I'm totally debating on why I'm doing this. But, I had this crazy idea again so I thought I'd let you all suffer through it.
There is a catch, to this story, as every chapter will have both the present and the past incorporated in it. Every chapter will begin in the present, but something will trigger the OC to think about the past. I will make the switch as obvious as it can be!
Of course the prologue does not count. I hope you all enjoy this crazy ride with me!
Prologue:
They stood across from each other with the territorial line both in their sights. Soldiers and a carriage were waiting on the other side, but the two of them decided to momentarily hide themselves near the bushes. Both of them stared at the border crossing, never batting an eye towards each other. It was what they had decided. No tears, no goodbyes. They forget each other, they pretend that they still believed one another was dead. Politically, everything was settled. She was to return to her family, her friends and most importantly, her fiancé. While he was to continue what he always has, strive for the best and be loyal to his Emperor. "Do…" he started, "you really…" Not sure if he wanted to end the sentence with have to go or want to go. She nodded her head. His fist clenched in a ball and he hit the tree in front of them. The sounds of the loose leaves falling blew silently away in the autumn wind.
"I must go." She said, "They will be wondering why I'm late." She stepped forward but felt him grab her hand and hold her back. "Please." She took a deep breath, '"It's time to let me go." Her eyes shut tight, the tears threatening to spill. The grip on her hands lessened and she found herself bravely walking towards the border crossing.
"There she is!" the guards happily approached the young woman. "Are you hurt? Are you okay?" the questions came at her instantly.
"I am fine." She said with poise and grace. "Let us go back."
---
By the time they returned to the castle gates, the clouds had formed and began an unsettling rain. She listened to the drops splatter alongside the carriage and felt the wheels of her carriage trudge through the thick mud. With a loud knock on the front of her carriage door, she knew she was home. The doors swung wide open and the air felt different on this side of the land. It was less breezy and there was less salt in the air. She stepped out with the help of an escort and looked ahead of her. Taking one look in front of her, she was surprised at the turnout. Even at the depths of the night, here were her family and her friends. Some of them drenched from head to toe, while others huddled together under large coverings. Each of them, a look of relief painted on their usually joyous faces. A man was the first to step from the covers; he rushed towards her and embraced her into a long hug. "I am so glad you are safe." He whispered to her.
"Thank you." She said, "Father." He released his grip from her and took a good look. She looked healthy and strong. Her voice was confident like usual but there was something different about her. She was stronger. She didn't look like someone who had been a prisoner of war for the past five weeks.