District 17

Mavis leaned forward in his chair as the fight began. Skylar gripped onto the handle of her throne chair, she looked away when Yevon was knocked to the ground. The crowd then cheered, the clapping and screaming carried through the arena. Skylar opened her eyes when she felt a touch on her hand. She looked to her mother whom had a smile on her lips, she nodded in the direction of the arena. Skylar looked back to the arena where she watched Yevon dance circles around the brute. Skylar stood and stepped to the railing, her fingertips curled around the wood as she watched. A smile spread across her lips as she stared to Yevon. She grinned as the crowd erupted into a loud roar to the end of the fight. It was incredible, the smallest of the men had won without the use of weapons, no blood was shed.

Mavis stepped forward a grin on his lips. He pushed the wooden gate aside and led Skylar out onto the battlefield. Skylar stared to the men that looked back to her, some with bloody noses and black eyes. “What a show we have had this morning and early afternoon from these fine gentlemen.” He spoke, the crowd cheered. “I invite the remaining men to an afternoon lunch in the castle, a celebration of your victory against your opponent. In this lunch the queen and I will decide the next four to go, I wish all of you the best of luck.” He looked to Skylar and gave whistle. Amara stepped out to her family as the carriage approached. Soon enough they were headed back to the castle.

Skylar stared out the window of the carriage as they left. “How do you choose?” She asked and looked to her father.

Mavis gave a gentle smile. “I will gather information from each of the men, to determine which kingdom has the most to offer. Each of the men whom have chosen to court you have a reasonable kingdom, there are only a few that have made it through that are from a small kingdom. However, if the prince brings us something of importance, he will be kept.” He leaned back then, “The final four will go through more rigorous activities to win your hand. I’ll give them tasks, you’ll see.” He smiled, “It is a game of chess, Sky.”

Skylar lowered her eyes. A game of chess and she was the piece that was getting cornered with no escape. “Of course, father.” She spoke and gave a nod.

Amara placed her hand over Skylar’s. “No need to worry, Skylar. The men whom are courting you are good men. I trust that the man chosen for you by your father and I will make you happy.” She spoke and then fell silent. The rest of the ride was filled with silence as the group traveled home.

Skylar was ushered to her quarters where Jolene helped her change into a beautiful navy blue dress, it had a v cut in the front of it and a bodice instead of a corset. Skylar whimpered as Jolene tightened the contraption. She adjusted the gloves upon her hands. “I feel like a piece of meat hung up in the market.” She muttered. “I hate it.”

Jolene sighed and gave a nod as she finished the ties. “In some ways you are, princess. I can not lie and tell you otherwise.” She gave a gentle smile. “I know that the king and queen will take good care of you.” She nodded, “You’ll need to come down from your room soon, I’m sure the afternoon lunch is beginning, your father will be expecting you.”

“Thank you.” Skylar gave a nod. She moved to her balcony and looked down upon the men as they approached the castle. Skylar searched through the crowd and shook her head. She turned and hurried down the stairs and into the main dining hall where food was set on the table. Skylar made her way to her usual seat. The princes were separated from the royal family, set at the complete opposite end of the table. Skylar stabbed at her food, yet she didn’t eat much. She nibbled a few items. She glanced down to the eyes she could feel burning into her. She wanted to be at the end of this, she’d always been in the spotlight, but this, this was a magnifying glass held over her in the direct sunlight. She felt as though any moment now she would catch fire and burn.

“Thank you for coming, gentlemen.” Mavis spoke after the meal was finished. “I wish to speak with you each privately with the queen. We will start with you first, Peter.” He turned and led the prince away to the throne room.

Skylar stood as the table was cleared. She turned to find herself staring into Jasper’s eyes. He chuckled. “This is it, the big reveal.” He grinned wildly. “This will be the end all, none of these other chumps have what I can offer you princess. Safety. Power.” He smiled. “You’ll see.” He stepped away from her.

Skylar’s heart pounded within her chest. A man took her hand and gently kissed the back of it. “My lady.” He spoke. “It was an honor to fight for the chance to gain your hand.” He smiled, he had emerald green eyes and dirty blonde hair. “My name is Prince Alexander Lawson, of the kingdom of Grego. I do hope that the king and queen choose me to proceed, my kingdom can offer warriors, land, riches.” He held up a glass. “A drink, for you, my lady.” He bowed his head and took a step back after he gave it over to her.

Skylar was bounced around between the men, each and every one begging for her attention. She stared to Yevon, her expression full of confusion. Everyone bombarded her. The man in red did not. She slipped away from the crowd of men just as her father and mother emerged from their last interview. “Gentlemen.” He smiled. “I would like to thank all of you for coming, four of you will be leaving this kingdom tonight. Again, I thank you for coming.” He looked to Amara for a moment and she gave him a nod. “Jasper Stone.” Mavis spoke, the room was completely silent. Skylar’s eyes shot to her father as the words went over his lips. “You will be staying.” The words stabbed her in the chest, she took in a quick breath. This couldn’t be happening. She knew out of all of the men here, Jasper was the worst. How could Mavis not see this? Skylar took her place at her mother’s side as her father looked to each and every one of the remaining men. Jasper had a grin on his lips, the grin of a champion. “Peter Asarathe, you will be staying.” He looked to his daughter a moment, gaging her reaction. Skylar stared straight ahead, she stared to the wall. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Jasper was right, it was all about politics, if he had the best to offer, then why wouldn’t her parents put her with him. She feared him already. She knew the wild look in his eyes would spell danger for her. “Alexander Lawson, congratulations, you too have made the cut.” Mavis spoke. Everyone stared to him, not a sound in the room. He looked to Skylar once more. “The final prince to be moving forward will be Yevon Landcaster.” Mavis spoke. “Now men, we shall celebrate.” The doors to the hall opened. “With dance.” He smiled as he led them into the ball room. The musicians began to play just as the king and queen walked through the doors.

A group of royals came into the room with the kings que, giving the men plenty of women to dance with. Other royalty came in as well. Ayla rushed to Skylar’s side and stole her from one of the princes. “Ladies first.” She smiled to him as she took Skylar’s hand and towed her into the dance. “How is it looking? That duel was incredible!!! Please tell me your father kept him!”

Skylar let out a laugh, “Yes, yes, he did.” She gave a nod. “Though with one good choice, there is always a poor choice…” She muttered softly just before she was pulled away by Jasper. He pulled her hips in close and grinned to her. Skylar fought against him slightly though this only caused him to grip her more tightly.

“Princess, what did I tell you?” He whispered into her ear. “You’d better start obeying me now, otherwise once I am sworn in you will regret it.” His voice was threatening. He chuckled at the end. “You look beautiful, princess.” He spoke, now so others would be able to hear. He twirled her and smiled. He pulled her back against his chest as he pushed her around through the dance. He made her feel filthy. Though, in this moment there wasn’t anything she could do. “I’ll be seeing you later, princess.” Jasper chuckled as he allowed the next prince to take her hand.

Skylar leaned heavily against the chest of the man she was turned into. Tears welled in her eyes, she fought against her urge to cry. She gripped onto the man’s hand and went through the motions of the dance. “Princess?” He asked as the song slowed slightly. “Are you alright?”

Skylar looked up to him with her crystal eyes. “Yes, of course.” She flashed a smile, “I am well.” She made each step perfectly with him, it was Peter.

He stared to her with concerned eyes. “Did he hurt you?” He questioned. His brows pulled together. “Princess, I promise you, I will do my best to follow through, just like we’ve always talked about.” He flashed a smile. Peter was from the kingdom that was nearest to hers. She’d seen him several times in her life, throughout her childhood. She’d been to many balls with him. If any man here were a choice, she’d expect her mother to push for Peter. He was a good man, with a good heart. She knew that.

“Thank you, Peter.” Skylar whispered softly.

She was then pushed to the next dance with Alexander. He smiled down to her and danced about with her. “I am honored that your father has chosen me.” He spoke, a smile on his lips. “I will be a strong and reliable king for you, princess, I will keep you safe.”

Skylar looked away, looking through the room, at the others that danced about happily, chuckling and smiling. She was then twirled into the arms of Jasper once more. He gripped her close, he was rough. She danced along with him though, and placed a smile on her lips, as she knew her mother and father would wish. He then spun her harshly to the next prince. Skylar stumbled and fell into the chest of the next prince. She took in a shaken breath, her fingertips curled around the soft clothing that he wore. She regained her balance and looked to him, it was Yevon. Her eyes locked on his and she blushed. His eyes. She could feel her heart within her chest pounding. She gave a slight smile as she danced with him, her movement fluid as ever, her dancing with him was better than any of the other princes. It just clicked. It was like he knew each move she was to make. The music slowed and she found herself facing him, she stared into his eyes for another moment, “Good job, today.” She whispered, her voice stumbled slightly. She was nervous. Butterflies raged within her stomach. She turned then as the song ended and disappeared into the crowd of nobles.

Another song started up. “You wouldn’t leave a beautiful lady hanging would you, prince?” Ayla spoke as she approached Yevon for a dance.

Skylar found herself on the balcony, getting a bit of fresh air, it was such a challenge to breathe in the bodice, and Jolene had tied it as tight as ever.

Skylar stared down to the city, watching the hustle and bustle below. She had a soft smile on her lips. She’d spent time with Ayla in the city. Ayla was an owner of a chocolatier shop, it had been in her family for ages. Skylar had spent a few days there over her lifetime, with Mavis’ approval. It was fun, it seemed so carefree, in comparison to this. Her world was always etched for her, choices made for her. She was shoved this way and that and, it never ended. As much as she loved her mother and father, they were the king and queen. They looked out for the kingdom, and she unfortunately came last in some instances. Though her mother spent plenty of time with her, teaching her to dance, how to carry herself. Everything was about presentation. It was always how she presented herself, how she spoke, how she took steps. Her father taught her a few things here and there, he pushed for her to take riding lessons, he spent time in the library with her teaching her the ways of the world. One day, I won’t be here to guide you, Sky. One day you will be queen and you will be sitting before your own kin, teaching the same as I teach you. He’d said that line so many times as she grew up that she nearly had it memorized.

Skylar let out a soft sigh as she heard the door behind her. She stared down to the city in silence for a long moment before she finally looked over to her new company. A small smile curved up the side of her lips as she looked to Yevon. Skylar looked back to the city below as they shared the moment of silence. When Yevon broke the silence with his words Skylar glanced to him, listening. She rose a brow slightly, it was refreshing to have someone who was so honest. She felt as though the other three were pouring lies out onto the floor, vomiting up information and throwing it at her. Skylar blushed slightly when she caught the blush on his cheeks, she gave a smile then, a beautiful wide smile. When he asked her to meet him in the gardens she turned slightly toward him, looking deeper into his eyes. Her lips parted to speak just as Peter interrupted. Skylar glanced to Peter and then back to Yevon she nodded to him and gave another smile, agreeing to meeting him in the gardens.

“You’re always running away, Sky.” Peter spoke, he leaned against the balcony, he smiled to her. “There’s no need to worry.”

Skylar looked to him she glanced to the doors that Yevon left through. “Would you protect me?” She asked, “If something happened?”

“Of course, princess. That is what I am here for, among other things.” Peter brushed her cheek with his thumb. “I never thought that I would see this day, that I am one of the few left in the running for your hand.” He let out a chuckle and leaned back against the balcony, his back pressed against it, his elbows rested on the cool stone. “I’ve tried to think of what to say to you, on this occasion, since I was a little boy.” He shook his head, “Silly, isn’t it?”

Skylar let out a soft laugh, “I’ve known you for so long, it does seem a bit silly for you to be nervous, Peter. I’ve never seen you in such a way. I’ve always seen you as a hero.” She stared at him for a long moment, “Remember that time in the city? When you saved me from being taken?”

Peter grinned and gave a nod, “I thought I was going to die. But, I couldn’t let them take you, I promised your father long ago that no matter the case I would keep you safe, Skylar”

Skylar turned toward him a bit more, “You saved me, though. That is a problem we still have today, those swine. The Divici. No matter how hard my father has tried, they still come. They don’t make it into the city, not after that…but the poor people on the outskirts of town, that aren’t protected by our walls…” She sighed as she looked to the homes in the distance, small specs she could see passed the walls of the city.

Peter stepped forward and placed his hand over hers. “I promise you, between my men and the men of your kingdom, we will drive the Divici out, for good. They do not come to my kingdom anymore. Our soldiers killed too many.” He leaned forward then and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’ll keep you safe, I promise.” He gave a gentle squeeze to her hand.

“What are you doing out here Princess?” Jasper’s voice caused Skylar’s pulse to climb.

Skylar glanced to him. “Just getting some fresh air.” She spoke, “I was headed back inside”

Peter looked to Jasper, his brows pulled together slightly. He was surprised that Mavis had chosen him to continue. “Why don’t you come back inside with me?” Peter spoke, he took her arm into his. “I’d enjoy a dance with you, princess.”

Jasper shoved his hand into Peter’s chest. “It’s only fair to share the princess, hm? How can the others court her if you have her off on the balcony?” His voice was low, his eyes full of anger.

Peter looked to Jasper’s hand on his chest. “What would you like, princess?” He asked.

Skylar looked to Jasper for a long moment, she held onto Peter tightly. “It’s getting cold outside. You understand, right Jasper? We can have a dance.” She gave him a gentle innocent smile as Peter led her inside. She leaned into Peter as they danced. “Thank you.” She whispered softly.

“Of course, princess.” Peter held her a bit closer. “I promised, a long time ago to protect you.”

Skylar stayed close to him, preventing the other princes from snatching her away. Once the song was finished Mavis clinked his glass. “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I expect the men to return to their quarters until dinner. I will see you there.” He spoke.

A knight came forward and led Skylar from the room to her quarters. He stood outside of her room. Skylar stood on her balcony and sighed. “Knock knock.” Ayla spoke as she slipped through the door. “Who’s that big guy?” She chuckled. “You were all over that dance floor, I bet you’re exhausted.”

Skylar turned and sat down on her bed, “I feel as though I have been running since yesterday.” She spoke. “That’s Sir Jamison, you’ve met him before, he’s just in full armor, to scare off the men.” Skylar let out a laugh.

Ayla sat down on the bed next to her. “Out of the four, who is your favorite? Yevon seems to be an interesting character. I’ve heard of his kingdom, once or twice, it’s very small.”

Skylar gave a smile when Ayla brought up Yevon. “He’s mysterious.” She smiled.

The door pushed open then and Jolene came in. “Ayla.” She bowed her head. “Princess, it is time to dress you for dinner.”

Ayla stood, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sky.” She smiled before she slipped from the room.

Jolene ushered Skylar over to her dressing area. She began to loosen the bodice. “I have the perfect gown for you to wear for dinner, princess.” She smiled. “You’ll look absolutely stunning for the men.” Skylar pulled off her dress and replaced it with a beautiful black dress with white stitching. She groaned as Jolene tightened her corset. Jolene then handed her beautiful silky black gloves to put on that matched the dress. Skylar looked to herself in the mirror as Jolene adjusted her hair down and positioned her tiara. Jolene smiled, “Perfect.” She spoke as she looked to the dress. It was strapless and hugged Skylar’s curves perfectly. “Off we go, princess.” She smiled as she led Skylar from her quarters and down to the dinner hall.

Skylar found her way to the head of the table with her father where he stood. “Welcome gentlemen. Tomorrow we will have a game of chess against one of my finest scholars.” He spoke before he sat down. “Tonight, enjoy yourself.” The food was set on the table before them.

Skylar glanced to Yevon a few times during the dinner, when she caught his eyes she smiled and looked back to her food quickly. She couldn’t stop thinking about meeting him in the garden tonight. The dinner seemed to pass quickly and before she knew it her father stood once again. “Men, you will remain in your quarters, just like last night. You are not to be wandering the halls, and you are most definitely not to be anywhere near my daughter.” He warned before leaving the room with Amara and Skylar in tow. Skylar glanced to Yevon briefly before she left the room.

**

Skylar sat before her mirror, Jolene had undressed her. She slipped into her riding gear. Comfortable enough for her to put on, dressed up enough to be seen in public. She stepped to the balcony and looked to the gardens to the right, trying to see if he was there. Skylar bit her lower lip, butterflies flew around wildly in her stomach. She stepped to her door and carefully pressed it open. The knight was gone for the moment. She slipped out and snuck through the halls quickly, she barely made a sound. Soon enough Skylar slipped into the gardens, she turned through the pathways winding through until she made her way to the beautiful gazebo that sat out over the pond. She walked to it and stood for a moment. She admired the lily pads and the sounds of the night, the cool breeze. Then Skylar turned, looking for Yevon.

Who goes there?

Skylar winced, she grit her teeth as she spun around. When she saw that it was Yevon her expression relaxed, she let out a soft chuckle. “You scared me.” She spoke softly. Skylar smiled as he pulled her though the gardens and then looked to the rose in awe. “It’s beautiful.” She spoke and looked to him, she let out a chuckle as he claimed to have stolen it. She looked to him as he spoke, he’d been such a silent competitor to the others. The others that shoved words at her and begged for her attention. Yet, she wanted to give her attention to Yevon, was it because of his familiar eyes? Skylar shook her head, she let out a laugh when he claimed to possibly be in it to escape his home.

Skylar then focused on him when he asked about what she would do as queen. She played with the silky petals of the flower. “We have very few, if any whore houses, my father has done his best to eradicate them…we do have the Divici…” She took in a small breath. “They are brutes that have ravaged our kingdom for centuries, my father erected the walls to the city about ten years ago. Though the Divici go home to home, they’ve taken women and children, burned homes to the ground…There has to be a way to put an end to it.” She stared up to the moon then. “I also would improve schooling, my father has been working toward it, but I have a few ideas of my own.” She smiled, “With every kingdom, something needs to be fixed or adjusted. I just want my people to remain happy, as they are. Though, I want to improve their lives as much as I can…” She paused and looked to Yevon for a long moment. “Tell me, about yourself, Yevon. I don’t know of your kingdom or you…to be honest…”

Skylar searched over him as he spoke. He didn’t have much to say. But, for some reason, what little he spoke had so much more purpose than anything else that the others said. He wasn’t putting up walls of lies to try to impress her. He was simply telling the truth. Skylar gasped when Yevon grabbed her, she looked to the knight that looked in their direction, her pulse raced. She let out a sigh of relief when the knight turned and stepped away. “We need to get inside, this…we shouldn’t have done this…” She whispered, her voice full of a sense of fear. She rushed along behind Yevon into the castle when they ran into Ayla. Skylar stumbled but caught her balance. She heard the clanking of armor from down the hall.

“What are you two doing?” Ayla grinned as she looked to Skylar.

Skylar held a finger to her lips, “This way.” She whispered, she slipped through the shadows easily. “Come.” She’d snuck out many times in her lifetime. She usually only escaped to the gardens to look at the stars and the moon, but mostly she went to the library to read. She loved the library. She loved to read. She paused at a corner and looked back to Yevon and Ayla.

Ayla looked to her with furrowed brows. “Sky, I’ll distract them, you two slip by, I won’t get in trouble, I’m allowed to be out of my quarters.” She gave a gentle smile. She gave a squeeze to Skylar’s forearm, “I’ll catch up later okay?” She then stepped around the corner.

“Ayla?” Booker’s voice. Skylar knew his voice anywhere. “What are you doing up at such an hour my lady?” He asked.

“Just headed back from the library. Would you walk me to the Oratory? I would be pleased to have an escort.” Ayla’s voice was smooth. She’d done this many times for Skylar in the past.

“O-Of course my lady, I’d be glad to.” Booker spoke. Their footsteps could be heard leading off then.

Skylar grasped onto Yevon’s hand. “Come on.” She whispered and pulled him through the castle. She’d pause at corners and wait before pulling him forward. She led him through the castle and back to the hall that would lead him to his quarters. Skylar paused a moment in the shadows, only a sliver of moonlight lit her face. “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast then?” She gave a sweet smile. Skylar leaned in and placed her lips upon his kiss. “I wish your evening well.” She turned and hurried off toward her quarters then. She slipped passed a few guards and soon wrapped her fingers around her door handle. Skylar stepped into her room. She let out a heavy sigh and leaned her back against the door. She smiled as she shut her eyes, this was the most exhilarating thing she’d done in a long time.

“Where have you been?” A voice came from the shadows. “I came to speak with you, and you were nowhere to be found.”

Skylar’s eyes shot open, she looked to the voice just as Jasper stepped from the shadows. “The study.” She lied.

“It doesn’t look that way.” He commented, noting her love stuck smile from before he stood before her now. Skylar made to move and he blocked her with his arm. “Where do you think you’re going Princess?” He questioned.

Skylar looked to him her brows pulled together. “Leave my quarters.” She spoke, her voice full of authority.

Jasper moved his hand and shoved her against the wall when she tried to slip away from him. “I’ll not take orders from you, princess. You will learn this quickly, and you will obey it.” His voice was harsh.

Skylar let out a cry when he slammed her against the wall. “Let me go!” She whimpered, she slipped to her side and brought her elbow up into his rib. This staggered him backward. Skylar then shoved both of her hands into his chest. He stumbled backward. Skylar rushed forward and kicked him square in the chest, this caused Jasper to fall flat on his back. “You will leave my quarters and as far as I see it my father will have you banned from this kingdom tomorrow for breaking his law that he has set forth.”

“Oh? Is that right?” Jasper spoke as he got to his feet. He lunged forward and gripped her by her neck. He spun her around and slammed her down on her bed. He pinned her there. “You’re going to wish that was the case.” He gripped his hand over her mouth, preventing her from screaming. “I’ll make sure of it.” He whispered this last bit in her ear, his voice had a sinister tone to it.

**

Ayla pushed the door open just as Jasper shoved Skylar onto her back on the bed. She stared with wide eyes, she could hear the muffled cries of Skylar as she tried to fight him off. She ran from the room and down to the quarters where she knew Yevon was staying. She burst through the door. “Yevon!” She cried, her eyes full of fear. “You have to help! I can’t find any of the knights, I don’t know what’s happened! Please! It’s Skylar!” She gripped his hand tightly and pulled him down the hallways quickly toward Skylar’s quarters. She only hoped they would be in time.

Skylar fought with Jasper, he gripped onto her wrists and held her arms above her head. “You’re going to regret pushing back against me, princess.” He said through grit teeth. He balled his fist up and slammed it into her side.

Skylar let out a cry, “Help!” She screamed only to find his hand clasped tightly over her mouth again. He held her so tightly it was hard to breathe. He pulled at her clothing, a sinister chuckle came from him. She whimpered and writhed in his grip, trying to get away. She was weak in this world, not as strong as she was in her own world. Not the fighter, she didn’t have time for that in this world…Skylar screamed into Jasper’s hand, trying anything to get attention from a guard, nothing seemed to work. It only caused him to grip her more tightly…

By the time Yevon got to the room everything was a haze. Skylar sat on the bed her riding shirt ripped from Jasper. She had bruises on her neck, on her exposed side. She hugged her arms to her body as tears rolled over her cheeks. She watched as Yevon was nearly killed before her. If he hadn’t had the blade…

Skylar brought her eyes to Yevon when he spoke, she sniffled, “I…” She looked back to Jasper on the ground, she’d never dreamed that a man….a prince….could be so evil…could do so much damage without care. Why? How was it even possible to be such an evil soul? She gave a slight nod. “Th-thank you.” She said through a sob. “Thank you Yevon.” She stood and threw her arms around him as she began to sob harder, she’d feared for her lift. Skylar couldn’t break his hold, and with each try to escape he only battered her more. This was the life she feared. She knew of other kingdoms, ones in disrepair, this is the life the queen had. Abuse in each and every day.

“Skylar?” Ayla’s voice came from the doorway. She’d found help. She found Lieutenant Steiner, a man that she fully trusted, as well as Booker, whom she equally trusted.

The knights came into the room. Lieutenant Steiner moved over to Jasper and rolled him to his back, he looked to the dagger that stuck from his side. He then looked to Yevon, whom looked to be in worse shape than Jasper. He stepped over to Skylar and placed a hand on her shoulder, Skylar squeezed her face into Yevon’s neck and only sobbed harder. “Get medical.” He looked to Booker. Now.” Booker gave a nod and ran off. “Princess.” Lieutenant Steiner spoke.

Ayla stepped forward, she placed her hand on Skylar’s bruised cheek. “It’s okay.” She whispered softly. She looked to Yevon. “Thank you.” She gave a nod. She gently peeled Skylar away from him and helped her over to her bed. “It’s okay, Sky.” She whispered and hugged onto the princess whom continued to sob.

Booker came back into the room with Dr. Knightley in tow. She stepped forward to Yevon and looked him over, she then looked to Jasper on the ground. “Good Sir, follow me.” She spoke to Yevon. She looked to the Lieutenant, “Bring him.” She spoke as she left the room. She led Yevon to the medical wing where she had him sit down on a bed. She mixed a few things together and looked him over. “You did a great service to our kingdom tonight, young prince.” She spoke and looked into his eyes. She brushed away the blood before she began to stitch his cut together. “The king and queen will be thankful for that.” She spoke softly. “I saw your fight today, in the arena, it was very well executed.” She then shook her head. “You are very brave, to take on a man like that…he is twice your size, you know that?”

“Here.” The lieutenant grunted as he sluffed Jasper off onto a bed. He strapped him down into the bed then. “Anything else you’ll need, doctor?”

“I need you to post here, you left Booker with the princess I presume?” Dr. Knightley looked to him, she paused her stitches in that moment.

“Yes.” Steiner gave a nod. He then looked to Yevon and gave a slight smile. “You are a tough one.” He grinned, “You saved our princess, my men, I found them all bound and unconscious in the room at the end of the hall. This guy planned to hurt her.” He glared at Jasper then.

Dr. Knightley looked to the prince, “Our king will handle it as he sees fit.” She spoke before she returned to stitching up Yevon’s face. She then cleaned up his arms and wrapped his arms up, both had cuts where his skin had broken. “Where is it you come from again…..Yevon, is it?”

**

Ayla helped Skylar change into her night gown, she winced as she looked to the bruises that popped up over her body. She tucked her away in her bed and brushed her hair from her eyes. Ayla sat with Skylar until she finally sobbed herself asleep. She hadn’t spoken another word. Ayla sighed as she stood she looked to Booker whom stood at the doorway. “Don’t you dare leave her room.” She spoke to him, she stared up to him for a moment. “I’m going to go check on the prince, and thank him once more. Thank you Booker.” She gave a nod before she left the room.

Ayla stepped down the hallways and made her way through the castle to the medical wing. “Dr. Knightley.” She spoke as the woman came from the room.

“Lady Sarálonde, a pleasant surprise.” Dr. Knightley gave a smile. “I need to tend to this bastard in here, we can chat soon.” She spoke as she moved into the room she had the Lieutenant move Jasper to.

Ayla nodded then before she turned and stepped into the room with Yevon. She stopped a moment and looked to his bandaged head and arms, the stitches on his face. “Yevon, thank you.” She moved forward and hugged him, though it was a gentle embrace. “Thank you.” She spoke again. “You saved Skylar from that brute, I….I couldn’t have done that…” She took a step back and lowered her head a bit. “Are you okay?” She asked then, care in her tone.

When morning came, the word was given to the king and queen. Lieutenant Steiner stood before Mavis and Amara. “My king, my queen.” He requested an audience with them. Steiner looked up to the king and queen whom sat on their thrones, the princess’ chair empty to their right. “Something terrible happened last night.”

Mavis furrowed his brows, “Speak it.” He spoke, his voice commanding. “We don’t have all day, Lieutenant.”

Steiner took in a breath and bowed his head slightly. “Last night one of the princes decided to act against your laws set forth. He escaped from his quarters, he knocked out and bound several of my men and he made his way into the princess’ chambers.”

Amara gripped onto Mavis’ hand then, her eyes wide with worry. “What happened to her?” She asked quickly.

Steiner took in a breath, “Jasper Stone, beat her, he would have done much worse, he was in the process of soiling her purity, my queen. However, Lady Sarálonde heard screaming from her room and went for the only aid she could find, Yevon Landcaster.” The king and queen both stared at the Lieutenant, waiting for him to finish his story. “He made it just in time, he got into a brawl with the brute, he isn’t in the best of shape. Though, he saved our princess. According to Dr. Knightly the princess will recover.”

“That is enough. Gather your men that Jasper captured.” His voice was full of anger.

Amara had tears welled in her eyes. She looked to Mavis as the Lieutenant bowed and left the throne room. “Mavis…” She whispered.

He turned his head and looked to his wife. “We cannot have a bunch of fools watching over our daughter. They will be put into more extensive training, I have failed Skylar…” He spoke, “Go check on her, I will deal with the rat of a prince.” He spoke before he leaned in and gave her a kiss. “I will fix this.” He spoke and gave a nod.

Mavis stood from the throne and marched straight to the medical wing. Dr. Knightly looked up from her desk and gave a nod. She stood and pushed the door open to Jasper’s room. Mavis looked to the knight. “Bring him to the basement.” He spoke before he turned and left the room.

**

Amara rushed through the castle to her daughter’s room. She came through the door to find Booker standing at attention. “Booker.” She spoke.

“My queen.” He bowed deeply and stepped to the side. “She’s…still asleep…my queen.”

Amara gave a nod and slipped into the room. She stared to Skylar as she walked toward her bed, she could see a bright bruise on her temple, another on her jaw and cheek. Her neck had Jasper’s grasp bruised into it. She looked to Ayla who sat with her back against the wall on the bed, her eyes shut, she’d been up all night with Skylar helping her through the pain and giving her a sense of comfort. “Ayla.” The queen spoke.

Ayla’s eyes shot open she stood and curtsied for the queen. “My queen.” She bowed her head.

Amara stepped forward and pulled Ayla into a tight embrace. “Thank you, Ayla.” She whispered. She then moved and sat on the edge of the bed. She brushed Skylar’s hair from her eyes. Skylar winced. Amara placed her hand on Skylar’s shoulder and in an instant Skylar’s eyes shot open and she gripped onto her mother’s arm, ready to attack. “Sky, it’s me!” Amara blocked a weak punch. “Hey.” She held onto her gently, Skylar’s wrists were bruised from Jasper. Skylar looked to her mother and tears welled in her eyes. “It’s okay.” Amara gently pulled her into an embrace as Skylar began to cry once again. “It’s okay.” She soothed. Amara sat with Skylar for a long while, soothing her. “I’ll have breakfast brought to you.” She spoke and stood. She then looked to Ayla, “Stay with her, Ayla, I’ll have breakfast brought to you as well. Please, do not leave her side.” Amara hugged Ayla once again, “Thank you for getting help.”

Ayla nodded, “it was the only option I felt I had, I’m sorry we did not make it back fast enough…”

“You did.” She cupped Ayla’s cheek. “You made it back soon enough, we will get through this.” She gave a nod. “I must go thank this prince.” She spoke before she slipped from the room.

**

Mavis stood before Jasper whom was strapped into a metal chair, his wrists and ankles strapped with iron restraints. “What are you going to do?” Jasper asked, a smirk on his lips. “What did you expect? Hm? You’ll lose everything. Everything that I offer will be lost.” He snickered.

Mavis moved forward and gripped him by his throat. “You beat my daughter, and you nearly soiled her. And you believe that you are still in a position of power?” He questioned and chuckled. “Far from it, I believe.” He shoved him back in the chair. Jasper coughed as his head hung forward. Mavis lifted a metal rod and gripped it with both of his hands. He took it and swung it like a baseball bat at Jaspers chest, once, twice, three times. Jasper cried out in pain. Mavis set the rod down before he gripped Jasper by his hair and landed a few punches on his face. “I’ve seen what you did to Yevon.” He spoke and spit in Jasper’s face. “These are not actions that a king should undertake.” He lifted a cloth to his knuckles and wiped away the blood from Jasper’s broken nose. “I do hope you’re comfortable.” He turned to leave.

“Wait! Wait!” Jasper cried. “You can’t do this! My father will end you!” He fought against the restraints.

“Not when I tell him what you’ve done.” Mavis looked back to him. “He will disown you. I know your father very well. He does not support any of the actions that you have taken thus far, Jasper.”

Jasper thrashed in the chair and let out a loud yell that echoed in the room. “Let me go!” He growled. “She wasn’t in her room!” He added. “She was gone! She wasn’t even in there when I came to her room!”

Mavis stopped he turned and looked to Jasper, a smirk on his lips. “She is my daughter, I know her well, as well. She spends many hours in the study, I’ve caught her up several times in the library with the books at odd hours of the night.” He stepped forward and lifted Jasper’s head. “It sounds like, I haven’t done enough.” He grabbed another device from the table, this was a wooden plank with nails sticking out. Jasper began to thrash more as Mavis stepped to him and swung the board at him. The board ripped into this flesh causing blood to splatter onto the floor. Mavis took several swings at him with the board before he threw it down and brought his fist into him. “You will never touch my daughter.” He snarled as he griped him by his jaw. Mavis stared into Jasper’s swollen eyes for a long moment. “I’ll kill you before you ever touch her again.” He slammed Jasper’s head against the back of the chair, willing him unconscious. Mavis stepped to the table and began wiping Jasper’s blood from his hands and arms.

**

Amara stepped into the dining hall, it was completely empty. She walked over to the head chef, “Please have two plates delivered to my daughter’s chambers. She will not be joining us today.” The chef gave a nod and Amara turned and sat down at the head of the table. She looked to the princes as they stepped into the room. Only the two, Alexander and Peter. They sat and began chatting with each other. The silence that followed when Yevon came into the room was horrible. Amara looked to Yevon with caring eyes. Once Mavis entered he stopped and stared to Yevon, he stepped to the head of the table, but did not sit down. “Something happened last night.” He began and looked to the three. “You’ll notice Jasper is not at the table.” He gripped Amara’s hand. “He tried to defile my daughter last night, he broke all of my laws set forth for you while you are courting my daughter. Do not think for one moment that you are something more than a guest in this kingdom. I will not tolerate such barbaric acts.” He slammed his hand down on the table. The princes jumped, their eyes wide. “I will be bringing in a prince of my choosing that has been knocked from the race, so that the odds are fair. Today we will not have any challenges, as I must give at least a day for the arrival of this prince.” He sat down as the food was set on the table before them. “Today I would like you to explore the kingdom, this evening I will ask you what you think needs to be changed in this kingdom, what is broken and must be mended.” He then fell silent. At the end of the meal when the princes stood to leave he stood. “Yevon.” He spoke and turned toward the doorway that led into the throne room. “A word.” Amara stood and followed her husband.

The king marched up to his throne and sat down. He waited for Yevon to stand before the throne and stared down to him for a long moment. “You must be in a great deal of pain, Yevon.” He stood and came forward, looking over his injuries. “Dr. Knightley will see to it that you recover well.” He looked to his wife a moment before he looked back to Yevon. “Thank you, for protecting our daughter. It was a fight that was much bigger than you realized I am sure, or if you realized it you went in with bravery. You are an honorable man. My daughter is well because of you. She may hurt now, but it could have been much worse.” He placed his hand on Yevon’s shoulder. “You have our trust, Yevon. Spend time in the castle today, rest. For tomorrow, a new challenge awaits. You may see the princess, if you so choose. Lady Sarálonde is with her as well as one of my best knights. She will want to thank you, I am certain.” He turned and moved back to his throne. “What made you do what you did, Yevon? With all the odds against you?”

Mavis looked to Amara with a gentle smile on his lips. “The best of kings knows his flaws, he accepts his flaws and he does everything that he can to improve both himself as well as his kingdom. A humble king, can be the best of kings.” He stared to the closed doors for a long moment as he sat in his throne, “He is foolish, yet, his foolishness saved my daughter, so I cannot reprimand him for such an action. I can only in turn call his foolishness bravery. He has courage that the other men in that room lack. Even Jasper. Whom is the biggest coward of them all.” Mavis paused and looked to his queen, “I will be bringing back a prince that lost in the duels, as he is an honorable man as well.”

“Alden?” Amara perked up slightly, she had been rather let down that he fell from the running so early. She’d felt he had a chance. But he had been placed against Jasper, not many would have won against his dirty tricks.

Mavis nodded and let out a chuckle. “I knew you had your eye on him. He is an honorable prince, with much to offer. We shall see how he fares in the rest of the challenges.” He stood then. “Now, I have to deal with Jasper. I expect you to send a letter to King Windsor and ask for his son back, explain to him what happened and let him know that you believe he would be an excellent prospect. Also send two knights in that direction, if we are lucky we will catch him before he even makes it home.”

“Mavis.” Amara spoke, a tone to her voice.

Mavis stood for a moment, his back to her, he took in a slow breath, “My love?” He asked and turned.

“Jasper deserves the coffin, or the gallows. He does not deserve to be held higher than any other man that beats and defiles women. Who knows how many times he has done such a thing and gotten away with it.” Her voice was strong as she looked down to her husband from the throne. “An example needs to be made of him.”

Mavis stepped to her and placed his hand on her cheek, “Of course my queen.” He kissed her then, a quick peck on the lips before he turned and left the throne room.

**

His words came into her dreams. Skylar began to live the ride on Ren’s boat, within the horrible storms. Ayla smiled as she lay on the couch, she listened to the story, and in only a few sentences of Yevon’s voice she slipped into a much needed slumber. Skylar’s eyes opened, she looked to Yevon, she then looked to the book in his hands. Skylar was silent for a long moment, she’d read the book a good four or five times, she loved Ren’s writing. She had other novels by Ren on her bookcase in the corner. If ever she could not sleep, she read, and she would always end up through the late hours of the night, unable to put the book down. “I adore her writing.” She spoke, her voice was hoarse, from Jasper choking her. She sat up slowly and winced, her side hurt from the blows that Jasper dealt. “Have you…. read her books…before?” She reached to her nightstand and sipped a glass of water that Jolene brought into the room. She then shook her head, “Yevon…” She looked to his swollen face, to his bandaged arms. “I….” She reached forward and gently touched his cheek, “Thank you, Yevon.” She gave a nod and took in a deep breath. “Without you, I am uncertain what would have happened to me…” She looked away then, just the thought of what he could have done. “You saved me, I am grateful to you.”