District 17

Skylar pet the horse as it pressed its nose against her palm. She stared into its eyes for a long moment, seeming to search for something. She then looked to Booker as she stared back toward the home. She caught a glimpse of Alden and Ayla as they headed back into the home. “Who do you think deserves my hand?” Skylar asked as she stopped.

Booker looked to her with raised brows. “Princess, I’m not the one to answer that question, I…I only wish to protect you.”

“If you had to choose.” Skylar turned, her eyes burning into him.

“I…uh…” Booker took a step back. “Princess, I’m not very comfortable with this conversation.”

“Neither am I.” Skylar crossed her arms.

“Skylar.” Mavis called from the home. Skylar looked to Booker for a moment longer before she headed into the home. She walked in and followed her father up the stairs to the study. Her mother sat in a chair across the desk from where her father sat. Skylar took the chair next to her mother. It was becoming late in the day by this point, the smell of food baking could be enjoyed throughout the home. “I understand that you are grieving.” Mavis spoke as he stared to his daughter. “I don’t have time to make this easier for you, nor do we have the men to lose looking for Yevon. What we have are three options for your husband before us, the man that will be the future king of our kingdom.”

“Father, I am not a piece in this puzzle, I do not get to choose.” Skylar shook her head. “You and mother already have a choice, I am certain.”

Amara sighed heavily, “Skylar, our kingdom is in danger. We do not have time for you to throw a tantrum.” She spoke. “Your father and I would like to know what you think of the three men.”

“They all will feed you with the words you would like to hear. So what of them do you want to know? If you ask any of the men what they want they will all give you the same answer. It is tiring.” Skylar made to stand but her mother grasped her arm. She looked to Amara. “Mother, I am nothing more than a prize. I learned this even more so with Jasper, what he did.” She looked away. “I will do as I am told. But I do not wish to grow fond of these men until you have made a decision.” She whispered at the end. “What if you choose a different man than I fall in love with? What then?” She pulled her arm then. “Sitting here debating isn’t going to bring Yevon back.”

Mavis grit his teeth. “Skylar…” He called as she stood and left the room.

Amara looked to her husband for a long moment. “She will come around, Mavis.” She shook her head. “There isn’t anything that you and I can say or do to have her understand.”

**

Skylar disappeared into her room, she stood on the balcony most of the day, writing in her journal, trying her best to remember. She wrote Eva Landcaster over and over. “I can’t forget…” She muttered to herself. Yet. The longer it was, the more she wondered if all of this was a dream. She’d tried her magic, and she’d come up empty handed. Why couldn’t she perform her magic? If her memories were correct she should be just as powerful as Eva. Ayla stepped onto the balcony and sat across from her. She stared to the journal for a long moment. “What will you wear to the ball?” Ayla asked.

Skylar looked up, a puzzled expression washed over her face. “What?” She questioned.

“The announcement ceremony, it’s only a few days away. What will you wear?” Ayla gave a gentle smile. “I overheard your father speaking they plan to make the decision soon. Once they’ve made the decision there will be a grand ball. Remember?” Ayla paused, “What will you wear?”

Skylar closed the journal and sighed, “I’m not sure…” She whispered, “I’m sure my mother will have a dress made for the occasion.”

Ayla smiled and gave a nod. “What color?” She asked. “If you were to pick?”

Skylar searched Ayla’s eyes for a long moment, “Blue, but not a bright blue. Not really dark either, just right, just deep enough.” A soft smile curved up the edge of her lips.

Ayla grinned, “I will wear my gorgeous red ball gown.” She giggled. “I’ve been looking forward to wearing it.”

Skylar let out a laugh then, “Oh I see. You look forward to my ball to wear your dress.” She chuckled and shook her head.

Ayla nodded her head. “Of course, outside of the royal balls my life is fairly boring. You’ve been to the business, you know. Chocolate here, mix a few things there. It gets rather repetitive.”

Skylar chuckled once more. “You’re good at it, at least.” She looked to the door as it opened.

“Food is ready, princess.” Booker gave a smile.

Skylar gave a nod and stood. “Thank you, Ayla.” She locked away her journal once again and headed down to dinner. She sat at the table with the princes and looked to her mother and father.

Mavis looked to the men as they were served their food. “Tomorrow we will have yet another challenge for you, a puzzle. I want to see who can complete it with the most proficiency.” He took a bite of food. “Tonight, we celebrate the answers I gained from your testing today.” He raised his glass into the air. “To our kingdom.” The glasses clinked together. “Shall we come back from this and rebuild the kingdom stronger than it has ever been.”

Dinner finished up quickly. Skylar sat on the balcony and shivered slightly. She waited until Ayla was asleep before she changed into her riding gear. She pulled on a cloak and a side bag before she scaled down the fencing that held vines on the side of the home. She crept into the barn and pat the huge Clydesdale horse on his shoulder before she threw a saddle up over him and cinched it down. She then affixed his bridle and climbed onto his back. Skylar pulled her hood up, “Come on boy.” She pat his shoulder. They left the barn and headed down the road toward the next kingdom over. She road for a good hour before she entered the city of Nolis. The streets were lit by flaming lanterns that hung every ten feet. Skylar rode through the city in search of Yevon. She climbed down from her horse and tied him off as she entered a bar. Her cloak still pulled up. She walked up to the barkeep.

The man grinned to her and leaned forward. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing out so late?” He asked as he poured her a glass. “On the house.”

Skylar pulled her journal out, she’d drawn a very accurate picture of Yevon in the journal. “Have you seen this man?” She questioned.

“Ah a missing person.” The barkeep looked to the drawing and then shook his head. “Haven’t seen him.” He then looked to the other men in the bar whom seemed to have their attention on Skylar. “I’d leave if I were you, for your safety.”

Skylar looked to the men and gave a nod, she shoved the journal back into her bag. “Thank you.” She spoke and left. She climbed onto her horse only for a man to grab the reins. Her horse reared which toppled her over its rear. Skylar landed harshly on the ground and scrambled to her feet. She stood and pulled a dagger. “Back off!” She warned him.

The man chuckled as he stepped forward. “Come on beauty.” He chuckled.

Skylar was grabbed from behind by another man. She fought against him. She struggled and stomped on his foot before she brought her elbow into his ribs. She grabbed the reins of her horse then and ran, she clicked her tongue and climbed onto her horse as it began to canter from the city. She looked over her shoulder to see five men standing in the street staring after her. Skylar slowed the horse after a good way into the city. She stopped in front of an inn and climbed down. One more try. She hoped this would give results. Skylar stepped into the inn to see an old man whom looked up to her. “What’s your trouble miss?” He asked.

“Have you seen this man?” She asked and held the image toward him.

The old man stared to the drawing for a long moment. “Can’t say I have, sorry dear. Ye need a room?” He asked.

“No, thank you.” She stepped from the inn, thunder rattled in the distance. Skylar sighed and climbed back onto her horse she began the ride home. The rain began to pour down on her, it was cold, as winter. By the time Skylar reached the cottage her entire body was shaking. She stumbled and fell off of her horse. Her body trembled as she fought to pull his saddle from his back. Her teeth chattered, she was hypothermic.

Skylar was much too cold to fight against Alden. Everything happened so quickly as he helped her into the barn. “N-no I-I…” Her teeth chattered, her body continued to shake. Eventually when he’d gotten her out of her soaked shirt and into his she allowed him to wrap her in the blanket. Skylar trembled and looked to him. “I’m…not…” She spoke, trying to gain back her strength. “N-n-no one b-b-believes…they…don’t have hope.” She focused the best she could. Her skin was pale, her lips took on a bluish color. Hypothermia was nothing to play with. “I have…to try...” She whispered, “I owe him th-that.” Skylar looked to Alden, her brows furrowed. Her eyes fluttered slightly, she was weak from the cold, riding for over an hour in the icy rain. She didn’t have the clothing for it. “Please…don’t tell my father…” She whispered as she moved her fingers shakily. Her hands ached from holding the reins in the freezing rain. Eventually the princess passed out from the cold that her body had endured. She leaned against him in her unconscious state, her face nuzzled into his neck as she slept peacefully. Her body trembled in her sleep as it fought to bring her temperature back up to par.

Skylar woke hours later just before sunrise. She looked to Alden before she gathered her things. She stepped outside into the freezing weather, the rain had turned into snow as the night went on. She scaled up the fencing and slipped back into her room where she changed into her night gown. Skylar’s teeth chattered as she climbed into the bed, soon enough the sun came up over the horizon, marking the next day. Skylar pulled her journal out and wrote of her trip to Nolis. She wrote of the barkeep and the dangerous men, and of the kind old man at the inn. She wrote of her hope. How she wouldn’t allow it to be crushed. She soon rose from the bed and changed into a beautiful red dress, it was a dark maroon color with a frilly skirt. She had Ayla once again tighten the corset. Skylar came down for breakfast with her tiara in place, like nothing happened the night before. She sat down at the breakfast table with everyone and looked to Alden a few times, almost nervous glances. She shouldn’t have allowed herself to be caught so easily. She should have been more careful.

She looked to her plate and poked at her food as her father cleared his throat. “Today I will introduce you each to a puzzle. I have three of the same. You’ll be ranked in order of who finishes first.” He stood, “I will see each of you in the study in two hours. Prepare yourself, this is no simple task.” He stood and left.

Amara stood and looked to the men. “You all are doing very well. I wanted to thank you again for your bravery during the attack.” She nodded her head before she too left the room.

Skylar glanced to Alden once again before she stood from the table, “I wish you all luck in your challenge today.” She spoke and bowed her head before she left the room. She slipped up to her bedroom where she stared to the snowy world outside, the flakes still fell on the balcony, piling up. There was nearly a foot of snow now. She placed her hand against the cold glass and sighed softly.

The next few weeks were filled with challenges for the princes. Skylar began to grow fond of Alden, no matter how much she fought it. Though, she didn’t give up her search for Yevon. She’d escape every night, sneak from the castle grounds once they returned home. It was dangerous, but, she didn’t care. She felt the need to find him. The day that they returned to the kingdom as the group came up the road, Skylar rushed forward to the sight of a red blade stuck into the cobblestone street. Yevon’s sword. She reached to the hilt and grasped it into her hand. She looked to her father whom nodded to her. Skylar had a custom sheathe made for it to protect it. She even wore it over her back on her escapades through the nearby cities and kingdoms. She’d traveled as far as she could reach in any given single night.

Skylar wrote her adventures into her journal, each night and day. She made sure to try to write all her memories down, begging not to lose who she once was. Pleading not to lose Eva. One night, Skylar was attacked by a bunch of thugs. Her horse reared as she fought against them, she was ripped from the horse back and ended up fleeing into the city before she met back with her horse and ran home. The next morning, she discovered she’d lost the journal. A pit grew in Skylar’s stomach to this discovery. Her memories….

Everything else happened rather quickly. Her father hired one of the best sculptors in all of the kingdoms. In the very place in the city street where Yevon’s sword had stuck into the ground, they erected a sculpture in his name. His honor. The sculpture was of Yevon, standing, his head bowed slightly, looking to his great sword. The sword stuck into the ground, his hand upon the hilt. The blade was made of a red shiny material, it looked much like the real sword, it was nearly a replica. Behind Yevon a few knights stood at the ready, their swords drawn, ready to take on the Divici. The statue became famous, Yevon, became famous for his heroic deed of saving the city.

It was only a month before Mavis announced that Alden would be the prince that was given Skylar’s hand. The grand ball was something worth seeing. Nobles from all across the kingdoms came to celebrate the announcement. Skylar wore a gorgeous dress that her mother had made just for the occasion, a white and deep blue dress. It made her look absolutely stunning. By the end of the night Skylar twirled perfectly with Alden, a smile on her lips. She’d begun to feel for him more than she’d ever thought possible. And with each day, Skylar forgot. With each day she became less distraught over the loss of Yevon. She became less aware of Eva. She forgot who she was in the other worlds, slowly but surely she fully became the Skylar of this world.

The day of the wedding was absolutely gorgeous. The skies were blue for miles all around. It seemed that everything had aligned for the two hearts to be tied together. A huge crowd showed up to see the two wed. The kiss seemed to fill the kingdom with life. The cheers could be heard all across the kingdom.

With that, everything fell into place. The soldiers came from Alden’s kingdom. New recruits were brought in, trained by Alden himself. Skylar would watch him on the training grounds, she’d bring him cold lemonade during the few warm days. She’d bring hot tea on the icy days. She’d come to love him. It was something that Amara wanted more than anything else it seemed, her daughter’s happiness.

Two months passed with ease. The kingdom was rebuilt, stronger than ever. The castle was completely fixed from the attack, and repaired to be stronger than before. The city walls were expanded out to include the home one the far outskirts. A double walled system so to speak. Even the family that had taken Eva in were protected now by the great army that Mavis and Alden brought into power.

Everything was going exactly as planned…

It was the night of a ball. Skylar wore a masquerade mask. She was dressed in a beautiful black dress with red accents. Her mask was that of a raven. She was stunning. The ball was to celebrate the kingdom, to celebrate life, and to honor those lives lost two months prior to all of this. Nobles from the entire kingdom came. The ballroom was packed. Skylar smiled as she twirled around with several partners until she found herself in Alden’s arms. She leaned into him and smiled up to him lovingly. “My king.” She spoke and giggled playfully as he dipped her toward the floor.

“Shhh it’s a masquerade, love.” He chuckled as he passed her off to another.

Eventually Skylar grew tired and found herself out on the balcony, sipping from a champagne glass. She looked down over the city a smile on her lips. Alden followed her out and hugged his arm around her gently. “Are you alright?” He asked caringly.

“Yes, just getting some fresh air. Go on inside, I’ll be right in.” She smiled and kissed him on the lips for a moment before she allowed him to slip away. Skylar turned and glanced to her kingdom again, a few flakes of snow had begun to fall from the sky. She shivered slightly before she took another sip of her champagne.

Skylar took in a quick breath as she looked down to the leather book, she’d lost it a month ago, a little more than that. She lifted her eyes to Eva as she removed her mask. Skylar stared to her for a long moment, “I…” She took in a breath as she looked over Eva’s features. The curves of her face were familiar. Her eyes familiar. “I’m that obvious?” She let out a soft chuckle. She then looked to the book and took it. “I thank you.” She searched Eva’s eyes for a long moment. “Who…are you?” She asked then. “You look terribly familiar, I….”

“Skylar.” Alden stepped out onto the balcony. He looked to Eva for a moment. “My apologies, my wife is needed inside.” He took her arm and escorted her into the ballroom. Skylar and Alden stepped up onto the stage with Mavis and Amara.

“Good Evening Noble Ladies and Gentlemen. We thank you for coming to this ball, a celebration of how far we have come in such a short time.” Mavis spoke. He stood in front of the crowd and rose his glass. “Soon it will be the reign of Alden and Skylar Windsor over this kingdom. They will bring much prosperity and happiness to this land.” He paused for the crowd to cheer.

“What is that?” Alden asked and pointed to the journal as Mavis continued to speak.

Skylar looked to the journal, it was tattered from the weather. “It’s my journal. That woman on the balcony, she found it.” She whispered.

Mavis gave a grin, “Lords and Ladies, it has been brought to my attention by the royal guard that we have a special guest tonight. The sister of the man we owe all of this to. The man who saved our city when it was nearly impossible to save. Yevon Landcaster. His sister Eva Landcaster is here tonight.” He looked out into the crowd. “Please, everyone feel free to do as we have here on stage, remove your masks and greet your partner.” He smiled as he watched the crowd and listened to their chatter. “Amara, I would love a dance with you.” He stepped down from the stage and into the middle of the room, followed by his lovely wife as they began to dance.

“Eva…” Skylar’s eyes stared into the crowd, a few memories rushed through her mind. The kiss stuck rather well. She searched the crowd. “Eva…” She spoke again, she blinked several times, more memories. Skylar pulled her hand from Alden’s and rushed from the stage. She slipped through the crowd quickly as everyone danced about. She found herself standing before Eva then. She stared into her eyes, “Eva…” She gripped her hand and pulled her from the ballroom. She pulled her through the castle quickly and towed her into the library. Skylar turned around and hugged her arms around Eva. She pulled back her eyes welled with tears. “I…thought I lost you…Eva…I….It’s so hard to remember…I…” She opened the journal, where she’d written everything she could. “Everything is slipping away…” She then stepped forward and pressed her lips to Eva’s for a long moment, her breath caught in her chest her pulse raced. “Eva…I…” A few tears rolled over her cheeks.

Skylar took a few steps back from Eva just before Mavis came into the room. She looked to Eva, trying to find more of her memories. She then looked to her father as he led them back into the ballroom. She looked to Eva for a moment, “I’ve tried.” She whispered. Skylar looked to Alden as he stepped up, she gave a faint smile. She glanced to Eva as she took his hand. “We can meet later, Eva. We must. Find me at The Wild Sage Tavern. For now, I must go. My apologies.” Her voice had a hidden sadness in it, she’d spoken this into Eva’s ear just before she was pulled away. What if she forgot again? What if she lost Eva? She kept her eyes on Eva as she was pulled into the crowd. Eventually her line of sight lost Eva behind the bodies and heads of the other attendees. Skylar turned her attention to Alden, she leaned into him and lay her head against his chest for a moment before he twirled her out as the music picked up. They danced well together. They’d had a lot of practice over the past two months. Skylar allowed herself to smile as she danced with her husband.

Alden pulled her in close after a good while of dancing, several songs had come and gone. He grinned to her and kissed her then for a moment before he searched her eyes. “It opened up an old wound, didn’t it?” He asked, as he brushed her hair from her eyes. “Are you feeling alright my love?”

Skylar gave a soft smile, “I am well.” She shook her head. “She just has a lot of his features is all. No need to worry, Alden.” She kissed his cheek then. The rest of the ball was filled with drinking and dancing. By the end of the night Skylar’s cheeks were pink from the amount of wine Alden had given her. His arm was wrapped gently around her waist as they stood once again upon the stage.

Mavis grinned to the two for a moment as he looked out over the crowd. “Lords and Ladies, it has been an honor to celebrate with you. Though, the night is growing old. Soon enough, we will have ourselves another ball. Tomorrow is the beginning of the harvest festival. The snow came early this year, but we managed to save the crops early on. With the help of Prince Windsor.” He smiled and pat the man’s shoulder. “If you see the princess, Eva Landcaster, thank her for her brother’s service. Good night everyone.”

Skylar hugged onto Alden’s arm as they stood there. She stepped down from the stage with him and said her goodbyes to her guests before they headed off toward the royal chambers. She clumsily climbed the steps and made her way into her room. Alden kissed her for a moment before he let her move to the balcony.

Skylar stared out over the city. She couldn’t lose Eva. She had the journal in her hands in that moment. She flipped through the pages, she looked through the drawings and her own handwriting. She hardly recognized the things within these pages. “It’s cold out here.” Alden spoke as he gently wrapped his arm around her. “Come on. I’ve heated a pot of hot water to keep our feet warm tonight.” He kissed her cheek.

Skylar resisted against him, “Alden.” She spoke and stared into his eyes. “I need to speak with Eva.”

“Tomorrow seems to be a more fitting day, does it not?” He looked to her with a bit of confusion. When Skylar didn’t budge he gave a soft sigh. “I know you all too well to know better than to tell you no, my love.” He kissed her forehead. “Go on then.” He nodded. “Would you like to go alone?”

Skylar nodded, “Yes, I’ll be going alone.” She spoke, she searched his eyes a moment and leaned up for a kiss before she turned and undressed herself. She changed into her riding gear and slipped on her velvety dark blue cloak.

“You look beautiful.” He spoke as he helped her bring her hood up. “Be safe, Sky.”

Skylar gave a nod as she slipped her journal into her side bag and slipped from the room. She made her way through the castle quickly. She’d had enough practice to escape the halls with ease. She sprinted through the courtyard and to the stables where she threw the saddle on her horse Midnight and off they were. The clatter of his hooves against the cobblestone streets echoed like thunder of a storm. The snow was beginning to fall more quickly now, it was sticking to the ground and piling up quickly. Skylar rode through the kingdom and to the edge of the town where she slowed outside the Wild Sage Tavern.

Skylar tied off Midnight and headed inside. It was a beautiful tavern with cobblestone walls that arched into a rounded ceiling. Huge barrels of ales and wines. Skylar kept her cloak up as she approached the bar as she searched about the room, looking for any sign of Eva. She looked to the stairs that led up to the bedrooms. No. She wouldn’t be there. Skylar looked to all of the people who sat in the bar, the sound of their chatter was rather loud, some yelled with joy, others were passed out in the corners of the room. Skylar sat down at the bar and ordered a drink, she kept her cloak up and sipped from the frothy beer. It was something she enjoyed very much, and only got to have every so often. She was expected to drink wine…such is the life of a princess. She ran her finger around the rim of the glass as she focused on not forgetting. She couldn’t forget Eva. That kiss. Her warmth. She couldn’t allow herself to forget again…

I’m surprised they let you out. Skylar looked to the sound of Eva’s voice, her lips curved upward in a smile and she let out a soft chuckle. “Alden knows better than to tell me no.” Her smile fell when Eva mentioned that everything they’d worked toward was gone. She looked down, her finger traced along the edge of her mug. Skylar didn’t know what to say back. She knew it was true. She knew that Eva knew more about her…who she was, than she did. Skylar could only remember glimpses and it seemed with each day those glimpses became something of the past that she read like a fiction novel in her journal.

When the Divici came storming in through the double doors, the windows. Skylar was instantly on her feet. She took in a quick breath as her eyes looked to the dark armor of the Divici, blood splashed to the floor as they easily killed drunken patrons. Skylar drew her dagger and jabbed it upward through the opening beneath the helmet of a Divici soldier, blood gushed from the wound as he choked on his blood. She stared to him as he fell to his knees. In the next moment, she turned and gripped onto Eva’s shoulders as she shielded her from the attack. Skylar’s eyes widened as she fell to her knees, holding onto Eva, her breaths shook, tears welled in her eyes. She didn’t have the slightest idea of what to do. She looked up as the remaining Divici were sliced into two, their bodies falling to the floor. Skylar looked to Ren as she approached and tied her coat around Eva to slow the bleeding. “Eva….” Skylar finally whispered, her voice was trembling.

You need to go.

Skylar brought her eyes from Eva up to Ren, her face full of fear. “N-no I…” She shook her head and took a step forward. Her eyes turned to the knight that held his hand out to her. “I…” She looked back to Eva as the bartender lifted her lifeless body into his arms.

“Princess.” The knight spoke again. He gently took her hand, “Come on.” He pulled her from the bar.

Skylar looked over her shoulder to Ren’s back as they took off in separate directions. She swallowed as she tried to control her fear, her pulse still rushed within her chest. “You won’t tell?” She questioned softly.

The knight looked to her and took in a deep breath, “I won’t, princess, you have my word.” He gave a nod.

Skylar gave a nod and was silent as they walked through the empty streets of the city. A few bodies lay in the streets…the Divici had ripped through the city, straight to the tavern. Right to Eva. Skylar shuddered, the dark armor seemed to be like a black abyss, it didn’t even reflect light off it. It seemed to suck any bit of life away. That was the Divici in short. They killed, or took what you had. There was no alternative. Skylar turned as she heard the clatter of hoof beats behind her. Her horse came trotting up and bobbed its head to her. Skylar paused as she looked to the soldier, he nodded to her and helped her up on her horse before he grabbed the reins and led her the rest of the way to the castle. Once they were at the stables Skylar slipped from her horse and looked to the knight. “Thank you.” She nodded to him.

“Of course, princess.” He bowed his head. “I am here for your protection.” He took a step back.

Skylar nodded and headed toward the castle. She heard a harsh crack and turned to look over her shoulder. She turned in just enough time to see the Knight topple to the ground, his neck was deformed, broken. Skylar brought her eyes up to look at a Divici soldier. His eyes glowed red from within his dark armor. Skylar took a step back as he drew his blade. She spun and took off in a sprint as she pulled her dagger. She wasn’t very well versed in fighting, not like the Skylar that Eva knew. His hand grabbed at her bicep and his knee slammed into her back, this knocked her off balance. In the next moment Skylar was on her back, the blade of her enemy slashed against her arm. Skylar let out a cry, a loud scream that echoed through the castle grounds. The soldier chuckled, he looked up as knights ran toward her. He then turned and ran off into the shadows. Booker rushed to her side and knelt next to her. “Princess.” He spoke as he helped her to her feet. “Go after him!!” He called out the order to the other knights as they rushed in.

Skylar stared to Booker as tears rolled down her cheeks. The next moments were a blur. Skylar was led into the castle and rushed to Dr. Knightley. As Dr. Knightley cleaned up her wound she whimpered, it was a deep cut. “Skylar.” Alden rushed into the room, he wore a silky black robe. He rushed forward, worry washed over his expression. “How…?” He gently grasped her hand as Dr. Knightley continued to work.

“The Tavern…it was attacked…the Divici…they were everywhere…one must have followed us here…he killed the knight that brought me home safe…I…if…I…” Her voice trembled.

Alden gently hugged her. “Shhhh.” He soothed and kissed the top of her head. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.” He looked to the deep cut in her forearm as Dr. Knightley stitched it shut and wrapped gauze around it. “Come.” He scooped her into his arms. “Let’s get you to our room. Hm?” He kissed her forehead as he carried her through the halls. “Corporal Booker.” He spoke. Booker stood at attention. “Double the guard. No one gets in or out of this kingdom.” Booker gave a nod and rushed off. Alden carried Skylar all the way to their quarters and set her gently on the edge of the bed. He carefully wet a rag and began wiping blood from her face, Skylar flinched slightly. “You’re alright.” He gave a gentle smile. “Sky, I can’t let you go out alone again…” He drew his brows together. “It isn’t safe.” He searched her eyes. “We haven’t had an attack in two months…” He shook his head and helped her dress for bed. Skylar had trouble with her arm and whimpered as she moved it.

**

The next morning Alden stood in the meeting room, he moved forward and sat down at the round table as Steiner and Booker came in, followed by the king and queen. “What is the damage Lieutenant?” Mavis asked as he sat down at the table.

Steiner looked to the king a moment and gave a nod. “We lost 10 knights last night, 20 civilians…the Tavern that the princess was at was hit the hardest, it seems this was the focus of the attack. A Divici soldier killed a knight here on castle grounds, and attacked our princess, if she hadn’t cried out for help, she very well may have been dead like the soldier he killed.”

Amara took in a quick breath, “Was my daughter the focus of this attack? Why the tavern?”

“Eva Landcaster was there as well.” Booker chimed in.

“The Divici have been silent, nothing for two months, after the disappearance of Yevon. Yet when his sister shows back up---….” Steiner was stopped by Mavis holding his hand up to silence him.

“Yevon is Eva.” Mavis spoke, he looked around the table for the confusion. “She told me herself at the ball last night. She’d heard that Jasper was part of the Divici and posed as Yevon to get close to my daughter, to protect her.”

“If she is capable of such trickery, what else is she capable of?” Alden chimed in.

Skylar pushed through the door to the room then, she wore a beautiful blue and white dress, her arm was wrapped up still from her injury. She took her place next to Alden. “Eva saved me.” She spoke softly.

“Did she?” Mavis drew his brows together. “Or is that what she would like us to believe?” He gripped his fist tight, “I knew I should have locked her away for telling me of her trickery. For all we know, she was the whole reason for the Divici attack two months ago. They have been silent. Then, the night she is in town, an attack, and not just an attack on our city. An attack on the exact location you were at.” Mavis spoke through grit teeth.

“No.” Skylar drew her brows together.

Alden gripped her hand and shook his head. “Your father is right. What if she claimed this was all Jasper? Yet, Jasper and his father are dead now, we received an apology from the queen. Peace has been made with that kingdom. Yet, on cue Eva comes and as soon as you are vulnerable the Divici attack…” He shook his head.

“You’re not leaving castle grounds.” Mavis looked to her. “You are most certainly not speaking to this traitor.” He then looked to Steiner. “Lieutenant, I want a warrant posted. I want Eva Landcaster brought in alive for questioning. Though, if she gives you too much trouble, or she causes injury to any of our men, kill her.”

“Father!” Skylar stood, her brows pulled together. “This….this isn’t her. You can’t do this.” She ripped her hand from Alden’s grip.

Alden stood and gently lowered her back into her seat. “It is to keep you safe.” He spoke and gave a nod. “My king, I agree. We need to bring her in, as well as the woman she came with to the ball last night. They are both traitors to the kingdom.” He gave a nod.

Steiner looked to the king and then to Alden, finally his eyes fell on Skylar. “A guard will be posted outside the princess’ chambers at all times. Until we bring these two in I will order all my men to be on full alert. I will post signs.”

“I want the people of our kingdom gathered this afternoon in the square I will be delivering a message to them on this tragedy, as well as asking for their aid in bringing these criminals in.”

“Father th--…”

“That is enough, Skylar.” Mavis spoke, his voice stern. He stood, “I will speak to the city in two hours.” He turned and left the room.

Amara stood slowly, she looked to her daughter as Booker and Steiner left. “She caused this to happen to you, she lied to our kingdom about who she was, and now look what has happened. Skylar, we can’t risk it.” She shook her head. She then looked to Alden and gave a gentle smile. “Thank you.” She cupped his cheek. “Do keep her safe.” She spoke before she left the room.

Alden led Skylar back to her chambers where two knights were posted at her door. He took in a deep breath and sighed. “You’ll be safer this way…” He watched her as she paced.

“This wasn’t Eva.” She snapped. “This isn’t anything at all what you’ve made it! All of you!” She shoved him. “You’re creating lies. You’re forcing a lie on her, you’re pouring blood into her hands that was not her own doing. She saved me!” She turned and stepped to her balcony then and let out a shaken breath as she looked down to the city.

Alden stood where he was, his jaw tight. He stared to her for a long moment before he gave a nod. “I’m sorry, Sky.” He spoke, though she didn’t look back to him. He waited for another moment before he left the room to aid the soldiers in preparing their watch posts. They were prepared for war. They had six times as many soldiers as they did two months ago. They were a force to be reckoned with…

Skylar leaned against the balcony, tears welled in her eyes. “This…couldn’t be you…” She shook her head, her lip quivered as she held back the tears. “You saved me…” She muttered. Though, the longer she stood at her balcony and though about the entire situation, the more she began to believe her father and Alden. The more the finger pointed to Eva. The more it became evident that this could have been her...

Skylar sat at her desk, a quill in her hand. The black ink dripped onto the page as it hovered there. She pulled her brows together and shook her head. “Eva….you didn’t do this…you wouldn’t…” She whispered. She slammed the quill down causing the ink to bleed into the page. She stared at the splatter for a moment, remembering the night before, the Divici. The Black Knight’s eyes, the red glow, his terrible laughter as he chased her down and slammed her to her back. She looked to her arm that was wrapped carefully, Dr. Knightley had just changed the dressing. Skylar heard shouting from outside. She stood and rushed to the balcony where she saw the knights marching in, they surrounded four people, their hands bound behind their backs. Skylar stared as they came closer into the courtyard. “Eva…” She muttered, she spun around and ran into her room. She grabbed the journal and opened it to a page that Eva had written in. She’d drawn a picture of them on the icy pond, ice skating. She smiled as she ran her fingertips over the sketch.

It was like a moment out of a dream as I skated with you upon that lake, in the early hours of the morning. The moon was upon us, a bit of light snow hit the ground. It was absolutely peaceful as I pressed my lips to yours. The passion behind the kiss is something that I miss, I miss you, Skylar Greystoke.

Skylar’s breath caught in her chest, she shook her head as the memory flooded her mind. She could feel the cold. She could feel Eva’s hands in hers. She slammed the journal shut and shoved it into a drawer. Skylar then spun and ran to her door. “Princess.” A knight turned, his expression puzzled. “Is there something I may do for you?”

“Let me out.” She shoved him to the side and took off in a sprint down the hallway.

“Princess! Stop!” The knight chased after her, his armor clanked as he rushed behind her.

Skylar glanced over her shoulder, she then looked back ahead and pushed herself to run faster. Her heels clicked as she ran down the staircase and out into the courtyard. A few knights chased after her now. She raced to the entrance to the dungeon and shoved Booker harshly as he came through the door. She ran down into the dungeons, the smell of sweat and blood entered her nostrils. She raced along the cells until her eyes caught Eva hanging in the cell. “Eva!” She called as she made it to the cell. She gripped the old bars and gave a tug. “Eva hold on! You didn’t do this…I know it wasn’t you…It can’t be!” She cried as she shook the bars again.

“Princess.” Booker grabbed her and made her take a few steps back. “You shouldn’t be here.” He stared to her. “These people are dangerous, whatever delusions you have, you need to let it go.”

“Corporal.” The King’s voice spoke with authority.

Booker turned and looked to Mavis. “Sir.” He saluted.

Mavis looked to his daughter for a moment and took in a breath, “Why don’t you come along, Skylar, it would do you good to see what happens to traitors in this kingdom.” He paused and looked to Booker, “Bring her.” He nodded as he then gave a nod to a knight that was at his side. The knight unlocked the cell that Eva was in. Mavis stepped forward and cupped Eva’s jaw in his hand, “Come on then.” He stared into her eyes. “You’ll be telling me all of your little secrets, Eva. Or should I call you Yevon?” He questioned as he turned and stepped off. The knight that opened the cell unlocked her cuffs and cuffed her hands and feet into chains before he shoved her forward.

“Father stop this!” Skylar cried, tears in her eyes.

Mavis looked to his daughter as he stepped off and followed the knight that led Eva away. “You’ll learn soon enough, Skylar.” He stepped into the room that he’d used for Jasper. He walked in through the door and helped the knight secure Eva into the chair that was stained in blood.

“Wh-what is this?” Skylar gasped as she looked around the room. She’d never been allowed down here. She didn’t even know it existed.

“This is the room that all truth comes out. The lies are thrown away here.” Mavis spoke as he cupped Eva’s jaw again, he stared into her eyes for a long moment. “I should have locked you up when you confessed to me last night. My daughter would not have been attacked. We would not have lost 30 people of my kingdom. 20 of which were civilians.” He narrowed his brows. “What do you have to say? Hm?” He brought his hand back and threw a harsh hook that connected with her jaw.

“Stop it!!” Skylar rushed forward and shoved her father to the side. She had tears rushing down her cheeks. “Eva…” She breathed, she stared to Eva and pulled at the bonds that held her down.

“Booker.” Mavis spoke as he stepped back toward his daughter. “I don’t want to do this, but restrain her. She needs to see what happens to those that lie and murder in this kingdom. It is not a deed that we view lightly.”

Booker stepped forward and grabbed a hold of Skylar. She fought against him and tried to hit him, only for him to catch her fist and hold onto it. Skylar writhed in his grip and screamed as he forced her to sit down where he cuffed her into a chair. This chair faced Eva. Skylar fought against the bonds. “Princess.” He knelt in front of her. “Please.” He stared to her. “You’re going to hurt yourself.”

“Let me go! Let Eva go! Stop it!” She cried and pulled against the bonds, her skin began to tear, her wrists began to bleed. “Stop this! Father this isn’t what you tell the kingdom! You wouldn’t do this! You can’t do this!” She screamed.

Mavis stepped forward, “Skylar, I do what I must to protect this kingdom. Sometimes, that means I must get my hands dirty.” He searched her eyes before he turned and grabbed a needle filled with a clear fluid. “This will calm you down.” He gave a nod. “I’m sorry.” He whispered before he injected the fluid into her arm.

Skylar took in a sharp breath as the fluid pushed into her body, it burned. She fought against the bonds, screaming for her father to stop. Her cries filled the dungeon. Until, the medication began to take effect. Her muscles began to loosen, her cries faded into whimpers and soon enough she fell silent. Skylar’s eyes glazed over as she stared forward at Eva. Her eyes fluttered slightly as her head relaxed back against the chair. “Pl-please…father…st-stop…” She pleaded. “Eva…didn’t…do this…” She whimpered, tears streamed down her cheeks.

Mavis turned and sighed as he stared to his daughter. He then turned his attention back to Eva. “Now then, feel like telling me what happened?” He asked as he lifted a bar into his hands. “You tell me the truth, you won’t get hurt, Eva. It’s that simple. You’ll get out of here alive so long as you tell me the truth.” He stepped toward her and swung the bar, hitting her across the chest harshly, though he held back, it wasn’t his full force. “That’s only a taste of what will happen. Now then, let’s start with an easy question. Who are you?”

Booker stood next to the princess, he stared at Eva with hateful eyes. He looked to Skylar as she sat there, she couldn’t respond, her body was weakened by the medication. She took in small shaky breaths as tears rolled down her cheeks. “St-stop…” Her voice was barely audible.