Where do I start? I'm so sorry for not posting anything for over a month! I'm a failure! Yes, I know it to be true! My only excuse for not having written anything is well…life. Pesky life. Also I spent most of the Christmas break hanging out with my family too, which was nice, but I sure didn't get a lot done. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday and since most of us are probably back in school, hopefully this term/semester (whatever your school has) goes exceptionally well! Again, I don't own Barbie, but Mattel does. I'm just a wannabe writer. Also thank you so much for the reviews, the people following, and the people who have favorited this story! I fall short of your magnificence!
Princess Fallon
Though the ride was bumpy and uncomfortable, Fallon found herself curled up and asleep for several hours. When she awoke, her joints were stiff, and she missed her bed sorely. She looked down at her dress, the ends covered in mud from running, and wondered when she'd have a chance to change. It was still the dress from the wedding. Suddenly a flash of the previous events intruded her mind, and she gasped.
She curled up into a ball and ignored the way the carriage bounced. She had to be strong. Genevieve was at the castle, and so was Edaline, and they'd be strong.
Fallon had never been on such a bumpy ride before in her life, and she began to feel it in her bones and in her stomach. She hoped they'd stop soon…she wanted to stretch her legs and get some fresh air. She knew it would be a while before they reached her uncle in Secludor.
The coach didn't stop for what Fallon felt to be like several more hours. The sickness in her stomach passed and was replaced with the painful pinch of hunger. Fallon had never felt hunger in her life. They had to have traveled over a day with the time she slept and the time that had passed since she woke up. When would they stop to eat? She had no money on her, but if people could recognize she was the princess, surely they'd help her.
The coach came to an abrupt halt. Fallon's stomach lurched, but she let out a sigh of relief. Then the door opened, and she saw a smiling Bram.
"Sorry for such a long ride, Highness," he said, his face flushed. "Are you hungry?"
"Starving," Fallon replied.
"There's a village with a nice tavern just over there where we can eat," he said. "After that we can go to the shop and get some supplies for the journey. Can't have starving princesses now, can we?"
He offered her a toothy grin and then a hand to help her out of the carriage. She gratefully took it and stepped down. Fallon circled around once to take in her new surroundings. They were in the middle of a very dense forest. It was so dense she had trouble making out the sky above her. She couldn't see the village passed all the trees.
"Is there really a village out here?" She asked. "I can't see a thing. How do you know?"
Bram laughed. "I've been out here before. Sometimes I deliver supplies to the store. It can be a tough job, but I'm always there to help. Come on. This way. I'll take you."
She followed him, and they left the coach. The wood was nearly silent, but once in a while she heard the rustle of bushes, and that frightened her. She paid close attention to Bram, who seemed to know where to step to avoid overgrown roots in the ground. They went farther and farther, and Bram didn't say a word to her. When he finally spoke, it startled her.
"Just up here, princess," he said gleefully and grabbed her upper arm.
She nearly protested, because his grip was too tight. They came upon a clearing, and they stopped abruptly, but Bram never let go of her arm.
"I don't see anything," she said hesitantly.
Bram didn't say a word, but he grinned. The way he showed his teeth made Fallon envision a sort of dog. It was animalistic, frightening.
The trees rustled up ahead. Fallon watched as three figures emerged from the shadows. They came toward them and she saw three men, each bearded and middle aged. Their clothing named them as low class. Even in Fallon's muddied dress, she stood out.
"You brought us something this time?" One man snarled, coming closer to Bram. "Don't think we've forgot the debt. Twenty silver chips –eh? Who's this?"
The man looked directly into Fallon's eyes. She stared back, and though she didn't know why, her heart began to hammer.
"She's a noble," one of the other men said, doing a half circle around her.
Fallon's back was rigid and still Bram never let go of her arm. She had a really bad feeling about this…
"Bram, who are these men?" She asked in barely a whisper.
Bram ignored her and spoke to the strangers. "I don't have the money, but I have something better. Her."
"What?" Fallon gasped and tried to pull away.
The men merely raised their thick eyebrows. One fiddled with an earring in his ear.
"Who's she?" He asked.
"Princess Fallon of Glidonia!" Bram snapped. "I found her right after the King's assassination! She's worth a fortune! In fact, you should be paying me!"
Fallon's eyes darted back and forth between Bram and the men. One grabbed the driver by the front of the shirt and lifted him up. He was much larger than Bram, so when he lifted him, Bram's feet dangled a bit. Fallon gasped and took a step back.
"You lying to us? Because if you're lying…I'll break your fat neck," the man snarled.
The others snickered loudly, and Bram squeaked out a plea. Fallon blinked, and then she took the opportunity to run.
The men instantly turned.
"Hey!" One yelled.
Fallon ignored them and didn't look back. She just ran, and since she had no idea where she was or even if there was a village nearby, she decided to go in the direction of the coach. The three men charged after her, forgetting the driver. Fallon paid attention this time to her feet, making sure she wouldn't trip on the roots. She had quite the start on the men, but they weren't too far behind her.
"Hey! Stop!" One of the men yelled at her.
She kept running though. She let out a sigh of relief when she finally caught glimpse of the coach again and the horses waiting. She couldn't drive a coach, but she did know how to ride. Not like Blair, but she could still ride…
Just then something came whizzing by her face. She stopped and screamed when she saw a dagger stick into the earth in front of her. As she stopped, it gave the men the opportunity to catch up with her.
"Leave me alone!" She cried out.
She fell down on her bottom in the dirt. She realized just how stupid all the petticoats in her dress were. She tried to crawl away, but she stumbled over her skirts. Her hands sunk in the wet earth. She wheezed and coughed, but she couldn't get away –
The man with the earring had caught up to her and made to grab her, but he was forced to bend over to get her. That's when Fallon, knowing she couldn't escape, took the only other option she could think of. She swung her leg out and smashed her foot into the man's groin. As he raged, roared, and doubled over, Fallon grabbed the dagger in front of her and got to her feet. She held it awkwardly in her hand and continued toward the coach.
She finally reached it, but the horses had been spooked by the commotion. The other two men caught up and Fallon desperately tried to calm the horses down, but they wouldn't be calmed.
"There's nowhere to run, girl!" One shouted and made his way toward her and the horses.
Fallon stopped breathing and knew there was nothing to be done. Why had she been so stupid and trusted Bram? There was obviously a plot against her father! She couldn't trust anyone!
"Come here if you don't want to get hurt!" The other man said, also coming toward her.
The man with the earring recovered and sauntered forward. Fallon knew she couldn't run.
So she cut the cords on the spooked horses.
The effect was instantaneous. The horses whined loudly and ran forward, smashing right into the three men. Fallon heard their screams and again ran for it. The sounds behind her made her want to vomit, but she kept running. Soon she was long gone from the men, but completely lost in the forest. Her ankles hurt, and she noticed she still held the dagger.
When she couldn't run anymore, she fell on her face in the mud and wept. She had no idea where Bram had taken her, and she felt further away from her family than ever. People were after her, brutes like those men, and though she felt no love for them, she didn't know if the horses had trampled them. The idea made her sick. She pushed herself up and wiped the mud from her face. Fed up with her heavy skirts, she used the dagger to cut out all the petticoats.
When she had successfully mutilated her dress, she was breathless and stared sadly at it. She could feel the cold air pass through her now thin dress and chill her legs. She gathered up the petticoats. A little farther up was a river. She forced herself up, even though she was exhausted, and walked toward it.
She threw the petticoats in, and the current took them away. She hoped that if Bram or (if they had survived) the men saw it, they'd think she had drowned. Then they wouldn't come after her. Not having so many layers certainly did make it easier to walk. She wanted to rest, but she decided it was best to go forward. She would stop to rest at nightfall, when she was as far away as possible from the coach that Bram could possibly return to.
So where to now? Everyone could be your enemy, she thought to herself. She had to force herself not to cry. You can't tell anyone who you are. They'd expect you to go back to your sisters. Should I try reaching Secludor like the original plan?
She didn't know where she was, but if she could find a town and learn, she could know how far Secludor was and how to arrive. She knew its location on a map, and since her uncle was sure to be more experienced than Genevieve and Derek, she could bring him back to Glidonia and help her family. She just hoped all was well until then. It would probably be weeks before she got to her uncle, and if she arrived, would he even recognize her? She certainly didn't look like one of Glidonia's princesses anymore, but she supposed that was a good thing for the time being.
She'd have to convince him another way. She'd have plenty of time to come up with something before she got to him.
She continued walking, and the sun slowly began setting. When night fell upon her, she stopped and found a tree with a thick enough leaves to protect her if it rained. Then she passed out completely.
Princess Courtney
"Court, we're here," Levi said suddenly, shaking her awake.
She opened her eyes and stared up into the face of her husband. Levi smiled at her, and she felt her heart lift. He was so handsome. She was grateful she had him. Since they left the wedding, things hadn't been easy for her. Her father's death still left a hole in her heart, and she wasn't sure if it would ever heal.
"Where?" She asked.
Levi kissed her forehead.
"We're in Thraas," he said.
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Will you send protection to Glidonia? My sisters will need it," she said.
"Yes, of course I will. Anything for my queen," Levi answered. "Come. There are guards waiting for us. They will protect us until we are safely in the castle."
The guards surrounded them as they left their carriage. Levi took Courtney by the hand and guided her. Her knees were weak, but he made sure she wouldn't fall.
"You'll be able to sleep in a real bed again," he told her. "You've been so restless. Anything you need, it will be provided for you."
"Thank you," she said and leaned against him.
Their party walked up the front steps to the Thraas castle. When they got inside, the guards spread out and Courtney was able to see the magnificent castle. It was different from her home, but she felt safe there. A sense of relief washed over her.
"Levi!" Someone cried. Courtney lifted her head and saw a blonde man running toward them. He threw his arms around Levi and hugged him. Courtney was able to tell immediately who he was, even though she'd never seen him before.
"Brother," Levi said.
"It's been so long," the brother said. "I was worried about you. After the news of King Randolph's death. Our father died not long before that. Someone out there has it in for kings. You'll have to be careful."
"Yes, I will, won't I?" Levi said. He motioned at Courtney. "This is my wife, Queen Courtney. Courtney, this is my younger brother, Tobias. He's two years younger than me."
Courtney curtsied before him.
"It's a pleasure," she said.
"I'm sorry about what happened to your father," Tobias said.
"And I'm sorry about what happened to yours," she said, her heart twisting.
Tobias shared Levi's hair, and though he certainly wasn't ugly, he wasn't really attractive either. His nose was larger than average and he was skinny. His eyes were high on his head and he tended to squint. A few freckles dotted his face.
"Guards!" Levi shouted. "Take my wife to the baths! Make sure she has everything she needs! Then bring her to the throne room so we can discuss our next plan of action!"
The guards obeyed orders and escorted Courtney out.
Prince Tobias
Prince Tobias felt so much love and adoration when he stared at his brother. It hadn't been easy since his father died. Everyone went into a panic since the new king, or Levi, was away, and that meant much responsibility from Tobias. Now that Levi was back, their country was sure to be alright.
"Your wife is very beautiful," Tobias commented.
"Yes, she is," Levi said. "Guards, leave us. Walk with me, Toby."
He put an arm around Tobias's shoulder and they began walking away from the group of guards.
"Do you know who killed our father?" Levi asked Tobias.
He shook his head. "No one knows. It was poison, though. Maybe the person that killed our father killed King Randolph…"
"Well I don't know who killed King Randolph, but I was able to find out who killed our father," Levi said.
"Who?" Tobias's voice shook.
"Well the order was sent out by Prince, or excuse me, King Derek of Glidonia," Levi answered. When Tobias's eyes widened, Levi went on. "I was shocked too, of course, but I found the order tucked away. Derek promised gold to the assassin. I don't know where the man who did it is now, but I assume he's on his way to Glidonia to pick up his reward. Now Derek is king."
"By what ill will did he bear for our father?" Tobias asked.
"Don't ask me to tell you how sick people think. They like pain. He probably did it for some sort of political gain, but I don't know what. We will have to exact revenge, though. I can't idly sit by and let justice not work," Levi said.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Tobias asked.
"Because I was a foreigner. The people wouldn't trust me in Glidonia," Levi answered.
"Yet you still married into that family?"
"As far as I'm concerned, the family didn't know about it, but Derek did…and his wife probably knew too. I think they felt threatened by us. Chances were they were happy about me marrying Courtney so they could have one of their own in our family. Courtney won't be able to do anything though…"
"How do you know?"
"She's too weak. She won't be a threat. King Derek and Queen Genevieve may even be more willing to admit to their treachery if we have their sister."
Tobias stopped and stared in horror at his brother.
"You're planning on using her as a ransom? She's innocent! You can't do that, even if her family –" he began.
"Silence! I am your king now! You will not question my ways. Just because Courtney will be a ransom, doesn't mean I will hurt her. She is my wife after all, and I am very aware that she is innocent. You don't need to fear for her, brother. You should fear for our country," Levi said coldly.
Tobias nodded, his throat constricted with emotions. He wasn't sure what to feel. Hate? Sadness? Pity for Queen Courtney since her family were murderers? At least Levi was back to make things better…
"I'll announce the truth to the public in the throne room. I trust you'll be there," Levi said.
"Of course," Tobias said. "I will always support you. I am your brother."
"Good," Levi said and walked away.
Queen Courtney
The servants were kind to Courtney and she was allowed time to relax in the bath. When she finished, she changed her dress into a queenlier one and was escorted to the throne room just as her husband had commanded.
Upon entering, she saw Levi in his new throne and a smaller seat beside him. She walked up and sat down beside him. The throne room was huge and circular, held up by expertly carved pillars. Several people shuffled in, and Courtney spotted Tobias off to the side. When they looked at one another, he turned away and glared at something. Why was he so angry? He had been kind before.
When things settled down and the room was full, King Levi stood up and addressed the room. Courtney smiled at them, and she felt at peace. He would make the announcement to send help to Glidonia…
"My people! It's good to be back! I regret all that has happened since I left you! I'm sorry for your pain!" He said loudly. "I know you are all heartbroken over my father's untimely death! As am I! I want vengeance for him! I want the person who ordered my father's death to be brought to justice!"
Courtney felt strange as the people in the room burst into cheers. Tobias crossed his arms and turned to glare straight at Courtney. She felt like sinking in her seat.
"I know who killed my father! Do you want revenge?" He asked.
There was a loud noise of approval. Then Levi reached up and wiped away a tear.
"My dear wife has suffered much," he said. "She too had to watch her father die. I don't know who murdered King Randolph, but I do know who murdered my father… My poor wife had to be born into a family of murderers."
Courtney sat straight up.
"What?" She whispered.
"It is with regret that I announce the betrayal of Glidonia! Not King Randolph! I speak of King Derek and Queen Genevieve, the new rulers of Glidonia! King Derek sent the order to have my father assassinated! The man who sits on Glidonia's throne is a murderer and must answer for his crimes!" Levi screamed.
Everyone gasped, and Courtney got to her feet. She moved forward and grabbed Levi's arm.
"Levi, that's impossible!" She cried.
He shoved her away from him. A few guards came behind her and grabbed her arms. The people began roaring.
"For this crime, my first order as king will be to wage war against Glidonia!" Levi cried. "We won't rest until King Derek's and Queen Genevieve's heads are on spikes!"
Those in the throne room began stomping their feet. The sound was thunderous. Courtney screamed out, but her cry was lost in the noise. Levi turned his back on the people and stomped over to the guards holding Courtney.
"Come, wife," he said and took her by the arm.
"Levi!" Courtney gasped. "You've made a mistake! Derek couldn't kill –"
"A queen never questions her king!" Levi snapped.
He dragged her away and out the throne room. He no longer handled her gently. Courtney winced from the pain. He pushed her up some flights of stairs and pushed her inside what she presumed to be their bedroom.
"Levi, please! You can't wage war against Glidonia! You know that Derek is innocent!" Courtney gasped.
Levi slammed the door shut and suddenly pushed Courtney against the wall.
"You are a stupid girl, aren't you?" He snarled.
Courtney felt her heart go numb.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, tears springing to her eyes.
"Of course Derek didn't kill my father! He's not smart enough! He's too naïve!" Levi snapped.
"Then why did you tell everyone that he…?" Courtney asked.
Levi burst into a fit of giggles.
"Because it wouldn't do very good to tell them that I was the one that killed my father now, would it?" He laughed.
"You killed your father?" Courtney's voice was distant.
"And I killed yours," Levi said, grinning at her. "Your sisters will fight for Derek and Genevieve, and they will die as they will. Then with your help, I will not only rule over Thraas, but I will sit upon the throne of Glidonia as well…"
Courtney looked horrified, but then her face grew hard. Without thinking, she smacked him across the face. In retaliation, he spat in her face. Then he grabbed her by the hands and made sure she couldn't move.
"You traitor! How could you?" Courtney gasped. "When I tell the people what you really are, you'll be hung!"
"I would be, but who's going to tell them?" Levi grinned.
"I will!" She announced.
"You're my wife! You will do everything I tell you to," he said.
"I don't care if I'm your wife or not! I will tell them the truth! I can't let my country be invaded! Countless lives will be lost for your sick ambition!" Courtney cried.
Levi let her go, and she caught her breath. She glared at him and made her way to the door.
"Oh, before you go…" came Levi's voice behind her. "I thought you just might want to know that if you say a word…" She froze. "…I will be forced to kill poor Kathleen."
She couldn't move, and Levi came to her side and kissed her on the cheek.
"Good night," he said and opened the door.
She heard the lock click.
Okay, so again, sorry for the wait. In case you guys were wondering…yeeeaaaaaah Levi is a bad guy… Anyways thanks for reading! I hope it's not such a long wait for the next chapter! Toodles!
