close to anyone else.”

The way she switched moods so quickly threw him off momentarily, but he did his best to recover. He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts. When he opened them, he looked down at her. ”I couldn’t give a shit about my own life,” His soft voice had gone. He spoke with a stern seriousness, his face devoid of emotion. ”You think I care about my life being in danger? Why the fuck would I go behind everyone’s back to talk to the Ouroboros if I feared death? Do you think I’m doing it for fun? Do you think I do it for shits and giggles? His voice slowly got louder and more intense as he spoke. His face began to get red as hidden anger began to surface. ”I do it for people like you. People the King has hurt. People who can’t help themselves. If I die, I die. But I sure as hell won’t die for nothing.”

”Ritza, I care about you. I know you might not care about me. Or you tell yourself that you don’t. And that’s fine. If that makes you feel better, than go right ahead. But I’m not going to let you stop me from caring.”

She continued to watch him as he spoke. Ritza couldn’t remember the last time she had seen him that angry, if he ever was at all around her. Her breathing increased as his anger rose, his face becoming more red by the minute. It was strangely arousing to her. And then he turned the direction of his speech towards her. She sucked in a quick breath, but her eyes never wavered from his.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she gripped the front of his shirt with her free hand. The hand around the sheet at her chest tightened as well, but she couldn’t remember why she was hiding her body from him. Ritza’s grip soon lessoned until the sheet fell from her hand to the floor. She tilted her head up at him as she allowed herself to give in to the moment- if only just for the moment. ”I do care, Ryker.”

He stared at her, the redness in his face slowly fading. His hands lowered down her back until they rested on the small of her back. His silvery eyes shifted between her’s. He had a lot of emotion bottling up in him since the day of Fenros’s arrest and he was finally starting to let more of it out. He let his anger and tension leave his body and he slumped down just slightly.

”Ritza, I’m sorry for what happened to you.” His voice was back to calm, but this time he let some emotion come through. ”I wish I could have been there and stopped it when your father died. I wish I could walk into the throne room and drag the king away. I wish that everything was right and the world didn’t need a vanguard or the Ouroboros. But what can I do?” It was as if all of the sudden, the events of the past few days had caught up with him and he was just hit with this utter exhaustion. His stare wavered as his focus began to slip away from her. He struggled to bring himself back into the moment as he blinked a few times to clear his vision. ”What can any of us do?” His voice was quiet now. Exhausted. ”I’ll tell you what...if anyone can do something, it’s you.”

She noticed when he started to become unfocused. Raising a brow, she kept her hands against his chest, if only to keep him from falling over. The man looked completely worn. He looked about the same way she felt. Ritza gave him a small nod before turning, grabbing a long shirt from off her bed. Slipping it on, she faced him once more and cleared her throat.

”Ryker, you need sleep.” She bent down slightly to grab his bag before looping the handle through his hand. Looking back up at him, she reached up and placed a hand against the side of his neck. ”You need to go to your barracks and rest.”

He glanced down at his hand as she placed the bag back in it. He blinked a few times before looking back at her. ”Ritza, I’m sorry. For everything.” He put his free hand on her shoulder and took what little focus he had left to give her one last intense look. ”I just want you to take care of yourself.”

Not being able to help a small grin, she gave him a small nod of her head in understanding. She let the fingertips still resting against his neck move softly in a rubbing motion, hoping to ease some tension. ”I know you do, Ryker. And you know I will. Besides... now I have you around to keep an eye on me, right?”

Ryker smiled at her comment. Maybe there was a small part about her that actually cared. ”Yes. Of course you do.” His eyes dropped again and he remembered her nudity. ”Oh, I’m sorry. I should let you rest. You need to be ready for the Ouroboros when they call you.” He gave her another quick smile and patted her shoulder. ”Good night, Ritza.”

Ritza rose a brow at the man as he continued to pat her shoulder. She smirked and watched him. ”Now I know you’re exhausted if you’re going to continue to pet my shoulder like I’m just an old time friend instead of the woman you’ve slept with twice today.” With a small nod to the door, she kept her eyes on him. ”Go get some sleep, Ryker. You’ll need to be ready for whatever comes our way tomorrow.”

He lowered his hand from her shoulder at her comment and let out a small laugh. ”Sorry. I didn’t realize how tired I was. Ah, so goodnight then.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before walking towards the door.

He made sure it closed behind him before he walked to his bunk. He placed the small bag down beside it. He kicked off his boots, took his belt and sword off, placing them on the small table beside his bed. He pulled his shirt off over his head and let his body collapse into his bed. He fell asleep almost instantly, not even bothering to cover himself up with the blankets.

She kept her eyes on the door, even after he left. Worrying her bottom lip with her teeth, she finally tore her eyes away from it after a few moments. Ritza bent down and grabbed her sheet from the floor before moving over to her bed. Laying down, she stared at the ceiling before glancing over to the side where Ryker had laid. Could she allow herself to try again? Would she be able to finally open herself to a new adventure?

She wasn’t sure. But she was damn ready to try.

(Day after escape)
Ayla looked around her room. It was a disaster still. Furniture upended all over the room and she had brushed her hair but she was still quite a mess. She sat with her head back on her couch and just stared out of the window. She could feel that there was a lot more on the verge of happening. The news of Fenros' death was all anyone could talk about.

"Are you sure this is a good idea sir?" Victor sighed and looked to one of his men with a smirk.
"It's not like I plan on hurting the lass, I'm just keeping a close eye on her is all," he said as the turned a corner. "Fenros was a traitor and has been dealt with, but we don't know if his treacherous ways have spread to others within the castle. His sister included," Victors fellow knight nodded before shaking his head.

"Its a shame really, she is always such a good lass. Its hard to believe that she would betray the throne," he said with a saddened look.

"Anything can happen," Victor muttered before spotting Ayla's room coming up. "Head back to the barracks and relax before our patrol," he ordered. Victors knight complied with a bow and turned into another hallway as Victor continued on.With a deep breath he formed his greatest warm smile and knocked on the door gently. "Lady Ayla? Are you present?"

Ayla heard a knock at her door and she hesitated. "Victor?" She murmured. She had wondered why he had not come to tell her or at least to comfort her. She still looked pretty badly to her horror and necessity. Looking as exhausted as she felt she opened the door. She didn't let him see her until he entered the room. She was looking away from the door. "Why didn't you come and see me? How could you let me find out like that?"

Victor sighed and bowed with regret in his eyes. "Im sorry, I wanted to come to your side the second we had learned of his fate, but my men and I had been ordered to attend to a small disturbance outside of the castle. Please forgive me my Lady, the last thing I wanted to do was leave you alone in these hard times," he said with shame written on his face.

Ayla was suspicious but kept it to herself. She didn't really know him well. She turned around as she was wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry that my room is such a mess ....I had a bit of anger to work out. I still can't believe he is gone. I can't believe the king had him executed so fast! No trial no nothing!" The fury in her eyes was real and she let him see it. "Not even a word about what it was that he had been charged for. What if they think ..." Her voice broke. "What if they think that I had something to do with whatever he was accused of? People are already mad that I defend him. He is my BROTHER! Why would I not defend him?"

Ayla was truly upset about the others' behavior. "He was convicted by the king and by the public based on the king's word....but he is....was" She choked on her tears "....my brother."

Victor frowned and lowered his head with respect for her brother, the traitor. As Ayla began to cry Victor took this chance and quickly walked up to her and gently brought her in for a hug. "My Lady, forgive me for this odd action but seeing your tears brings me more pain than any battle wounds. I can not bring him back, but the most I can do is honor him as who he was. A General of the throne and a very loved older brother. I respected him and felt only sorrow when I learned of his fate," he said before pausing for a moment to think of his next words. "My Lady, I will be by your side to help in anyway I can. Please use me for your anger and sadness. Let me aid you in these dark times," he finished.

Ayla let him hug her and felt his body against hers. "I don't know how long I'll be here. I'm getting some dirty looks and I hear people whispering when I come round the corner. I don't know how long I can stand it. Then of course there is the possibility that I could be accused of something simply because I'm his sister and loyal to his memory." Ayla looked up at him and put her hand on his cheek.

"I wouldn't want you to be put in a position of having to arrest me." She sobbed into his chest hoping to hear what he thought about that possibility.

Victor listened to her sobs and tightened his embrace as he lowered himself to her ear. "Lady Ayla, we will never be in that position. You are innocent and I know it, so I will do all in my power to ensure you are kept safe from unjust punishments," he swore.

"What if it's not in your power? What would you do then? Until all of this happened I would never have thought that the king would have someone exe-" She sobs at the thought. "..executed without a trial, let alone that someone being my brother." She couldn't help being soothed by hearing his heartbeat. Her sniffles seemed to lessen and she turned away and wiped her tears away.

He thought for a moment before clearing his throat. "I know it is not much, but if it were to come down to it I will put my title as a member of the Vanguard on the line," he said before gently turning her back around and clearing her eyes of her tears. "I wish to protect you and the memory of your brother so please trust in me," he said as he held her hand within his.

Ayla shook her head. "No, if he did this to Fenros so fast he could do it to me too. It wouldn't be your title on the line it would be your life if you helped someone like that. I ..can't let that happen. You saw the king. You know...if he chooses to do it there is nothing that can be done."

Ayla looked up at him through tear blurred eyes and she stepped back.

Victor was now in a pinch. He had to make her trust him enough. With a deep breath he thought for a moment and decided to roll the dice. "If the king decided to send you to the same fate then I... we will leave," he said. "We will leave before they can get their hands on you. My men are loyal and will aid us if need be," he stated before taking a step forward. "I swear to you that I will take you away from harm when the time comes," he swore with a determined look.

Ayla did not expect him to say that. "Why would you do that? That is treason. Even to say it would get you in trouble. Why would you risk everything for me? You shouldn't count on your men. They are loyal to the crown not you specifically. Wait, I'm betting you would defend anyone you thought was innocent. That is a wonderful thought and you are kind to say it. I just would rather ...I don't know anymore. With Fenros gone everthing in my life is different."

Victor thought of his next words and sighed. "I would risk everything for you because... because I have never had these type of feelings for a single person. Its so wonderful and brings me joy! I dont want to lose that, even if it means I need to forsake my home," he finished.

Ayla wanted very much to believe him but they had only shared a couple of kisses it wasn't like it was love or marriage. She smiled at him softly wanting to believe him. "I care for you too Victor." Ayla wrapped her arms around his neck and let him hold her for a moment.

Victor smiled softly and planted a kiss onto her lips. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that my Lady," he chuckled before planting another kiss on her forehead.

The feel of his lips on her skin felt soothing and she stayed where she was for a couple of moments before pulling back so she could see his face. "I should be more careful, with more people watching me right now they might get the wrong idea."

Victor cleared a few strands of hair from her face and smiled. "And what idea would that be?" he asked with a chuckle.

Ayla chuckled a little derisively at the thought. "That I'm not a proper lady. You are the second non related man that came to visit me today." She glanced out the window and back to her guest.

Victor raised an eyebrow and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Second? My Lady I would hope you are not playing with two men's hearts, are you?" he chuckled before shaking his head. "I know you are a proper lady, so damn anyone who says otherwise!" he stated with a grin.

"No, I'm not playing with anyone's heart. He is my brother's, was ....I can't get my mind to wrap around that he is gone. Ryker came by to make sure I am alright. He had known me since I was very young, I'd say around ten or so. We just shared some stories about Fenros." Her eyes lit up at the mention of her brother and then her smile faded.

Victors grin soon dropped as he saw her smile fade and mentally sighed. "I wish I could ease your pain my Lady, but Im glad someone could come to check on you when I had failed to do so," he said before pulling her closer.

Ayla smiled when he pulled her closer. "Does it make you a little jealous that he was here earlier?"

Victor scoffed. "Me? Jealous?" he asked before pausing for a moment and sighed. "A little yes," he admitted with a small smile before leaning in for a kiss. "But Im happy with this," he chuckled.

"I'm glad. There is no need to be jealous. Ryker is not likely to pay attention to me like that. I'm sure he has girls chasing him. He is just too pretty not to have a harem of girls around him." There was a look of interest in her eyes. "I'm not stunning enough to get his attention in that way. Even if I hit him upside the head he would only see me as Fenros' little sister." Inside Ayla was curious to see what his reaction would be.

Victor raised an eyebrow and cleared his throat a little. "Well, all I can say is that its his loss," he chuckled. Though behind his humor he mentally groaned with annoyance. He would have to keep Aylas heart with him and not this Ryker. He hid his annoyance well with a small smile before frowning a bit. "I may overstep some boundaries, but would you rather be with... him than me?" he might as well throw out that question.

Ayla blushed. "It's not like that. It's not even an option so why worry about it?"

Victor smiled sheepishly and chuckled. "Apologies, forget I ever brought it up," he said before gently rubbing her blushing cheek. "But I must say, you are very cute when flustered," he chuckled before stealing a quick kiss.

Ayla felt her entire body respond when he kissed her. She was going to have to control that if she was going to be able to keep things from this man. She did care about him but she wasn't able to trust him about Fenros. He had already lied to her once. She knew she was the subject matter that day on the field and he had not admitted that when she asked about it.

"Well, I daresay, if you keep kissing me like that I will not be able to stand on my own feet. Please quit apologizing for everything. As far as I know you haven't done anything to apologize for, have you?"

Victor smiled and shook his head. "No my Lady, it is just an instinct that was drilled into my head when I was a knight in training. As for standing on your feet," he smirked and snuck two quick kisses from her lips again."I find it almost impossible to keep our lips separated, so if your legs finally give away then I shall carry you with joy," he chuckled.

"If I fall you'll carry me? Somehow, I think that is more likely than you think. So if we were away from here and free to do whatever we wanted. What would you want to do?" She was trying to take her mind off of everything that had gone on recently. Her tear ducts were raw and she couldn't take anymore crying.

Victor thought for a moment before grinning and swaying back and forth with Ayla tight in his arms. "Well I would like to explore this world much more, maybe find a good piece of land and just live," he chuckled and kissed her neck with a grin. "Of course you would be by my side," he whispered.

Ayla's heart skipped a beat when he said that while he had her body pressed up against his. His kiss on her neck tickled slightly and she couldn't help but laugh. "I would? You would want me by your side? Aren't there any other girls that take your fancy?" She leaned up and began kissing his neck. "Mmm you are salty." She giggled and went back to kissing his neck.

Victor cleared his throat as she kissed his neck and blushed slightly. "Of course I want you by my side, you are the only woman that has made me act this way," he said before a shiver ran up his spine. Her kisses were getting to him and he let his hands run up and down her back as he continued to return her kisses.

Ayla suddenly realized that she might have gone too far in her push to see what he was up to. He was making her feel so good and it was starting to make her brain fuzzy as her senses grew more responsive.

Afterwards…..

Ayla held him close and tried to calm her breathing down. She couldn't believe this was what she had been waiting for. No wonder adults wanted them to wait til they got married. People would never leave the bed if they didn't have to. She smiled with joy for the first time in a very long time. "Are you alright?"

Victor chuckled and slowly raised himself over her with a grin. "A little dizzy, but in a good way. How about you?" he asked before gently kissing her neck and rolling over to her side.

She slid over into his arms and laid her head on his shoulder as she looked up at him. "I have never been more relaxed and except for recent events never happier." She yawned as she was getting sleepy. She held onto him as she fell asleep.

(the night after the escape)
Ayla woke up still in Victor's arms. She stretched and realized how sore she was. She blushed furiously at the memory of what they did. She reached down and pulled the covers up over them. She wasn't sure she wanted him to look at her nakedness in spite of what they had done. Ayla looked at the man that she didn't know if she could trust but somehow gave herself to. She traced his jawline softly and smiled a little. She lay her head down underneath his chin and hugged his waist.

Victors eyes slowly opened as he felt something stir in his arms and yawned. His vision was a bit blurry, but as he looked down he smiled slightly to see a smiling Ayla hugging him tightly. He rested his arm onto her shoulder and chuckled as he pulled her in tighter. "Morning my Lady, did you sleep well?" he asked before placing a kiss on her forehead.

Ayla smiled and nodded. "Never better...and you?" it dawned on her that others could find out and make things rough for her. "Can we....keep it a secret though? What we did....?" She laid her head back down remembering everything that she had temporarily forgotten. She sighed and just held onto him.

Victor adjusted himself to get more comfortable and sighed. "Very well, I will not speak a word of tonights event," he said with a trace of sadness. "But will I have to hide my feelings for you forever?" he asked as he looked to her with concerned eyes.

There was a knock at the door before she could answer him. She threw the covers up over his head and grabbed her robe and tied it before opening the door slightly. "Thank you." Ayla opened the letter and read it. Folding it back up she shoved it into her pocket and started looking for her dress.

Victor huffed as he threw the covers off of him and left the bed while not minding that he was still not dressed. "I guess I will have to stay under the covers from now on?" he mumbled as he saw her dress at the end of the bed. He picked up the dress and walked over to her. "Here you are," he said as he handed her the dress.

Ayla took the dress from him and turned away from him as she let her robe fall to the ground and tugged her dress on over her head. "No, only I- I've never done this before. I have no idea how these things go. Before Fenros....everything was different. I mean you no hurt feelings. I like you, more than I should in fact." Ayla reached up and gave him a kiss as he stood there naked.

Victor nodded as he returned the kiss. "I understand my Lady, I just hope I can share this in the open soon, but I will do as you wish and keep this to ourselves," he promised as he looked around the room. "Now where are my damned cloths?" he muttered with a grin. "Have you hidden them so I would be bare for your enjoyment?"

Ayla laughed and grabbed up his shirt and a shoe. As she kept looking for them she said, "I have to hurry."

"Why in a hurry if I may ask?" he asked as he collected the rest of his cloths and began to pull his pants on.

Ayla was already packing clothes into a bag. "I'm leaving the castle. I'm going to stay with a family friend. I'm sorry, but it's sudden for me too." She looked up at him and could swear she saw something in his eyes. She would think on what it was later. Brushing her hair and tying it back quickly she threw the last of her things in the bag.

Victor raised an eyebrow as he threw his shirt on. "Leaving the castle I can understand, but do you at least have an escort? If not I and a few of my men can see you there safely," he offered as he pulled his boots on. He hid his suspicion, but thought that it was rather convenient for her to leave after her brothers death. To grieve he could understand, but something didnt feel right with it.

Ayla knew she had to be careful what she said to him but figured telling him this would be okay. He cared about her. "The Viscount is waiting for me. He promised Fenros a long time ago when I came to court that he would look after me. I guess he has figured that the atmosphere here is not a good thing for me right now. I'm going to his estate. I'll be safe there and I'll probably be helping with his siblings." She shook her head with tears in her eyes. She had lived in this castle for a long time and her entire life was here. He was here.

"I'm going to miss you so much." She hugged him tightly.

Victor returned her hug and gently rubbed the back of her head to calm her down. "I will miss you as well my Lady. I pray we will not have to be seperated for long," he whispered into her ear before kissing her cheek. Mentally he groaned knowing that her leaving will make his job harder, but he would figure something out later on. For now he will share in her sadness.

Another knock on the door separated them again. This time when she answered it Mattias entered the room. "Is this all you have to-" Seeing Victor he looked at her and took in the scene in the room. His voice became a little harder and more authoritative.

"Victor isn't it?" Mattias looked him over as if he were not good enough for her. He grabbed her bags and put them outside the door and told her to wait outside. Ayla looked hesitant but went. Mattias looked at him and put his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"You of the Vanguard, you will forget you even know her and if by the heavens you made her with child you'll forget you ever knew her. Do you hear me?"

Victors knuckles turned white as he stared into Mattias eyes with annoyance and gritted his teeth. It had to be this bastard. Ever since Victor had become a member of the Vanguard he has always distrusted this man. Something didn't sit right with him and he wasn't afraid to show it. "The day I take orders from you will be the day I betray the throne. I will keep Lady Ayla in my thoughts and heart no matter what you say, so if you plan to use that sword then do it!" he spat as his anger began to show. It wasn't enough that his plans to keep close to Ayla were becoming harder, but this snake was involved! It frustrated Victor to no end.

Mattias had turned and walked out of the room partway through his speech and he picked up her bags and said, "Keep close to me. There are some here who would have you suffer the fate of your brother." He ushered her into a carriage and they headed towards his estate. She looked out the window of the carriage and saw Victor as the carriage drew further away.

Later that night...

Mattias had had a long and rough day. He decided to get something to help him relax so he headed to the tavern closer to his estate. He started drinking and enjoyed a bit of gambling. He watched as a few of the king's guard came into the tavern and ordered some ale.

He raised his cup in salute to them and they drank and laughed.

"Come on Victor, what happened!?" one of Victors men asked as they neared the tavern. Once again Victor groaned and smirked to his fellow knight.

"Like I said I swore not to speak of it," he said and looked to the rest of his men. "And that's that!" he claimed to them all. They all groaned and booed as they were denied the tale of Victors night with Ayla. He chuckled and shook his head. Sometimes even he wouldn't believe these men to be knights. "Here, let us make some tale tonight as we drink away the night!" he stated as he and his six fellow knights entered the tavern. They cheered with joy and excitement and quickly joined in on the laughter filling the tavern.

The men quickly found a table along side some guards men and wasted no time ordering their drinks. As the band laughed and joked Victor glanced to his right as he drank from his mug and spotted the bastard. "Mattias," he hissed as he spotted him. One of the knights, better known as Samuel, noticed his glare and followed it to give a look of his own disgust.

"Bloody hell, that bastard's here," Samuel spat. Victor shook his head and scoffed.

"I would bet that man thinks himself so high and mighty. Bah, he is only worth being a testing dummy within the yard," he mumbled with anger. His fellow knight and he were silent at the table for a moment, but soon a smile formed on the knights face as Samuel tapped Victor on the shoulder.

"Oi, watch this," he chuckled as he rose from his seat and caught the attention of the table. "Lads, I know you were all hard at work today, but did any of you catch a glimpse of that beast of a woman Ritza!?" he laughed as he imitated himself holding a pair of breasts. One of the towns guards laughed and stood up with a cheesy grin.

"Now that woman could do wonders at polishing my sword!" he shouted before half the tavern burst out with laughter. Victor shook his head and raised his hand up to catch everyone's attention as he stood up.

"Lads, lads come now, you act like this is a real woman. I bet you a round that if you were to get near this thing you would catch something!" the crowd burst once again with laughter as Victor scratched his groin.

One of the king's guards who knew Mattias well watched his friend as his jaw clenched and unclenched the more the vanguard and their friends spouted trash about Ritza. Mattias looked up at his friend and made only the slightest nod as he rose to his feet and yanked the knight off of the bench he was sitting on and began pummelling him into the table.

Suddenly the entire room was chaos. After Mattias pummelled that man bloody he was assaulted by more of the various knights. Mattias picked up the table and dumped it, the contents knocking over a bench full of knights onto their respective asses. The only thing they heard him say was "Not my girl, you don't!"

It was quite some time later before he left the tavern. His cloak was torn and he was nursing a broken hand and bloody nose but he managed to get home in one piece.