Kit's head spun as reality threatened to knock him over, he frantically scrambled a hand out towards the stone wall next to him; desperately seeking support. Anxiety shot through him like he had been struck with an arrow full of poison - Cupid's bow but with a terrible formula. Why? He kept asking himself why? He could make no sense of the words he heard, Kit knew he needed the full information but his body was out of control. A woman, a beautiful woman, soon to be queen outside of the palace with no guards and no staff to accompany her, god knows what could happen to her. Kit had seen Ella run before; he knew already that she would of gone alone. That girl can be faster than a horse when her mind is set, but why was it set? Kit took a deep breath and walked towards the growing commotion that was growing in the gardens.

'The King, the King is here!' Kit was greeted with a flurry of guards and staff running around like panicked chickens, any other circumstances and the King may of laughed. Kit knew the level of people (and the level of noise) meant it was no thing to be laughed about. Multitudes of voices spoke at once meaning no clear detail could be heard.

Kit quickly grew frustrated, his voice betrayed him as he bellowed 'ENOUGH!' The chaotic crowd grew silent. Kit rubbed his temples and sighed 'please, where is the Grand Duke?' The former Captain, Kit's closest friend, had graciously accepted the vacant position that same evening Kit had found his beloved. Although not even the new Duke could have imagined he'd be having to find the same fleeing girl in his Captaincy and Duke positions. As James appeared into the gardens any teasing comments he may have had lined up dissolved as he saw the look upon Kit's face. It was laced with stress, frustration and a hint of fear; never had he seen such a look, not even when they spent so many days looking for her. James approached Kit carefully, almost as if he was approaching a lion, for James knew and had seen first hand the temper that could burn through Kit like poison.

'Sire' James caught his friends eye and almost winced at the pained look his friend gave to him. 'I have spilt the guards into groups, I've started a group of men near the woods outside the palace. With your command sire I have fellow groups for the town, docks and Ella's former home'. The King nodded and rushed out an 'of course' as James gave the nod to the new Captain, who quickly marched to set the groups off. James sighed, as this news concerned him; he was unsure of how Kit would react to upon hearing why Ella may of ran. He leaned in and whispered 'Kit, I believe I may have a good idea of why the Lady ran, I think without a crowd would be best to discuss this; I'm unsure of how you're going to feel'. Kit's heart sank once more as he braced himself for hearing news that she had left because of him.

The two friends quickly made way to Kit's study. The normally bustling palace fell silent, as if it knew all that had gone on and grew quiet in not knowing what to say. As they approached the room James informed Kit that the guards and staff had been told this was an event that stays within the palace, so gossip and traveling news stays at bay. Kit thanked the Grand Duke for thinking of such a thing, for if Ella had left him it would be embarrassing if word reached neighbouring kingdoms by gossip. As they entered the room James noticed that his friends desk had become a wave of books and papers. Kit had been working increasingly hard on improving trade and security deals with their neighbours; particularly after Kit had not married on of their princesses. He knew Kit was close to a deal that he can't help but feel was influenced by a particular girl. Ella had visited with Kit already to some of the kingdoms and her grace, charm and beauty quickly did its magic on them as it did with Kit. But it appeared magic could come with a price and the Kings mental torture was as clear as day. With the shutting sound of the heavy oak door Kit collapsed into the closest chair. An emerald green high-backed arm-chair with dark oak legs, it was a firm favourite of his fathers and so it quickly became Kit's as well. As swiftly as Kit collapsed he shot up to pace the room, to lean on the wall, to go to sit again but to then decide to pace. Kit was no fan of stress and was struggling to keep a clear head. He shook his head, as if he was trying to shake free from the stress filled anxious thoughts that were starting to take over. Kit startled slightly when he heard a loud cough to catch his attention, as in his efforts to compose himself he had nearly forgotten James was there at all. Suddenly remembering the topic that was needed Kit apologised and asked James to provide the information that he knew.

Kit could not help put pace the floor again as he heard about the conversation that took place this morning between the women. His hands clenched into fists, threatening to start a violent rampage on anyone or anything. James reassured Kit that Ella expressed words in that she did indeed love him but this did not soothe Kit. If staff were questioning her then perhaps it was obvious? Perhaps she didn't love him which was resulting in her feeling trapped, trapped in a potentially loveless marriage, although not loveless for him, Kit could not help but even love every step of ground she touched. She had trapped his heart and he had trapped her and now she was gone. Kit sat again and put his head in his hands and muttered 'How could I of lost her again, am I that awful?' Kit missed the puzzled look James gave him as he stepped forward and replied 'Sire, Kit forgive me for saying so but I don't think all this is about..'

'I should of asked more if she was happy to be married in a few months, if she would mind attending trips with me and having such little time together. Perhaps she felt rushed and unwanted. Perhaps she wants more to do, less to do, more to help with. It must be strange from going to do everything to hardly anything around a home. Perhaps boredom or loneliness or...' Kit continued trying to find reasoning in his head, his thoughts flew around louder and louder. So loud that he missed the answer given away, 'Freedom, perhaps all she wants is a bit of freedom.' James went to repeat himself but figured he would wait for the King to be in a more reasonable state of mind.

Ella's lungs were burning but her legs seemed not to care. Fate had blessed her with the opportunity to escape through the servant entrance and she took it. She only meant to run to find a quiet spot in the stables, her eyes didn't mean to land on the unguarded door outside and her legs didn't mean to take her there. It seemed her body was as desperate to be free as she was. Blood trickled down her ankles from attacking brambles but she took no notice. She had watched these woods from afar and knew somehow they'd lead to the market. But although running, Ella was in no real rush, the woods were full of birdsong and cool air that Ella couldn't help but laugh over. Further and further into the woods Ella ran.